Shows
We Have Hope91. Transforming Teacher ObservationsKeywords: trust-based observations, strengths-based approach, teacher feedback, school culture, educational leadership, professional development, teacher support, classroom observations, growth mindset, educational reformShow Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Craig Randall about his innovative approach to teacher observations known as Trust-Based Observations. Craig explains how this method focuses on building trust and utilizing a strengths-based approach to enhance teacher performance and school culture. The conversation delves into the mechanics of the observation process, the importance of feedback, and the t...2025-06-2941 minWe Have Hope90. Building Character Through Youth SportsIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully engages with authors Kevin Dalafu and Alex Compton about their book 'Wisest Learners, Guiding Your Child's Athletic Journey.' They discuss the motivations behind writing the book, the importance of values in parenting, and how to navigate the challenges of youth sports. The conversation emphasizes the significance of character development, resilience, and creating a supportive community for children involved in sports. The authors share personal anecdotes and insights on how to define success beyond just winning, focusing instead on the holistic growth of children as individuals.2025-06-1855 min
West Virginia WeekPushing For Foster Care Transparency And Lessons In The Great Outdoors, This West Virginia Week
On this West Virginia Week, a push from the very top to have more transparency in the state’s foster care system. We’ll tell you about layoffs for a local electric school bus manufacturer. Also, schools that have skiing and fishing right in there with reading, writing and arithmetic. And, cicadas – what you might not know about their love lives.
Maria Young is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help f...2025-05-3100 minWe Have Hope89. Exploring My Fun Science: A New Era in Online EducationIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Jeni Hettinger from My Fun Science, an online platform offering a variety of classes for homeschooling families. They discuss the range of courses available, including science, math, history, and foreign languages, as well as the structure of the classes, lab components, and the importance of student engagement. Jeni emphasizes the flexibility and customization of education that My Fun Science provides, allowing parents to tailor their children's learning experiences. The conversation also touches on payment options, the global reach of the classes, and the supportive community that My...2025-05-2734 min
West Virginia MorningNew Novel Explores Community Of Freed People And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
On this West Virginia Morning, the new novel called “Happy Land” tells a story set in “The Kingdom of the Happy Land,” a society in Western North Carolina formed by freed people after the Civil War. Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams spoke with its author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez.
And our Song of the Week comes from a premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage recorded on the campus of West Virginia University at the Canady Creative Arts Center in Morgantown. The versatile singer, composer and musician Moira Smiley & The Rhizome Quartet perform “Mourning Dove”, which reflects on the sometimes mournful and isolating...2025-05-1600 minWe Have Hope88. Exploring School Choice in GeorgiaShow Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Camille Q. Solberg about the various school choice initiatives in Georgia, particularly the Georgia Promise Scholarship. They discuss the flexibility and opportunities available for families, including open enrollment, the process of accessing scholarship funds, and the importance of education in breaking cycles of poverty. Camille emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in seeking educational resources and the positive impact of these initiatives on minority communities. The conversation highlights the significance of educational opportunities in empowering...2025-05-1436 minWe Have Hope87. Empowering Children Through StorytellingIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully interviews Amy Bishop, a Yoto partner and small business owner, about Yoto products, which are innovative audiobook players designed for children. Amy explains how these players work, the variety of audiobooks available, and the educational benefits they provide. The conversation delves into the importance of screen-free learning, the imaginative engagement that audiobooks foster, and Amy's personal journey in becoming a Yoto reseller. The episode highlights the value of audiobooks in enhancing reading comprehension and providing a safe, engaging alternative to traditional screen time for children. In this...2025-04-2930 minWe Have Hope86. Innovative Education: The Launch of Athanasius AcademyIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, host Kim Dully welcomes back Josiah Batten to discuss his new venture, Athanasius Academy, an online micro school launching in the fall of 2025. Josiah explains the innovative approach to classical Christian education, emphasizing the need for accessibility in rural areas of West Virginia. The conversation covers the unique structure of the curriculum, the ideal student profile, and the marketing strategies for the new academy. In this conversation, Josiah Batten discusses the enrollment process and educational philosophy of Athanasius Academy, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in education to meet diverse student...2025-04-1034 minWe Have Hope85. Unlocking the Secrets of Math EducationIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Matthew and Alesia Blackwood, the creators of Unlock Math. They discuss their journey from homeschooling to developing a unique math curriculum that addresses the gaps in traditional education. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized learning, the challenges students face in math, and the innovative features of Unlock Math that support both students and parents. The Blackwoods emphasize the need for practice and mastery in learning math, aiming to empower students with the skills they need for success. In this conversation, Kim Dully and Matthew & Alesia Blackwood...2025-03-3152 minWe Have Hope83. Open Conversations: Breaking the StigmaIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully speaks with Becky White, the marketing director of Mission West Virginia, about the Think program, which focuses on teaching health to teenagers in a holistic manner. The conversation covers various aspects of teen health education, including communication skills, mental health support, and the importance of open conversations about sensitive topics. They discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age, the significance of teaching kids about internet safety, and the need for comprehensive sex education. The episode emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships with teens to...2025-03-261h 09We Have Hope84. Building Trust in Occupational TherapyIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Tiffany Parsons, a licensed occupational therapist, about the importance of occupational therapy for children, especially in homeschooling and private school settings. Tiffany discusses the role of occupational therapy in child development, how to identify warning signs that a child may need assistance, and the holistic approach to treatment that focuses on the child's overall well-being. She also shares her journey of transitioning to private practice and the importance of building trust within the community to support families in need of therapy services. In this conversation, Tiffany Parsons...2025-03-1544 minWe Have Hope85. Navigating the Complexities of Domestic ViolenceIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully speaks with Andrea Brown Riley, the Protective Services Coordinator at the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They discuss the complexities of domestic violence, the role of protective services, and the importance of understanding and supporting victims. Andrea emphasizes that victims are the experts in their own lives and that the systems meant to help can sometimes inadvertently harm them. