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AN EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF AUGUSTINE, AUSTIN RIDGE , COLONIAL FORGE, EMBREY MILL, LIBERTY KNOLLS, SHELTON KNOLLS & SHELTON WOODS.

OCTOBER 2026

NEIGHBORS OF

Courthouse

Home, Heart, & Legacy:

THE TAYLOR FAMILY OF LIBERTY KNOLLS

Photo by Karen Presecan Photography

Locally Owned, Community Driven: Window World of Fredericksburg Does More Than Windows Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Katie Duvall and the team at Window World of Fredericksburg have spent over two decades making sure it looks and performs like it. As a locally owned exterior remodeling company, Window World of Fredericksburg specializes in replacement windows, doors, roofing, siding, and gutters. But what really sets them apart is the way they treat people. No high-pressure sales tactics. No gimmicks. No hassle. Just honest conversations, quality craftsmanship, and a genuine commitment to getting it right. Every time. Their promise has never changed: superior products, professionally installed, at a guaranteed low price, all

backed by the strongest warranty in the industry. It is a straightforward philosophy that has earned them loyal customers, glowing reviews, and a reputation that speaks for itself across the Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania communities. And when they are not transforming homes, they are investing in the community that has supported them from the beginning. Window World of Fredericksburg proudly gives back to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, Hub of Hope, the Fredericksburg SPCA, and Micah Ministries, because a thriving community is good for everyone.

Ready to fall in love with your home again? Start with a free quote.

(540) 834-4244 windowworldfredericksburg.com 10070 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 2 | NEIGHBORS OF COURTHOUSE

PUBLICATION TEAM

Publisher: Dori Stewart

Content Executive Assistant to the Publisher: Coordinator: Mallory Hardgrove Crissy Hall

Neighbors, I’ve had the privilege of writing about some pretty incredible folks here in our backyard, and the Taylor family is no exception. You’ll read about their passions and the legacy they’re building in honor of their late son, JuJu, and how they’re breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. We also highlight a local organization that makes learning less scary, divulge some pointers from local experts in real estate and photography, and set your schedule of fun events for the fall. Happy reading,

Mallory Hardgrove FXBGNeighbors

Publisher’s Assistant: Valynda Phifer

Photographer: Karen Presecan

Designer: Laura Anderson

Contributing Writer: Karie Owens

Contributing Writer: Cherice Taylor

Contributing Writer: Stephanie Cox

bestversionmedia.com/magazines/neighborsofcourthouse

Table of

CONTENTS

Expert Contributor How to Navigate Selling & Buying in a Shifting Market

ADVERTISING

Home Improvement Corner Warm Up Your Home: Flooring Trends for Fall Into the Holidays

FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS

Feature Resident Home, Heart, & Legacy: The Taylor Family of Liberty Knolls

10 11

Parents Education Corner Are You a Dreamer?

Contact: Dori Stewart Email: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com Phone: (540)288-7928

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: doristewart@bestversionmedia.com.

Content Due Edition December 10 ...............................................................................January January 10.................................................................................. February February 10.......................................................................................March March 10.................................................................................................April April 10......................................................................................................May May 10...................................................................................................... June June 10....................................................................................................... July July 10................................................................................................ August August 10................................................................................ September September 10..............................................................................October October 10............................................................................... November November 10......................................................................... December

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

FXBGNeighbors

Pet Corner Spook-Free Pets: A Vet’s Halloween Guide

Charity Spotlight Lighting the Path: The Knowledge Exchange Builds Confidence, One Learner at a Time

Kids Corner October: Dazzle’s Mix-andMatch Pumpkin Patch

Stafford Smile Design Something to Smile About

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Dr. Timothy J. Hughes Dr. Kiah Zaremba Dr. Rita Elkhoury

www.staffordsmiledesign.com • 540-720-2627 OCTO BER 2026 | 3

REAL ESTATE

FUNERAL SERVICES

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

PLUMBING

Gregory White | White Plumbing Company 703-672-8667 whiteplumbingco.com

Todd Gerace | Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service 540-373-5842 (Fredericksburg), 540-659-7690 (Stafford) dignitymemorial.com

ORTHODONTICS

Ginger Walker | Give Back Team of Coldwell Banker Elite 540-306-5585 GiveBackTeam.com

SKINCARE

Matthew H. Caspersen, D.D.S., M.S. Rappahannock Orthodontics 540-371-2611 drcaspersen.com

Aubry Blais | Thistle Medical Aesthetics 540-783-8209 thistlemedicalaesthetics.com

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact BVM at doristewart@bestversionmedia.com or 540-288-7928.

