Assisting on the Road to Recovery

Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

The Winchester City Sheriff’s Office Foundation (WCSOF) is committed to the battle against the opioid epidemic that has clutched the area. On Monday, July 26th, 2021, WCSOF board members Rich Weller and Tony Baker presented Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition Drug Court Coordinator, Tiffany Cadoree, and Executive Director, Lauren Cummings, with a donation aimed to ensure transportation for those attending drug court.

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition (NSVSAC) is a coalition of law enforcement, health care, substance abuse treatment, and youth advocacy organizations and families impacted by substance abuse and addiction in the Winchester region. For more info about NSVSAC - roadtorecovery.info

Above: NSVSAC Executive Director, Lauren Cummings and Drug Court Coordinator, Tiffany Cadoree smile after receiving a donation. Right: Winchester City Sheriff, Les Taylor joins WCSOF board members Tony Baker and Rich Weller to present the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition with a $1,500 donation to assist with transportation.

A Fresh Start Later in Life Thanks to LFCC

As published by: Lord Fairfax Community College Workforce Solutions May 2021

Seven years ago, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber CEO Cynthia Schneider found herself at a crossroads. Her job had ended and she was 58, but she wasn’t ready for retirement.

Schneider graduated from high school in 1975, and went off to James Madison University, but then moved to Kansas, where she earned an associate degree in biblical studies and leadership. That program wound up not attaining accreditation, and she spent 15 years in ministry and volunteer work.

Schneider married and had children. Later, she took a part-time data entry position. In that role, she grew with the company, becoming director of operations and helping it become a multi-million-dollar enterprise. 2014, Schneider assessed her future. Believing she had several more decades of living to go and free of the demands of child-rearing, Schneider knew she didn’t want to retire.

“Because I was really self-taught, I didn’t feel confident reentering the workforce,” she explained. “I couldn’t define my skillset well.”

Taking advantage of a grant, Schneider came to LFCC in 2015 and 2016, earning her associate degree in general studies with a concentration in business. It was a transformative experience.

With her newfound confidence, she applied for an entry-level position with a friend’s business. This led to her being hired as the director of finance and admin istration with the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. After four years, Schneider was asked to be the chamber’s chief operating officer. She became the CEO nearly two years ago. Two of her children have also come to LFCC. One entered the military, and the other transferred to James Madison University and now has a master’s degree.

Besides her degree, Schneider has come to LFCC for the Disney Institute’s customer service program and the Leadercast program, both hosted by Workforce Solutions.

“What I found was those kinds of offerings are particularly helpful because they help you see beyond your particular industry,” Schneider said. “You see how your industry is connected to the wider community and world, which always inspires me to have the energy to do more and give back more.”