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with domestic violence and the challenges faced by caregivers and parents in these situations. In this conversation, Kim Dully and Andrea...2025-02-2644 minWe Have Hope84. Teen Dating AwarenessIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully and Jessica Bender discuss the critical topic of domestic violence awareness. They explore the warning signs of abusive relationships, the importance of open conversations, and the distinction between prevention and intervention. Jessica shares valuable resources for support and education, emphasizing the significance of safety planning for survivors. The conversation highlights the role of support systems, the identification of red flags in relationships, and the hope for recovery from domestic violence, reinforcing that it is never the survivor's fault.Episode Highlights:Domestic violence exists on a...2025-02-1146 minWe Have Hope82. Building Brighter Futures: Ashley Arthur on Mission WV's ImpactIn this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, I’m joined by Ashley Arthur from Mission West Virginia, an organization dedicated to promoting positive futures through foster family recruitment, life skills education, and community support. Ashley shares an inside look at the impactful programs offered by Mission WV.We also explore the vital role family involvement plays in a student’s education and how Mission WV works to strengthen these connections. Ashley highlights the importance of cultivating respect within families and communities, emphasizing how it can profoundly influence a child’s growth and success.Tune i...2025-01-1456 minWe Have Hope81. Goodbye, 2024! What a Year!In this episode of We Have Hope, I reflect on the highlights of 2024 and share my thoughts on what’s to come in 2025, especially around the HOPE Scholarship and school choice here in West Virginia. I discuss the importance of being proactive in your child's education and how the HOPE Scholarship has opened up new opportunities for families—whether through private schools, micro-schools, or homeschooling. I also address some common misconceptions about the scholarship, like its impact on public school enrollment, and encourage parents to make bold, informed decisions about what's best for their kids. With the HOPE Scholarship set...2024-12-3138 minWe Have Hope79. Guidance, Support, and Hope: Why School Counselors Matter with Jennifer WhartonIn this episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with Jennifer Wharton, an elementary school counselor in West Virginia, to discuss the vital role school counselors play in supporting students and schools. Jennifer shares her journey from studying psychology to becoming a school counselor, including her experiences working in diverse settings—from middle and high schools to elementary classrooms with specialized programs for non-verbal autistic students. We explore the evolution from "guidance counselors" to modern school counseling, the myths surrounding our work, and the many hats we wear—from coordinating fire safety lessons to helping kids navigate friendships and...2024-11-2643 minWe Have Hope78. Faith, Academics, and Community: How St. Joseph the Worker School is Shaping Students' LivesIn this episode of We Have Hope, we welcome Recheal Fuscardo, the principal of St. Joseph the Worker School in Weirton, West Virginia. Recheal shares insights into her journey from educator to principal and provides an inside look at her school's unique environment, where children benefit from a faith-centered community. With a range of programs from preschool to high school in close collaboration, students experience a supportive setting that emphasizes academic excellence, community, and the values of kindness and respect. Recheal also discusses partnerships, like the one with Weirton Me...2024-11-1241 minWe Have Hope76. Why School Choice Matters: Insights from Sheila Banister from Love Your School AlabamaIn this episode of We Have Hope, we welcome Sheila Banister, Alabama Regional Director for Love Your School, to discuss the expansion of school choice across the United States. We dive into the variety of options available, including education savings accounts (ESAs), and how states like Alabama are implementing programs like the CHOOSE Act to empower parents and students. Sheila shares her personal journey in advocating for better educational policies and her passion for giving families the freedom to choose the best learning environments for their children. This episode explores how school choice can transform education, build c...2024-10-0838 minWe Have Hope75. Exploring T.H.E.S.I.S.: A 30-Year Legacy in Homeschooling Co-ops with Lorrie YoungOn this episode of We Have Hope, I'm joined by Lorrie Young, the director of a long-standing homeschool co-op called T.H.E.S.I.S. (Trinity Home Educators Supporting In Service). We dive into the mission and heart behind T.H.E.S.I.S., which has been supporting homeschooling families in Fairmont, West Virginia for over 30 years. Laura shares how this co-op provides a vibrant community for both students and parents, offering everything from gym and art classes to mom support groups. Whether you're curious about homeschooling or looking for a supportive co-op, th...2024-09-2442 minWe Have Hope74. Exploring the Montessori Method with Clarksburg Children’s HouseOn today’s episode of We Have Hope, I sit down with two incredible guests from the Clarksburg Children's House—Kelsey Miller and Dawn Woodburn. As one of only seven Montessori schools in West Virginia, they share the unique approach that makes their school a special place for children. We dive into the Montessori method, focusing on practical life skills, the importance of fostering independence in young children, and creating a community of lifelong learners. Kelsey and Dawn offer deep insights into how children thrive in a prepared environment where messes are embraced, grace and courte...2024-09-1051 minWe Have Hope72. Beyond Diagnosis: The Power of Parental Advocacy in Special Needs Education with Amanda CunninghamIn this empowering and uplifting episode of We Have Hope, Amanda Cunningham shares her personal journey as a mother of three, including her daughter Rory, who was born with Down Syndrome. Amanda candidly reflects on the surprise of Rory's diagnosis at birth and the learning curve that followed. Through her story, Amanda emphasizes the importance of inclusion and how societal perceptions have evolved with greater visibility and acceptance in everyday life.Amanda shares the challenges they've faced in navigating the educational system, particularly in the complexities of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for children with special...2024-08-1357 minWe Have Hope69. Dual Enrollment vs. Concurrent Enrollment: What’s the Difference?In this episode, Kim sheds light on the critical differences between dual enrollment and concurrent enrollment, offering valuable insights for parents and students alike. She explores various options within each program and covers essential topics such as high school credits and the requirements of the Hope Scholarship.Kim provides practical advice and actionable information, ensuring parents and guardians can make informed decisions about their child's education. She discusses the advantages and potential challenges of both dual and concurrent enrollment, helping families navigate these pathways with confidence.She concludes the episode with an empowering reminder: as...2024-06-2536 minWe Have Hope68. The Write Journey with Kris CordellIn this episode, we sit down with Kris, a dedicated homeschool mom, who shares her journey of teaching her four children. She recalls the excitement of discovering the "perfect" language arts curriculum, only to hit a brick wall a few weeks into each school year. This overwhelming experience led her to realize that her children didn't need to master every detail to succeed.This epiphany was the catalyst for the creation of The Write Journey three decades ago. Kris's mission became clear—distilling the best, most essential elements from the vast array of available curricula to focus on...2024-06-1141 minWe Have Hope67. Bridging Gaps and Empowering Futures at Middle College with Sarah MarshallToday on We Have Hope, Kim talks with Sarah Marshall of KVC West Virginia. KVC West Virginia is a state-licensed child placement agency dedicated to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. After seeing a need for more educational options for youth experiencing foster care, KVC partnered with First Star Academy and Fairmont State to offer Middle College.Middle College at Fairmont State University is a specialized, on-campus academic program created for West Virginia youth in foster care. It provides a pathway for high school students to simultaneously earn a high school diploma...2024-05-2846 minWe Have Hope66. The Hope Scholarship and Microschools with Erica Wimmer Pt. 2Welcome back to part 2 of our conversation with Erica Wimmer.In this episode, we are taking a deeper dive into the effects of the Hope Scholarship, exploring new educational possibilities, teaching kids to learn, and individualized needs of students.If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, go back and listen to it first! