�鶹�¾�

Natalina Reis

Aaron Riddle — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:48:25 +0000

Natalina has normally two or three books going at the same time.
She speaks five languages (six, if you count sarcasm), unwisely keeps adding books to her towering TBR pile, and doesn’t believe in a life without coffee.

When she’s not writing, reading, or crocheting a chicken (don’t ask), you’ll find her watching C-dramas. Possibly while eating cashews…

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james brown

Aaron Riddle — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:05:36 +0000

James Brown is a father, husband, and Navy veteran who applies the “Keep It Simple” philosophy from his military service to his research and writing. Featured in magazines and newspapers, he is the author of Richard Norris Brooke: A Biographical Sketch of an American Artist, Historical Places of Warrenton, Beyond the Beard: The Collective History of Santa Claus, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas According to Santa, and The Making of Santa.

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J.L. Baldwin

Aaron Riddle — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:22:33 +0000

I write romance that makes you feel all of the things. My stories blend emotion, tension, spice, and just enough unexpected twists to make you gasp. I write sweet and spicy small town romance and romantic suspense.

When I am not writing, you can find me reading or wandering through a Disney park!

I love connecting with readers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Nicole Kelleher

Aaron Riddle — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:06:24 +0000

Author of the epic fantasy romance Heart & Hand Series, Nicole's books have won a Golden Quill Award for Best Fantasy Romance and a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

In 2025, Nicole wrote Thrice Bound, a romantic paranormal suspense, and current finalist in the Golden Leaf contest.
In addition to working on book five in her Heart & Hand series, Nicole is penning a speculative political thriller. She makes her home in Virginia with her family and their dog, Lucy.

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Linny Lawless

Aaron Riddle — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:58:48 +0000

Linny grew up, resided, and worked in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C. She's a bookworm, biker chick, and an Amazon best-selling indie writer. Linny published her debut novel, “Salvation in Chaos,” in January of 2018, and she's passionate about writing suspenseful and action-packed, spicy romance stories.

Linny has been riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles with her husband, Norman, for over 20 years. If Linny is not busy writing, riding, or traveling, she spends time at home in Front Ro

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Marie Andrews

Aaron Riddle — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:14:46 +0000

Marie has been editing, writing and publishing since 2018. 2026 marks the debut of her 6th novel, and the completion of a trilogy started in her first novel writing foray. She looks forward to writing the next, even weirder adventure.

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Dianne Wright

Aaron Riddle — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:20:40 +0000

Teacher, poet, world traveler provides an ABC guide to life titled Avoid Angry Alligators as well as a life story “My Ride Starting at 55

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�鶹�¾� hosts first-ever symposium to bolster health grads’ mental health

Aaron Riddle — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:33:22 +0000

The soon-to-be graduates of �鶹�¾�’s health professions’ programs spent April 17 practicing tai chi, meeting with therapy dogs, taking part in specialized art classes and learning other calming techniques they can take with them as they embark on careers that, while fulfilling and vital, also carry an inherent amount of stress.

About 130 students from the college’s Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing, Certified Nurse Aid, Surgical Technology, Emergency Medical Services and Medical Laboratory Technology programs attended the daylong event, said Dr. Scott Vanderkooi, dean of the School of Health Professions. The program was supported by Valley Health and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

“There has been an effort in this region to bolster our healthcare workforce,” Dr. Vanderkooi said. “Creating greater resiliency is a key factor in retaining that workforce.”

Dr. William A. “Bill” Hazel Jr., CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities, gave the keynote address.

“�鶹�¾� is doing terrific work in bringing people into good jobs in healthcare and simultaneously solving this region’s shortage of healthcare providers,” said Dr. Hazel. “It was a privilege to meet with the group of new graduates and to provide a few tips that hopefully will lead them to long and rewarding careers.”

Other presenters included several college faculty and staff members, as well as healthcare and wellness leaders from the community. Sessions included “Fortifying Yourself to Live Fully: Caring for the Mind and Body so You Can Serve Others” delivered by Spanish Professor Polly Nesselrodt; “Grounded Movement” (tai chi) by Adrian VanKeuren; “Neurographic Drawing” and “Expressive Art Journaling as a Healing Art Intervention” with Abigail Gomez; “Pets to the Rescue,” led by Anne Dewey-Balzhiser; and “Ready to Rise: Building a Resilient, Purpose-Driven Career in Healthcare” with Dr. Karyn Flannagan.

“This serves as a really good capstone to the end of their training with us,” said Nursing Professor Kathryn Regula. “Because there is a lot of focus on self-care and the importance of communication as they prepare for their future careers, this is a good way to kind of tie it all together. I think it’s also really nice that they’re getting to meet each other across the different programs �鶹�¾� offers.”

