Mindy and Jeff Wallis laid roots in Valparaiso after developing a community of people and a sense of home.
Mindy and Jeff Wallis met while studying at Michigan State University, earning degrees in veterinary technology and veterinary medicine, respectively. Jeff Wallis is a practicing veterinarian at an emergency clinic in Westville, but he is working on transitioning to a private practice in Valpo. Mindy Wallis transitioned her career so that she could be a full-time caregiver for their son, Charlie Wallis.
Charlie Wallis is 17 years old, a current junior at Valparaiso High School, and he has a rare genetic mutation that causes neuromuscular disease.
Jeff and Charlie Wallis run an Instagram account together with the handle @accessibilityrocksmerch to promote awareness and sell merchandise.
“It started as something for Charlie and me to do together,” Jeff Wallis said. “Then, it evolved into raising money for Opportunity Enterprises, and it has become an online business where we’re trying to spread a message.”
Mindy Wallis started her Instagram account, @thecraftytechnician, to document her journey making stained glass, a skill that her mom taught her.
“As Charlie’s needs grew, I needed to be home as a caregiver more, so I started doing this as a side business and creative outlet,” Mindy said. “I have been selling my stained glass work at Picked Vintage in downtown Valpo with Dena and Amy as partners.”
Jeff Wallis finds value in the work that he and his son can accomplish through their Instagram. They are able to encourage more public places, restaurants, and storefronts to provide more accessibility to patrons with disabilities.
After living in Illinois and Michigan for various amounts of time, the Wallis’ family settled in the Region due to the community that they had been plugged into, the Valpo school system, and the proximity to hospitals in Chicago.
“One of the biggest reasons that we laid roots in Valpo is the special needs community and the school system,” Jeff Wallis said. “In regards to special education, Valpo High School is fantastic. Since Charlie was in elementary school, we have had a great experience, and that’s what we want. We want an inclusive area in place, and the school system has really proven to do that.”
Charlie Wallis is eligible to attend Valpo High School until he turns 22 years old, and he has many friends at school who make his experience worthwhile.
“Valpo does an awesome job of incorporating the general and special education students together,” Mindy Wallis said. “They have peer tutors who come in so the kids have interactions with each other. The Hope Club Prom makes such a difference, and it’s fun for the special education kids to be asked to prom by a general education student.”
To spend quality time together, the Wallis family spends a lot of time camping together, where they go on hikes and build fires. They also spend time working around their house and doing yoga.