Wendy has worked in the same residential program caring for the same individuals for more than 12 years.
Before that she managed a restaurant in Hangzhou, China, that had a staff of 500 people, 100 of them working in the kitchen. Once here in the United States she worked in a special needs program and a public library in Hudson, N.Y., where she could focus on learning the English language. Now fluent in English, and despite years of experience managing large staff, Wendy insists that she could never leave the individuals she cares for at BCArc.
“I care for three of the ladies, and I care deeply about all of them,” she said about the Brain Injury program she works in. “I like to spend a lot of time with Michelle. We work well together.” She explained in detail the years of progress she has made with Michelle – the dexterity of her hands, the walking, her communicating, and then the demise over the years as she aged.
“Even with my accent, she has always known what I am saying,” Wendy says, laughing. “We understand each other.” Wendy accompanies Michelle to her day program activities, and when she volunteers at the Guthrie Center, where she once served the salad.
For all the individuals she manages their health care often — making doctor appointments, transporting them, advocating for them, and tracking progress and follow-up.
Wendy accompanies Michelle to her day program activities, and when she volunteers at the Guthrie Center, where she once served the salad. “She still goes there for lunch once a week, and the manager gives her a flower every time she visits,” Wendy said,
From China to BCArc
Wendy, whose name is Shiwen Kanel, never planned to live in the United States. She describes her Chinese city as beautiful. Her husband, Chris, an engineer from New York, met her during a business trip. They had a language gap, but they talked for hours anyway, slow and laboriously, looking up words in their dictionaries during the conversations. He returned for business a few months later, and stayed for two months. He proposed on “9-11,” but after seeing the New York explosions on television, immediately went home.
The two eventually ironed out their plans, and Wendy moved to the United States so they can be together. Her daughter came over at age 11, also without speaking English. Today, Wendy says proudly, her daughter was on honor roll every year in high school, graduated from college, is married and owns a restaurant on Long Island.
Wendy’s granddaughter with Michelle.
Home
Wendy is settled now and feels at home in this life. She visits family in China every few years. “I remember when I started at BCArc and my relationship with the ladies was a little rocky. But it has developed into a great relationship and we are a new family now.”
“We are very lucky to have Wendy as part of our team,” said her site manager Tracey Babcock. “She continues to be dedicated to her work, she is always on top of everything that needs to be done. She has a big heart and really cares about the well-being of each of the ladies here and it shows daily.”
