Our family moved to Bellingham from Colorado in October of 1988. We were anxious to find an early learning support system for Brooke who was then 2-1/2 years old. She had been born with Down Syndrome and had made it through open heart surgery at the tender age of 9 months.
Our fist encounter with a WCEL staff member was with Rochelle Bunnett. Rochelle was extremely supportive to us as parents and delighted to meet Brooke and her brother, Ryan. In short order, Brooke was attending classes at WCEL in its inviting location on Austin Street (currently the Waldorf School).
The memories that remain the strongest are those of happy group playtimes, pure fun for the kids, but which were, in fact, carefully plotted lesson plans designed to enrich each child’s experience and further their development. As the children played, the parents were encouraged to share their thoughts and challenges with each other and with the staff, providing the opportunity to gain from a wide range of family experiences.
Along with Brooke’s early intervention and therapy, WCEL provided the solid foundation of learning and interaction that we truly believe helped foster Brooke’s bright, enthusiastic approach to the world at large. She is now a well-adjusted teenager in her junior year at Squalicum High School, mixing well with both typical and special needs peers. She is a regular name on the Honor Roll and participates in many extracurricular activities.
We will always be grateful for the contributions that WCEL provided towards Brooke’s early development. We are very happy this program has continued with its mission of helping special needs children and their families through the challenging and vital early years. Happy 30th anniversary!
Warmest regards,
Jim and Gail
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| Brooke as a Junior in High School student |
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| Brooke at Three Years Old |