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!Episode Highlights:Latching onto Hope.A personal touch on education.Finding out what works.Learning to learn.Hope for West Virginia.IEPs an...2024-05-2150 minWe Have Hope65. The Hope Scholarship and Microschools with Erica Wimmer Pt. 1We're thrilled to welcome Erika Wimmer back to today's episode. Erika, a former educator in the public school system for 14 years, taught every grade level in elementary education and served as an instructional coach and interventionist.Growing dissatisfied with the public school system, Erika learned about the Hope Scholarship and microschools. She saw this as the perfect opportunity to start her own school. Securing a $10,000 grant, she set up her school in a local recreation center. However, on the same day, the Hope Scholarship was revoked, causing seven prospective students, all with Hope Scholarships, to withdraw their...2024-05-1436 minWe Have Hope64. WIN Academy with Tina SpauldingToday, we are chatting with Tina Spaulding, Dual Enrollment Coordinator at WIN Academy at Bridge Valley Community and Technical College. WIN Academy is the Kanawha Valley’s newest charter school that provides an accelerated, dynamic degree program for up to 120 high school juniors and seniors who are passionate and focused on starting a career.In our conversation, we dive into the heart of WIN Academy, what they provide, how to sign up, partnering with area schools, and what the future holds. Tune in to lear...2024-04-1635 minWe Have Hope63. Introducing Our Newest Member at Love Your School WV, Tiffany HobenWelcome back to We Have Hope! We are excited for you to meet our newest member here at Love Your School - Tiffany Hoben!Tiffany taught for over a decade in the school system with a focus on Civics & Government. She eventually went on to secure a district position, helping teachers with instructional coaching and curriculum support. From there, she moved into a board of education role in Florida, where Governor DeSantis had rolled out the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative, helping implement the new Civics & Government standards and providing professional development and support. 2024-03-2625 minWe Have Hope62. Wisest Learners with Dr. Wallace Panlilio and Dr. Artyom ZinchenkoJoin us as we interview the authors, Dr. Wallace Panlilio and Dr. Artyom Zinchenko, both esteemed educators with PhDs in Educational Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. Together, they have crafted a modern and practical guidebook called Wisest Learners for parents, offering invaluable insights and strategies to nurture inquisitive, motivated, and triumphant lifelong learners.During the interview, we explore the transformative power of intentional parenting and its profound impact on a child's educational journey. The authors share their expertise on parental strategies, learning foundations, and learning strategy management, drawing from years of practical experience and research....2024-03-121h 03We Have Hope61. Wild + Free with Tiffany Dixon & Sara SestitoIn today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tiffany Dixon & Sara Sestito from the Wild + Free North Central West Virginia Chapter. Inspired by Ainsley Arment's book "Call of the Wild + Free," Wild + Free is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering connections among mothers and facilitating children's exploration of nature.Join us as we delve into the essence of Wild + Free, its origins, what newcomers can anticipate, and the various ways in which mothers continue to foster connections throughout the year. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about this extraordinary and vibrant program.2024-02-2740 minWe Have Hope60. Live Interviews from Our National School Choice Week EventIn this episode, join Kim as she conducts live interviews at the National School Choice Week event! You’ll hear from three different educational & extracurricular options here in West Virginia and learn more about the services they offer.The resounding message we hope you will glean from this episode is that there are many educational options available in West Virginia, and if you don’t find one that works for you, maybe you are the one who will bring it to life! The future is looking bright for West Virginia!2024-02-1321 minWe Have Hope59. Wild & Wonderful Enrichment with Jodie WitmerWe’re excited to have Jodie Witmer, owner and founder of Wild & Wonderful Enrichment with us on the show today. Jodie started her career in education in the summers of her college years, working with kids in small groups. She graduated with a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Shepherd University. When her son turned three, they started forest school, and she shares that it was their first introduction to homeschool. She went on to eventually enroll him in public kindergarten, but during his first grade year, she felt that they needed a transition.2024-01-3033 minWe Have Hope58. Join Us for Our National School Choice Week Event!: The Morgantown School Fair with Amanda Kieffer of the Cardinal InstituteNational School Choice Week is coming up, and we’ve partnered with the Cardinal Institute to put on a school fair! On the show today, I’m chatting with Amanda Kieffer at the Cardinal Institute about National School Choice Week. We’re diving deeper into the meaning, the reason we celebrate, and sharing details about our upcoming school fair!We’d love to invite you to join us for our School Fair on 1/27/24 from 10am-1pm at the Erickson Alumni Center in Ruby Grand Hall in Morgantown, WV. We will have...2024-01-1632 minWe Have Hope57. Education from a Mother’s Perspective with Estie WoodardToday, we’re sitting down with Estie Woodard, mom of 3, to talk about all things education and community.Estie Woodard was raised as a homeschooled student and has worked in multiple educational arenas from Montessori to a classical Christian school. She is passionate about the idea that parents can choose their children’s educational options from year to year based on what fits their needs.Tune in today as we chat with Estie about her experience working in education, educating her children, and finding her community. 2024-01-0949 minWe Have Hope56. If You Build It, They Will Come: Teach to the Text with Ellen FinniganAfter a decade of teaching in different settings, Ellen Finnigan began to ask herself, ‘What if I could teach how I want to?’. Ellen had taught online, was a writing coach for homeschooled students, and taught in a hybrid school, but after several years, she was beginning to feel burnt out.From this inner wrestling, Teach to the Text was born. Through her program, Ellen aims to make classical education more accessible and affordable for homeschool families, and students who might be suffering from low expectations or just looking for a good challenge. 