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 Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, VA 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 Manassas, 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.
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 Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, VA 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 Carmello's of Old Town Manassas or visit Ben Lomond Historic Site, 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas, 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 Manassas, 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.
Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the Manassas City Council. Here, candidate Colin Turner makes his case for the job. MANASSAS, VA – Seven candidates are running for three seats on the Manassas City Council.Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.Colin Turner grew up in Manassas and works as federal consultant. He has been active in efforts to promote literacy and historic preservation i...
MANASSAS, VA – Seven candidates are running for three seats on the Manassas City Council.
Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.
Colin Turner grew up in Manassas and works as federal consultant. He has been active in efforts to promote literacy and historic preservation in the Manassas area. His answers to Patch's questions are below.
Campaign social media
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running because Manassas has become home in a very real way for me, and I care about what it looks and feels like ten, twenty and thirty years from now.
I first got pulled deeper into local government through historic preservation. What started with one building quickly became a much bigger education in how decisions get made, how residents are heard and how issues like growth, taxes, infrastructure and transparency all connect.
The more involved I became, the more I realized I didn’t just want to comment from the sidelines. I wanted to help make those decisions.
At 29, I’m younger than most people who run for local office, and I’ll be living with the choices we make today for a long time. I want Manassas to grow and change, but I also want us to hold onto the history, character and sense of community that make this place feel different from everywhere else in Northern Virginia.
I’m running as an independent because I want to work with anyone who has a good idea and make decisions based on what makes sense for Manassas.
What do constituents tell you is most important to them for the coming term?
The first thing I hear about is cost. Property taxes, utility bills and the overall cost of living come up constantly. Residents want to know that new commercial growth is actually helping reduce some of the pressure on households.
Public safety and quality of life are also major concerns, especially speeding, traffic enforcement and making sure neighborhoods and community events feel safe.
The third is how Manassas is managing growth and major investments. Data centers come up often, along with questions about City property purchases, infrastructure and whether these decisions are providing clear long-term value to residents.
What are your day-one priorities, if elected?
One of my first priorities would be building strong working relationships with the other members of Council and City staff. No one Council member can accomplish much alone, and I want to be someone who can build support around good ideas.
I would also start a serious conversation about our zoning approach to data centers, including whether they should continue to be allowed by right as we better understand the impact of projects already approved.
I would push for greater scrutiny of major City investments and property purchases, look for ways to reduce pressure from property taxes and utility costs, and work toward more regular collaboration between Council and the School Board.
What are your longer-term goals, if elected?
One of my first priorities would be building strong working relationships with the other members of Council and City staff. No one Council member can accomplish much alone, and I want to be someone who can build support around good ideas.
I would also start a serious conversation about our zoning approach to data centers, including whether they should continue to be allowed by right as we better understand the impact of projects already approved.
I would also push for greater scrutiny of major City investments and property purchases and look for ways to reduce pressure from property taxes and utility costs. I want to strengthen collaboration between Council and the School Board as well, so conversations about our schools and shared priorities happen throughout the year.
What about your professional or other background has prepared you for this office?
I work in federal consulting, supporting defense organizations with communications, modernization, and organizational strategy.
Locally, I completed the City’s Resident Academy this spring and, over the past six months, have attended meetings of nearly every City board and commission. I’ve also been deeply involved in local preservation and civic issues, which has given me firsthand experience working with residents, staff and public officials.
Aside from winning the election, what has been your most important campaign goal?
Aside from winning, one of my biggest goals has been making local government feel more accessible. Throughout this campaign, I’ve worked to bring attention to conversations and decisions that I felt more people should know about, explain complicated issues in plain language, and make it easier for residents to understand how and when they can get involved.
Even if someone disagrees with me, I want them to feel like they know what is happening in their city, where decisions are being made and how they can have a voice in them.
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Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Here, candidate Sara Brescia makes her case for the job. MANASSAS, VA – Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.Sara Brescia is an incumbent school board member seeking reelection and a paralegal with a background in education. Her answers to Patch's question...
MANASSAS, VA – Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.
Sara Brescia is an incumbent school board member seeking reelection and a paralegal with a background in education. Her answers to Patch's questions are below.
Name
Sara Brescia for School Board
Campaign social media
TikTok: sarabrescia_manassas, Instagram: sarabrescia4manassasschoolbd, Facebook: Re-Elect Sara Brescia for Manassas City School Board
Why are you running for this office?
