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 Honolulu House Museum in Marshall, IN 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 Marshall, IN 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.
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well-”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
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 Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, IN 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 Field Main Restaurant or visit Governor's Mansion Museum, 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 Marshall, IN, 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 Marshall, IN 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 Marshall, IN 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.
The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 10:32 a.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 a.m. for Marshall and DeKalb counties.Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 40 mph."At 10:32 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Boaz, moving east at 30 mph," states the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."Locations impacted by the alert include Albertville, Boaz, Crossville, Fyffe, Geraldine, Dougla...
The National Weather Service issued an updated weather alert at 10:32 a.m. on Saturday for strong thunderstorms until 11:15 a.m. for Marshall and DeKalb counties.
Residents can look for wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
"At 10:32 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Boaz, moving east at 30 mph," states the weather service. "Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects."
Locations impacted by the alert include Albertville, Boaz, Crossville, Fyffe, Geraldine, Douglas, Lakeview, High Point, Skirum and Painter.
The weather service states, "If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, mostly during the summer. Lightning claims the lives of about 20 people annually, according to the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn't available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
Slow down and drive with care:
If it is raining and the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don't follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so with caution.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely limits your sight, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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The Georgia Bulldogs open the 2025 college football season against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Georgia hosts Marshall and is heavily favored.The Bulldogs are 39 and 1/2-point favorites, but have still received 87% of the spread bets. Bettors have a lot of reasons to be confident in Georgia.Marshall is a different story. The Thundering Herd underwent an insane amount of roster turnover (50 outgoing transfers) this offseason, so it is really difficult to predict how good they'll be this season.The season opener will begi...
The Georgia Bulldogs open the 2025 college football season against the Marshall Thundering Herd. Georgia hosts Marshall and is heavily favored.
The Bulldogs are 39 and 1/2-point favorites, but have still received 87% of the spread bets. Bettors have a lot of reasons to be confident in Georgia.
Marshall is a different story. The Thundering Herd underwent an insane amount of roster turnover (50 outgoing transfers) this offseason, so it is really difficult to predict how good they'll be this season.
The season opener will begin a new era of Marshall football under first year coach Tony Gibson, who was previously the defensive coordinator at NC State. Gone is most of Marshall's roster that went 10-3 and won the Sun Belt championship game a year ago. Former head coach Charles Huff is now the head coach at Southern Mississippi.
Playing Marshall in Week 1 should help projected starting quarterback Gunner Stockton get further dialed into the UGA offense. Stockton is expected to make his first career home start.
Play the USA TODAY Quick Cross now.All college football odds via (BetMGM)
Marshall's transfer turmoil combined with the excitement of a season opener should help Georgia take care of business and cover the spread. Georgia has allowed just three points in each of its past four season openers, so the Bulldogs should be well prepared defensively.
Prediction: Georgia 48, Marshall 6
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The Maryland-based educator works in every level of the state’s education system to decrease students’ anxiety around mathematicsAdriene Marshall (B.S. ’91, M.T. ’94) is a leader and educator intent on making mathematics more approachable for students and their parents alike. Over a career spanning four decades and numerous technological advancements in education, she has worked in the classroom, at the state level, and in tech to enhance the accessibility of math so that students of all strength levels can fee...
The Maryland-based educator works in every level of the state’s education system to decrease students’ anxiety around mathematics
Adriene Marshall (B.S. ’91, M.T. ’94) is a leader and educator intent on making mathematics more approachable for students and their parents alike. Over a career spanning four decades and numerous technological advancements in education, she has worked in the classroom, at the state level, and in tech to enhance the accessibility of math so that students of all strength levels can feel empowered to better understand the subject.
Her time at VCU laid the groundwork for her life’s work. Serving as a member of the student government, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and as an on-campus math tutor, she would eventually refine those experiences while pursuing her master’s of teaching from the VCU School of Education.
Marshall currently teaches high school mathematics in Maryland while also serving as an expert school review team member for the Maryland State Department of Education. She is also the founder of Accelerate Math which works with schools and districts to raise the quality of math instruction.
What drew you to VCU? What inspired you to choose math as your major?
