It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Historic Ashburn Colored School gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ashburn, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for”
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the caregivers we worked with went above and beyond. They did their jobs effectively and efficiently, but they were also so thoughtful, compassionate, funny and proactive in offering help. Susanna also offered exceptional help from the home office and gave me insights and advice I didn't even know I needed. It's hard to know who you can trust in taking care of your loved one, and I highly recommend Always Best Care Loudoun to do the job expertly.”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating care to 24/7 on a short notice (emergency). He has put my mom and the both families at ease and very comfortable with the process. Incredible patient service and family support. Would recommend you meet with Chris to customize the appropriate care for your loved one. Absolute professional in his field.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the process of caring for my parents and providing me with resources matched to my needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his team are always there to help my Mom. They take her places, help with meals, laundry and keeping Mom safe and happy!”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their attention to details is exceptional. My Mom's caregiver was excellent and provided daily care with passion. My only regret is not calling sooner for care.”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company I have ever worked for. Mr Chris the owner is a very nice person. He cares for his caregivers and most especially for his clients.”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support just our Dad but the whole family. She was a fabulous caregiver though she was so much more, she was our Dad’s friend who he look forward to seeing each and every day. If you find you need support for your loved one, you could not ask for a better person than Carmen. We are so grateful to Carmen and Always Best Care for supporting our Dad.”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone.”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home care need and have provided support for us in the past which has been exceptional. Much appreciated!”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you are told that “your telephone volunteer makes their day” or “you can hear your loved one laughing with joy in speaking with their telephone volunteer”, you know that another successful contact has occurred. Thank you for offering the Telephone Reassurance Service as it is truly making a difference in the lives of Seniors.”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best Care in mind to help with mom and dad.”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been terribly helpful and supportive to my family. He has provided guidance, suggestions, and even a wheelchair to help my mother get around while we navigate the complexities of a rapidly progressing illness. I so appreciate his help!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and I’m extremely happy with the service ABC provided. Their caregivers are reliable and compassionate. For the service provided hands down they are the most favorable and valued service out there. In my humble opinion, the best affordable/valued quality adult care in the area. Thank you ABC.”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about providing the best care possible. As a financial advisor, I consider Chris and Always Best Care Loudoun a great "tool in my toolbox" when working with my older clients and mention their services as something for my clients to know about should the need arise.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give his own. Truly a treasure.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the company's promise. Chris, the owner, is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give to his own.”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a little extra help around the house, or perhaps you want to develop a plan for the future, Chris from Always Best Care is the guy to call. He can help you plan for whatever your family needs, whether that's help aging in their existing home or transitioning to someplace with full time assistance, he can help you figure out what is best for your family.”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares about their clients and so do the caregivers”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care about the caregiver and their clients; especially my boss, Chris.”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best Care. Their caregivers are genuinely concerned about the health of seniors. They are reliable, honest, and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone. -Jamie Neal”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Trailside Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Eddie Merlot's or visit Historic Ashburn Mill, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ashburn, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ashburn, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ashburn, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Seasonal & Holidays There are numerous options for pumpkin patches near Ashburn, from garden centers to full fall festivals. ASHBURN, VA — Heading out to a patch or field to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o-lantern. It’s a seasonal activity blending nature, tradition and community, and there are several places around Ashburn and Loudoun County to create lasting memories with family and friends.Many pumpkin patches and fields offer complementar...
Seasonal & Holidays
ASHBURN, VA — Heading out to a patch or field to pick the best or biggest pumpkin isn’t just about finding the perfect Halloween jack-o-lantern. It’s a seasonal activity blending nature, tradition and community, and there are several places around Ashburn and Loudoun County to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Many pumpkin patches and fields offer complementary activities like hay rides, corn mazes and games for the kids. Picking your own pumpkin also is a good way to support the local farmers who grow them.
Whether you plan to carve a jack-o’-lantern or just add some festive flair to your stoop, there are plenty of places to pick up a pumpkin near Ashburn. Here are a few of our favorites:
Editor's note: Seasons of Change Pumpkin Patch in Ashburn will not be operating in 2025.
