Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
There's not much we can count on in life, but if there's one guarantee, we can bet that our bodies change as we grow older. That's especially true for men as they age. One moment you're partying at the club, waking up refreshed, and hitting the gym. The next moment, getting out of bed is a chore. You're sore in places you never thought before, and hangovers don't just go away after a hot shower and a big breakfast.
And while sore joints and backaches can be treated with aspirin and ice, other signs of aging aren't as easy to treat. Of course, we're talking about challenges in getting and maintaining erections needed to satisfy your partner. At the extreme, we all know it as erectile dysfunction or ED for short but long before full ED, there are warning signs that things aren't working as they used to work. Hearing the ED word sends shivers down most men's spines. When you think about it, that makes sense - being unable to perform when you need to most is a scary thought.
If you're beginning to suffer from ED or male performance issues or you've been dealing with performance issues for some time, it may seem like nobody has any solutions or even really understands how these issues can impact your life and sense of well-being. However, ED of varying degrees is very common. More than 18 million men suffer from the condition in the U.S. Unfortunately, many of those men hide their performance issues without ever addressing them. If you're one of those men, and it feels like you're stuck in a rut with no help, we're here to tell you you're not alone. Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC is here to provide you with a long-lasting solution to help you regain confidence and perform like you used to.
Additionally, many men including the so-called "bio hackers" are using our treatments to PREVENT the performance decline in the first place. Why wait for the inevitable when you can implement strategies to prevent the decline in the first place.

The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
Our programs are all about reversing and slowing the aging process, preventing disease, and treating chronically ill patients. We utilize a three-pronged approach:
- 1. We equip patients with the knowledge required to take charge of their health and achieve optimal well-being.
- 2. We focus on disease prevention by providing a thorough evaluation using comprehensive diagnostics including the patient-supplied information.
- 3. We work with patients to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of various science-based treatments that reduce cellular degeneration, promote tissue regeneration and healing, and slow down the aging process..
We consider every individual as physiologically unique. As such, we don't subscribe to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, our programs focus on a customized approach, leveraging genetics and advanced testing, utilizing advanced therapeutics like Gainswave and addressing risk factors that, if avoided or modified, could have beneficial effects for reducing many chronic conditions that men suffer from year-round.
Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health. For men whoare just starting to have challenges, or who have erectile dysfunction, or for the biohackers that just want everything optimized, one of those proven therapies is Great Falls, VA
Our Services
- Providing Natural Solutions for Male Sexual Health
- The Proactive Wellness Center Difference
- What is GAINSWave Therapy?
- What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Great Falls, VA Work?
- Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
- Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
Service Areas
What is GAINSWave Therapy?
If you have ED or even a minor decline in sexual performance, there's a good chance you've already seen your primary care doctor. You've talked to them about the issues you're facing. And, if they're like many doctors, they prescribed you some pills and sent you on your way. Unfortunately, going this route doesn't do much to solve erectile dysfunction - you're just putting a band-aid on the problem. Plus, you're putting strange chemicals in your body via a "little blue pill" that may cause adverse side effects.
At the end of the day, you need a real-deal solution to ED, not a quick fix. The good news? A safe, non-invasive, injection-free answer to your problems exists. It's called GAINSWave therapy, and according to recent studies, it has shown an 85-92% success rate for mild to moderate cases of erectile dysfunction.
Reports from men who have used GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA report the following benefits:
- Stronger, Longer Lasting Erections
- Improved Sexual Pleasure
- More Blood Circulation and Flow
- Better Girth and Length
- Less Rest Needed Between Orgasms
- Enhanced Intimacy in the Bedroom

Unlike many ED treatments, you don't have to worry about surgery or drugs when you choose GAINSWave. This revolutionary treatment uses acoustic wave technology, also called pulse wave therapy, instead of surgery or pills, which helps to rebuild blood flow to the penile region, thereby boostings erectile strength and, by proxy, confidence.