Melissa Huntley-Bosco

ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES 703.398.2143 melissahb@huntleyboscolaw.com www.HBLAWPLC.com

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR

BY GINGER WALKER, GIVE BACK TEAM OF COLDWELLBANKERELITE.COM

HOW TO NAVIGATE SELLING & BUYING IN A SHIFTING MARKET The Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA real estate market is shifting from a seller’s market toward a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment. Interest rates are up, and inventory is rising, but prices remain elevated compared to historical norms. Success now requires strategy on both sides of the transaction. For Sellers: Strategies to Stand Out • Price realistically. Overpricing is the most common mistake sellers make. Work with an agent who bases your price on recently sold data, not what a neighbor sold for months ago. • Prepare your home. A pre-listing inspection, staging, professional photos, and minor repairs help move-in-ready homes sell faster and for more. • Be flexible with showings. More buyer options mean accessibility, including evenings and weekends, matters more than ever. • Consider incentives. Closing cost assistance or a home warranty can set your listing apart, especially for first-time buyers For Buyers: Opportunities in a Changing Market • Get pre-approved. It signals seriousness to sellers and clarifies your budget. • Don’t wait for the perfect rate. Buy when you’re ready and find the right home, you can refinance later if rates drop. • Negotiate strategically. More inventory means more room to ask for closing cost help, repairs, or a lower price. • Think long-term. Homes in desirable locations with strong schools and commuter access tend to hold value, so focus on fit over timing. Key Local Market Factors • Interest rates: Higher rates have slowed demand in some price segments, but many buyers are adjusting budgets rather than sitting on the sidelines. • Inventory: More listings mean more choices and less pressure to rush. • Relocation demand: Quantico and other federal agencies continue to drive military and government buyer activity, even in a slower market.

• New construction: More new homes are available, offering lowmaintenance, modern options, though delays and added costs are possible. Fallen-through contracts can also mean good deals on quick-delivery homes. Working with a Realtor An experienced local agent brings real-time pricing data, negotiation skill, connections to lenders and contractors, and guidance through contingencies and timelines, all critical in a shifting market. A Note on Appraisals Appraisals can become negotiation points if they come in below contract price. Options include renegotiating, covering the gap, or challenging the appraisal with new comparables. The Bottom Line Shifting markets bring challenges and opportunities alike. Sellers should focus on preparation and pricing; buyers on patience and smart negotiation. With the right strategy and a knowledgeable local agent, Stafford and Fredericksburg still offer strong value for those ready to move.

List with Ginger

Ginger Walker, REALTOR®, TV & Radio Show Host

• Military & Gov’t Relocation Professional • Local Real Estate Expert of 18 years

• Proud Stafford Resident for 23 years • 500+ Clients Served

• Custom Listing Marketing Plan

Home Value Report

www.GiveBackTeam.com • www.coldwellbankerelite.com 540.306.5585 • Ginger@givebackteam.com • 100 Parkway Blvd, Stafford VA 22554

OCTO BER 2026 | 5

HOME IMPROVEMENT CORNER

BY KARIE OWENS, PHOTOS COURTESY OF NK FLOORS

WARM UP YOUR HOME: FLOORING TRENDS FOR FALL INTO THE HOLIDAYS As the weather cools and the holiday season approaches, homeowners start thinking about how their spaces feel underfoot. Fall and the holidays mean more time indoors, more guests through the front door, and more reasons to want a home that feels warm, welcoming, and put-together. Here is what’s trending in flooring this season and how to bring it into your home before the first holiday gathering. Warm Tones Are Back After years of cool grays dominating living rooms and kitchens, the pendulum has swung toward warmth. Honey, caramel, chestnut, and soft beige tones are appearing in showrooms everywhere, offering a rich, grounded look that pairs beautifully with the golds and deep reds of holiday décor. These mid-tone shades work with both traditional and modern furnishings,

so you’re not locked into a single holiday decorating style. Why does it work for fall and the holidays? Warm wood tones instantly make a room feel cozier, which is perfect for the season when everyone’s gathering indoors. Texture Over Shine Glossy, high-polish floors are being replaced with matte and low-sheen finishes. Wirebrushed planks, hand-scraped woods, and matte tile are having a moment, adding tactile richness to a room and doing double duty by hiding the everyday scuffs that come with holiday foot traffic. Why does it work for fall and holidays? With more guests, kids, and pets moving through the house, a textured, lowsheen floor hides wear better than a glossy one, while still looking intentional.