Krop's Crops' farm stand in Great Falls was destroyed in a fire, but the business said it still plans to sell pumpkins.
Keep in mind that carving and baking pumpkins aren’t the same. The former are grown in fields to be large, more vibrantly colored, and relatively hollow. The watery flesh doesn’t have the same flavor found in baking pumpkins, which tend to be smaller, have thicker, harder-to-carve walls and sweeter flesh. For those, you’ll probably need to head to the grocery store.
Pumpkins for carving should appear sturdy and clean. Remember, this is the pumpkin that will be front and center on the porch for the Halloween season. Here are some tips for carving a perfect jack-o’-lantern from Warren Nash on YouTube, who shows a step-by-step process to make the perfect carve.
If you're looking for the items individually around the house, here's what you could use:
Steps
Students recovering from substance use can work toward their degree with in a specialized program introduced by LCPS.LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A new program designed to help high school students recovering from substance use disorders is open at Loudoun County Public Schools, the school district announced Wednesday.The Recovery School, named the Recovery, Inspiration, Strength, and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Academy, is a specialized education program to support academics during recovery from substance use. The program is locate...
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A new program designed to help high school students recovering from substance use disorders is open at Loudoun County Public Schools, the school district announced Wednesday.
The Recovery School, named the Recovery, Inspiration, Strength, and Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) Academy, is a specialized education program to support academics during recovery from substance use. The program is located in North Star School, an alternative high school in Leesburg.
"This program is a direct reflection of LCPS’ deep commitment to student wellness and equity," said Superintendent Aaron Spence in a statement. "We recognize that recovery is a personal and courageous journey, and we are proud to provide a space where students can heal, grow, feel seen and supported while working towards achieving their goals."
Students in the program work toward their high school diploma while receiving extra supports. On the academic side, the students will follow the curriculum of their home school to ease the transition back to the home school at a later time. Small class sizes are in place to allow for students to receive specialized support. The school is staffed with licensed staff, including core subject teachers, special education staff and support personnel.
Staff learn about the student's recovery status during intake assessments. Students in the program meet daily with the academy's mental health team – counselors, social workers, or student assistance specialists guided by a clinical coordinator. In addition, community mental health and substance use prevention providers offer various wellness activities.
The academy connects with families through monthly family nights and virtual or in-person informational sessions. According to LCPS, these help parents continue their students' work at home.
LCPS plans to have an open house with a ribbon cutting for the program later this fall. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ross Svenson is a candidate running in the Broad Run District for Loudoun County School Board, which has five seats up for election.ASHBURN, VA — Ross Svenson, an attorney and former Loudoun County Public Schools student, is seeking election to the Broad Run District seat of the Loudoun County School Board in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.Five of the nine school board seats are up for election in 2025 as the school board moved to staggered terms. Svenson is running against Chuntao Samuel Yan in the Broad Run Distric...
ASHBURN, VA — Ross Svenson, an attorney and former Loudoun County Public Schools student, is seeking election to the Broad Run District seat of the Loudoun County School Board in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.
Five of the nine school board seats are up for election in 2025 as the school board moved to staggered terms. Svenson is running against Chuntao Samuel Yan in the Broad Run District. Current Broad Run representative Linda Deans is not seeking re-election. Other districts with elections in 2025 are Algonkian, Dulles, Leesburg and Sterling.
In addition to the school board elections, Loudoun County voters will have Virginia governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and Virginia House of Delegates seats on the ballot. There are also Loudoun County bond questions on school projects, parks and recreation and public safety projects, and transportation projects on the ballot. The Towns of Middleburg and Round Hill elections are on the ballot within those towns.
Early voting for the general election began on Friday, Sept. 19. More information on how to vote is available from the Loudoun County Office of Elections.
Patch asked candidates for Loudoun County School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Svenson's responses:
Name
Loudoun County School Board - Broad Run District
Campaign Website
https://www.svensonforschoolboard.com/
Age (As of Nov. 4 election)
33
Education
J.D., Harvard Law SchoolB.A., Harvard University
Occupation
Attorney
Family
My wife and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary this year and welcomed a baby boy to our family last year.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Yes
Previous public office positions or appointments
No
Why are you seeking this office?
