Chad and Mary Riley have called Highland Meadows Court home for more than 11 years, and it’s clear that family, community, and tradition are at the heart of their lives. The Rileys chose the area for its welcoming feel, walkability, and proximity to their sons’ schools, who went to RCS. “We loved the neighborhood right away,” Mary shares. “It’s close to everything, but tucked away enough to feel peaceful, and we truly have the best neighbors.”

 

Originally from the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, Chad and Mary moved to Colorado in 1996. Chad graduated from Michigan State University and began a long-standing career as a Packaging Engineer at JBS, where he has worked for nearly 25 years. Mary earned her degree from UNC and completed her master’s degree in 2015. She has worked at UCHealth for the past five years and currently serves as the Integrated Behavioral Health Service Line Manager, a role she has held for the last year and a half.

 

Family remains their top priority. Their oldest son, Mason, lives in Denver and owns a property management business in Fairplay. His girlfriend, Kara Travers, is a middle school history teacher in the Denver area. Their youngest son, Spencer, and daughter-in-law, Arabella, were married in May 2024 and currently live in New York City. Spencer teaches math at a charter school, while Arabella is pursuing her master’s degree in psychology at Columbia University. Both sons are proud Baylor University graduates, class of 2020 and 2024.

 

When the boys come to visit, often accompanied by the family’s beloved goldendoodle, Maggie, the house is full. “Family dinner has always been a priority for us,” Chad says. “It’s something we do daily, and especially when the kids are home.”

 

The Rileys love to stay active and connected in their neighborhood. You’ll often find them walking the community paths or trying their hand at pickleball on the neighborhood courts. “We jumped on the pickleball train this summer,” Mary laughs. “We’re definitely not joining a league anytime soon, but it’s fun!”

 

Travel is another shared passion. In recent years, the Rileys have visited Michigan, New York City, Florida, Las Vegas, Loreto, Mexico, and even taken a two-week fall color road trip through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Looking ahead, they’re planning trips to Michigan and NYC in spring 2026, Italy in May, and Moab in the fall. “We love exploring new places and making memories together,” Mary says.

 

At home, the Rileys enjoy trying new restaurants like Hearth and Pizza Vino, where the “Brussels and burrata are to die for!” They also love grabbing Saturday morning coffee at Coffee House 29. Evenings might include classic TV shows such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, or Law & Order.

Mary also draws inspiration from the Food Network and perfects her Italian cooking, appropriately, as she’s currently learning the language as well.

 

Community involvement is important to the family as well. Mary has been part of a ladies’ Bible study group for the past six years, calling it “a meaningful and active group that has become a real source of connection.”

 

One of the Riley family’s most cherished traditions is their annual Christmas cookie day, which began even before their sons were born. “We bake 10 to 12 dozen cookies, make all the frosting and sprinkles, and cook a big meal,” Mary says. “This year, nearly 30 friends and family showed up, even a new baby. I love that everyone still wants to come back year after year.”

 

The Rileys live by a sense of humor and heart, often quoting a line Mary’s dad jokingly taught the boys: “Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!”—still recited with laughter today.