Pattern With Purpose Herringbone and chevron layouts continue to lead the pack in both hardwood and luxury vinyl. Rather than an all-over patterned floor, many homeowners use these layouts stra-

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tegically in an entryway, a kitchen, or as a defined accent to add craftsmanship and visual interest without overwhelming the space. Why does it work for fall and holidays? An entryway is often the first thing guests see. A herringbone pattern makes a statement the moment they walk in. Big and Seamless Wide-plank wood and large-format tile remain popular because they have fewer seams and grout lines, which make a room feel larger and more open. These styles are also easier to keep clean when hosting family and friends for holiday events—open-concept spaces used for entertaining benefit from the seamless flow that wide planks and large tiles create. Waterproof Doesn’t Mean Compromise Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and rigid core hybrid flooring have become so realistic that it’s tough to tell them apart from real hardwood. For entryways, kitchens, and mudrooms- the spots that take the brunt of muddy boots and melted snow- these waterproof options offer peace of mind without sacrificing style. Why does it work for the fall and holidays? Wet weather and holiday cooking mean spills are inevitable. Waterproof flooring in high-traffic areas takes the stress out of hosting.

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Bringing It Home Before the Holidays Before the holidays, let NK Floors help you get there. Whether you’re drawn to warm wood tones, a statement herringbone entryway, or worry-free waterproof flooring for the kitchen, our team can walk you through the right options for your home and your budget.

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FEATURE RESIDENT

Home, Heart, & Legacy: THE TAYLOR FAMILY OF LIBERTY KNOLLS

BY MALLORY HARDGROVE • PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN PRESECAN PHOTOGRAPHY & COURTESY OF THE TAYLOR FAMILY

For the past decade, Liberty Knolls has been home to Allen and Saresa Taylor, who pride themselves as a family built on military service, faith in one another, and a deep commitment to their community. Together they’ve raised a beautifully blended family of seven children and six grandchildren, weathered the kind of loss that reshapes a family forever, and turned their grief into a mission that now reaches far beyond their own front porch. Their story is really three stories woven into one: a life grounded in home, connections and passions fueled by their heart, and a legacy built through love and purpose. Home Allen and Saresa are both retired U.S. Army veterans who met while serving their country and have now “shared 17 years of friendship and 15 wonderful years of marriage,” Saresa shares. After Allen retired in 2018 serving for 28 years and Saresa retired in 2016 after serving for 22, the couple made a deliberate choice about what would come next. Rather than chase second careers, they decided “to focus on what mattered most to us: our marriage, our family, and making memories together.”

The family tree stretches across Louisiana, Texas, and Virginia — (oldest to youngest) Jessie Baker II, Allyah Taylor, Alexis Jackson, Khaliyah Isom, Alexander Taylor, Jawuan “JuJu” Booker, and Allen Taylor Jr. also known as “AJ,” a rising ninth grader and the only child still at home), plus six grandchildren who Saresa says “bring endless joy to our lives.” The family carries the memory of their son Jawuan “JuJu” Booker, who has inspired their nonprofit organization and will remain 18 forever in their hearts, everywhere they go.

That commitment shows up in the everyday moments. “Our favorite moments are when all our children come home to visit,” Saresa says. “There’s nothing better than having everyone under one roof cooking together, sharing meals, laughing, taking family photos, making TikToks, and simply enjoying each other’s company.”

Home extends beyond their own front door, too. Ten years after choosing Liberty Knolls for its schools and its welcoming feel, the Taylors say the neighborhood has become an extension of their family. Saresa still remembers the neighbor who greeted them with homemade cookies on their very first day, and it set the tone for everything since.

