WWRC director (with CMT) helps others

[Guest guest]

WWRC director helps others

Burt's colleagues refer to him as " the guy behind the

curtain, " a joke playing on his Wizard-of-Oz-like job as marketing

director of the Woodrow Rehabilitation Center. But really,

Burt's job puts him front and center when it comes to getting the

word out on the center's latest projects and programs.

Originally from Illinois, Burt has spent time all over the world and

the country. Since his father was in the Air Force, he lived in

Italy, England and the Middle East before beginning his

undergraduate studies at Trinity University in Texas. He completed

his schooling at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then

pursued a career in cable TV before ending up at WWRC.

" I love the excitement of cable TV, " said Burt. " But what I love

even more is marketing a place that helps people. "

Burt has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological disorder

similar to MS. He uses a scooter to navigate WWRC's sprawling

campus, but takes to a walker at home to help him get around.

" This place, as big as it is, it's just not practical to walk

around, " said Burt.

He says that being a client at WWRC, in addition to working there,

helped him realize an independence he says he didn't have before he

began therapy in 2000.

" There's definitely a level of independence I have achieved because

of WWRC, " he said.