We've enjoyed watching Team USA in Italy these past few weeks and if there were an Olympic event for juggling careers, kids, sports, pets, and community involvement, all while keeping a sense of humor, the Charron family of Spring Lake would definitely medal! 

The Charron kids are always on the move. Easton (11), a fifth grader at Spring Lake Intermediate School, plays basketball, football, and lacrosse. “Easton is incredibly dedicated,” Ashlee says. “Especially when it comes to sports. He has big feelings, but he’s also very kind and compassionate.”

Lennon (9), a third grader at Jeffers Elementary, keeps things creative. She plays basketball and lacrosse, cheers, takes dance classes, and loves theater. “Lennon is always willing to try new things,” Ashlee shares. “She’s creative, free-spirited, and so loving.”

Hudson (7), a first grader at Jeffers Elementary, rounds out the trio. He plays football, basketball, baseball, and lacrosse, and is known for his outgoing personality. “Hudson is tough but sweet,” Ashlee says. “He loves sports, animals, and making new friends. He’s very charismatic.”

Brian and Ashlee are the proud captains of this busy household. Brian works for the State of Michigan as a Program Manager with the Department of Health and Human Services, but his “off-the-clock” hours are anything but quiet. Between coaching varsity boys tennis at Spring Lake High School, volunteering with the Lakeshore Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and coaching his own kids in basketball, football, and lacrosse, Brian is rarely off the court or fields. 

Ashlee, meanwhile, spends her days shaping young minds as an 8th-grade science teacher at Spring Lake Middle School, proof that patience is both a skill and a superpower. Her compassion and selflessness anchor the family, whether she’s in the classroom or cheering from the sidelines.

Adding to the family dynamic is Niles Benson (18), the Charrons’ hockey billet, who plays for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. For those of you unfamiliar with the term ‘billet,’ families can volunteer to host young athletes during the season and take them into their homes. . Originally from Buffalo, New York, Niles is currently in his gap year and will attend Harvard next year. 

“We’ve fallen in love with hockey this year because of Niles,” Ashlee tells Stroll Spring Lake, “Hosting him has been such a fun and meaningful experience for our whole family.” The dinner conversations have now switched to include a lot of hockey jargon.  "At first, I was a little hesitant about becoming a host family with our crazy schedules," Ashlee admits, "But it's been the best decision.  He's so good with the kids, and they absolutely idolize him!" 

The family pets are very much part of the action. Piper is a big boy, a 90-pound Goldendoodle, who is nine years old and loves tennis balls, long walks, and playing with his younger brother, Milo. Milo, a one-year-old Havapoo, is small, energetic, and full of mischief. “Milo is our wild card,” Ashlee jokes. “He’s affectionate and sweet, but you have to keep an eye on him because he’s always into something.” Lennon’s bunny, Coco, rounds out the crew and somehow remains calm and unfazed by the much larger dogs. “Coco fits right in,” Ashlee says. “He’s surprisingly chill.”

Brian and Ashlee have been married for nearly 15 years and have known each other since middle school, though neither can remember exactly when they first met. After attending Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University, respectively, they found their way back to each other after college and married in 2011. “We were always best friends first,” Ashlee shares. “That’s really the foundation of everything.”

Ashlee admires Brian’s unwavering commitment and loyalty. “When Brian takes something on, he gives it 100 percent; there’s no quitting,” she says. Brian, in turn, admires Ashlee’s compassion and selflessness, qualities that define both her teaching and her role at home.

The Charrons are deeply involved in the Spring Lake community. They attend Harvest Bible Church, where they serve as ushers and participate in a small group. Outside of church, much of their time is spent at practices, games, and school events. “We love being part of a community where people really support each other,” Ashlee says.

When it’s time to relax, the family can usually be found at a sporting event, cheering for Michigan State, the Detroit Lions, or the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Their favorite vacation spot is Madeira Beach, Florida, where they spend spring break soaking up sunshine with family and friends. Summers are all about being outdoors, at the neighborhood pool, or out on the boat. “We’re happiest when we’re together and outside,” Ashlee says.

Originally from Norton Shores, Brian and Ashlee moved to Spring Lake in 2018 in search of a place to put down roots. “We wanted a strong school system and a community that felt connected,” Ashlee explains. “Spring Lake has been exactly that…..a place that truly feels like home.”