8 | NEIGHBORS OF COURTHOUSE

© Best Version Media “Never underestimate the power of saying hello, checking in on one another, being observant, or offering a helping hand,” she says. “Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in someone’s life.” Even the family cat, Nyx, has become a neighborhood fixture in his own right, known for his daily strolls. “We often joke that he thinks he’s a dog because he’s so social!” Saresa laughs. “If you’ve ever walked through Liberty Knolls, there’s a good chance you’ve met Nyx!” Heart (and Hustle) Fitness and service– and the passion behind them– are woven together in the Taylor household; both are ways of showing up, for themselves and for others. Saresa has run in numerous races and community events over the years, while Allen and Saresa both make time for the gym, with Zumba as Saresa’s favorite. AJ has followed his own path, earning his Second-Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. “He also enjoys running, although he may not admit it!” Saresa says. “As his mom, I see a natural talent and determination in him that I know will continue to grow.” That same drive carries into how the family gives back. Allen and Saresa spent years volunteering as Stafford County youth basketball coaches, and Saresa has organized neighborhood Easter egg hunts, movie nights, and countless other activities to bring the community together, along with volunteer work at the Brisben Center. These days, much of that energy goes into The Forsythe Foundation – Reboot with JuJu, where the family hosts community events focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. “My passion is creating opportunities for people to connect, support one another, and feel like they belong,” Saresa says — a line that could just as easily describe her approach to fitness, coaching, or neighborhood life as it does the foundation itself. Everything the Taylors do circles back to one thing: making memories and making sure those memories matter. Since retiring, they’ve made international travel a yearly promise to themselves, often spending holidays in the Caribbean. Two trips stand out above the rest — Egypt, which captured their hearts with its history and culture, and Dubai, a destination that held special meaning because it had been a dream trip for JuJu. Looking ahead, the Taylors hope to one day gather all of their children and grandchildren for one unforgettable family vacation.

JuJu lives on in everyone’s heart

“For us, the greatest souvenirs are the memories we create together,” Saresa says. It’s the same heart that keeps Saresa’s camera close at nearly every family gathering. “The kids may roll their eyes when they see me recording again, but one day they’ll have those videos to look back on and remember just how much fun we had together,” she says. “To me, those memories are priceless.” Legacy Their heart– and the legacy they’re building– is most visible in the family’s mission since JuJu’s passing. What began as grief has become a foundation built to help others. Rather than allowing his story to end with his loss, they chose to honor his life by helping others. The Forsythe Foundation – Reboot with JuJu was created in his honor, carrying his name and legacy forward focusing on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and a commitment to reminding others that every life and every story matters. “Although JuJu is no longer physically with us, his legacy continues to live on through our family and through The Forsythe Foundation – Reboot with JuJu,” Saresa says. Others live on as well. “In his final act of love, he became an organ donor, giving the gift of life to others and leaving behind a legacy of hope.” This past August, the foundation proudly marked its first anniversary as a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an important milestone as it continues to grow its impact and carry JuJu’s legacy forward through mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and community outreach. “Through [our] partnerships with schools, churches, businesses, and community organizations, we provide educational programs, speaking engagements, resources, and lived-experience storytelling that reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and foster hope,” Saresa explains. Home, heart, and legacy. For the Taylor family, the three aren’t separate at all. They’re the same, lived out daily and intentionally carried forward in honor of the son they lost, the community they love, and the family they continue to build together. For those inspired by the family’s story and interested in supporting their mission, there are several ways to get involved with The Forsythe Foundation – Reboot with JuJu. Community members are invited to follow the foundation on Facebook, volunteer at upcoming events and programs, or learn more about ways to support its work through the foundation’s website at rebootwithjuju.com. OCTO BER 2026 | 9

PARENTS EDUCATION CORNER

BY CHERICE TAYLOR

ARE YOU A DREAMER? “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Tom Fitzgerald (Disney Imagineer) Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

What do you dream about? What do your children dream about? When you look five, ten, or even twenty years into the future, what does that look like for you and your family? This October, I invite you to make space for these big questions—not just for your children, but for yourself. As we approach Halloween, we often see our children trying on new identities. They might dress as superheroes, astronauts, explorers, or historical figures. While the fun is in the candy and the costumes, these outfits are also a perfect, low-pressure entry point for meaningful conversation. A child dressed as a pilot isn’t just playing; they are stepping into a future version of themselves. Use the excitement of costume shopping or DIY projects to ask: “What do you like about being a [character/profession]? What kind of adventures do you think you’d go on if you were really doing that?” I remember being in elementary school and being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. That question often came from elders in my family, and no matter how lofty or whimsical the answer, it was always received with