Manassas families deserve schools that work. I am one of the only Board members with kids in our schools, and I believe this matters. It makes a difference when Board members have to live with the consequences of their decisions in their own homes, and it makes a difference in the urgency with which issues are acknowledged and tackled. The Board needs people willing to admit to our problems and to drive changes while representing the interests and needs of kids first.
On a high level, the Board needs to culturally shift away from its historically passive approach and be unafraid to set a high standard for our kids, for the adults that serve them, and for ourselves as an oversight body. Over the past four years, I have spearheaded and supported initiatives that do just that.
We all have pride in our schools, and I appreciate the hard work that so many of our teachers and other staff have put into them. However, two things can be true: we can have schools where so much good work has already occurred and still have more to do. My goal for continued service on the Board will be to deliver better schools through an approach that is unafraid to recognize and dive deeply into how we can improve. I am here to drive that positive change.
What do constituents tell you is most important to them for the coming term? (Limit to three topics, please.)
Constituents worry about how our public schools perform and want to see both better academic scores and student behavior. Both are possible with committed leadership and have shown signs of progress.
For example, persistent advocacy for student safety has resulted in concrete changes that have reduced major discipline incidents across the division and off-campus truancy at Osbourn specifically. Absenteeism has improved dramatically in most of our schools due to instituting a more aligned approach, beginning with the Board receiving more frequent and more detailed attendance updates and creating more opportunities to assess trends and provide feedback. More is required–chronic absence is still unacceptably high at Osbourn, and consistent behavioral supports still require implementation and monitoring at all levels.
Academically, some of our schools are making progress (though none yet have achieved division targets), while others lag and have not progressed. It is the Board’s oversight role to notice and monitor these inconsistencies and to prompt the administration to explore these trends and develop concrete recommendations for improvement.
Personally, I have focused on restoring student accountability for their own learning. Prior to my service on the Board, the division had a no-zero grading policy, in which kids were given a grade of 50 for work they did not even attempt. I successfully advocated to reintroduce the zero to MCPS grade books (new this year), and I expect that restoring student accountability and setting this high standard will play a positive role in our academics.
What are your day-one priorities, if elected?
To support improvement in our academics, going into my second term:
I want to continue existing conversations about artificial intelligence and also study and take more purposeful direction on screentime and division device usage generally. Improper use of these technologies is associated with poor learning outcomes and decreases in student well-being, though it is also important to teach students vital technological skills.
As a Board member, I have already made multiple proposals on artificial intelligence to ensure that the division’s approach is consistent and ethical. On screens, I have also shown leadership on ensuring enforcement of our bell-to-bell cell phone ban. I am monitoring developments in neighboring divisions–such as use of artificial intelligence detection software and student access to YouTube–and would continue to bring forward appropriate initiatives so that our students have the opportunity to grow, develop, and learn, while also developing the skills to be successful in today’s changing workplaces.
With the future so much in flux, Career & Technical Education offerings have never been more important. Our CTE department has successfully increased the opportunities available to students, and continued support and prioritization of this work is important.
What are your longer-term goals, if elected?
It is my goal for MCPS to become the kind of school system that families across the City feel meets their needs. For this to happen, the School Board must become a place where we are unafraid to identify issues and to do the deep, difficult, and often-uncomfortable work of solving them.
The point is best illustrated with an anecdote. When I first joined the Board, the division was gripped by a classroom teacher vacancy issue such that students as young as kindergarten were forced into in-school virtual learning due to a lack of qualified classroom teachers.
Although there were no Board members who were happy with this, it was (at that time) only me who confronted and discussed the issue consistently: on my social media, in my newsletter, and by getting the issue re-considered on the dais. Other Board members objected to this on the rationale that continued discussion of the issue made the division look bad.
Although I believe it was a well-intended sentiment, an approach that prioritizes the egos of adults, instead of the needs of kids, and an approach that shields issues from deep exploration, is not how problems get solved. And, indeed, once this issue was talked about more deeply and consistently (in part because I would not shut up about it), the Board was able to solve it by revamping our salary scales with funding help from the City Council. Classroom vacancies today are now minimal.
My longer-term goal is to transform our Board culture from one that passively accepts our problems and instead become one that pursues excellence energetically and without apology.
What about your professional or other background has prepared you for this office?
I currently sit on the School Board, and I already have a record of successful initiatives, such as pushing to study our achievement gap for our Students With Disabilities, tackling our classroom teacher vacancy crisis through persistent advocacy, leading on the repeal of the division’s previous “no zero” grading policy, and instituting an ad hoc Immigrant & Refugee advisory committee to ensure that students continued to attend and families stayed engaged with school following changes to national-level immigration enforcement.
