Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

phone-number(703) 822-5003

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Springfield, VA

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Springfield, VA for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

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Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment In Springfield Springfield, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Springfield, VA.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

VA Springfield, VA
CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Springfield Springfield, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

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Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Springfield, VA

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment In Springfield Springfield, VA

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Springfield, VA tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

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Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
VA Springfield, VA

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Springfield, VA.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Springfield, VA

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Springfield, VA

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Springfield, VA

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Springfield, VA

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

CIRS Treatment In Springfield Springfield, VA

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

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Ask Us Anything

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Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Springfield Springfield, VA
VA Springfield, VA

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Springfield, VA

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

phone-number(703) 822-5003

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Latest News in Springfield, VA

Spring Forward to a New Career in Springfield

U.S. Postal Service Offers a Challenging, Innovative, Rewarding and Secure EmploymentSPRINGFIELD, VA — From the first signs of spring to the start of daylight-saving time, March is a month full of new beginnings. Mother Nature begins to show off her colors in lively blooms and what better way to welcome the new season than to start a career with the Postal Service?We are entering our fourth year of the strategic Delivering for America 10-year plan and continue to be focused on hiring for rewarding, secure careers.T...

U.S. Postal Service Offers a Challenging, Innovative, Rewarding and Secure Employment

SPRINGFIELD, VA — From the first signs of spring to the start of daylight-saving time, March is a month full of new beginnings. Mother Nature begins to show off her colors in lively blooms and what better way to welcome the new season than to start a career with the Postal Service?

We are entering our fourth year of the strategic Delivering for America 10-year plan and continue to be focused on hiring for rewarding, secure careers.

The Postal Service is the second largest employer in the United States. We offer our team variety, training, and the opportunity for advancement and great benefits that include more than good pay. USPS has competitive salaries and premium benefits.

We seek to attract and retain a diverse workforce in which employees respect and value each other’s differences and work to promote collaboration, flexibility, and fairness so that all employees can participate and contribute to their full potential.

Our workers are the backbone of USPS service. We want to develop and advance their careers within USPS, so our development programs train and prepare our employees for promotions and growth in a variety of USPS business areas.

To learn more, the Postal Service invites job seekers to attend the following USPS job fair to fill immediate openings:

Friday, March 15, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Springfield Post Office 7051 Brookfield Plaza Springfield, VA 22150

To assist potential applicants, USPS personnel will be onsite at the job fair to provide detailed information about available positions and to answer questions about starting pay and benefits. Applications are accepted online only at www.usps.com/careers. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be able to pass drug screening and a background investigation. Applicants must be available to work weekends and holidays. See job postings at www.usps.com/careers for full details for duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.

Delivering For America

To read the DFA plan: Introduction: Delivering for America: Our ten-year plan - about.usps.com

###

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 167 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Construction On Inova Hospital In Springfield To Begin In 2024: Report

Inova Health System is hoping to begin construction on its new hospital in Springfield later this year, according to a report.Mark Hand, Patch StaffSPRINGFIELD, VA — Inova Health System is hoping to begin construction on its new hospital in Springfield later this year, according to a report.The $612 million hospital will be located next to Inova’s existing Springfield HealthPlex.Inova has filed building...

Inova Health System is hoping to begin construction on its new hospital in Springfield later this year, according to a report.

Mark Hand, Patch Staff

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Inova Health System is hoping to begin construction on its new hospital in Springfield later this year, according to a report.

The $612 million hospital will be located next to Inova’s existing Springfield HealthPlex.

Inova has filed building permits for the new Springfield hospital as well as a new Alexandria hospital at the former Landmark Mall site, The Washington Business Journal reported.

Inova expects to begin construction at both the Springfield and Landmark sites in the third quarter of this year, Inova Realty President Tom McDuffie told The Washington Business Journal.

In 2023, Inova received approval from the Virginia Department of Health to build the new hospital. The certificate of public need from the VDH came after the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 2022 approved Inova's land-use applications to build the new hospital.

Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

READ ALSO: New Inova Hospital In Franconia-Springfield Approved By VA Officials

Construction on the new hospital is scheduled for completion in 2028.

During construction of the new hospital, patients will have access to the emergency Room, physical therapy, physician offices, and other clinical operations at the Franconia-Springfield HealthPlex, according to Inova.

This hospital will serve as one of two replacement hospitals for the current Inova Alexandria Hospital on Seminary Road. The other location will be at the new hospital at the former Landmark Mall, now called WestEnd Town Center.

The new hospital campus will include nearly 2 acres of urban park space with walking trails and benches available for public use. Inova also said it has designed the campus to maximize preservation of mature trees along the north side of the property and near the intersection of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway and Beulah Street.

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Springfield Buy Buy Baby Store To Celebrate Reopening On Saturday

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Despite closing its doors last summer due to the financial woes of its corporate owner, Springfield's Buy Buy Baby store is set to reopen this Saturday.In April, Bed Bath & Beyond, which owned Buy Buy Baby and Party City, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.Baby goods retailer Dream on Me bought Buy Buy Baby’s intellectual property in June and announced plan...

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Despite closing its doors last summer due to the financial woes of its corporate owner, Springfield's Buy Buy Baby store is set to reopen this Saturday.

In April, Bed Bath & Beyond, which owned Buy Buy Baby and Party City, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Baby goods retailer Dream on Me bought Buy Buy Baby’s intellectual property in June and announced plans to reopen 11 stores in the Northeast, Avish Dahiya, the company’s chief marketing officer, told CNBC in August. It was unclear at that time whether the Springfield location was among the 11.

“The best of everything baby is back!” said Pete Daleiden, CEO of Buy Buy BABY, in a release. “We are thrilled to welcome customers to our revamped stores for a first look at the latest and greatest curated assortment and an elevated shopping experience. Parents and caregivers can engage with their favorite brands and receive trusted expert advice to find the right product to make their parenting journey joyful and easier. We are holiday-ready and can’t wait to celebrate in style! While our team and celebration are small in scale, the excitement is BIG baby!”

READ ALSO: Shuttered Buy Buy Baby Store In Springfield Could Reopen

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On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Buy Buy Baby store located at 6398 Springfield Plaza in Springfield will be hosting a celebration. Expectant parents and their friends are invited to try out baby gear and products, learn from baby and parenting experts, and create a dream registry. Snacks and beverages will also be served.

Everyone who attends will be eligible to receive gift cards, win prizes, such strollers, car seats, breast pumps, and cribs, and go home with a gift bag.

“The future of buybuy BABY is bright, and our modest team is committed to ensuring that buybuy BABY remains the go-to destination for all parents, caregivers and families seeking thoughtfully designed and trusted, high-quality baby and toddler products, with exceptional customer service,” Daleiden said. “We are just getting started and are grateful for the time and opportunity to rebuild this iconic brand into a new and improved iteration. Stay tuned!”

More information about Saturday's celebration can be found online.

Sandy Anderson For Springfield Seat On Fairfax County School Board

Sandy Anderson, a Northern Virginia native, is on the Nov. 7 ballot for the Springfield District seat on the Fairfax County School Board.Mark Hand, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 9:04 am ETFAIRFAX COUNTY — Sandy Anderson, a native of the Springfield District and a former college English teacher, is running to serve as the Springfield District member on the Fairfax County School Board.Endorsed by the ...

Sandy Anderson, a Northern Virginia native, is on the Nov. 7 ballot for the Springfield District seat on the Fairfax County School Board.

Mark Hand, Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Oct 3, 2023 at 9:04 am ET

FAIRFAX COUNTY — Sandy Anderson, a native of the Springfield District and a former college English teacher, is running to serve as the Springfield District member on the Fairfax County School Board.

Endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, Anderson is running to replace Laura Jane Cohen, who is the Democratic nominee in the election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 15.

"My experience as an FCPS student, FCPS mom, PTO leader, military spouse, and higher-ed educator," Anderson says on her campaign website.

