The Ferris family, Collins, Amy, and their children, Sage, Dayton, and Noelle, call Highland Meadows home, where community, family, and connection are at the center of daily life. From their place on Caledonian Ct., they enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle enriched by close relationships and the natural beauty of Northern Colorado.

 

Collins and Amy, both Fort Collins natives, found their way back home after years of living in Denver. "We chose Highland Meadows in 2012 to be close to family and to create a sense of community for our growing family," Collins explains. "Two of my three sisters live on the same street, and my mom is just around the corner. We wanted to be part of the Poudre School District because we value the education and opportunities it provides."

 

Having overcome significant health challenges, Collins' decision to move closer to his family was both practical and emotional. In 2012, he was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening condition, later followed by leukemia, which required two bone marrow transplants. Today, Collins is proud to be 12 years cancer-free, a milestone that gives his family an even deeper appreciation for the life they've built in Highland Meadows.

 

Collins attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, and played basketball there before continuing on to the University of New Mexico as a Lobo. He ultimately returned to Colorado to complete his undergraduate degree at CSU, where he reconnected with Amy. Even though they’d known each other since high school, it wasn’t until this time “that I got brave enough to ask her out”, Collins says with a laugh. He later earned his master’s degree in architecture from CU Denver.

 

Collins is working toward completing his architectural license exams by mid-2026 and growing his personal residential company, Studio Lounge Design. "My goal is to continue to support my family, watch my kids grow, and pursue happiness and balance in life," he says.

 

Amy completed her undergraduate degree in Spanish at CSU, then moved to Denver to pursue nursing at the University of Colorado College of Nursing at the Anschutz Medical Campus. In 2021, she earned her master’s degree in nursing with a focus on Healthcare Systems and Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

 

Amy, an Associate Director of Population Health for CU Medicine, is equally committed to personal growth, raising her children, and maintaining a healthy balance between her career and family life. "I’m passionate about reading, writing, and physical activity, and I always try to focus on what’s best for our family."

 

When it comes to family activities, the Ferris family is all about quality time. Whether it's playing football in the backyard, skiing on their yearly trips, or just relaxing in the mountains, they cherish the moments they spend together. "We love to spend time with the kids, whether it’s skiing, playing golf, watching a fun show together, or getting outside to enjoy what Colorado has to offer”, says Collins.

 

Amy shares the same sentiment. "I love spending time in the mountains, walking our dog Sebby, and just relaxing with the family. There’s nothing better than family time, especially snuggles when the kids allow it," she laughs. Sebby, their rescue dog, is a beloved family member and often joins them on walks around the neighborhood.

 

Sage, the oldest at 11, is a budding athlete and has a creative spirit. "I’m working on my YouTube channel and training for football," he says. In addition to his love of football, Sage enjoys playing virtual reality games and Fortnite battles with his friends and cousins. He currently attends Bamford Elementary and will head to Preston next year. His twin siblings, Dayton and Noelle, both eight, share their own passions. Dayton is a fan of basketball and football and enjoys fishing with his dad, while Noelle loves soccer, basketball, and reading Owl Diaries, and participates in cheer and dance camps.

 

They enjoy great food and entertainment with favorite local restaurants like Young’s Café and Austin’s in Fort Collins, Big City Burrito, Sala Thai in Windsor, and Wing Shack for the boys. And they proudly cheer for the Broncos and Nuggets. Family nights recently featured Stranger Things, a standout favorite of 2026 so far, along with movies like Top Gun: Maverick, A River Runs Through It (Amy’s favorite), and Anyone But You for laughs. Music sets the tone at home: Collins rotates from meditation and hip-hop to Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen, while Amy sticks to country, new hits, and classic ’90s favorites alike.

 

Family dinners are a big event for the Ferris family. Every Wednesday, Mary Buchholz (Collin’s mom) welcomes the joyful chaos of her three children and eleven grandchildren, opening her home and serving whatever delicious meal she’s dreamed up. Mary and Cliff Buchholz are endlessly generous and gracious with their family. Family dinners and snacks with Amy’s parents, whenever schedules allow, are also something they look forward to. Stepping into Joe and Patty Zahn’s home always feels like an invitation to relax, enjoy incredible snacks, and slow down, often with Collins sneaking in a nap or two.

 

The Ferris family has created some fun and meaningful rituals over the years. Since Sage was three years old, the family has used a marble jar as a positive reinforcement tool. "It’s a way to teach the kids about behavior and responsibility, and it’s been a part of our family for eight years now," Collins explains. The kids earn marbles for good behavior and can lose them when they make poor choices in actions or behavior. "Whenever we talk about the marble jar in public, people are always so confused, but it works for us!"

 

Other family traditions include their yearly ski trips and 4th of July celebrations in Red Feather Lakes, where they enjoy the outdoors and spend time with extended family. "Christmas is always a special time for us," Amy shares. "We have celebrations with both sides of the family, but we also enjoy our own Christmas at home, a day of rest, fun, and just being together."

 

Though travel has been on pause while raising children and focusing on careers, Collins and Amy are eager to resume their international adventures. "We love to travel and look forward to exploring new places again," says Amy. "Our favorite vacation destination so far has been Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It’s a place we can’t wait to return to."

 

The Ferris family is not only committed to their own growth and well-being but also to giving back to their community. They volunteer for school activities, help collect turkeys for local charities, and support each other in every endeavor. "At the end of the day, it’s about family, supporting each other, and enjoying the little things," Collins concludes. "We’re grateful for every moment."

 

From a marble jar that has become a family tradition to coaching basketball teams and spending time in the mountains, the Ferris family exemplifies what it means to be active, involved, and committed to one another.