Loudoun County is my home. I grew up attending Hillside Elementary and Eagle Middle School in Ashburn where my teachers fostered my passion for learning and public service. Now as a new parent, I'm running for School Board to ensure our schools are a place where all students, including my young son, can enjoy the kind of high-quality education I received in Loudoun County Public Schools—an education that prioritizes both academic achievement and student well-being and provides a pathway to the American Dream for every student.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?
As a former LCPS student and parent to a future LCPS student, I will bring a fresh, future-focused perspective to the School Board. In this campaign, I am concentrating on the real challenges and opportunities facing our public schools today—not re-litigating the past or lobbing personal attacks. I will take that same solutions-oriented approach as a member of the School Board because our Loudoun students, families, and educators deserve no less.
What do you see as the top issues facing your locality, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?
In a rapidly evolving economy, it’s critical that LCPS invests in career pathways for students of all backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations, so that each student can live up to their full potential following graduation. Whether a student is bound for a four-year college or exploring a trade, LCPS should be setting them up for success. I will work to strengthen LCPS’ cutting-edge STEM academies and special programs, expand academically rigorous offerings like the new Academy of Global and Linguistic Studies for students interested in the arts and social sciences, and prioritize resources for career and technical education, including the new Transition Center serving students with disabilities.
The federal government's threatened cuts to public education, particularly programs serving English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty, would impose barriers to academic achievement for many of our students. I'm committed to protecting these critical services by working hand in glove with fellow School Board members and the Board of Supervisors to fully fund our schools.
Loudoun County faces stiff competition when it comes to recruiting and retaining excellent educators here in Northern Virginia. To ensure educators choose LCPS, I support competitive pay, good benefits, and sustainable working conditions for our teachers and staff. I also understand that Loudoun’s high cost of living is a barrier to keeping and attracting educators, and I will advocate for county-wide initiatives that make housing in Loudoun attainable for LCPS employees.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a School Board member, I would draw on my legal and policy background to make progress for our students, families, and educators in a collaborative and effective way, pursuing commonsense solutions and policies that work.
I served as a legislative aide for Senator Mark Warner and helped secure federal funding for public education. I want to put the skills I developed in that role to use to protect and increase funding for our public schools. First at Harvard Law School and later as an attorney working pro bono, I worked to protect civil rights, and I would use that experience to defend the rights of all of our students. As an attorney, I represent clients when the stakes are at their highest, and I would bring that same sense of urgency to serving our students, empowering our educators, and engaging with families. I'm prepared on Day 1 to contribute to our School Board's work.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
During a challenging and uncertain time in our community, Loudoun families deserve local School Board leadership that will focus on protecting funding, ensuring academic excellence, keeping our schools safe, and preparing every student to succeed. As your next School Board member, I look forward to working alongside my fellow School Board members and the wider Loudoun community to accomplish these critical goals.
April Chandler is a candidate running in the Algonkian District for Loudoun County School Board, which has five seats up for election.STERLING, VA — April Chandler, a mother of two current and former Loudoun County Public Schools students, is seeking re-election to the Algonkian District seat of the Loudoun County School Board in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.Five of the nine school board seats are up for election in 2025 as the school board moved to staggered terms. Chandler is running against challenger Matt Malon...
STERLING, VA — April Chandler, a mother of two current and former Loudoun County Public Schools students, is seeking re-election to the Algonkian District seat of the Loudoun County School Board in the Nov. 4, 2025 general election.
Five of the nine school board seats are up for election in 2025 as the school board moved to staggered terms. Chandler is running against challenger Matt Malone. Other districts with elections in 2025 are Broad Run, Dulles, Leesburg and Sterling.
In addition to the school board elections, Loudoun County voters will have Virginia governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and Virginia House of Delegates seats on the ballot. There are also Loudoun County bond questions on school projects, parks and recreation and public safety projects, and transportation projects on the ballot. The Towns of Middleburg and Round Hill elections are on the ballot within those towns.