But the benefits of GAINSWave don't end there. This therapy also breaks up micro plaques and boosts nitric oxide, which forms new blood vessels and collagen. That's exciting news for men suffering from Peyronie's disease, which is another condition specific to male sexual health.
Contact Us For Services

What Makes GAINSWave Therapy in Great Falls, VA Work?
With time, men's blood flow decreases, sensitivity isn't what it once was, and blood vessels start to get thinner or even partially or fully blocked. With GAINSWave, high-frequency, low-intensity shockwaves rejuvenate areas of the penis that have suffered with age. For instance, micro plaques are removed, new blood vessels form, and blood flow increases. According to several clinical studies, enhanced blood flow from GAINSWave translates to more sustainable, rigid erections in 75% of men.
Though males in America are only beginning to realize the benefits of GAINSWave, it's a treatment that has been used for over a decade around the world. Backed by science and proven to rejuvenate vasculature in male erections, GAINSWave works without any pain or recovery time. In fact, it's possible to pop into Proactive Wellness Centers on your lunch break for a therapy session.
Proactive Wellness Centers' GAINSWave treatments feature:
- Low-Intensity Pulse or Shockwaves
- All Natural
- No Needles
- No Pills
- No Pain
- No Surgery
- No Recovery Time
- Quick Procedures
Because this procedure is needle, surgery, and drug-free, most men don't have to suffer through costly insurance claims or unsightly scarring. With GAINSWave and our comprehensive and personalized ED treatment plans, all you need to focus on is enjoying life, knowing your erectile dysfunction is a thing of the past.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Gainswave Therapy in Great Falls, VA?
If you're a man over the age of 30 and want to optimize your performance or if you are suffering a decline in this area, GAINSWave may be for you. That's even more true if other treatments never worked. For many men, those unsuccessful solutions include pills like Viagra. If prescription pills don't solve your ED problems, GAINSWave is a great option to consider. Academic studies show that shockwave therapy is successful where PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra or Cialis) fall short.
In fact, many urologists now consider shockwave therapy the greatest revolution in ED treatment in over a decade. Even men without erectile dysfunction use GAINSWave as a preventative therapy to keep their bedroom performance strong and avoid compromised blood vessels.
Some of the key benefits of GAINSWave procedures over other ED treatments include:
- No Drugs
- Backed by Clinical Studies and Extensive Medical Research
- Vast Record of Success
- FDA-Approved for Enhanced Sexual Wellness
- Available at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
What Should I Expect from GAINSWave Therapy at Proactive Wellness Centers?
If you're ready to begin your journey to a healthier, happier sex life, getting started at our wellness clinic is as easy as 1-2-3:
Make an Appointment: Give our office a call at 703-822-5003. One of our Clinical Intake Coordinators will answer any question you have and get you started. If you prefer, you can text "gainswave" to 833.341.0170, and our Clinical Intake Coordinator will get back to you personally and confidentially.
Prep: Once the intake process is complete, you'll schedule a time for GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA. You'll arrive at our wellness center for treatment at least 30 minutes before your appointment time. Procedure time is usually no longer than 30 minutes and occurs in our wellness center.
Enjoy the Benefits: Once your GAINSWave therapy session is over, you can get right back to what you were doing beforehand. Studies show that approximately 75% of men enjoy positive results like stronger, longer-lasting erections after treatment. Most men only need 6-12 sessions for optimal results.
Other Treatments and Programs from Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
As the premier wellness clinic in Virginia and the metro D.C. area, we provide patients with a comprehensive list of treatments to slow the process of aging and treat chronic conditions. Our vision is to provide the latest in scientifically-validated therapies, like GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA, for reversing the aging process, preventing chronic disease, and optimizing health.
