Meet the Laughlin family, a vibrant and engaging household that has quickly become a cherished part of the Backcountry community. Geoff and Brenda, along with their two children, Ethan and Ella, embody the spirit of togetherness and shared passions that make our neighborhood special. 

Brenda earned her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from the University of Illinois Chicago. Her professional journey began as a clinical pharmacist at Children’s Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated 24 years of her career, ultimately becoming the Pharmacy Operations Director. Recently, Brenda has embraced her role as a community member in Backcountry, sharing her passion for yoga as a certified instructor at CorePower Yoga studios. 

Geoff, who works as a private wealth management advisor with Baird, brings a wealth of experience to the table. After earning his CPA and MBA, he honed his skills in public accounting, audit, and management consulting. He has a deep appreciation for his profession and takes pride in supporting his clients' financial journeys. 

This dynamic couple has an inspiring love story. They first crossed paths at a rooftop bar in Chicago, sparking a connection that led to a whirlwind romance and a wedding reception on that same rooftop exactly one year later. 

Their son, Ethan, is a star in the making. A recent graduate from St. Ignatius College Prep, he has deferred his admission to Colby College for two years to pursue his dream of playing hockey. While playing as a goaltender for the Northern Cyclones in New Hampshire, he has learned valuable lessons about dedication, which he plans to carry into his future studies in finance and statistics. 

Ella, their spirited first grader, is nothing short of a warrior princess. Born prematurely and spending two months in the NICU, her journey has been an inspiration to those around her. Now a healthy and energetic 7-year-old, Ella delights in hockey, figure skating, gymnastics, and dance. She dreams of following in Ethan's footsteps and hope to join a hockey team soon. 

The Laughlins are a family that embraces adventure and excitement. Whether it’s skiing down slopes, cheering on the Buffalo Bills, or bringing the community together over Korean BBQ, their enthusiasm for life is infectious. They love hosting gatherings where friends and neighbors can share delicious meals, with Brenda’s marinated short ribs and Geoff manning the smoker creating unforgettable culinary experiences. Since moving to Backcountry, the family has been actively involved in community activities. They enjoy local events like food truck nights and the summer concerts at the amphitheater. 

Brenda, Geoff, and Ella especially cherish the family-friendly festivities such as the Easter Egg Hunt and the annual Halloween celebrations, which highlight the neighborly spirit that makes Backcountry feel like home. When reflecting on their past year in the neighborhood, the Laughlins express gratitude for the friendships they’ve formed and the welcoming atmosphere they’ve encountered. As they continue to engage with their community, they look forward to participating in more school and sports activities alongside Ella, fostering connections that enrich their family’s experience. With their warm hearts, love of family, and passion for community, the Laughlins exemplify what it means to be part of Backcountry. As they create enduring memories and traditions, they remind us all that life is best celebrated together.