Wendy Pickenpaugh's Commitment to Better2gether's Mission

Wendy Pickenpaugh, a passionate advocate for children’s well-being, and owner of a Brain Balance franchise, has been a dedicated supporter of Better2gether's mission to assist children with medical complexities. Brain Balance is a brain-based program that offers an alternative to medication, focusing on helping individuals with challenges like attention, anxiety, and executive functions through sensory stimulation, motor engagement, and lifestyle coaching. Wendy’s alignment with Better2gether's focus on supporting children and families was immediate and natural. 

Wendy’s journey with Better2gether began at a local Synapse networking event, where she first connected with Stephanie Becker, Better2gether’s founder. Wendy was drawn to the nonprofit’s mission of helping families who face enormous challenges. “It’s about service, a heart to serve others,” Wendy shared, emphasizing the importance of the community Better2gether builds. 

Reflecting on her involvement in last year's Better2gether’s Halloween Hustle, Wendy recalls a light-hearted moment when many runners, including herself, accidentally ran an extra loop, turning the 5K into what was an 8K. "It was laughable, but it showed the resilience and spirit of everyone involved," Wendy said. She also praised the volunteers and leadership, noting the ease and grace with which the team managed event-day chaos, keeping their focus on the bigger picture—the children and families they support. 

As a business owner, Wendy believes in the value of aligning with missions that emphasize giving back and nurturing a service mindset in her team. She required her entire team to volunteer for the event, knowing it would benefit them both personally and professionally. “The more you give and pour into others, the more you grow as a team with a heart for service,” Wendy explained. 

Looking forward to this year's event, Wendy is excited to continue her support for Better2gether. She appreciates Stephanie’s persistence in outreach, recognizing how much effort goes into keeping a nonprofit's mission moving forward. "Running a nonprofit is hard, and you rely on others to help keep the mission alive," Wendy said. Her advice for those considering sponsorship or volunteering is simple: understand the mission, hear the stories of those impacted, and connect with the cause on a personal level. 

Wendy’s passion for helping children, both through Brain Balance and Better2gether, has left a lasting impact. She is a shining example of the power of community and the importance of giving back.