Early voting for the general election began on Friday, Sept. 19. More information on how to vote is available from the Loudoun County Office of Elections.
Patch asked candidates for Loudoun County School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Chandler's responses:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, College of Charleston
Occupation
I am not currently employed beyond serving on the School Board.
Family
I have been married for twenty-one years. My husband and I have two daughters. Our oldest just graduated from LCPS, and our youngest is currently a student at Potomac Falls High School.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Previous public office positions or appointments
No
Why are you seeking this office?
I ran in 2023 to protect public education and ensure that our students get the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. As a school board member, I have worked to serve our Algonkian community and endeavored to put student needs at the heart of every decision. I am running for reelection to the school board because our students deserve an advocate and a champion who understands the importance of providing an excellent, free public school education to all students, regardless of circumstance.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?
I believe we can work together as school board members, parents, educators, and community members to drive student achievement and put all of our kids on the path to academic success and a brighter future.
What do you see as the top issues facing your locality, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?
Our division has just experienced a period of instability, with four superintendents serving in the span of about a decade. Since Dr. Spence came on board, we have worked to improve consistency and provide strong leadership across the division. We need to remain focused on these efforts, and the best way to do that is to elect candidates who are champions of public education and will work to focus on student achievement. Nothing is more important than providing the children in our community with innovative and transformative learning opportunities.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a School Board member, I have focused on providing results for our Algonkian community. Some accomplishments include passing a fully funded budget two years in a row, improving student outcomes and opportunities through programs such as the After School Activities pilot, Global Linguistics Program, Recovery School, and Transition Center, leading the unanimous passage of the Secure Gun Storage Notification Resolution, facilitating the end of Seclusion as a discipline practice, and expediting timelines for updating preschool and elementary playgrounds so that all students will have equal access to play areas.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
We should be focused on providing students with the resources they need to be successful; keeping them safe from the threat of gun violence and other safety concerns; fully funding our schools; paying teachers competitive salaries; and being responsible stewards of our community. Instead of seeking headlines for divisiveness, chaos and uncertainty, we should seek to do what is best for our students.
After success in the first year, Loudoun County-based Milltown Haunt is adding new haunted experiences, an extreme night and kids night.LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Most of the year, Ghorley and Sarah Gregg's 50-acre farm in Loudoun County is just that: a working farm. Ghorley Greg, who has served as a Loudoun County firefighter, is also a third-generation farmer. But during the Halloween season, the family turns part of that farm into Milltown Haunt, a haunted house attraction for thrill seekers."We are Halloween lovers a...
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Most of the year, Ghorley and Sarah Gregg's 50-acre farm in Loudoun County is just that: a working farm. Ghorley Greg, who has served as a Loudoun County firefighter, is also a third-generation farmer. But during the Halloween season, the family turns part of that farm into Milltown Haunt, a haunted house attraction for thrill seekers.
"We are Halloween lovers at heart," Sarah Gregg told Patch. "We were married on Halloween. Everything that I've ever done big in my life has been Halloween. My first home, I closed on Halloween, quit my corporate job on Halloween. So it's just kind of been in our blood."
Two of the couple's three daughters had worked at Shocktober, a now-closed Leesburg haunted house that the nonprofit Arc of Loudoun ran as a fundraiser before the COVID-19 pandemic. When the couple acquired the Milltown Road farm property in Lovettsville, they reached out to Arc of Loudoun to gauge interest in reopening Shocktober there. While reopening wasn't viable for Shocktober, the family decided to still use the property and decided to open Milltown Haunt in 2023.
The family ultimately had to delay the opening to 2024. That was a timely decision, as Scream Loco's owners moved away, and Milltown Haunt could absorb Scream Loco's actors and makeup artists.
Milltown Haunt is about to enter its second year. The first year was successful for the haunted house, as Scare Factor reviewers ranked Milltown Haunt seventh out of 218 haunted houses reviewed in 2024 and most recently second best in Virginia. They also saw guests turn out from North Carolina to New York. Gregg also credits the actors for making the experience memorable.
