Episodes

  • 81. Goodbye, 2024! What a Year!
    Dec 31 2024

    In this episode of We Have Hope, I reflect on the highlights of 2024 and share my thoughts on what’s to come in 2025, especially around the HOPE Scholarship and school choice here in West Virginia. I discuss the importance of being proactive in your child's education and how the HOPE Scholarship has opened up new opportunities for families—whether through private schools, micro-schools, or homeschooling. I also address some common misconceptions about the scholarship, like its impact on public school enrollment, and encourage parents to make bold, informed decisions about what's best for their kids. With the HOPE Scholarship set to expand in 2026, I remind listeners that they are the "conductor" of their child's education journey and emphasize the need for parents to be actively involved in shaping their children's futures.


    Wishing you all a wonderful, inspired start to 2025—let’s make this year one of bold choices and meaningful progress for our kids!


    Episode Highlights:

    • Let’s recap 2024.
    • The mission of this podcast.
    • The importance of making the right choice for your student.
    • The Hope Scholarship.

    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!
    • Hope Scholarship Code Info
    • Hope Scholarship Info
    • Ed Choice Hope Scholarship Info Page
    • WV Public School Enrollment Headcount Sheet from Cardinal Institute

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    39 mins
  • 80. Revolutionizing Credential Management: A Conversation with Kathleen Cummings of Parchment
    Dec 17 2024

    In this episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with Kathleen Cummings from Parchment to explore how the company is transforming the way credentials are managed and shared.


    Parchment's mission is simple but powerful: to turn credentials into opportunities. Whether you're a student navigating multiple pathways, an educator supporting learners, or an employer verifying qualifications, Parchment provides a secure, digital-first platform for managing transcripts, diplomas, and other important credentials.


    Kathleen explains how Parchment simplifies everything from credential requests to transfer records, ensuring that student information is safe, shareable, and easily accessible. Tune in to learn more about how Parchment is shaping the future of lifelong learning with innovative solutions for the modern learner.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet Kathleen.
    • What is Parchment?
    • The benefits of Parchment.
    • Getting priorities straight.
    • What 'hope' means to Kathleen.


    More on Parchment:

    • Learn more about Parchment here!
    • Contact: kathleen.cummings@instructure.com or raquel.asencio-garcia@parchment.com


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    49 mins
  • 79. Guidance, Support, and Hope: Why School Counselors Matter with Jennifer Wharton
    Nov 26 2024

    In this episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with Jennifer Wharton, an elementary school counselor in West Virginia, to discuss the vital role school counselors play in supporting students and schools. Jennifer shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a school counselor, including her experiences working in diverse settings—from middle and high schools to elementary classrooms with specialized programs for non-verbal autistic students. We explore the evolution from "guidance counselors" to modern school counseling, the myths surrounding our work, and the many hats we wear—from coordinating fire safety lessons to helping kids navigate friendships and academic challenges.

    If you've ever wondered what school counselors really do or why our work is so essential, this episode offers an inside look at the dynamic and rewarding world of supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet Jennifer.
    • A typical day.
    • The history of guidance counselors.
    • Challenges in the school system.
    • What hope means to Jennifer.


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    44 mins
  • 78. Faith, Academics, and Community: How St. Joseph the Worker School is Shaping Students' Lives
    Nov 12 2024

    In this episode of We Have Hope, we welcome Recheal Fuscardo, the principal of St. Joseph the Worker School in Weirton, West Virginia.


    Recheal shares insights into her journey from educator to principal and provides an inside look at her school's unique environment, where children benefit from a faith-centered community. With a range of programs from preschool to high school in close collaboration, students experience a supportive setting that emphasizes academic excellence, community, and the values of kindness and respect.


    Recheal also discusses partnerships, like the one with Weirton Medical Center, and her school’s impact through extracurriculars and unique student services, including a STEM club and a full-time psychologist.


    Listen in to explore how St. Joseph the Worker School meets the needs of families in the area and offers a welcoming space for all—Catholic or not—to grow and thrive.


    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet Recheal.
    • A peek inside St. Joseph the Worker School.
    • Extra offerings & sports.
    • The Hope Scholarship.
    • The power of school choice.
    • What hope means to Recheal.


    More on St. Joseph the Worker School:

    • Learn more about St. Joseph the Worker School
    • Follow St. Joseph the Worker School on Facebook


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    41 mins
  • 77. It Takes a Village: Creating Community with Brittany Holloway
    Oct 22 2024

    In this inspiring episode of We Have Hope, I dive deep into the heart of community and connection with guest, Brittany Holloway. We discuss the vital role of parents in fostering friendships and creating supportive environments for their children.