2024-01-0244 minWe Have Hope55. Raising the Bar for West Virginia’s Education with Heidi TreuWe’re excited to have Heidi Treu back on the show with us today! Heidi is the co-founder and executive Director of West Virginia Academy, West Virginia's first tuition-free wraparound community school.In just its 2nd year, West Virginia Academy was announced as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 Yass Prize Award for education. The Yass Prize rewards programs that are sustainable, transformational, outstanding, and permissionless, and finalists were selected based on a rigorous assessment involving an initial application, multiple interviews, a site visit, and participation in several workshops and conferences held in Cleveland, Miami, New Y...2023-12-1932 minWe Have Hope54. Putting Faith in Action at Trinity Christian SchoolTrinity Christian School is more than just an educational institution; it's a nurturing community built on the belief that a strong foundation in academics, faith, and character development creates resilient individuals. At Trinity, students embark on a transformative journey where academic excellence harmonizes with spiritual growth. The school believes that a strong partnership between students, parents, and faculty creates an environment where each student can thrive and reach their full potential. Emphasizing the biblical principle that "a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken," Trinity Christian School recognizes the importance of unity between families, e...2023-12-1250 minWe Have Hope53. From Teaching to Homeschooling - Insights from Education Consultant Kristen AdkinsIn today's insightful conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kristen Adkins, an education consultant and former foster parent deeply entrenched in the foster care system. Kristen's journey is one of immense transitions, highlighting the transformative power of community, compassion, and finding one's purpose.Kristen embarked on her professional journey as a dedicated medical professional, committed to on-call shifts that often stretched into weekends and late nights. However, the demanding schedule led her to grapple with the reality of being away from her family. Driven by a desire for a more balanced life, she pivoted towards...2023-12-0548 minWe Have Hope52. Helping Students Capitalize on Their Strengths with Dr. Norrine RussellIn today’s conversation, we are chatting with Dr. Norrine Russell, founder of Russell Coaching for Students. Russell Coaching specializes in helping students with complex ADHD. This may look like a very unmotivated teen who struggles with homework, organization, planning, and more. Their coaches are experts in providing services to students with multiple diagnoses.Dr. Norrine shares about Russell Coaching, their method, trends in education, options, and so much more in this enlightening episode. She reminds us that, as parents, we have the freedom to make individual choices regarding each of our children’s education every year. ...2023-11-2850 min
The Positively West Virginia PodcastEmily Allred: Peace, Love and Little Donuts Today we're thankful that we got to speak with Emily Allred, owner of Peace, Love and Little Donuts of Morgantown, a donut and coffee shop in Suncrest Town Center. Emily was a worker at Peace, Love and Little Donuts and ended up buying the the business. We talk about what it was like transitioning to being an owner, how she's built a culture, and some toppings that people like to put on their donuts. Sponsored by Huntington National Bank | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia | Freedom Kia of Morgantown WV | StoryMaker | Ignitewv 2023-11-2332 minWe Have Hope51. Embracing the Family’s Role in Education with Melissa Mohr of City On A Hill Christian AcademyIn today’s episode, we are chatting with Melissa Mohr, Head of School at City On A Hill Christian Academy. Melissa has been in the private school setting for 19 years and in education for even longer. City On A Hill opened in the fall of 2022 after Melissa and a group of educators saw a need for another schooling option and teamed up to fill that need. In its inaugural year, the school had over 50 students in attendance from grades K5 through 12. With classes capped at 15 students, the school is set...2023-11-2142 minWe Have Hope50. Making Science Accessible with Scott Burns of Home Science ToolsIn this episode, we delve into the world of making science an exciting journey for families and students. Our guest, Scott Burns from Home Science Tools, joins us to explore the ways in which their company is revolutionizing the accessibility of science education.Scott shares insights into the challenges students and families face in accessing quality science resources and how Home Science Tools is bridging this gap. From hands-on kits to specialized tools, they're empowering budding scientists and curious minds to explore scientific concepts in a practical, engaging manner....2023-11-1429 minWe Have Hope49. The Importance of Early Childhood Education with Mariah Burnley, Owner/Director of Ohio Valley Child Learning CenterWhen Mariah Burnley couldn’t find the right childcare option for her 9 month old, the opportunity arose to open her own center. Within her second year of opening, her husband was able to retire from his 90 hour a week job and work alongside her. We love Mariah’s story so much, and are so excited to dive deeper with her on the importance of early childhood education. We chat about quality of care, social & emotional development, setting realistic expectations for kids, and much more in our conversation with her.We in...2023-11-0755 minWe Have Hope48. Meet Love Your School West Virginia’s New Executive Director, Buster Nicholson!We’re excited to introduce today’s guest, Love Your School West Virginia’s new Executive Director, Buster Nicholson! Buster has worked in the public school system as a teacher and administrator. He had his own tutoring center, and he & his wife of 33 years homeschooled their children from 1998-2021.In today’s episode, we dive into Buster’s past, discuss his hopes for the school choice movement in West Virginia, and his dreams for Love Your School WV’s future.Buster brings vast experience & knowledge to our team, and we can’t wait...2023-10-3136 minWe Have Hope47. Parent Empowerment with ‘The Education Lady’, Virginia Walden Ford Part 2Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Virginia Walden Ford. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, we’d like to encourage you to go back in listen to episode 46 before diving into this episode!Virginia Walden Ford is one of America’s leading advocates for parent empowerment. As a student, a mother, an advocate, and a grandmother, Virginia has spent her lifetime fighting to create new educational opportunities for children and families.Fueled by her passion for educational opportunity, Virginia Walden Ford has inspired families, filmmakers, and lawmakers to mak...2023-10-2440 minWe Have Hope46. Parent Empowerment with ‘The Education Lady’, Virginia Walden Ford Part 1Virginia Walden Ford is one of America’s leading advocates for parent empowerment. As a student, a mother, an advocate, and a grandmother, Virginia has spent her lifetime fighting to create new educational opportunities for children and families.Fueled by her passion for educational opportunity, Virginia Walden Ford has inspired families, filmmakers, and lawmakers to make positive educational changes that benefit all American children.We loved our conversation with Virginia so much that we couldn’t bring ourselves to cut it short, so it is broken into two parts. Come...2023-10-1737 minWe Have Hope45. Advocating for Our Children with Kathie Hess CrouseKathie Hess Crouse serves as a member of the House of Delegates. She is a mom of 5, past president of West Virginia Home Educators, the first female athletic commissioner for the West Virginia Athletic Commission, and she currently runs the largest Facebook group for homeschoolers called The Unsocialized Homeschoolers of West Virginia. Kathie’s three oldest children graduated from public school. An unfortunate experience with one of her younger children’s kindergarten teacher caused her to pull him out of public school. She weighed her options between private school and homeschooling and ultimately decided to ho...2023-10-1042 minWe Have Hope44. A Peek into the WVSSAC with Executive Director Bernie DolanWe recently had the pleasure of chatting with Bernie Dolan, executive director of the WVSSAC.The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) is a private, voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of the principals or designees of West Virginia public and private secondary schools who have elected to delegate control, supervision, and regulations of their interscholastic, band, and robotics activities