When Kevin and Laura Kostka moved their family to Riverview in 2021, the decision centered around the people and places that mattered most. Being closer to GPS, St. Peter's School, longtime friends, and the community they loved made Riverview feel like the perfect place to put down roots.

Kevin and Laura's own story began years earlier while attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where they met in class. Kevin would go on to earn four degrees from UTC in just six years, completing studies in Psychology, Exercise Science, a Master's in Physical Therapy, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Today, he is the co-founder and co-owner of Summit Physical Therapy, a locally owned practice that has grown to seven clinics across Chattanooga, three in Knoxville, and most recently expanded into Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Laura has devoted her time to raising their family and creating a home centered around encouragement, connection, and support.

Their daughters continue that same pursuit of excellence. Ava, now 19, graduated from GPS in 2024 and is studying Organizational Leadership and Management in the Sam Walton Business School at the University of Arkansas, where she is also a member of Chi Omega. Claire, 11,  recently completed St. Peter's Spanish Immersion program and will begin attending GPS this fall. She spends much of her free time competing with the U12 Chattanooga Football Club Elite Soccer Team and enjoys basketball whenever she can.

Like many Riverview families, the Kostkas cherish the everyday moments that bring them together. Kevin and Laura enjoy exercising together, Kevin and Ava often spend time wake surfing on the lake, and Kevin and Claire can usually be found shooting basketballs or kicking a soccer ball around. Family outings often include cheering on the Tennessee Titans, attending Chattanooga Lookouts games, supporting Chattanooga Football Club, or watching the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga compete. Holidays are frequently spent traveling together, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures.

Even their four-legged family members are part of the adventure. Barkley, their Golden Doodle, and Izzy, their Himalayan Persian cat, help make home feel complete.

One of Kevin's favorite weekly traditions is what the neighborhood jokingly calls the "board meeting," a standing gathering of friends who spend time together wake surfing and strengthening the friendships that make Riverview such a special place to live. Those relationships extend well beyond the water, carrying into neighborhood holidays, community gatherings, and shared experiences throughout the year.

Service, however, remains at the heart of the Kostka family's story.

Through Summit Physical Therapy, Kevin and his team work each day to help people recover from orthopedic injuries and sports-related conditions, allowing them to return to work, family life, and the activities they love. That commitment extends far beyond the clinic walls. Kevin and his team regularly organize volunteer projects throughout the community, serving at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, preparing meals for those experiencing homelessness, hosting food drives across Summit's clinics, completing home repairs through Widows Harvest Ministries, removing invasive species at Reflection Riding, and volunteering at the Samaritan Center. Their philosophy is simple: whenever there is an opportunity to help, they want to be part of it.

Closer to home, the family enjoys participating in community traditions like the annual Chattanooga Chase over Memorial Day weekend, joining neighbors in one of Riverview's most beloved events.

For the Kostkas, the greatest gift Riverview offers is the sense of camaraderie that surrounds everyday life. From neighborhood friendships and shared traditions to convenient access to schools, restaurants, and recreation, they have found a community where relationships matter. It is a place where raising a family, serving others, and investing in the lives of neighbors all go hand in hand.