I chose VCU because it allowed me to stay close to home, which was just two hours away. As the first in my family to attend college, I didn’t have much money, and I needed to attend an affordable institution. I had a cousin who was a sophomore at VCU at the time, and he encouraged me to apply.
When I first started, I majored in Spanish and wanted to be a Spanish interpreter working for the United Nations. After enrolling in a 200-level class, I realized I hadn’t learned as much as I needed to in high school to be prepared for this level, because everyone else was speaking Spanish fluently, and I felt lost. At that moment, I knew I needed to pivot. I quickly changed my major to mathematics because I was good at it and knew it would provide an excellent foundation for many career paths.
What was your first memory or first impression when you arrived on campus? Where was your favorite place to spend time on campus?
Coming from a small town in Virginia, campus was intimidating and exciting at the same time. As a shy person, I knew I needed help navigating such a large university. I found support at the Office of Academic Support with Dr. Quincy Moore, where I worked as a math tutor for the program.
I lived in off-campus housing, so, instead of going home in between classes, I would spend time in the Commons or the library in the early days. However, later, after being elected to the executive board of the Student Government Association, I spent time in that office space.
What is your favorite memory from attending VCU?
I had limited funds but whenever I had extra money, I would go to the food truck that showed up on campus to get fried fish. That’s my favorite memory. That was my first experience getting food from a truck, and it was worth it.
Was there a VCU faculty member that made a particular impact on your education and/or career journey? How so?
Several of my professors deserve to be highlighted. Dr. Ruben Farley, who was the Department of Mathematics chair, was an unofficial advisor to me and others. He recognized my potential and encouraged me to stay with math as my major when things became challenging. Dr. Diane Simon, the associate dean for the School of Education at the time, gave me a job as a graduate assistant and became a mentor — she helped me find my voice. Dr. Ena Gross was an example of what good mathematics teaching looked like, and the experience from her classes still drive me today.
What inspired you to pursue your postgraduate education in teaching?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I initially struggled to secure a job and spent a year working as a waitress and for a temp agency. During undergrad, I took several education courses, and I decided to re-enroll and complete the five-year program that awards both a bachelor's and master's degree, as I only needed one more year to finish.
Upon returning to the program, I set a personal goal to teach for five years before considering a career change if it wasn't the right fit. Thirty-plus years later, I am still passionate about the work.
What does your day-to-day look like in your current roles as an educator and as an education evaluator?
I currently teach Algebra 1 at a public charter school in Maryland. Additionally, I serve as a consultant to the Maryland State Department of Education's School Expert Review Team, supporting the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by conducting school visits and providing actionable recommendations for school improvement.
Typically, I join the team for four to five school visits per year, spending two days at each school, visiting classrooms and collecting data with a focus on math and reading classrooms.
What would you say is the most challenging part of teaching math? The most rewarding part?
I left the classroom in 2016 to work for an ed tech organization and returned to teaching in 2023. Before leaving, I would have said the biggest challenge was meeting students' diverse needs. But since returning, the most challenging part has been navigating the new world of artificial intelligence (AI) and the overwhelming number of technology options. Many school districts don’t yet have an AI policy, and teachers are often left to figure out best practices on their own. I know we’ll get there, but AI and technology evolve so quickly that it can be challenging to manage.
The most rewarding part is always the students. I’m intentional about creating a safe math space where students can find their math identity and voice. The best part is when, five or six months later, the student who never voluntarily spoke up finally raises their hand to share an ‘aha’ moment.
Reflecting on your time at VCU, how do you feel your time on campus helped prepare you to accomplish the work you’ve done so far in your career?
My experiences in and outside the classroom provided me with the tools, mindset and disposition to find success in my career and life. This included running for, and ultimately winning, an at-large position on the SGA, performing as a grad student in my first step show as a member of Delta Sigma Theta and tutoring students in math at the Academic Success Center. Each experience increased my confidence and self-determination.
My classroom experience with professors, who were at the forefront of teaching and learning, is still with me today. As I near the end of my career, I can look back fondly and proudly, knowing that I had a head start because of my experiences at VCU.
What’s your why?
Throughout my 31-year career in education, I’ve had the opportunity to be in the classroom for 18 years, teaching a wide range of subjects, from pre-algebra to AP Calculus and everything in between. I worked as an instructional coach, school leader coach, and professional development content designer and facilitator for an ed-tech organization, all in service to improving the outcomes for all students so that they can have choices in their future and lead fulfilling lives.
