For Bill and Christina Conkle, life has always been about balancing adventure, family, and meaningful work. After years of living in different parts of the country, from Clintonville to Santa Monica, the couple recently settled into Wedgewood with their one-year-old daughter, Anna, and their beloved goldendoodle, Teddy. Though new to the neighborhood, the Conkles already feel at home, embracing the nature, community, and family-friendly spirit that make Wedgewood special.

Teddy, their handsome nine-year-old goldendoodle, was the Conkles’ “first child.” He’s been part of their lives since he was just eight weeks old and has grown into a fun-loving companion who adores frisbee and daily walks. Teddy is great with kids and has adapted beautifully to the move from Clintonville. His new, spacious Wedgewood backyard is a dream come true, a far cry from their smaller Clintonville yard. Christina laughs that Teddy has “loved moving to Wedgewood just as much as we have.”

Anna, their daughter, is the heart of the household. At just a year old, she is curious, playful, and happiest when she’s included in whatever mom and dad are doing. Already a book lover, Anna attends Balanced Family Academy, where her natural eagerness to learn and explore is encouraged every day.

Bill grew up on the northwest side of Columbus, attended Bishop Watterson High School, and later studied marketing at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. His roots run deep in central Ohio, and his career has stayed close to his heart—he has spent his professional life in early literacy education. Today, he is a director at Amplify, where his program CKLA helps K-8 students learn to read. For Bill, knowing his work makes an impact on future generations is both rewarding and motivating.

Christina’s story began in Indianapolis. After attending Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, she moved to Columbus in 2014 to start her career in medical device sales. She has spent nearly a decade working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and medical spas, providing capital equipment for cash-pay aesthetics. Christina thrives on helping patients feel confident in their own skin and takes pride in supporting her clients’ growth.

The couple’s paths crossed most unexpectedly—at a wedding they weren’t officially invited to. Christina attended as her mother’s “plus one,” while Bill was added at the last minute when space opened up. Bonding over Big Ten sports and Game of Thrones, the two hit it off quickly and started dating a few months later.

Life with Anna has been filled with joy and discovery. While her activities at this age center around play and learning, she especially loves books and being part of her parents’ daily routines. As a family, the Conkles enjoy simple but meaningful traditions, like Friday night pizza and daily walks. Christina also bakes sourdough bread each week, and her homemade bolognese with fresh pasta and tiramisu has become a family specialty.

When it comes to hobbies, Bill is a sports enthusiast who rarely misses a Buckeyes, Crew, Blue Jackets, or Cavs game. He’s also a geography buff, having won his grade school Geography Bee, and still enjoys keeping up with global events. Christina loves cooking, discovering new recipes, and immersing herself in audiobooks during her frequent travels for work.

Travel is a passion the Conkles share, and it’s one they plan to continue with Anna. They hope to take her on her first international trip to Spain this year, adding to their growing list of memorable adventures. Favorite travel experiences include a day on a boat in Santorini, sampling Japan’s incredible food scene, exploring the natural beauty of New Zealand, and encountering wildlife in Hawaii. They also love the familiar comforts of trips to the Carolinas, Florida, the Keys, and Lake Michigan.

Since moving to Wedgewood in August, the Conkles have been delighted by the beauty of their new surroundings. Christina and Anna begin each morning by watching the wildlife in their yard—deer, birds, and sometimes even skunks. The family enjoys strolling along tree-lined streets, exploring the neighborhood’s lakes, and visiting the island on Cambden Lake to see the ducks. For them, the nature and community spirit of Wedgewood make it the perfect “forever” home.

Most of all, the Conkles are eager to connect with their neighbors. They look forward to meeting other families for playdates, dinners, and walks. Christina says, “We would love to meet other families in the neighborhood. If you’re interested in getting together, please reach out!”

As they settle into this next chapter, the Conkles are grateful for the warm welcome they’ve received and are excited to grow roots in Wedgewood. Whether traveling the world, enjoying family traditions at home, or simply walking with Teddy around the neighborhood, this family embraces life with joy, curiosity, and community spirit.