As a mom of 3 young kids and current Board member for our regional Boys & Girls Club–and a previous preschool co-manager and public school educator–I understand well the challenges that kids face today and how school system can work to better serve them.
I grew up in a working-class town outside of Chicago with a large immigrant community of people from Poland, Greece, and the Arabian Peninsula. My father worked at a truck depot and my mother struggled at community college at night while raising three kids. Many of my childhood friends or their parents were English language learners, and many families in my area struggled financially. Yet, the public schools we attended performed at a high level and were key to our success. I know the same is possible in Manassas.
Aside from winning the election, what has been your most important campaign goal?
No matter what happens in November, I am still directly invested in this school system until at least through 2042, which is when my youngest will graduate (he is 2 years old, and I gave birth to him halfway through my first term without missing a single School Board meeting). I plan to stay involved in any productive capacity I can until then and beyond.
Through this campaign and through my existing years of service on the School Board, I have met families and individuals who are also invested in the success of MCPS and who now have a way to stay in touch due to the campaign and my current work on the Board. This network of people with similar visions and priorities for MCPS can become a supportive force for positive change in our schools, regardless of whether I personally sit on the dais or not.
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Here, candidate Javanese Hailey makes her case for the job. MANASSAS, VA – Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.Javanese Hailey is a middle school math teacher who has taught in several Northern Virginia school districts. Her answers to Patch's questions a...
MANASSAS, VA – Six candidates are seeking three seats on the Manassas City School Board. Patch invited each of the candidates to share their backgrounds, priorities and views on issues facing Manassas residents through a candidate questionnaire.
Javanese Hailey is a middle school math teacher who has taught in several Northern Virginia school districts. Her answers to Patch's questions are below.
Name
Facebook: Hailey For Manassas City School Board
Why are you running for this office?
I'm running for the Manassas City School Board for a second time (I ran in 2024) because our schools need leadership that bridges the gap between classroom realities and community needs. My decision to run is shaped by the defining roles of my life: I am a veteran math teacher of 24 years (former Metz and BIS teacher), a single mother, and a parent who deeply understands what it takes to support a school-aged child in today's world.
For years, I have looked at our education system through the eyes of an educator. I know firsthand the dedication it takes to help a student master a difficult concept, the strain of shrinking resources, and the critical need to support our frontline teachers. Math teaches us that every problem has a solution if you apply the right formula--and right now, our schools need a formula focused on academic excellence, and transparent communication.
My commitment to public education is both professional and deeply personal. I understand the juggling act that families face every day. I know the high expectations we hold for our children's futures as well as the practical realities of managing time, budgets, and everyday challenges. I am running to ensure that every parent in Manassas City has an empathetic, fierce advocate on the school board who respects their sacrifices and shares their high standards.
What do constituents tell you is most important to them for the coming term?
When I speak with constituents, their message is clear: the top priority for the coming term is restoring academic excellence and accountability in our schools. Parents, teachers, and community members are deeply frustrated by watered-down educational standards and a persistent lack of accountability for student behavior in the classroom. They are tired of hearing excuses for why our district consistently ranks among the lowest-performing districts in the nation, and they expect a sense of urgency, and decisive action to turn things around.
What are your day-one priorities, if elected?
My day-one priority is to unite our community around a culture of high expectations. Academic excellence isn't just a phrase; it's a commitment we owe to every child in Manassas City. On day one, I will champion an initiative that brings teachers, parents, and administrators together to redefine what success looks like in our classrooms. When we raise the bar and give our educators the resources they need, our students will rise to meet it. We must show our students that we believe in their potential before they can fully believe in it themselves."
What are your longer-term goals, if elected?
If elected to the Manassas City School Board, my long-term goal is to cultivate a culture of absolute accountability and high academic achievement. I am committed to moving past institutional excuses and focusing entirely on actionable solutions. I will reject any efforts to continue lowering standards; instead, I will advocate for a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that challenges our students and equips them to succeed in tomorrow's economy. Our children's futures are far too valuable to be stalled by bureaucratic misalignment or a lack of coordination. They deserve a school system where all parts work in harmony toward their success. To achieve this, we need courageous, effective, and decisive leadership on the board, and that is exactly what I intend to deliver
What about your professional or other background has prepared you for this office?
