
PORT ST. LUCIE PEOPLE
WENDY COZINE
Age: 59
Lives in: Tradition in
Port St. Lucie
Occupation: Infant/toddler
developmental specialist for
Easterseals Early Steps program
Family: Sons, Kenny and Noah
Education: Bachelor’s degree in
social work from Florida Atlantic University; certification for
developmental specialist from University of Central Florida
Hobbies: Music, community theater, writing, yoga, “Hanging
with my family on Zoom.”
Who inspires me: “My sons inspire me. My co-workers, the
families I work with.”
Something most people don’t know about me: “I do a really
good imitation of Ethel Merman.”
lived with her parents while working with a great group of
coworkers at The Palm Beach Post. West Palm Beach didn’t
hold the same charm as her job, however. She moved to
Edenlawn Plantation in Jensen Beach. Then, one night, while
singing with a band at a local restaurant, she met Jimmy
Cozine, who was finishing his training at the police academy.
Not too many motorcycle rides later, they married.
Being married to a cop was a culture shock.
“Before, I never locked my doors or wore a seatbelt!” Cozine
FORT
says.
Even more changes accompanied the birth of their son,
Noah. Born two weeks early with spina bifida, Noah had
multiple surgeries as an infant, spending two months at Joe
DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood. The Fort Pierce
Police Department worked with Jimmy so he could be with
them as much as possible.
“It was a strange, challenging time,” Cozine says. “I wanted
a baby, but I didn’t feel prepared. Noah was so different.”
Noah was diagnosed with autism at age 5. Milestones every
parent and pediatrician look for were delayed.
“He took his first step at age 3 on Sept. 11, 2001.”
Noah changed the course of Cozine’s life in several ways.
He began to blossom with early intervention services through
the Early Steps program. When his caseworker told Cozine
about a job opening, she applied. She also went back to
Port St. Lucie Magazine 43
PIERCE
Cozine’s son, Noah, 22, was born with spina bifida and diagnosed with
autism at age 5. Witnessing his progress with early intervention services
motivated her to become a developmental specialist.
school, got a degree and certification and now works with
Early Steps as a developmental specialist.
“We work with five areas,” she says, “motor, communication,
adaptive, cognitive and social/emotional.”
Prior to COVID-19, Cozine assessed the child and coached
parents in person.
“Going virtual changed a lot, but it’s been interesting,” she
says. With some children, I’m seeing faster language development.
Their parents are interacting more. It’s a silver lining.”
Silver linings mean a lot to those who’ve weathered more
than their share of storms.
In 2010, the Cozines adopted 13-year-old Kenny.
“He’d had a good foster family, but his photos weren’t on
the wall,” she explains. “We wanted to give him more of a
family experience.”
Suddenly there were two teens in the home, one with a
history of foster care and one with severe disabilities.
Then, shortly after a surprise party for Jimmy’s 50th birthday,
he was diagnosed with cancer. The family enjoyed one
last amazing trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, stopping at
every Harley-Davidson dealership between here and there.
He died a few months later.
“Every day I tell my boys how proud I am of them,” Cozine
says. “We’re closer now. The three of us are really tight.”
Cozine is also proud of her work. “Early Steps is voluntary,”
she says. “Parents have to buy into it. Sometimes
they’re intimidated because of the disabilities but I encourage
them to play, have fun. It’s great to get a video or text from
a parent showing off some new milestone. I really believe in
early intervention services.” E
Because of COVID-19, everything was put on hold just days before Calendar
Girls was to open at the Pineapple Playhouse. Cozine, right, hopes to reprise
her role as Cora in the upcoming season with fellow actor Carolyn Worline.