genuine encouragement. That validation gave me the confidence to persevere later in life when classes and career paths became more challenging. I encourage you to use this month to dig deeper into your children’s dreams. Ask them why they are drawn to a certain profession or adventure. Research the path together: read books, watch videos, or think if you know someone in that field who could share their experience. These opportunities to listen and support our children pass quickly. When times get tough—when your child asks, “Why am I doing this?” or tells you, “This is too hard”—you will have these memories to draw upon. You can remind them of their dreams and the conversations you shared. And if the dream changes? That is perfectly okay. The goal isn’t to lock them into a single career path from age seven; the goal is to build a habit of dreaming, exploring, and communicating. It is these consistent, supportive conversations that help them navigate challenges as they grow. By staying connected now, you ensure they will continue to confide in you as they transition into adulthood.

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PET CORNER

BY DR. KATRINA SPIES, DVM, CHPV, CCRV, CVA, CVPP

SPOOK-FREE PETS: A VET’S HALLOWEEN GUIDE stick leads to intense oral irritation and profuse drooling. 2. Preventing Escapes and Lost Pets With front doors opening repeatedly for trick-ortreaters, Halloween is a prime night for startled pets to slip out into the dark: • Physical Collar Tags: Ensure your pet wears a comfortable, properly fitted collar with up-to-date physical ID tags. • Microchip Registry Check: Verify that your pet’s microchip contact details (especially your primary cell phone number) are active and current in the national registry before the sun sets.

Halloween is peak season for festive fun, but it also brings a predictable seasonal surge in pet anxiety, unexpected escapes, toxic ingestions, and costume-related discomfort. With fall in full swing and Halloween right around the corner, the entire community gets swept up in the holiday. Planning around four core safety pillars will keep your pets comfortable, calm, and safe all night long. 1. Toxin Awareness Keep all treat bowls and collection bags well out of reach, as several popular Halloween items pose real health risks: • Chocolate: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder carry the highest risk, but even mild chocolate in sufficient amounts can cause severe cardiac issues and seizures. • Sugar-Free Candy: Xylitol (also labeled as birch sugar), commonly found in sugar-free candies and gums, can trigger a dangerous drop in blood sugar as well as acute liver failure. • Raisins: Small, snack-sized boxes frequently turn up in trick-or-treat bags, but even a tiny amount can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs. • High-Fat Snacks: Fatty baked goods, butter-laden treats, and rich table scraps can trigger pancreatitis, a painful, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas that requires urgent veterinary care. • Wrappers and Glow Sticks: Chewed-up candy bags, wrappers, decorations, and costume pieces can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. Puncturing a glow

3. Reducing Stress and Noise Sensitivity Constant doorbell rings, flashing lights, and costumed strangers at the door can trigger severe noise and crowd anxiety. A few layered, low-risk strategies can help keep your pet’s nervous system grounded: • A Quiet Retreat: Set up a safe space in a back room far from the entryway. Playing white noise or soft music helps mask sounds outside, while a snug pressure wrap (like a ThunderShirt) offers gentle, continuous tactile grounding. • Targeted Acupressure: Apply soft, circular thumb pressure for one to two minutes at these calming points: ჿ An-Shen: Located in the hollows just behind the base of the ear flap to calm fear and racing heart rates. ჿ Long-Hui: Located on the midline of the forehead between the eyes to act as a natural “reset button.” ჿ GV20: Found at the top center of the head between the ears to ease internal tension and encourage deep relaxation. • Calming Supplements: Hemp-derived CBD (I only recommend ElleVet for pets due to their rigorous safety and dosing profiles) or OTC supplements built around L-theanine and colostrum can effectively take the edge off. These typically require 1-2 hours to take full effect, so always run a trial dose a few days before the big night. As always, check with your vet before starting anything new to ensure it fits your pet’s medical history. • Prescription Options: For pets with severe noise phobias, your vet can recommend and prescribe targeted calming

4. Safe & Low-Stress Costumes If you decide to dress up your pet (and they enthusiastically agree to participate!), make sure function and safety come before a photo-op: • Airway First: Flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Frenchies already work harder to breathe normally. Keep the nose, neck, and throat completely uncompressed to avoid restricted airways or rapid overheating. • Protect the Gait: Tight leg openings, dangling fabric, or restrictive chest straps alter how your pet walks, leading to acute muscle strain or trips and falls. • Low-Stress Costume Ideas: ჿ The “Pup-kin” Spice Latte: An orange sweater paired with a white neck ruff and a green felt “straw” clipped safely to a harness. ჿ The Bat Dog: Soft felt wings attached directly to the back of a standard chest harness, leaving all four legs completely free. ჿ The Beanie Baby: A classic felt “TY” heart tag clipped directly to their collar ring. By taking a proactive approach to Halloween preparations you can protect your pet from whiskers to tail, ensuring the only ghosts in your home this year are the ones made of bedsheets.