My 24-year career as a math teacher—including two rewarding years directly serving our community within Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS)—has provided me with an intimate, frontline understanding of our education system. I know firsthand the daily triumphs and challenges our teachers, students, and families face. I see how policy decisions made at the board level translate into the classroom every single day. However, my preparation for this role goes far deeper than my professional credentials; it is rooted in my personal story of resilience. Losing my mother at just 10 years old, alongside the absence of my father, easily could have derailed my life's trajectory. But the support of my maternal grandparents, compassionate educators, and an unshakeable determination made all the difference for me.
Against the odds, I poured myself into my education, earning my Master’s degree by the age of 22. This lived experience shapes everything I do. I don't just talk about supporting vulnerable or at-risk students; I was one of those students. I know exactly what it takes to build a support system that catches children before they fall, and I understand the transformative power of a high-quality education. This lived experience has shaped my conviction that some of our district's policies run entirely counter to what is truly required to support and uplift students.
As a School Board member, I will bring a unique blend of deep pedagogical expertise, local MCPS classroom experience, and a profound personal empathy for every child who faces adversity. I am ready to ensure that Manassas City Public Schools provides every single student with the resources, champions, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Aside from winning the election, what has been your most important campaign goal?
Aside from winning, my most important goal is to restore integrity to our school board and give Manassas City voters a real choice based on character, not political pandering. Like many of you, I am deeply frustrated by the divisive politics playing out in our schools. Our children’s education should never be a political battleground. Rather than selecting leaders based on partisan 'sides,' I want to encourage our community to look closely at the actual people running—their qualifications, their dedication, and their values. Throughout this campaign and my future service, I am committed to absolute integrity. I want to prove that you can run for office while staying true to yourself and focusing entirely on what is best for our students, teachers, and families. Ultimately, success means giving Manassas City a leader who listens, unites, and provides a trusted voice for every family.
13.5 µg/m³Hourly forecastManassas air quality index (AQI?) forecast19°06:0019°07:0019°08:0019°09:0021°24°27°29°30°31°31°30°30°29°28°27°26°...
13.5 µg/m³
Manassas air quality index (AQI?) forecast
19° | 06:00 19° | 07:00 19° | 08:00 19° | 09:00 21° | 24° | 27° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 31° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 26° | 26° | 24° | 23° | 21° |
Manassas air quality index (AQI?) forecast
| Today | 60 | 31° 19° | 12 km/h | 66% | |
| Thu | 54 | 90% | 13° | 14 km/h | 97% |
What is the current air quality in Manassas?
| PM2.5Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm)13.5 *µg/m³ |
PM2.5 concentration is currently 2.7 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.
Health recommendations
MANASSAS, Va. (7News) — If you don't turn in your assignment or put in any effort, you won't get a grade.It seems simple, but it's a change of heart for Manassas City Schools.Back in 2021, they voted to give students a 50, regardless of their effort. Now that has changed.ALSO READ | Teacher at Reston daycare charged with assaulting 3-year-oldLast week the school board voted unanimously to overturn that policy. If students in grades 3-12 don't try at all on an assignment, they will be given a...
MANASSAS, Va. (7News) — If you don't turn in your assignment or put in any effort, you won't get a grade.
It seems simple, but it's a change of heart for Manassas City Schools.
Back in 2021, they voted to give students a 50, regardless of their effort. Now that has changed.
ALSO READ | Teacher at Reston daycare charged with assaulting 3-year-old
Last week the school board voted unanimously to overturn that policy. If students in grades 3-12 don't try at all on an assignment, they will be given a zero.
"We’re not bringing the boot heel down here like we’re still giving kids every chance of success. But we are reintroducing accountability when there’s no effort at all in that submission window," said Sara Brescia, a school board member.
The school staff was charged by the school board to change it.
The superintendent said staff developed it to provide greater consistency in grading.
They said they want to "accurately reflect a student's learning and help them prepare for success in work and life."
Brescia said if students try their best and score below a 50, they will be given chances to make up and redo the assignment.
"Under that old policy, you didn’t do that essay at all; let's say you didn’t come to school, you weren’t in touch with your teacher, or you were in school, and you put your head on your desk, and you refused to move, 50, that’s it, that’s all," Brescia said. "It makes student effort mandatory, and for a long time and too long, it was optional."
The board passed the policy unanimously last week just before school started this week.
Brescia said this is about persistent issues with student achievement, especially in grades 7-12. She said there are constant issues with truancy among high school students.
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