Some of the most requested services we offer include:

Low-T Treatment for Men
While not as widely discussed as menopause is for women, andropause is very real for men just as menopause is significant for women. Our Low-T program for men focuses on the unique needs of men who are suffering from andropause or low testosterone. The Program Testosterone replacement when clinically indicated, optimization of DHEA and Pregenenolone, combined with nutritional guidance, nutritional supplementation recommendations to optimize your health. For men where Testosterone has declined, the Low-T program is a necessary complement to the Gainswave therapy.
Depending on lab results and patient goals, the program may also include peptides to help patients optimize their health and body composition. If you can identify with some of the symptoms below, you are likely experiencing low testosterone / andropause and are a candidate for laboratory testing to determine if BHRT is right for you.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased stamina
- Loss of physical agility
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Prostate problems
- Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Like men, women's bodies change as they grow older. Often referred to as menopause, this time in a woman's life can be stressful when the body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and hormones decline.
Many of the common symptoms and conditions associated with menopause are widely known and discussed, but there are many that are overlooked. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we've seen patients misdiagnosed with other illnesses that were actually caused by a decline in hormone levels. Our BHRT program for women focuses on the unique needs of women who are suffering from the common as well as the lesser-known symptoms of menopause.
Those symptoms may include:
- Hot Flashes
- Mood Swings
- Depression
- UTIs
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Osteoporosis
- Vertigo
- Anxiety Attacks
- Vaginal Dryness
- Fatigue

What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are also known as natural hormones. They are substances with the same chemical makeup as the hormones produced in your body. Hormones are not drugs - they occur naturally and are found in every human on earth. BHRT replaces hormones at a physiologic level that is not harmful to the body.
If you're suffering through the symptoms of menopause, taking Midol isn't going to solve any problems. Fortunately, our BHRT program for women is designed to eliminate many menopausal symptoms. That way, we give women a chance to recapture their energy levels and vitality with drugs or surgery. Contact our office today to learn more about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and how it can help you recapture the joys of your youth.
Bredesen-Protocol Strategies for Improving Brain Health
We believe that a healthy brain is paramount to overall well-being. Unfortunately, little is known about promoting brain health, lowering the risk of dementia, or stabilizing symptoms for patients experiencing early signs.
After much research, however, Dr. Lawson from Proactive Wellness Centers determined that the Bredesen protocol provides the best evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating cognitive decline.
The approach, created by Dr. Dale Bredesen, is called ReCODE. This protocol involves multiple strategies to pinpoint specific health issues contributing to Alzheimer's Disease. The results of each strategy are measured using blood tests, dementia tests, cognitive evaluations, and other signs of overall health improvement. Now a Bredesen Certified doctor, Dr. Lawson now offers patients the full Bredesen ReCODE protocol to help them recover from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's.
Through this exciting approach, patients have shown dramatic improvements in cognitive function. In some cases, they achieve a reversal of symptoms and have even returned to work.
Proactive Wellness Centers' ReCODE program uses significant functional medicine experience and includes:
- Lifestyle Interventions
- Targeted Nutrients
- Therapeutic Diets
We're thrilled to add this promising Alzheimer's disease treatment for qualifying patients at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Chronic Disease Treatment
Long-term diseases like Lyme disease and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) can ruin a person's life and often leave them afraid to leave the house. To make matters worse, these chronic diseases are often initially misdiagnosed, complicating treatment and leaving the patient depressed and hopeless. And while some medical prescriptions can help, many chronic disease sufferers live without finding true relief.
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our innovative doctors have developed a comprehensive treatment program to address chronic diseases like CIRS and Lyme disease. Generally, our Chronic Disease Treatment follows SSRP protocols as defined below:
- Stop the progression of the disease while strengthening the immune system
- Stabilize patients by balancing hormones and restoring energy
- Reverse cellular, mitochondrial, and other damages caused by chronic diseases, based on lab markers and/or symptomatic expression
- Prevent further development of the chronic disease processes
Our SSRP protocol provides patients with a promising program based largely on the emerging bodies of evidence in the chronic disease space. This evidence is supported by peer-reviewed medical journals, clinical studies, and even double-blind placebo-controlled studies.

