Care Giving Angel
530-391-8952
About Vicki
Thank You for your interest in me! I was born a "Hoosier", a Purdue baby, raised in Maryland. Now residing in sunny Southern California, after 22 years in beautiful Northern California. Blessed with an ideal childhood, to young, athletic, talented parents, the foundation of caring for others was established early.
As the "Favorite Daughter", (OK, Only daughter!), of John and Pauline Allen, I was inspired by my mother who implemented aquatic programs for individuals with Autism, in the early 1960's, (before the "Spectrum"). My father, a former Washington Redskin, enthusiastically coached numerous youth sports, emphasizing a fit body & a fit mind. In addition to nurturing parents, I am the proud sister to two accomplished, loving brothers, the best nieces, wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, and the bonus of having two sets of grandparents into my college years. The warm appreciation for a loving family was instilled throughout my life.
In my career paths as teacher, counselor, program and executive director, and life coach, I realize how blessed I am to have many branches on my family tree fairly intact. Many families I have been privileged to work with have been raised in fragmented homes. Family systems today cover many combinations, and Yes it does take a "village", to raise the youth. I am the "Village Crier", or Cheerleader, meeting your needs right where you are in Life's Journey.
Life gives us many opportunities created within the "detours". My innate skill set includes adding comfort, stability, humor, and balance to those around me. Having an uncle with Down Syndrome, grandmother, and three aunts with bipolar disease, (one committing suicide at age 28), created an early desire to encourage, support, and champion others. I witnessed the challenges, and determination of those with Special Needs, as well as particular issues, and dynamics of their siblings. Parenting is the most challenging "job" in the world, and those parents who have Special Needs Children, seem to be chosen for the extra qualities it will develop within their hearts, and daily life.
While children, and special needs individuals are my Heart Work, I am also inspired by the profound enjoyment pets provide. Being raised with limited "pets", Speedie 1 & 2, (my turtles), and numerous goldfish, won at county fairs, just was not enough. At 18, I got my first dog, and have had canine companionship ever since. I have worked with individuals with service animals, and equine therapy programs, offering a plethora of skills and lessons to learn. While working with high risk youth,(drug & alcohol problems, eating disorders, mental health and trauma issues) and special needs people, in Arizona & California, I saw the power of animals to heal!
For the past 15 years, it seems I also morphed into a bit of a "animal whisperer". Families called me the "animal & kid magnet"! I have had the pleasure of caring for canine, feline, llamas (I'm sure Dr. Seuss, and God got together on that creation!), horses, goats, chickens, and even a reptile, or two.
I enjoy challenges, which I call "opportunities", when working with your loved ones. Many other care providers deem these challenges "too tough", where I embrace them. Blessed with this ability, my families tell me I am their "Angel", hence the name, Care Giving Angel.
Website by Teresa Schmalz