2026 Registered Nursing graduate Joanna Lavertu found the symposium a worthwhile experience.

“It’s been good,” she said. “They discussed how we will be experiencing some hardships in the field, so finding ways to process it and move through it is helpful. I’m going to attend the neurographic drawing session, which I’m really curious about.”

Fellow nursing student Adwoa Kani, who spent 17 years working as an LPN before enrolling in �鶹�¾� in 2022, also enjoyed the symposium. She said she could feel her stress level dropping while doing the neurographic drawing.

“The discussion on resiliency was really good, especially knowing where your limit is,” said Kani, who graduates with her RN degree in May. “You have to find a place where you can relax. I hope they do the symposium every year.”

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�鶹�¾� receives $15,000 from the Ellucian Foundation to support students in need

Aaron Riddle — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:39:30 +0000

�鶹�¾� was selected as a 2025 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship Program provides grants to higher education institutions worldwide to directly benefit students facing economic hardships and subsequent educational disruptions.

The college received $15,000 which was distributed among 17 students. Six students received assistance with childcare costs in the fall as part of �鶹�¾�’s efforts to further support parent scholars, said Vivi Meder, director of student support. Additionally, 11 Power Line Worker students received funding to cover their living expenses while they completed the final weeks of their program near Southside Community College.

“Childcare costs are vital in alleviating financial stress for parent scholars hoping to change their lives by continuing their education,” Meder said. “These stipends lessen the burden so that parents can focus on their academics, one semester at a time.”

The scholarships were very helpful when it came to launching �鶹�¾� Workforce Solutions’ first Power Line Worker Program last fall, said Program Manager AnnaJane Whitacre.

“Since our pole yard and climbing facility is still under construction, our students were required to travel to Southside Virginia Community College in Blackstone, for the final four weeks of the program to complete the hands-on climbing portion of their training,” she said. “While housing was available to the students during their time at Southside, there was an associated expense to stay in those accommodations. With this funding, we were able to provide scholarships to cover all 11 students’ housing costs. These scholarships contributed significantly to many students’ ability to participate in the program. The cohort graduated on December 19, and we have confirmation that 80 percent are now employed in the electric utility industry.”

“Students across the globe are working hard to stay enrolled, but too many continue to face financial barriers that put their progress at risk,” said Laura Ipsen, president and CEO, Ellucian. “Our 2025 Student Voice Report – which includes insights from ‘stop-outs,’ or learners who left college before completing a degree – found that 23 percent cannot afford upfront costs to return, and 15 percent are already too burdened by student debt. The Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship Program is helping institutions reduce these barriers so more students can continue their academic journey with confidence.”

The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to 200-plus institutions, supporting 3,700-plus students.

“Institutions know better than anyone the real barriers their students face – and how even modest financial support can change the trajectory of a learner’s academic journey,” said Jen Welding, executive director of the Ellucian Foundation. “The PATH program is built on that principle. By putting flexible funding directly into the hands of colleges and universities, we enable them to rapidly assist students whose education might otherwise be interrupted.”

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�鶹�¾� celebrates Week of the Young Child with preschool artists

Aaron Riddle — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:09:39 +0000

Art currently on display at �鶹�¾�’s Sekel Art Atrium on the Middletown Campus was created by the tiniest of hands.

Week of the Young Child was sponsored April 11-17 by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). The Apple Valley Chapter of VAAEYC (Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children) cosponsored the exhibit, which will be on display through the rest of April.

All of the work was created by children ages 1-5.

“It’s artwork created by children ages 1-5,” said Education Professor Jennifer Strickler. “I spent the greater part of the last few months visiting childcare centers, partly to introduce myself because I’m new to �鶹�¾�, and to register artwork for the show.”

Professor Strickler, who is president of the Apple Valley Chapter of VAAEYC, said 80 pieces of art are on display at �鶹�¾�, and 16 families, as well as directors of area preschools and childcare centers, �鶹�¾� students and employees, attended an opening reception on April 8.

“It was a fun success with families very appreciative of the opportunity for their children’s artwork to be on public display and a chance to create a memorable experience,” said Professor Strickler, who previously was a director of a Winchester preschool. “The directors were hoping we would consider doing this again next year, and the Apple Valley chapter is happy to cosponsor future events.”

Students with the Future Educators Academy, a lab school at �鶹�¾� for high school students planning to become teachers, helped with getting the art hung.

“They’re also writing letters of advocacy on why art is important for child development,” said Professor Strickler.

She added the letters have been framed and are part of the exhibit.

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