When choosing chronic disease treatments for patients, our team of doctors and clinicians focus on safety and efficacy before anything else. Typical therapies associated with our chronic disease treatment programs include:
- IV Vitamin Therapy
- Targeted Nutritional Supplements
- Compassionate Care and Personalized Service from Qualified Doctors
As an integrative practice, we use conventional medications when indicated, especially in cases of underlying co-infections and other areas where traditional medication offers the best course of treatment.
If you're at your wit's end living with a chronic disease, call Proactive Wellness Centers today. Our innovative treatments and therapies may be the key you need to unlock a new, healthy life.
Achieve Your Wellness Goals at Proactive Wellness Centers, PLC
From GAINSWave therapy in Great Falls, VA, to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, our doctors are here to serve you with care, compassion, and a commitment to your health.
That's because, at Proactive Wellness Centers, we take a patient-first approach to every service we offer. Unlike some anti-aging clinics, we focus on your goals, your experiences, and how we can address your health and well-being needs. We believe with a full heart that your story matters, and we're ready and waiting to listen. If you're looking for personalized, functional, regenerative treatments that address root causes, you're only a phone call away from living a healthier life.

Hours Open Monday through Friday 9AM to 5PM

Latest News in Great Falls, VA
Discovering Virginia's Great Outdoors: A Road Trip Through The Great Falls Scenic Drive
Maria Bou Inkhttps://www.thetravel.com/can-you-drive-through-scenic-falls-virginia/
Beautiful landscapes and interesting sights are found along Northern Virginia's most beautiful highways, making them ideal for busy day trips or leisurely outings. Specifically, road trips are one of the best things to do in Virginia, no matter the time of year. During beautiful Virginia scenic drives, road trippers can discover many famou...
Beautiful landscapes and interesting sights are found along Northern Virginia's most beautiful highways, making them ideal for busy day trips or leisurely outings. Specifically, road trips are one of the best things to do in Virginia, no matter the time of year. During beautiful Virginia scenic drives, road trippers can discover many famous landmarks in Virginia, as well as the state's parks with scenic trails. Plus, embarking on a Virginia road trip route opens visitors up to the state's fascinating history, tempting restaurants, pretty vineyards, awesome breweries, and other attractions. Many of these drives provide intriguing activities and scenery.
Particularly in the fall and spring, though, Virginia is a popular location for amazing drives, breathtaking views, and weekend getaways in famous historic towns like Alexandria. Road trippers can drive through Northern Virginia by taking a Great Falls Scenic Drive to see picturesque country roads, lovely parks and trails, and a little center with tasty eateries. About 20 miles (32.18 km) west of Washington, DC, in the city center of Great Falls, Virginia, is where the route starts and ends. The Great Falls beautiful road may be completed in approximately an hour, although it is advised to go on a longer adventure. Road trippers should plan to spend some time exploring the lookouts in Great Falls Park, its trails, and the nearby establishments that are located along the scenic road. Here is what is waiting for vacationers on their road trip.
Related: 10 National & State Parks To Visit In West Virginia Before Summer's Over
What Are The Best Stops On The Great Falls Scenic Drive?
The Great Falls road trip route offers lots of stops for stunning scenery and various activities. Out of them all, the following are some of the best stops when traveling the Great Falls Scenic Drive.
The best route to take to reach Great Falls from the Beltway is Georgetown Pike if road trippers want to experience a countryside journey. In actuality, this route was Virginia's first scenic byway. Road trippers will then be on a winding, uphill route. After that, there is a tiny parking area near Difficult Run, from which they may enjoy a waterside trek. Yet, on this portion of the journey, Great Falls Park is what road trippers actually have to see. To enter the park, they turn right at Old Dominion Drive. Road trippers may spend the whole day here exploring the Patowmack Canal's historic ruins, miles of cliffside hiking paths, and the area's impressive, picturesque waterfall. At the third overlook, they should pay attention to the marker pole that shows water levels from previous floods. The area will astound road trippers. If they wish to carry a basket to eat, picnicking is fairly common in this area.