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OCTO BER 2026 | 11

CHARIT Y SPOTLIGHT BY MALLORY HARDGROVE

LIGHTING THE PATH: THE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE BUILDS CONFIDENCE, ONE LEARNER AT A TIME When Maija-liisa Penn-Poon founded The Knowledge Exchange (TKE) in 2020, her goal was simple: make academic tutoring more accessible to families. As the pandemic upended classrooms nationwide, that modest mission grew into something larger. “What began as an accessibility initiative became a broader response to educational inequity,” says Penn-Poon, who goes by Maija and serves as TKE’s Co-Founder and CEO. Today, TKE offers K–12 and

adult tutoring, social-emotional enrichment programs (which includes a popular Dungeons & Dragons curriculum), mental health-aligned events, and community outreach. Maija’s path to founding TKE was shaped by her background in general and special education, where she saw firsthand how educational disparities affected students differently. “Our mission evolved from ‘providing affordable options to meet community needs’ to affirming that quality education is a right, not a privilege,” she explains. A Philosophy Built on Four Pillars TKE’s work rests on four core values: Learning, Community, Equity & Inclusion, and Innovation. The organization takes a holistic, trauma-informed, evidence-based approach, recognizing that education extends beyond academics to executive functioning, communication skills, and confidence-building. A Code of Ethics emphasizing transparency, accountability, dignity, confidentiality, and fairness guides its work. Measurable Impact, Personal Transformation TKE has delivered more than 12,000 tutoring hours, invested over $42,000 back into programming, and served more than 100 learners nationwide, most in the Greater Fredericksburg region. Its Young Minds Matter K–8 program, run from October 2024 through May 2025, showed strong results: 71% of students improved in math, 86% grew in English Language Arts, 80% reported increased confidence, and 76% strengthened communication and critical thinking. But for Maija, the real inspiration isn’t in spreadsheets. “When a child moves from ‘I can’t do it’ to ‘I did it,’ it changes everything,” she says. That transformation shows clearly in TKE’s Dungeons & Dragons program, which has grown 800% since launching in 2021 with two players. It now holds a 71% retention rate and has logged more than 1,000 hours of campaign planning, led by instructors certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. “We don’t just teach content; we build courage,” Maija says.

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TKE’s Empowering Minds Ecosystem also includes PIES™—Portable Interactive Enrichment Stations. The inaugural PIES™ Festival in August 2026 drew 64 community members and 16 vendors, offering experiences in creativity, wellness, financial literacy, life skills, and collaborative learning, and raised more than $2,300 through sponsorships, vendor fees, and donations. TKE also received a $12,000 grant from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation to launch a PIES™ pilot in local schools. Together, these efforts connect tutor-

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ing, enrichment, early learning, community experiences, and financial assistance into one ecosystem designed to meet families where they are. Stories That Stay With You Behind the statistics are individual journeys. Adriana came to TKE unable to read; through Young Minds Matter, her mother found tutoring and help securing the right accommodations. Frustration turned into progress, and progress into confidence. Noah joined the D&D program in 2021 and remains involved five years later. Through storytelling and collaborative play, he built confidence, social skills, and resilience — and became TKE’s first player donor. He graduated high school in May 2026, hoping to create the same kind of safe, growth-centered spaces that shaped his own journey. Mason, once a hesitant player, found his voice by role-playing courageous characters and discovered that confidence carried beyond the gaming table. He became TKE’s first Enrichment Instructor through its DM Assistant Mentorship program and now runs its Novice groups. Many young people from the D&D program go on to volunteer as DM Assistants or pursue careers as therapists, educators, and youth advocates. A Family Effort TKE is a family endeavor. Maija’s fiancé, Chris, serves as Director of Enrichments and leads the D&D and role-play initiatives. A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate in Theatre Arts and Mass Communications, Chris designs emotionally safe, youth-centered environments blending storytelling, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. Maija’s older sister, Candace, serves as TKE’s D&D Program Coordinator and supports the program’s day-to-day operations. Outside TKE, Maija works as an educational consultant and psychoeducation facilitator, supporting other organizations with strategy, fundraising, and program development. Her background in Applied Behavior Analysis informs her belief that every person has unique strengths waiting to be recognized. Light the Path to Lifelong Learning TKE’s mantra captures its mission: “Light the path to lifelong learning.” It’s rooted in the belief that when young people see their own greatness, they rise to meet it. “My heart longs for every individual — especially those who feel different or overlooked — to find their place in this world,” Maija says. Through tutoring, tabletop campaigns, and countless small moments of encouragement, The Knowledge Exchange keeps turning that longing into reality — one learner, one story, one “I did it” at a time. To learn more, get involved, or support The Knowledge Exchange as they continue building an empowering ecosystem of learning, connection, and opportunity, check out tkenonprofit.org or follow them on social media @tkenonprofit.