to the Commission.In our conversation, we discussed limitations & rules, WVSSAC resources, processes, and more. Tune in to learn more about the WVSSAC and the work they do for the...2023-10-0342 minWe Have Hope43. Education is Relationship-Based with Meredith Olson from VELA Education FundToday, on the show, we are joined by Meredith Olson from the VELA Education Fund. VELA Education Fund supports everyday entrepreneurs who are boldly reimagining education. The fund serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country.Meredith shares about how VELA was started, what they do, and the impact they are having on education. VELA is an incredible organization that is impacting the lives of thousands of students and their families.Tune in today to learn more about this incredible program!2023-09-2642 minWe Have Hope42. What Is The HOPE Scholarship?We have some new listeners around here, so we thought now would be a good time to talk about the HOPE Scholarship! The HOPE Scholarship is an ESA (Education Savings Account) for eligible students in West Virginia.In this episode, we will talk about what the scholarship is, eligibility requirements, the application process, resources, and more. We are passionate about this awesome program and love helping educate parents about it!As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We would love to t...2023-09-1922 minWe Have Hope41. We’re Back for Season Two!Welcome back to the We Have Hope Podcast! Thanks for tuning in for Season TWO!We hope you had a great summer and are settling nicely into the new school year. We have a great lineup for you this season, and we’re so excited to share these interviews with you!Each year is a new opportunity for growth for you and your family. Parenting can be challenging, but your love and dedication are making a positive impact on your child's life. Keep going, and remember that yo...2023-09-1220 minWe Have Hope40. Season 1 RecapWelcome to our Season 1 Recap! We have had an amazing first season with some truly inspiring guests. Thank you so much to each of our guests for coming on the podcast and sharing your stories. We’ve talked to educators, providers, an elected official, and parents on the show, and it was fascinating to hear each of their stories. You’ve brought inspiration, joy, and hope to countless others by sharing your successes and ideas with us. Thanks to our listeners for an incredible season, and we will be back w...2023-05-3025 minWe Have Hope39. Pathways Early College Academy with Alden KiertznerWelcome back to We Have Hope! We have a special guest on the show with us today. Alden Kiertzner, founding principal of Pathways Early College Academy is here with us to share about their program. PECA is an online High School Academy partnered with Pathways College. Pathways College started with a mission to bring affordable college to every student. Through the process, they saw an opportunity to give high school students a way to work ahead, earn college credits, and reduce college tuition.By attending PECA, students have the p...2023-05-2342 minWe Have Hope38. A Classical Christian Education at Emmanuel Christian SchoolIn today’s episode, we are learning more about Emmanuel Christian School in Clarksburg, West Virginia. ECS focuses on providing a classical Christian education to their students. The school is in it’s 50th year!ECS is an extension of Emmanuel Baptist Church. They are first and foremost a ministry, so they are dedicated to helping families in any way they can. ECS is also a Hope Provider! Their belief is that happy kids learn better, so they make a diligent effort to provide a joyful environment for their students and teachers. 2023-05-1647 minWe Have Hope37. Selling Hope with Jamie DickensonThe process of preparing, getting accepted, and choosing a college can be overwhelming for both students and parents.. but today’s guest prides herself in helping families along the way. Jamie Dickenson is a Certified Educational Planner in Charleston, West Virginia. She typically begins her work with students when they are in 8th grade. Jamie is extremely well versed in all aspects of college prep & admittance, and has helped numerous students navigate the process over the last 25 years.Join us today as we learn from Jamie!Episode Hig...2023-05-0949 minWe Have Hope36. A Look Inside West Virginia Academy: West Virginia’s First Public Charter SchoolIn today’s episode, we are sitting down with Heidi Treu, executive director and founder of West Virginia Academy. West Virginia Academy is West Virginia’s first charter school.After moving to West Virginia, Heidi & her husband started their children in public school. One year into their public education, it was apparent to the parents that their children were not thriving in this environment. The Treu’s made the decision to pull their children from public school and homeschool them. After a year of homeschool, they decided to give public school another chance, and once again w...2023-05-0243 minWe Have Hope35. Opportunity for Everyone at St. Mary’s & Notre Dame with Ashley VernonIn today’s episode, we are chatting with Ashley Vernon, Development Director at St. Mary’s Grade School & Notre Dame High School. Ashley’s goal in her role is to continuously push the schools to move forward and grow. She has two daughters of her own that attend St. Mary’s.St. Mary’s offers Christ centered education for Pre-K 3 through 6th grade, and Notre Dame offers 7th through 12th grade. Ashley shares that there is opportunity for everyone in their schools. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to reach out with any questions.We hope you enjoy l...2023-04-2546 minWe Have Hope34. Reclaiming Our Children’s Future with West Virginia State Treasurer Riley MooreToday on the show, we have special guest West Virginia State Treasurer Riley Moore. Treasurer Moore started out as a welder maintaining mining equipment. He worked his way through college, and went on to work on Capitol Hill on the House Foreign Affairs Committee as a National Security Advisor. Eventually, he left government and worked in the private sector defense industry. After some time, Treasurer Moore felt the pull to public service, moved back to West Virginia, and was elected State Treasurer in 2021.In today’s episode, we are discussing different savings plans and programs with Treasurer Mo...2023-04-1835 minWe Have Hope33. A Parent's Perspective with Victoria EvansToday on We Have Hope, we are chatting with our editor and friend, Victoria Evans. Victoria lives in Salem, West Virginia with her husband Travis and their two children. In our conversation today, Victoria shares about challenges her daughter had before, during, and after the school shutdowns, and how school choice made a way for them to find freedom, flexibility, and stability in a time when they needed it most.In the 21-22 school year, the Evans family switched both of their children to a homeschooling partnership at Centerbranch Academy. The partnership combines the f...2023-04-1132 minWe Have Hope32. Inspiring Hope in Children with Kristine Ayers Cline of Laurel AcademySeven years ago, Kristine Ayers Cline saw a need. She was in a field in which she worked with people with disabilities and she started to notice a pattern: Many of those she worked with would come into her office asking for help to file for social security benefits. She had the ability to help them file, but she chose first to try to inspire them instead. Her belief is that ‘everyone can do something’.Kristine has a passion for helping children find & achieve their dreams.. and out of this passion, Laurel Academy was born. She believed that...2023-04-0441 minWe Have Hope31. Linsly School with Head of School Justin ZimmermanWelcome back to We Have Hope! In today’s episode, we sat down with Justin Zimmerman, Head of School at Linsly in Wheeling, WV to learn more about their school. Linsly is an independent day boarding school that offers grades five through twelve. They offer day time school as well as boarding school for the upper grades. Founded in 1814, Linsly is the longest standing boarding school west of the Allegheny Mountains. They offer need based financial assistance, and are also a HOPE provider!Linsly’s mission is to promote academic excellence, inspire lifelong learning, develop futur...2023-03-2842 minWe Have Hope30. Mountaineer Homeschool