Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Our family moved to Houston when I was just five years old, and I’ve been here ever since!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have a 9-year old daughter named Hannah and my son Harper, who’s 7-years old.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am a newly published author of a “Power the to Parent – 7 Insider Secrets to Unlock Your Child’s Educational Potential”. The book uncovers several foundational principles to learning and educational success with simple, easy to follow guidance for parents. From learning differences and improving test scores, to excelling through transitional years and beyond. Each of the learning concepts outlined in the book can be applied to all students K-12.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I really enjoy explorative and family-oriented events like the Bayou City Arts Festival, checking out special exhibits at the local museums, and visiting the murals around town. I also love taking strolls through the Houston Botanic Garden, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center or riding various bike trails in the city.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
For nearly two decades, Wendy has dedicated her life to helping families and students achieve academic success. As an advisor, speaker and franchise owner of one Huntington Learning Center located in the Houston metroplex, Wendy is one of the most highly sought-after consultants and college counselors in Texas. Guided by a belief that education opens doors of opportunity, Wendy works every day to provide families and students with educational resources, programs and strategies that create a strong foundation for life-long learning and future success. After spending years in public policy, her transition to education was a natural progression.
Her passion for education and leadership, as well as her business savvy, caught the attention of corporate leaders of the foremost tutoring and test prep center in the country. That corporation asked her to serve on its Franchise Advisory Council and later chose her to serve as president of its Greater Houston Co-op. There, she led efforts to create strategic partnerships and increase brand awareness in Houston and the surrounding area. While her list of professional accomplishments continued to grow, so did her desire to help more families develop a roadmap for academic success.
Wendy is an Associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, a member of the National Association for College Counseling and the Texas Association for College Admissions Counseling and serves on the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Texas Advisory Board and has served on the board of directors for iWrite Literacy Organization and the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation – Ladies of Literacy Guild. She also serves as the Business Member Representative for eight schools in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as a member of HISD’s Shared Decision-Making Committee. Wendy’s enthusiasm for helping fam reach their academic and collegiate goals goes well beyond her profession. As a mother, her passion for education is deeply rooted in her love of family and her desire for all children to thrive and succeed.
Parents can connect with me for educational services, or sign up for my newsletter for resources and helpful information at www.wendyrtilford.com
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I spent years in the political sector before pursuing my passion of helping children and families realize academic success. The relationships I established in that time helped me form a strong social and business network in this city.
However, the strongest bonds I’ve developed within that network and beyond, are with like-minded moms and women. Through social groups and organizations that I’ve joined, I’ve built a village that has truly been my greatest support.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
I maintain a consistent work week Monday through Thursday and give myself a break from business every Friday. I give back to myself on that day. That’s when I may ride the bike the trails, practice golf, hang at spa after a massage, or just be lazy, lunge around watch a movie. Having a day to wind down, just to be, and do whatever I am in the mood to do is key to my sanity.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Work at finding balance, knowing that it comes in end and flows—nothing is always still and balanced. Don’t neglect yourself—self-care is a requirement to be in the best head space for your kids and to be a great mom. It’s also the only way to be your best as a person in all areas.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Scheduling one-on-one dates with my kids, just as I schedule my meetings. I actually add time to my calendar to out my phone away and give them my undivided attention. Devoting weekly family time to connect with their souls and to support their mental health is more important than anything, so I schedule all the moments. I know the days are long but the years are short.
