Team Member Spotlight – Tina Norwood

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym wouldn’t be what it is today without an amazing team working behind the scenes at our corporate office and front and center at the gym. Having the right team members in place is key to any successful business, but when it comes to working with children, it takes a bit more than just showing up. That bit more is heart, soul, passion, and a genuine interest in helping others. We have a big responsibility to fulfill in our community and we take pride in trailblazing ahead. In life, you meet certain people and just know that they were meant to be come into your life for a reason. We knew this when we met Tina Norwood. Tina is our Administrative Assistant, but more importantly, part of our We Rock family.

tinaTina was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She comes from a long line of teachers and professors on her father’s side, so it was no surprise when she realized she had a natural knack and eagerness to want to teach others. Her mother being deaf, (who is her continued inspiration) makes her no stranger to discrimination and wanting and fighting for inclusion. Tina comes from a large family and is the eldest of 6.

In addition to her work with We Rock, Tina continues to help the deaf unblock any language barriers to help better their lives and create a better understanding toward them from the hearing world. Tina has been working for We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym since its inception in August 2010. It has given her the ability to use her other language, “signing”, as many Autistic and special needs children sign.

Today, we’d like to share Tina’s story with you all.

1. What inspired you to get involved with WRTS?
I already had a deep love for working with children, and was part of We Rock since the beginning so I guess you can say it was meant to be.

2. How long have you been working with WRTS?
Since its inception, which makes it four and a half years now.

3. What is your current role?
I am the head coach at the Tarzana location and I am also the Administrative Assistant for WRTS LLC.

4. Describe a typical day at WRTS?
Every day is different but the same in its own unique way. I’m lucky to come to work and receive tons of smiles from new and familiar faces. Watching everyone come together and have a good time all while learning about one another is the most rewarding.

5. How has working with WRTS impact your life?
It has really opened my mind and heart to seeing how unique we all really are – this is what I love most about my job. It has also shaped my life in the sense that I feel like I am better prepared for life, and one day, as a mother.

6. What do you love most about the work that you do?
I love meeting new kids and their parents, and watching the ones I already know grow. Being able to witness their growth brings me so much joy in knowing what a difference We Rock truly makes in our community. I love that I leave each day learning something new, however big or small it may be, it touches my heart in a big way.

7. Do you have a mentor? If so, who and why do you admire them?
Without a doubt, Dina Kimmel is my mentor. She believed in me from the beginning and continues to do so, and I am so thankful for the position I have been given and the knowledge that I have gained as a result. If it weren’t for Dina’s support, guidance, and belief in me, I wouldn’t be able to be a part of this wonderful journey, and certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.