"Being a haunt owner, I want people to walk in, and I want them to laugh, I want them to scream, I want them to have a good time, but I do want that the wow of this is different, this is unique," said Gregg.
Milltown Haunt's debut year featured haunted attractions in its two barns — Thorn House and Barn of Fears — which are returning in 2025.
"The Thorn House is Grandma's house. That's Grandma. She's there, she's on the property, and she is coming after you," said Gregg. "We've changed a few areas in there this year, so we've added a few things. Grandma didn't like people in there last year, so she's making it a little bit trickier to get through.
Gregg adds, "Barn of Fears is exactly what that is. So we're changing up the rooms to target certain fears of certain people. So every room is something different. We've added quite a few things. We've changed our ending, so now it's a different way to get out."
This year, Milltown Haunt will add a corn maze and a dark maze called The Void.
"We've added what we're calling The Void, which is nothing but a dark maze, no lights, no nothing, and you're by yourself. You have to get yourself out. That is the only way through," said Gregg. "And then we've added Trickster's Hollow, which is our corn maze, and it's more like a trail. There's no dead ends. We want you to get through without a conga line, but it's old school Halloween."
Gregg says the farm typically alternates between corn and bean crops year to year, but they may do another corn maze next year if it proves successful in 2025. Another perk of farm life was Gregg's pet goat being part of the haunt last year.
Another new feature will be an Oct. 30 kids night with no scares, trick-or-treat with candy handed out by the actors and Gruto's ice cream.
For those seeking a scarier experience, a new extreme night will be held on Nov. 1 for guests 21 and older. An additional waiver is required for that experience.
"That is for the people that are beyond just wanting to get scared," said Gregg. "We're going to immerse you into the scent, the taste, the feel. You might be taken from your group and hidden away somewhere for a little while. You might have to eat something or drink something before you can go further, the feels of you think that something's touching you, but is it really touching you?"
A blackout night will return on Nov. 2. Attendees will get a glow stick for the Thorn House, Barn of Fear's and Trickster's Hollow. No glow stick will be needed for The Void dark maze.
Before wrapping up for the year, Milltown Haunt will bring back its Christmas haunt in December.
Along with the haunted attractions, Milltown Haunt features a midway with One Family Brewing, a food truck, seating and sales of merchandise like Milltown Haunt T-shirts and sweatshirts.
"Once you're there, you're welcome to stay until we close. Some haunts will kind of put you through and then send you out," said Gregg. "I think the biggest thing was just the family atmosphere, that community of nobody felt like you weren't welcome there. We have actors that are walking throughout the midway. So there's always photo ops."
Milltown Haunt is part of a widely popular haunt industry that thrill seekers pack every Halloween season. Gregg says haunted houses offer escapism from reality, which can be more scary.
"It gives you a break because you get to go in there and be immersed into something that you're not in your daily life," said Gregg. "And for us, if we can give you that 30 minutes or an hour of just not having to deal with what's what's normal, and we take you from that and put you into something else, then we've done our job."
When not running the haunt and preparing for the next season, the family is growing and harvesting corn, beans and hay. According to Gregg, Milltown Haunt was also a strategy to preserving the farm land with another use to pass onto their daughters someday.
"We farm when we're not operating the haunt, so we're still utilizing that land," said Gregg. "Our whole goal was, being in the farming world, we don't want to see more houses go up around us. So our goal is to salvage that land and keep it as a farm use and produce what we can off of it."
Tickets for Milltown Haunt range from $5 for just midway access to $55 for VIP haunted house entry. Milltown Haunt will once again provide a portion of this year’s proceeds to local nonprofits. From Oct. 17 to 19, guests who bring a nonperishable food donation for Loudoun Hunger Relief will receive discounts on tickets or merchandise.
Milltown Haunt is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (except Oct. 5) in October, plus Oct. 30 for kids night, Nov. 1 for extreme night and Nov. 2 for blackout night. The location is 13936 Milltown Road, Lovettsville, VA. For more information, visit www.milltownhaunt.com.
571-206-3525