After visiting Great Falls Park, drivers can go back to their car and head right onto Georgetown Pike, then turn right into Riverbend Road. They may access Riverbend Park, just upstream of Great Falls, by taking Jeffery Road. There, they may find all the nicest springtime blooms, including Virginia bluebells, wildflowers, and flowering trees, along the pathways. There are also excellent places for bird watching as well as for fishing and boating on the Potomac River. After visiting the park, road trippers can continue traveling south on Riverbend Road. The purpose of this journey is mostly to take in the scenic hills, bends, and scenery. In light of this, drivers should be aware that some of the roads in Great Falls make peculiar twists or repeatedly start and stop.
Related: Sip Your Way Along the Wine Trail In Northern Virginia’s Wine Country
Beach Mill Road is a winding, narrow road that is bordered by spacious residences, undulating hills and meadows, and peaceful woodlands. As road trippers travel slowly and cautiously along this peaceful country road, they should not miss taking in the scenery. There are several sharp twists, a one-lane bridge to cross, and the route dips and climbs. L'Auberge Chez Francois, one of Northern Virginia's most romantic eateries, is located at the intersection of Springvale Road. This is a great location to eat or have a drink. Road trippers may unwind in the charming courtyard with a view of the kitchen garden if the weather is nice. After the meal, they can keep traveling down Beach Mill Road after going around the corner. Then, they can turn right into Walker Road when the road seems to come to an end.
Drivers can turn onto Jeffrey Road in less than a mile to reach Riverbend Park and the Potomac River. They should keep an eye out for the turn because there is no parking sign coming from this direction. The park entrance is less than a mile along Jeffrey Road. Riverbend Park is one of the best outdoor areas in Northern Virginia. Here, visitors may go on a trek, kayak the Potomac, discover the region's geology and prehistoric people, or simply unwind while admiring the scenery.
When Is The Best Time To Travel The Great Falls Scenic Drive?
Fortunately for all visitors, there is no "best" time to drive the Great Falls Scenic Drive since it is a year-round destination with something beautiful to see or something amazing to do throughout the seasons. The Potomac River Path is bordered by bluebells in the spring. The popular Great Falls Park can be reached by hiking from Riverbend throughout the summer. Road trippers can enjoy the fall foliage on the wooded pathways at Riverbend. Finally, throughout the winter, they can explore the more sedate paths and take in the scenery from the visitor center's deck at Riverbend.
Empire Portfolio Group Opens New Great Falls, VA Orangetheory Fitness Studio
Empire Portfolio Grouphttps://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empire-portfolio-group-opens-new-great-falls-va-orangetheory-fitness-studio-301727584.html
GREAT FALLS, Va., Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Portfolio Group ("Empire"), a leading Area Developer and Franchisee of Orangetheory® Fitness, the heart rate-based interval training fitness franchise, announced today it will open a new studio in Great Falls, VA. The new studio will be located at 1025 Seneca Road, Great Falls, VA 22066...
GREAT FALLS, Va., Jan. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Portfolio Group ("Empire"), a leading Area Developer and Franchisee of Orangetheory® Fitness, the heart rate-based interval training fitness franchise, announced today it will open a new studio in Great Falls, VA. The new studio will be located at 1025 Seneca Road, Great Falls, VA 22066, and will be the tenth in the greater Virginia area.
The new studio will offer new member specials throughout the month of February 2023, giving locals the chance to try out the heart rate-based interval training fitness franchise as a founding member. The studio will feature state-of-the-art fitness equipment with a large lobby area to encourage community members to socialize before and after class. The studio will be celebrating its grand opening on February 5, 2023.