There are many inequities in life, but getting a quality K-12 education should not be one of them.
What are you hoping to still accomplish in your career?
After returning to the classroom, I became a National Board Certified Teacher in mathematics. I also started an education consulting business. Research shows that math anxiety holds students back, limiting their confidence, causing them to avoid advanced math courses and ultimately impacting future opportunities.
I founded Accelerate Math to change that. We help students build strong math identities by reducing anxiety and increasing confidence. We do it by supporting the adults around them, families and educators, with tools and strategies that bring research to practice. Through parent workshops, student sessions and educator coaching, we help everyone work together to create consistent, empowering math experiences.
In the next phase of my career, I want to expand Accelerate Math’s impact, partnering with more schools and districts so that when the adults are aligned, real acceleration happens.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Marshall Football faces Eastern Kentucky in the 'We Are … Thankful For Heroes' game at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The game will be broadcast by ESPN+.HOW TO FOLLOWPRE-GAME NOTESSaturday's contest between Marshall and Eastern Kentucky is the 22nd all-time meeting between the programs in a series that dates back 99 years. The two programs are separated by just under two hours, making it a fun regional matchup.The contes...
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –Marshall Football faces Eastern Kentucky in the 'We Are … Thankful For Heroes' game at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. The game will be broadcast by ESPN+.
HOW TO FOLLOW
PRE-GAME NOTES
Saturday's contest between Marshall and Eastern Kentucky is the 22nd all-time meeting between the programs in a series that dates back 99 years. The two programs are separated by just under two hours, making it a fun regional matchup.
The contest is Marshall's annual "We Are … Thankful For Heroes" game in which Military Personnel and First Responders are honored. There will be several pre-game and in-game festivities surrounding the theme, including a military flyover with a Big American flag for the National Anthem and recognitions of gratitude and valor during the contest.
This game is the first meeting between the teams since the 2020 season when they set up an impromptu contest in Huntington amidst COVID-19 scheduling. The Herd won the contest, 59-0, in what proved to be the first game for current EKU head coach Walt Wells.
Marshall's Steve Cotton – "The Voice of the Herd" – will be starting his 30th home season as the play-by-play voice for Marshall Football. Cotton's first season was in 1996 when Randy Moss helped lead the Herd to a perfect 14-0 record and a Division I-AA Championship.
EKU is in its first year of play within the United Athletic Conference – a conference in which it is a football-only member for 2025 before becoming a full member in 2026-27.
For a look at more items surrounding Gameday and the Gameday experience, click on our Know Before You Go segment.
ABOUT MARSHALL
Marshall head coach Tony Gibson is in his first year with the Herd and has 9 new assistant coaches and 75 new players on the roster.
The Herd is currently 0-2 after losses to No. 5 Georgia and Missouri State.
Offensively, the Herd is led by running backs Jo'Shon Barbie and Justin Williams-Thomas – each of whom have seen success in the early part of the season. Both players are over 80 yards on the season with a touchdown each.
Defensively, Marshall linebacker Kerion Martin had a breakout game last week with a career-high 13 tackles while defensive lineman Jammal Whyce also had a breakout game with nine tackles and 1.5 sacks.
For a more in-depth look at Marshall football, visit HERE.
ABOUT EASTERN KENTUCKY
EKU comes into Joan C. Edwards Stadium at 1-1 overall following a win over Houston Christian last week.
The Colonels are coached by Walt Wells, who is in his sixth season leading the team. Wells has an overall record of 31-27 overall.
EKU's offense is led by quarterback Myles Burkett who is 18 of 33 passing for 155 yards this season. Brayden Latham leads the Colonels with 78 rushing yards.
Defensively, EKU has been terrific at forcing turnovers, notching seven takeaways in the first two weeks of the season.
The Colonels have turned those turnovers into 27 points, which includes a pick-6 against Louisville and a 75-yard fumble return against Houston Christian.
For more information surrounding the Eastern Kentucky football program, visit HERE.
SERIES HISTORY
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
For all the latest information about Marshall Football, follow @HerdFB on X and @Herd_FB on Instagram. To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
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