Hub with Angie ChannellWelcome back to the We Have Hope Podcast! Today on the show, we are chatting with Angie Channell, founder of Mountaineer Homeschool Hub.In 2011, Angie’s son came to her and asked her to be homeschooled. He was in second grade at the time and was being bullied in school. After some research and support of friends and her husband, Angie took the leap into homeschooling her son.Their homeschooling journey continued through 6th grade, and in 7th grade, her son decided to try school again. By his 8th grade year, he decided he wanted to...2023-03-2144 minWe Have Hope29. WVU High School ACCESS Early College Program with Rishira DilleWelcome back to the We Have Hope Podcast! Today, we are chatting with Rishira Dille - Program Coordinator for WVU High School ACCESS Early College Program.WVU High School ACCESS Early College Program allows 10th-12th grade students to take college courses while still attending High School. The only requirement is a 3.0 grade point average. Students can apply on the program’s website which we will link below. The program is open to anyone in the country and classes can be taken online or on campus.This program provides a great opportunity for students to...2023-03-1437 minWe Have Hope28. Learning in Nature with Katie Switzer of Monongalia Forest SchoolWelcome back, friends! Today on the show, we are joined by Katie Switzer, founder of Monongalia Forest School. Katie lives in Morgantown with her husband and four kids. In the summer of 2021, she began looking for a forest school for her kids to participate in. When she didn’t find an option that was the right fit for her family, she decided to start her own!Katie reached out to a friend who had been running a forest school in another state for advice, and the friend offered to share her curriculum with her. That’s when Monon...2023-03-0739 minWe Have Hope27. Anyone Can Code with Monica Say of Code With NanoWelcome back to the We Have Hope Podcast!We have an exciting guest on the show today! Monica Say from Code With Nano is here to talk to us about coding and the one on one courses she has available. According to Monica - anyone can code! How exciting would it be for your child to learn to code and be able to look at their work and say ‘I did that!’? This is an ever growing field and a wonderful skill for kids to have in their toolbelt. Also, we have exciting news - Code...2023-02-2836 minWe Have Hope26. Being the Adult You Needed as a Child with Gabi Hayes Licensed Social Worker Pt. 2Welcome back to part two of our conversation with licensed social worker, Gabi Hayes. In today’s episode, we dig deep into ‘Trauma Informed Care’ and what it looks like.We are so excited you decided to join us today!Episode Highlights:What is Trauma Informed Care?How Do You Determine if Someone is Trauma Informed?Simple Things You Can Do at Home to Manage Your Responses to a Child’s BehaviorWhat Does ‘We Have Hope’ Mean to Gabi?More on Love Your School/Links...2023-02-2127 minWe Have Hope25. Being the Adult You Needed as a Child with Gabi Hayes Licensed Social Worker - Pt. 1Sometimes it just takes that one person stepping up to change the course of a child’s life.In today’s episode, Kim & Leah sit down with licensed social worker Gabi Hayes to discuss everything from implementing various tools & techniques to breaking unhealthy generational cycles. Children have complex emotions and they need someone who will advocate for them and step into that space with them to help navigate those emotions.Gabi shares some great insight and techniques in this episode, and we are so excited to share them with you. Come back next week...2023-02-1435 minWe Have Hope24. The Transformative Power of Education with Dr. Joni Gray of Pierpont Community and Technical CollegeDid you know that your middle schooler could potentially take college courses?We are so excited to share today’s episode with you. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Joni Gray, Transitions Education Specialist with Pierpont Community and Technical College to talk about some of the educational opportunities they offer. As Transitions Education Specialist, Dr. Joni Gray is available to help students make transitions into their next level of education. During our chat, she shared with us how Pierpont College Academy is challenging the way we view college. It is...2023-02-0742 minWe Have Hope23. Focusing on the ‘Whole Child’ with Ashley Matheny of Whole Child Learning AcademyWhen Ashley Matheny was growing up, she always thought she would be a Public School Teacher. She imagined herself teaching for 30 years and then retiring. While she did end up teaching public school, it didn’t go exactly as planned. She taught for several years, but around year 4, she began to feel ‘burnt out’. After a medical leave of absence, Ashley ended up resigning.During her time of healing, Ashley’s mind was opened up to new ways of living out her calling. She started out as an online tutor around 2015, and eventually broke out into tutoring on her o...2023-01-3130 minWe Have Hope22. Teaching from the Heart with Helen Bradley of The IDEA CenterWelcome back to the We Have Hope podcast! Today, we are chatting with Helen Bradley of The IDEA Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. Since 2019, Helen has been tutoring students one on one in this after school tutoring program. The I-D-E-A in IDEA Center stands for ‘Individual Development Education Assistance’. Something that really stands out about this program is the wide age range of students that they tutor. We enjoyed talking with Helen about her center and about her heart for teaching. Thanks for joining us and we hope you enjoy this chat as much as we did...2023-01-2425 minWe Have Hope21. Homeschooling = Freedom! with Roy Ramey of WVHEAWelcome back, friends! We are excited to share today’s episode with you! We had the chance to sit down with Roy Ramey, President of the West Virginia Home Educators Association to talk about all things homeschool.Roy is a retired military officer. He spent 33 years in active duty in the Reserves and Guard. At a young age, Roy developed a passion for homeschool, despite the fact that he was in the public education system. He made the decision that he wanted to homeschool his future children before he even had his daughter. Roy’s teaching experience firs...2023-01-1738 minWe Have HopeSpecial Episode! Love Your School National School Choice Week Family Fun Day Event at Canaan Valley Ski ResortWelcome Everyone! Please Join Us to Celebrate National School Choice Week in West Virginia!This event is completely free to you and the first 50 families get a free swag bag! Come learn about school choice, celebrate your options together, and have a blast! The event will take place at Canaan Valley Ski Resort in Davis, West Virginia on Saturday, January 21, beginning at 11:00 AM. Come on in and enjoy some grab-and-go snacks and entertainment vendors! There will be outdoor s'mores by a fire pit and snow toys to enjoy! If you feel like staying the night, there are...2023-01-1310 minWe Have Hope20. Transforming K-12 with Keri Hunter of Stand Together TrustIn this week’s episode, we are chatting with Keri Hunter of Stand Together Trust. Keri is a mother to a seventh grader and a senior. Though her children are only teens, Keri has been in the School Choice movement for over 20 years. Stand Together Trust is a broader philanthropic community looking to help solve some of the biggest challenges in America. One of such challenges is to transform K-12 schooling. The trust believes in people and strives to work from the bottom up to create change and transformation.We had a great time learning mor...2023-01-1041 minWe Have Hope19. Administration Supporting Students and Teachers with Drew VillaniIn this week’s episode of We Have Hope, we had a chat with Drew Villani about administration valuing students & parents input and supporting teachers & staff. With several years of experience in education, Drew is in his first year of being head principal at West Liberty Elementary & Bethlehem Elementary in Wheeling, West Virginia. He shared with us some of the ways he includes students and teachers in decision making and also some of their creative rewards systems.This episode is packed with valuable insight from Drew, and we are excited to share it with you!...2023-01-0332 minWe Have Hope18. A Creative