The group workouts incorporate endurance, strength, and power to generate the 'Orange Effect' – which keeps calories burning for up to 24 hours after the 60-minute workout. The studio will also have Orangetheory's new personalized MaxHR algorithm, which updates heart rate zones in real-time to improve individual performance results. The studio's treadmills and rowers are integrated with OTconnect technology, a proprietary platform that creates an ecosystem of data and feedback highlighting each member's total distance, average/max incline, max miles per hour and total moving time as part of the Orangetheory Fitness mobile app.
There are fitness programs that focus on technology to track your stats and there are fitness programs that focus on great coaching to motivate you— but Orangetheory gives you the best of both worlds in one great workout. "We're thrilled to expand to our 10th location in Virginia and are looking forward to providing the residents of Great Falls with convenient access to our science-backed workout. Whether you're passionate about fitness, or just starting your fitness journey, we're here to help you achieve your goals when you join our Orangetheory family," said Empire's CEO, Adam Krell.
For more information on the Great Falls Orangetheory Fitness studio and membership packages, please call 703-637-2365. Additional information on Orangetheory Fitness is available at www.orangetheory.com. Follow Orangetheory Fitness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.
About Orangetheory
Orangetheory® (www.orangetheory.com) makes it simple to get More Life from your workout. One of the world's fastest-growing franchise companies, Orangetheory has developed a unique approach to fitness that blends a unique trifecta of science, coaching and technology that work together seamlessly to elevate participants' heart rates to help burn more calories. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory workouts incorporate endurance, strength and power to generate the "Orange Effect," whereby participants keep burning calories for up to 24 hours after a 60-minute workout. Orangetheory franchisees have opened over 1,500 studios in all 50 U.S. states and 25 countries.
About Empire Portfolio Group
Empire Portfolio Group, founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York City, is a leading franchisee and area representative of Orangetheory Fitness. Empire has over 130 Orangetheory Fitness studios across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit empireportfolio.com.
Media Contact:Jardan Paige Brownjardan@kellyvoelker.com
SOURCE Empire Portfolio Group
Longtime VA addiction counselor set to retire after 50 years
Tim McGonigalhttps://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/longtime-va-addiction-counselor-set-to-retire-after-50-years
Copy This Embed Code: Ad Posted at 6:11 PM, May 15, 2023and last updated 8:45 AM, May 16, 2023GREAT FALLS — Long before the former federal court room on the second floor of the Great Falls Post Office became the Veterans Treatment Court, Carol Richard was helping veterans and others overcome addiction in a career that spanned half a century.“Carol Richard is an LAC (licensed addictions coun...
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Posted at 6:11 PM, May 15, 2023
and last updated 8:45 AM, May 16, 2023
GREAT FALLS — Long before the former federal court room on the second floor of the Great Falls Post Office became the Veterans Treatment Court, Carol Richard was helping veterans and others overcome addiction in a career that spanned half a century.
“Carol Richard is an LAC (licensed addictions counselor) who is an Army veteran herself and has been treating addictions and veterans for 50 years.,” said Judge Elizabeth Best who administers the Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court and works closely with Richard.
Richard will retire from her LAC position the Department of Veterans Affairs in June.
“Well, I didn't choose it. It chose me,” said Richard when she reflected on her time as a drug and alcohol counselor
The Helena native enlisted in the woman’s Army corps in 1971.
It was while she was working on the psychiatric ward at Denver’s Fitzsimons Army Medical Center when her path was laid out.
“They said, we're going to start a drug and alcohol ward, and we're going to volunteer you and some of your cohorts to go work there,” said Richard.
She was treating Vietnam Veterans during a tumultuous time.
“The men in that went to Vietnam, they did not get a very good reception,” said Richard. “Women didn't get a very good reception either.”
Carol says she’s always had a passion for helping people and is proud of what she’s achieved.
Between her military service and time with the VA, she had a civilian practice in which her treatment was into third generations.
Carol says every addict is different and when treating someone for addiction, it’s important to validate their feelings.
