US Department of Transportation Life Saving Award Winner
Wendy has spoken to 100,000+ people about the hazards of driving under the influence and the importance of having an estate plan.
A passion fueled by her personal story.
At the age of 5 years, having just lost her whole family — mother, father and sister — to a repeat intoxicated driver, Wendy became a ward of the court. She was an orphan with no legally appointed guardian, because her parents had not created a will or designated a guardian for her in the event of their deaths.
Wendy takes her personal experience and presents dynamic talks about the hazards of driving under the influence and the importance of having an estate plan.
Audiences of all sizes are captivated by Wendy’s tragic yet inspiring story. She has an uncanny ability to relate to and educate not only students but also adults of all ages.
Nationwide Customized Speaking Engagements
Wendy meets the needs of each audience. She prides herself on tailoring every presentation to the specific group to which she is addressing. The size, age, ethnicity and demographics of the area, the alcohol/drug of choice and specific school issues are all taken into account.
When talking with smaller groups, Wendy connects with her listeners by using a discussion style approach. With audiences of hundreds or thousands of people, Wendy is still able to engage them by using her personal experiences as a prosecutor, as a victim, and with unforgettable visual presentations.
Where does Wendy speak?
Schools - esp High School & College
Social Clubs
Parent and Mother’s Groups
Law Enforcement Groups
Businesses & Corporations
Churches
And many more — just ask
“Wendy has taken a tragedy from her life and transformed it into a gift to the Communities in which she speaks. People who hear her speak seldom forget that the moments we spend with family are to be treasured.”
- Anonymous
Speaking Topics
The importance of being prepared.
Estate Planning Education
Who was going to raise this little girl? Since her parents died without a will with no guardians selected, Wendy was thrust into a vicious and bitter custody battle. How different her life would have been if her parents had taken the time to designate a guardian for her.
Wendy shares her personal story with audiences of all ages and sizes to emphasize the importance of having an Estate Plan for anyone over the age 18.
She simplifies and demystifies what can be perceived as a daunting and emotional process.
Her background as a Deputy District Attorney and her work as a former Alameda County Superior Judge Pro Tem has given her a unique perspective of the law.
Wendy hopes that none of her clients or audiences will ever have an experience similar to hers; but just in case, she is happy to help them be prepared.
Every 15 Minutes Programs
Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
What if a presentation could save a life? Since 2000, Wendy has been sharing her story and message with high school students across the United States as part of the Every 15 Minutes program. She loves working with students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement groups by helping educate our country’s youth on the dangers of driving under the influence.
Wendy regularly speaks with the “living dead” (chosen students) at the student retreat, and often meets with the parents of the “living dead” as part of the parent retreat. Typically, she then concludes the two-day event by giving a presentation as the keynote speaker at the assembly/memorial service.
Because of her extensive experience, Wendy is a tremendous asset to use as a consultant, offering a wide range of services to help schools implement the program.
Wendy’s experience as both a victim and a prosecutor, combined with her speaking skills, have made her one of the best communicators on this topic - especially to youth.
“My experience with the Every 15 Minutes program was life changing, but one of the things that made the biggest impact on my life was hearing Wendy speak about how she lost her family... Wendy's story was one of the biggest things people remembered after the program was done, because it wasn't just a simulation, it was her life.”
— Madeline Patoir, Student