Solution with Cyndi Rookstool, Director of Centerbranch AcademyWelcome back to the We Have Hope podcast! We are so excited to share today’s episode with you. We sat down with Cyndi Rookstool, director of Centerbranch Academy to chat about the schooling option they are offering. Cyndi is originally from Orlando, Florida where she taught for 6 years. Her family moved to West Virginia around ten years ago, and she noticed there weren’t as many school options for her children. They found a school they loved, and Cyndi taught there for a couple years while her three older children attended there. Eventually, they switched to homes...2022-12-2732 minWe Have Hope17. Be the First with Lynnette Haizlett, Founder of Cornerstone Christian AcademySometimes you just have to be willing to be the first at something. About 6 years ago, Lynnette Haizlett saw a need. The community where she lived didn’t have many schooling options. They had public school and then one Christian school about a half hour away. After discussing it with her husband, he suggested that they start a Christian school. Though it would be a huge undertaking, this felt like the right move as Lynnette’s dad was a Director of Christian school for years.Lynnette’s church had a large facility that they graciously let the school...2022-12-2038 minWe Have Hope16. Going Against The Grain in Education with Dr. Kathleen MillerWelcome back to the We Have Hope podcast! Today, we are excited to share with you a conversation we had with Dr. Kathleen Miller, director of Cornerstone Christian Academy. Dr. Kathleen holds a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has completed doctoral coursework from Freedom Bible College. She received her Bachelor's Degree with a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Mathematics from Wheeling Jesuit University and a Master's Degree in Secondary Teaching and Technology from California University of PA. She has over 30 years of teaching experience and is not afraid to go...2022-12-1347 minWe Have Hope15. Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy with Melvin WombleWelcome back to We Have Hope! Today, we are joined by Melvin Womble of Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy. Melvin is the head principal and is here to tell us a little about their school!Eastern Panhandle Preparatory Academy was the first brick and mortar charter school in West Virginia. They are in their first year, and already have 320 students enrolled and a wait list! Currently, they offer grades Pre-K through 10th, and plan to expand to 11th next year.We hope you’ll join us today and learn more about this schooling option in Kearneysville, WV...2022-12-0622 minWe Have Hope14. Dynamic Dyslexia & Speech with Jaimee SzymanskiDid you know that Dyslexia affects one in five people?One of those people is Jaimee Szymanski’s sister. Over the years, Jaimee watched her mother help her sister learn, and she developed a passion for helping others with dyslexia. She went on to become a speech language pathologist that specializes in dyslexia diagnosis and tutoring.Jaimee’s mission is to help parents and students obtain & navigate their diagnosis and move forward with the proper tutoring & services. She owns Dynamic Dyslexia & Speech in Weirton, West Virginia, where she works with families from multiple state...2022-11-2955 minWe Have Hope13. Eyes and Brains STEM Center with Eric EisenbreyEyes and Brains STEM Center in Elkins, WV is focused on providing an independence driven, student led learning experience. Founder and Director Eric Eisenbrey had taught in the public school system for ten years, and ended each school year feeling like he was coming up short. He felt that students’ needs were not being met, and he was determined to create something to meet those needs. In his research, Eric came across the concept of microschools, and it clicked. After much research, he started Eyes & Brains STEM Center. The center offers nontraditional instruction, as well as offering a L...2022-11-2235 minWe Have Hope12. Post Pandemic Education - A Time for Change with Marc LeBlond from Ed ChoiceWelcome back to We Have Hope!Today, we are chatting with Marc LeBlond, Director of Policy for Ed Choice. Ed Choice is the intellectual legacy of Milton Friedman. Their mission is to advance educational freedom and choice for all children as a pathway to successful lives and a stronger society.Marc grew up in Connecticut and comes from a school choice family with three other siblings. Growing up, his grandmother paid for him to attend private school. He now has four children of his own and lives with his wife and kids in Pennsylvania. Marc’s...2022-11-1537 min
The Positively West Virginia PodcastRay Glymph: Taking Your Business to the Next LevelRay Glymph is a Business & Life coach who helps encourage not only new but veteran entrepreneurs to better their businesses. Mr. Glymph has inspired businesses of all sizes from mom and pop businesses to 8 figure corporations. His unique coaching style has awarded him the spotlight on many platforms. He has been featured on Yahoo, Google, and is a 40 Under 40 Candidate. His most recent Awards include best new Business of the year & NAACP Champion of Change. Mr Glymph is a driven entrepreneur that knows a lot about triumph in the world of business and is able...2022-11-1035 minWe Have Hope11. Empowering Parents to Advocate for Their Children with Christine DoughertyIt’s time to empower parents to have a voice in their children’s education.In today’s episode, we chat with Christine Dougherty of The National Coalition for Public School Options, a nonprofit parent volunteer led school choice advocacy association. The program started in 2008, and has grown to service 36 states in the US. The goal is to provide unlimited access to schools of choice for parents.We hope you will take some time out of your day to listen to our discussion about school choice options and empowering parents to advocate for their...2022-11-0826 minWe Have Hope10. Virtual Charter School Teacher ChatIn today’s episode, we sat down with some of the teachers from West Virginia Virtual Academy to discuss virtual learning with a charter school. We discussed how each of them got into virtual teaching, some of the benefits of virtual learning, their experiences and more! Virtual learning provides flexibility that cannot be afforded in a traditional classroom. Some students thrive in this flexible environment, while others do better in a brick and mortar setting.Every family’s needs are different, and it is our goal to explore school choice and help families find the best fit for...2022-10-3147 minWe Have Hope9. A Pivotal Moment for Virtual Charter Schools in WV with Doug CipolettiDid you know that you have options when it comes to virtual charter schools in WV?West Virginia Virtual Academy is a Virtual Charter School providing education with live instruction from Kindergarten to Tenth Grade in the entire state. The school is in its first year in existence, and currently has 377 students enrolled.Offering career based classes beginning in middle school, WVVA helps give students the opportunity to get a heads up on their future.Please join us today as we talk with Head of School, Doug Cipoletti about WVVA and...2022-10-2532 minWe Have HopeBonus Episode: Hope Scholarship Update!Have you heard the news?! The Hope Scholarship is back in business!To recap - The Hope Scholarship Program is an education savings account (ESA) program that will allow parents and families to utilize the state portion of their education funding to tailor an individualized learning experience that works best for them. (Taken from hopescholarshipwv.com)The Hope Scholarship was originally supposed to launch for the 2022-2023 school year, but an injunction was filed & granted on July 6, 2022 forcing the program to come to a halt. This left many families who were counting on...2022-10-1919 minWe Have Hope8. Virtual Charter School In West Virginia with Rusty GrayDid you know there is a virtual charter school in West Virginia?Virtual Prep Academy of West Virginia is a tuition-free, virtual public school serving students all over West Virginia. Today on the show, we are joined by Rusty Gray, Head of School of VPA. Rusty has over 30 years of experience in education, and is excited to share information about this unique educational experience that is now available in WV.VPA utilizes virtual live class instruction, providing a distraction free environment for students to learn. Sessions are recorded, offering more flexibility in the e...2022-10-1837 minWe Have Hope7. Charter Schools in West Virginia with James PaulWhat is a Charter School? There are a lot of common misconceptions about charter schools. In today’s episode, Kim & Leah have a chat with James Paul - Executive director of WV Charter School Board, a board that was created one year ago to authorize new charter schools in West Virginia.A Charter School is a tuition free, independent public school that receives more autonomy and flexibility from the state in exchange for more direct accountability. A lot of bureaucratic jurisdictions that apply to public schools do not apply to charter schools. There are less regulations and...2022-10-1133 min