The general election ballot in Fairfax County will also include countywide races for the at-large seats on the School Board, Board of Supervisors chairman, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney, Fairfax County Sheriff, and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Early voting for the general election began on Friday, Sept. 22. More information on how to vote is available from the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch asked candidates running for the Springfield District on the Fairfax County School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Anderson's responses:

Name

Sandy Anderson

Age

46

Family

Husband, Joe Anderson, and two sons that are FCPS students in middle and elementary school.

Education

Occupation

For the last 12 years, I have been working with two DoD youth programs related to STEM education and at-risk youth. With some overlap, I previously taught at the college level for 14 years.

Campaign Website

www.anderson4schools.com

The single most pressing issue facing Fairfax County Public Schools is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing Fairfax County Public Schools is teacher and staff retention. While our children are the reason that we work so hard to create a world-class education system, we couldn’t do it without the amazing educators we have in our buildings every day. They are leaving Fairfax County, and we need to figure out why and fix it. We could start by taking the model from the Fairfax County Health Department and conduct stay interviews with our employees. We must listen to the feedback we receive and discover creative solutions that go beyond just the pay increases they deserve.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a unique mix of experience that allows me to look at problems through a variety of lenses. This experience will allow me to be immediately effective in critical areas. I am also particularly excited about the opportunity to learn more about the aspects of our county essential to ensuring success for our students and staff.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As I mentioned, I have several lenses that will guide my decisions, including things like increasing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) opportunities and being cautious about impacts for military-connected families. However, we also must fight to preserve and increase public school funding. We all know that there isn’t an infinite number of resources available. To be successful, we must step away from operating in a business as usual model to create creative solutions to the complex issues we face. I am also extremely focused on ensuring our board works together as a team.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am proud of the experience I bring with me. I have worked for kids or the people who support them in almost every job I have ever had, starting as a camp counselor with the Fairfax County Park Authority to teaching hundreds of college students how to write and now supporting the staff of two amazing federal youth programs. These professional experiences gave me hands-on opportunities to know more about how our county works, what our young people need after graduation, and more about the intricate relationship between programs and the state government. The combination of this experience makes me uniquely qualified for the types of work that will be essential to my success on the board.

I also spent the last seven years on the Parent Teacher Organization Board at my sons’ elementary school, with five years as the president. That experience of being in and around all aspects of the school day helped me see just how hard our teachers and staff are working to support our students and families. I have done everything from helping to raise money to expand our playground during a renovation, supporting the new principal as she got acclimated to our school community, and bringing exciting events and programming to our school community. I also worked hard to try to build partnership amongst the parent groups in our pyramid.

Why should voters trust you?

I love our schools. I truly believe in FCPS, as a former student and as an FCPS mom. I want to get involved because I see the way I can help us improve by working from our strengths, not by tearing our school system apart. We cannot move forward by burning what we have to the ground, and anyone suggesting otherwise has ulterior motives that are dangerous for our kids. Beyond that, I am working hard to earn the trust of voters throughout our district…one door at a time!

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

In our house, we have a sign above the front door that says “Effort, not perfection.” Anyone trying is going to make mistakes. It’s how you respond to the mistakes that says more about your character than the mistake itself.

Here's where in Springfield veterans can get discounts, promotions on Veterans Day

...

Looking for businesses that are honoring those who served this Veterans Day?

The Springfield News-Leader has complied a list of national and local restaurants, coffee shops and even bakeries that are offering specials, discounts or free meals.

While the News-Leader has done its best to confirm the validity of these offers, please call ahead to ensure that the business is participating in the Veteran's Day promotions. To receive these promotions, veterans and active-duty military members may be required to show their military identification or their discharge form.

Unless noted otherwise, these deals are for Saturday, Nov. 11.

Local businesses offering discounts for those who served

Here are some of the local businesses that are offering discounted or free items and meals.

Chains

Here are the chain restaurant offerings that the News-Leader was able to confirm ahead of Veterans Day.

If your restaurant has specials for Veterans Day that you'd like to included, send an email to sszuch@gannett.com.

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