About Wayne

Nurse, Teacher, Coach, US Army Medic, Missionary, Father of 9, Grandfather of 26

Wayne Russell grew up in Southern California just miles from Disneyland where he would play with his friends all day until the fireworks shot off and knew it was time to come home. He graduated from High School with academic honors, California State track and field honors, and voted Most Likely to Succeed after giving the Baccalaureate address. He then served two years as a missionary in Germany for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return and while surviving cancer:

• Lived in Missouri since 1988 and is an avid Chiefs, Royals, St Louis City SC, and Battlehawks fan.
• Father of 9 with 26 grandchildren
• Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with German and physical education majors from Brigham Young University
• Master of Arts in Health Management from Webster University
• 20 years of teaching high school German, Biology, History, Physical Education
• High school football, baseball, softball, and soccer coach
• Athletic Director and CIF League commissioner
• 4 years in United States Army as Combat Medic
• 40 years as geriatric, critical care, hospice nurse
• Developed and presented 40 seminars to help provide quality care and reduce elder, disabled and patient abuse.
• Wrote and produced three act musical, “Undo the Shame”, with 20 songs,
• Produced and orchestrated “Nurse Appreciation Nights” with multiple Major League Soccer teams
• Author of PUGSLEY STANDS
• Screenplay writer of PUGSLEY STANDS
• Member of Missouri Minority Health Advisory Committee – advocate and policy architect/guardian for the elderly, disadvantaged, disabled and minorities advancing diversity and inclusion
• Conference Producer and Director – advocate and motivation for youth/teens advancing inclusion
• Homeschooled children – Daughter began Masters Program in Nursing at Vanderbilt University at age 18
• Fostered and adopted twin autistic boys
• Nursing care and community involvement with special needs patients
• Created SNAP (Special Needs Arts Project) helping special needs artists improve and market their artwork – www.snaparts.net