The Positively West Virginia PodcastThe Hatter's Bookshop: The Pursuit of KnowledgeTammy was born and raised in the small town of Laeger, WV (pronounced yeager). Tammy grew up in a home where reading was encouraged from an early age. Furthering her education was important to her parents because they were never afforded the opportunity to go beyond 5th and 8th grade. However, they each had profound respect for learning and education - passing those traits on to Tammy. Tammy is a graduate of Concord University with a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She primarily taught in Tazewell County, VA and Mercer County, WV. Tammy retired early in 2014...2022-10-0638 minWe Have Hope6. Micro schools: A Personalized Education Experience Pt. 2 with Erika WimmerWelcome back to Part 2 of our discussion with Erika Wimmer! Part 1 was so insightful, and we know Part 2 is going to be just as great! Erika is very knowledgeable and so gracious to share with us. In this episode, we dive deeper into what micro schools are. There are a lot of misconceptions about what they are and how they work. Erika does a great job of explaining what a micro school is and what the benefits are!We are so excited to share this episode with you and hope you find it as enlightening as we d...2022-10-0424 minWe Have Hope5. Micro schools: A Personalized Education Experience Pt. 1 with Erika WimmerErika Wimmer has been an educator in the public school system for 14 years. She has taught every grade level in elementary education and has been an instructional coach and interventionist. Erika has two children - a 20-year-old and a 6-year-old. Both of her children have been in the public school setting, but her 6-year-old has not had a great experience. Erika was growing unhappy with the public school system and began to hear about the Hope Scholarship and micro-schools. She decided that it would be the perfect time to start her own school. She acquired a $10,000 grant a...2022-09-2730 minWe Have Hope4. Hope Scholarship and the Education Marketplace with Andrew BambrickWhat is the Hope Scholarship? How can the funding be used? Will the Hope Scholarship be able to move forward? In today’s episode, we talk with Andrew Bambrick, Education Outreach Coordinator at the Cardinal Institute about all the details of the Hope Scholarship Program. There are some misconceptions about the program, and Andrew is eager to clear up the confusion and help people better understand how it works. The Hope Scholarship is a portion of state-allocated educational dollars that would be allotted to eligible students for use on state-approved educational programs. The funds would be transferred int...2022-09-2043 minWe Have Hope3. A Good Education Can Break the Chains of Circumstances - Kim’s StoryIn today’s episode, we dive in and learn about Kim Dully, Grassroots Coordinator with Love Your School. Kim is married and is a mother of 3 kids ages 9, 8, & 6. Kim’s children attend a Private Christian School at which she and her husband were part of the planning committee.The mother of 3 is also the oldest of 3 kids. Things were tough for her family growing up, which eventually led to her grandmother bringing Kim, her mother and her siblings from San Antonio, TX back to Pennsylvania to be close to family. Her father followed. Over the years, Kim’s pare...2022-09-1333 minWe Have Hope2. If You Don’t Have Hope, How Will Your Kids? - Leah's StoryJoin us today as we sit down with Leah Peck, Grassroots Coordinator with Love Your School. Leah always knew she wanted to be a mother. It was her biggest goal for as long as she could remember. At 28, she hadn’t had any children yet and decided to look into foster care. In 2019, she adopted her son at 18 months old. Six months later, she met her husband who already had three children. Since getting married, they’ve fostered another child and their home has had an open door to many children. Leah had an interesting upbringing. Being raised...2022-09-1324 minWe Have Hope1. We Have Hope with Jenny ClarkWelcome to the We Have Hope Podcast where we will discuss school choice options in West Virginia, the Hope Scholarship, and more! Today, we are talking with Founder & Executive Director of Love Your School, Jenny Clark, to learn more about how the program was started, and where it is going!Jenny Clark was homeschooling her two young boys, and felt that something was ‘off’. A friend suggested that she have them evaluated. In the evaluation, she was told that the boys did not have any learning disabilities, but the struggles she was facing were due to th...2022-09-1324 minWe Have HopeWelcome to We Have Hope West VirginiaThank you for joining us on the We Have Hope West Virginia Podcast!Every Family Should Be Able To Answer The Question, “Do You Love Your School?” With A Resounding “YES!”When it comes to education in West Virginia, families have so many possibilities… We’re here to help families explore the many school options available and celebrate each one through creative storytelling, relevant and fun resources, and practical support so every family can love their school!2022-09-0700 min
The Positively West Virginia PodcastUMuseUs: For the Love of MusicA love of folk, song, and dance is embedded in the West Virginia psyche. With a growing interest in events, concerts, and music venues, Justin Whitman found a niche needing to be filled. Whitman is the Founder and CEO of UMuseUs, a tech startup located in Berkeley County, West Virginia. UMuseUs exists to provide platforms, venues, and resources that empower musicians and music lovers alike to share, discover, interact, create, and more.2022-05-1241 min
Inside AppalachiaHip-Hop, Animals In Love And More Favorites Inside Appalachia
This week, we’ve pulled a few gems from our archive. We’re listening back to some of our favorite Inside Appalachia stories from the past year. We’ll go on a hike in one of Appalachia’s most gorgeous wild places — West Virginia’s Canaan Valley. We’ll also meet musicians who are growing Appalachia’s hip-hop scene. Those stories and more in this best-of episode of Inside Appalachia.
2021-09-1652 min
Inside AppalachiaFirst Date Failures, Animal Love And A Love Story From Long Ago; Also, What’s To Love About Exploring W.Va. On Skis
Valentine’s Day gets a lot of flack for being sappy, cliche or just a marketing ploy by card and chocolate companies. But we tend to think there is more to it than that.
So, for this episode of Inside Appalachia, we asked our listeners for their best Appalachian love stories.
We received more stories than we could include in a single show, but we included some of our favorites, including one couple who met on the Yahoo personals page, a grandmother’s surprising first love, a couple separated by international borders during a pandemic and th...2021-02-1252 minThe Positively West Virginia PodcastRidge Roasters Coffee: Couple Turns Love of Coffee into Successful BusinessRyan Lemley is the owner of Ridge Roasters Coffee. Ridge Roasters Coffee is a roasting company that locally roasts the finest coffees from Honduras, Ethiopia, Guatemala and other countries in small batches to the most exacting standards. The result is an exceptional coffee roast that has won the hearts and pallets of coffee lovers across the mountain state. Ryan and his wife Carley are coffee lovers, and they have turned their obsession into a thriving business. What started out as a hobby is now a full time business and their mission is to share fresh roasted, deliciously smooth coffee...2019-01-0334 min