    Brittany shares her personal journey of stepping out of her comfort zone to build relationships within her community, emphasizing that as adults, we must model the social engagement we want for our kids.

    Together, we explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of showing up, and how real connections can transform our lives and those of our children. Tune in to discover how you can cultivate a thriving community and be a beacon of hope for others!


    Episode Highlights:

    • Brittany’s Background.
    • Creating community.
    • You are not alone.
    • Hosting & Organizing events for the community.
    • Navigating school choice.
    • The Hope Scholarship makes options accessible.
    • Putting yourself ‘out there’.
    • What hope means to Brittany.


    Resources from the Episode:

    • Weirton Area Moms Connect FB Group
    • Info on Birth to Three


    More on Love Your School:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    57 mins
  • 76. Why School Choice Matters: Insights from Sheila Banister from Love Your School Alabama
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode of We Have Hope, we welcome Sheila Banister, Alabama Regional Director for Love Your School, to discuss the expansion of school choice across the United States. We dive into the variety of options available, including education savings accounts (ESAs), and how states like Alabama are implementing programs like the CHOOSE Act to empower parents and students.

    Sheila shares her personal journey in advocating for better educational policies and her passion for giving families the freedom to choose the best learning environments for their children. This episode explores how school choice can transform education, build community, and adapt to the evolving workforce needs.

    Don’t miss this insightful conversation on reshaping education to fit every student’s unique needs!


    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet Sheila.
    • The power of school choice.
    • There isn’t a sole solution.
    • Hope is what keeps us going.


    More on Sheila:

    • Listen to Bama Knows Education Here!
    • Follow Love Your School Alabama on Instagram, Facebook, and X


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

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    38 mins
  • 75. Exploring T.H.E.S.I.S.: A 30-Year Legacy in Homeschooling Co-ops with Lorrie Young
    Sep 24 2024

    On this episode of We Have Hope, I'm joined by Lorrie Young, the director of a long-standing homeschool co-op called T.H.E.S.I.S. (Trinity Home Educators Supporting In Service).

    We dive into the mission and heart behind T.H.E.S.I.S., which has been supporting homeschooling families in Fairmont, West Virginia for over 30 years. Laura shares how this co-op provides a vibrant community for both students and parents, offering everything from gym and art classes to mom support groups.

    Whether you're curious about homeschooling or looking for a supportive co-op, this episode highlights the beauty of collaboration and how T.H.E.S.I.S. creates a space for families to thrive together. Tune in to hear how they make education and enrichment accessible while nurturing a sense of community and faith.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet Lorrie Young.
    • What is T.H.E.S.I.S.?
    • Supporting one another.
    • About the T.H.E.S.I.S. schedule & offerings.
    • How homeschool has changed over the years.
    • Reasons people choose different schooling options.
    • Homeschool and sports.
    • What hope means to Lorrie.


    More on T.H.E.S.I.S.:

    • Visit T.H.E.S.I.S. Website


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    43 mins
  • 74. Exploring the Montessori Method with Clarksburg Children’s House
    Sep 10 2024

    On today’s episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with two incredible guests from the Clarksburg Children's House—Kelsey Miller and Dawn Woodburn.

    As one of only seven Montessori schools in West Virginia, they share the unique approach that makes their school a special place for children. We dive into the Montessori method, focusing on practical life skills, the importance of fostering independence in young children, and creating a community of lifelong learners.

    Kelsey and Dawn offer deep insights into how children thrive in a prepared environment where messes are embraced, grace and courtesy are taught, and leadership blossoms. We also explore the importance of hope, community, and the ripple effect of small acts of kindness.

    Join us for an enlightening conversation about education, parenting, and the power of hope!


    Episode Highlights:

    • Meet our guests.
    • Learning more about the Montessori method.
    • Conflict resolution & understanding differences.
    • Letting our kids make the small mistakes now.
    • Communication with parents.
    • Schedule & program info.
    • The Hope Scholarship.
    • How to support the school.
    • What hope means to our guests.


    More on The Clarksburg Children’s House:

    • To request more info: Visit The Clarksburg Children’s House website
    • Want to get involved? Email: newtcchfriend@gmail.com
    • Follow along on instagram @tcchmontessori
    • Follow TCCH on Facebook


    More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

    • Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
    • Questions? Email Us! hello@loveyourschoolwv.org
    • www.loveyourschool.org
    • Visit our Facebook HERE!
    • Visit our Instagram HERE!

    This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.


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    51 mins