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OCTO BER 2026 | 13

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Create Your Pumpkin Patch 4. Fill your pumpkins with 1. Gather several round child-choice colors and household objects in designs. Try stripes, different sizes. dots, zigzags, swirls or 2. Place one object on your patterns of your own. paper and trace around it You can even turn them with a pencil. Trace more into Jack-o-lanterns. objects to create as many 5. Add details around your pumpkins as you choose. pumpkins to show where 3. Turn each circle into a they are and what might pumpkin by adding a stem be happening in your and a few curved lines. pumpkin patch.

Use Your Creative Superpowers or living inside a magical • Notice: Look around your home for objects you could pumpkin village. trace. What shapes do you • Explore: Try overlapping your circles or placing notice? Find something round, something with them in different parts straight sides and something of the paper. Turn your with an unusual shape. pumpkins into new shapes Could all of these shapes by adding lines, patterns and unexpected details. become pumpkins? • Imagine: Where might • Share: Tell a story about your pumpkin patch. Who lives your pumpkins be? Perhaps they are growing on a farm, there? What are the pumpkins doing? What happens next? glowing in a moonlit forest Make It Your Own Pumpkins are often orange, but yours can be any childchoice colors. One might have rainbow stripes, zebra spots or a different pattern in every section. Your pumpkins can wear hats, grow wings, ride in wagons or become houses for tiny creatures. Follow your imagination and create a pumpkin patch unlike anyone else’s. Hi, artists! It’s Dazzle the Zebra. Have you taken a trip to a pumpkin patch or even the grocery store and noticed that pumpkins are not all alike? Some are tall and twisty. Others are tiny, round or covered with bumps. Today, you’ll use your four Creative Superpowers to create a pumpkin patch filled with unusual colors, playful patterns and plenty of imagination! Gather Your Supplies • Plain paper • A pencil • Crayons or markers • Household objects to trace, such as cups, bowls, lids, blocks or cookie cutters

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Make It Easy for Preschool Artists Help hold each household object still while your child traces around it. If tracing feels difficult, a grown-up can draw the circles. Then let your young artist add stems, curved lines, colors and favorite marks. Simple scribbles and shapes can make wonderful pumpkin patterns. Add a Challenge for Elementary Artists Experiment with overlapping circles and adding details that make some pumpkins appear closer or farther away. Give each pumpkin its own personality, then create a setting and write a few sentences about the adventure happening in your patch. Ta-Dazzle! You used your Creative Superpowers to turn ordinary circles into an October world filled with imagination! About Art Cart Kids: Art Cart Kids Enrichment Studio is a child-choice art space where creativity and confidence grow side by side. Located at 77 Bells Hill Rd, in Stafford VA, each child is given the freedom to make independent decisions, follow their imagination, and create artwork that is entirely their own. In this calm, supportive environment, children learn that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of the process. Small missteps become opportunities to problem-solve, adjust, and try again—building resilience and self-trust along the way. As your child explores, chooses, and creates, confidence begins to take root. They discover that their ideas matter, that challenges can be worked through, and that they are capable of figuring things out. This is a place where independence is nurtured, creativity feels easy and open-ended, and every child leaves feeling more sure of themselves than when they arrived. Ready to give your child a simple, creative space where imagination leads the way? Check out our classes, camps and parties at ArtCartKids.com.

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