“It allows them to tell me why they're there and maybe to tell me why they don't want to be there,” said Richard.
For those who don’t know addiction, Carol uses a not so clean analogy everybody might understand.
“When was the last time you had diarrhea? Why don't you use willpower and just stop the flow?” said Richard. “It's a biochemical process that happens in the brain and it doesn't just stop.”
For those who are trying comprehend recovery, Carol relates it to a life lesson.
“It isn't an easy process. It's not that they don't want it. It's it's just that it's new, it's unfamiliar, and they have to learn the skills,” said Richard. “They have to feel the support they have to try. It's kind of like riding a bicycle the first time. Some of us have to ride with the training wheels for longer than other people. When we take the training wheels off, sometimes we fall down and we get back on the bike and we ride it again. Recovery is the same way.”
Carol’s involvement in Veterans’ Treatment Court came about when she was asked to fill in for a veterans justice outreach worker and go to training. She asked to be a part of the team and never looked back.
“There's so many different people that are on this team because they want to be there. It's it's kind of a utopic treatment,” said Richard.
Like Judge Best, other members of the team have nothing but praise for Carol.
“Even today when she came in for this (interview) and we put her to work with somebody who's new to the program,” said Cascade County Veterans’ Treatment Court Coordinator Denver Cobb. “We used her knowledge.”
“She's got dedication like no other. I mean, Carol has never really took a vacation,” said Cascade County Veterans' Treatment Court Case Manager Kathy Hankes. “She's always here whether she's logged on Zoom or calling us to see what's going on with all of her clients. When she's away, she's still here.”
At the age of 70, Carol will be retiring from her full-time position with the VA, but that passion of helping veterans will continue.
“It's hard decision to make because I really care about each and every one of the folks that I work with,” said Richard. “So, I asked Judge Best if I could volunteer for the Veterans’ Court. She said, yes, that would be great. So that helps to make retirement easier.”
Carol will be able to spend more time with family but will take on a mentorship role with Veterans’ Treatment Court.
Questions or comments about this article? Click here to contact Tim.
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Three Easy Overlooks Provide The Best Views Of Great Falls Park
Tyler Golechttps://www.thetravel.com/do-you-have-to-hike-to-see-great-falls-park/
Travelers looking for a great way to experience the views of the stunning falls of Great Falls Park, Virginia, should make sure to add these three overlooks to their viewing experience the next time they visit the park.Located conveniently close to the visitors center, travelers arriving at Great Falls Park will have the chance...
Travelers looking for a great way to experience the views of the stunning falls of Great Falls Park, Virginia, should make sure to add these three overlooks to their viewing experience the next time they visit the park.
Located conveniently close to the visitors center, travelers arriving at Great Falls Park will have the chance to check out all three of Great Falls Park’s overlooks. Their incredible views are the absolute best way to experience Great Falls Park.
Viewing The Falls Of Great Falls Park
Travelers to Great Falls Park, Virginia, may be looking for interesting new ways to experience the views from around the park. Fortunately, Great Falls Park is home to three wonderful viewing platforms, which are just a ten-minute walk from the Visitors Center. Travelers will need to access the outlooks by walking. Outlooks two and three are handicap accessible with a convenient path leading right up to them. Overlook one is a bit harder to access as it lacks a convenient path. However, it is still reachable.
The first overlook is located to the left of the southern end of the Visitors Center. It is the closest for travelers to reach. A small trail will take travelers up to the dirt platform from which they can view the rapids. It should be noted that this trail is quite narrow and are not accessible for the handicapped. Travelers should be cautious to stay within the fenced-in area to avoid risking a potential fall.
The second overlook, located at Great Falls Park, has views of most of the waterfalls available in the park. Travelers trying to reach the overlook will take a left on a small wooden footbridge by the Patowmack Canal wayside. They will then take a staircase and ramp up to a large wooden viewing platform. This platform is fully handicap accessible.
Related: At Virginia's Highest Point You Can See Ponies & Beautiful Flower Fields
The third overlook at Great Falls Park is accessible via the trail that goes past Overlook 2 across a second wooden footbridge. On the way to the overlook, travelers will pass the pole that marks the high water points for the river. It is a great chance for travelers to imagine what some floods through the area may have looked like. This overlook marks the furthest point along which the falls can be viewed.
Great Falls Park Is A Destination For Fun
The Potomac River gathers speed and power as it descends over a series of steep jagged rocks as it flows through the narrow passage of Mather Gorge. Travelers can even check out Patowmack Canal, which offers a glimpse into the early history of the area. Travelers will always be able to find something to do or a new place to explore at this 800-acre park just 15 minutes from the Capital of the US.
Hiking is a great activity to partake in at Great Falls Park. With acres of park to explore and miles of trails. There will be plenty of great locations in the park for travelers to hike through.
Related: 10 American National Parks That Are Great To Visit In The Fall
Great Falls Park may be open for day use only, with its campsites for day use only. However, that doesn’t mean that travelers are out of luck when it comes to camping. Fortunately, the park is surrounded by excellent camping destinations that travelers can take advantage of. Travelers may not be able to stay exactly at the park, but they will be able to at least enjoy camping close by.
National Merit Scholarships Awarded To 17 McLean, Great Falls Students
Patch Staffhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/national-merit-scholarships-awarded-17-mclean-great-falls-students
MCLEAN, VA — In the second round of scholarship winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program announced Wednesday, students from McLean and Great Falls were among the winners.There are 2,500 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's $2,500 scholarships from its own funds and organizations sponsoring awards through the corporation. A committee of college admissions officers and school counselors chose the winners based on their application information.Winners are named in each state in proport...
MCLEAN, VA — In the second round of scholarship winners in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program announced Wednesday, students from McLean and Great Falls were among the winners.
There are 2,500 winners of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's $2,500 scholarships from its own funds and organizations sponsoring awards through the corporation. A committee of college admissions officers and school counselors chose the winners based on their application information.
Winners are named in each state in proportion to the state's share of U.S. graduating seniors. According to the corporation, these winners "are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies." Students may use the one-time scholarships at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
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Virginia had 71 scholarship winners, 15 of whom live in McLean and two of whom live in Great Falls.
The scholarship winners who live in McLean are:
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Jackson C. Baldrate
Robert DeMartino
Benjamin Joel
Timothy Johanson
Taein Kim
Dominic J. King
Stephanie Ma
Alexander D. Pomper
Kozmo Rhyu
Anisha Talreja
Patrick Foran Wolff
Emma Yang
Olivia Zhang
Isabella Xindi Zhu
Lilian Zhu
The scholarship winners who live in Great Falls are:
Josephine Amspaugh
Angela J. Zhang
These winners joined around 840 corporate-sponsored scholarship recipients named in April. These scholarships were sponsored by about 107 corporations, company foundations and other business organizations and typically go to National Merit Scholarship finalists who are employees' children or students pursuing college studies or careers that the sponsor wants to support.
On June 7 and July 10, more scholarship recipients will be announced. Around 3,800 students will receive these college-sponsored Merit Scholarship winners.
In all, over 7,140 high school students will be awarded approximately $28 million in National Merit Scholarships this year.
Students were entered into the National Merit Scholarship competition as juniors taking the PSAT in 2021. In September 2022, around 16,000 semifinalists were named based on each state's proportion of graduating seniors. Semifinalists were the top scoring entrants in their states and represent less than 1 percent of seniors in the U.S.
To be considered for finalist status, semifinalists had to submit a detailed scholarship application with an essay and details on extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions as well as demonstrate an outstanding academic record and have an endorsement from a high school official. Around 15,000 finalists met requirements for finalists status and were eligible to be chosen for corporate-sponsored, National Merit Scholarship-sponsored and college-sponsored awards.
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