We are delighted to introduce ourselves as long-time residents of Colorado Springs. We have been living in the beautiful Flying Horse community since March 2017. Our journey to Colorado began on July 2, 2015, when we relocated from San Diego, California. 

The decision to move was driven by our desire to escape the hustle and bustle of city life in San Diego. We wanted to provide our children with a better education and embrace a slower, more fulfilling pace of life. Additionally, having one of my sisters already living in Colorado Springs made the transition easier and more inviting. We were also drawn to the incredible outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty that Colorado has to offer. Colorado Springs felt like the perfect place to call home, and we have cherished every moment here since. 

We live in the Village of Saratoga. We chose Flying Horse for several reasons. We found a home built by Copperleaf that was almost identical to a home we had built in California. This familiarity made it feel like home for the kids, easing their transition. Additionally, Flying Horse offered many amenities and was conveniently close to my sister and her family, the kids' school, parks, and everything we needed in town. The combination of these factors made Flying Horse an easy choice for our new home.

My husband, Steve, was born and raised in San Diego. He has two older brothers and an older sister. Steve has played baseball since he was a teenager and even played and coached for the Linz Baseball Team in Austria. In addition to baseball, Steve enjoys playing golf, fishing, and curating his impressive butterfly collection from around the world. His collection is envied by many collectors and lepidopterists. Recently, Steve caught a butterfly that hadn't been seen in 10 years, which also had unique variations. Scientists are currently researching this, and if it proves to be a new species, Steve might have the honor of naming it. 

Steve has worked for Heartland Payment Systems for seven years as a Territory Manager in Merchant Services. He also created and successfully runs his own networking group, Heartland Connect, which has been active for six years. Steve is passionate about life and serving others, always friendly, kind, and honest. He has organized an annual charity golf tournament for the past six years and recently held one on August 5 at Pine Creek Golf Course, supporting the local charity Tri-Lakes Cares. Steve is dedicated to making a difference in our community and setting an example of gratitude and giving back to those less fortunate for our children.

Garrett, our son, just graduated with honors from Lewis-Palmer High School and will attend UCCS in the fall to study Criminal Justice. He loves gaming, Warhammer, and excels in any sport he plays. Garrett took up golf during his senior year in high school and especially enjoys playing with his dad. One of his favorite memories is golfing with Steve in Costa Rica during spring break at the Los Suenos Marriott Resort, where they saw toucans, iguanas, butterflies, and other wildlife. Garrett is a foodie who loves sushi, steak, and anything spicy. He is thoughtful, loves the Lord, his country, and stands up for others even when it’s unpopular. We look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in his career.

Sydney, our daughter, is a high school senior attending Palmer Ridge High School. She is full of life and loves the outdoors, especially visiting our lake house in Bella Vista, Arkansas, where she enjoys paddle boarding, hiking, and exploring. Sydney and her PRHS soccer team just won their first league championship and are looking forward to complete domination in the upcoming season. She has been traveling across the states visiting colleges and teams to decide where she will continue her soccer career and pursue a degree in Biology, most likely focusing on Dermatology. Currently, she works at Timberview Animal Hospital, where she loves caring for animals daily. Sydney is full of personality, courageous, witty, and a force to be reckoned with. She loves the Lord, her country, and is excited about what the next year will bring.

As for me, Sarah, I am a dedicated mother, wife, and colleague. With over 20 years of experience in HR, I have been changing lives in Colorado and other states while working for Heartland Payroll and HR services. My dedication to educating businesses and helping them find the right solutions, while guiding them on compliance and ever-changing laws to protect their business and their people, has been incredible for my family, partners, and Heartlanders to witness. I have earned several top awards at Heartland in the past year, including Heartland’s Champions Club, and have vested in my company in just two short years. What most people don’t realize is that I achieved all of this while undergoing 16 surgeries over the course of 15 months. I tell everyone that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve others and to have been given a second chance at life. I will be forever indebted to the Lord for letting me live to continue to be a wife, mother, sister, daughter, colleague, and friend. God has great things planned for me that were beyond my wildest dreams. I live each day to serve others and give back for the breath that I breathe daily.

In my free time, I love to spend time at our lake house in Arkansas, which I call my "peace." The birds sing, the lake is serene, and the people are salt of the earth. I enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and discovering new places. I am also an avid cook and baker and love hosting friends and family. My mother is 100% Italian, so Italian cuisine is my favorite to cook and share with others.

Steve and I first met at a BBQ hosted by his Aunt Penny, who is best friends with my mother. We were both dating other people at the time, but I could tell immediately that Steve was someone special. There was something about him that just stood out. Fast forward a year and a half, and we found ourselves at his cousin Laura's wedding. This time, we were both single and excited to see each other again. The entire family was thrilled about the possibility of us being together. Our first date was at a San Diego Padres game in 1998, during a season when they were on fire. We had an unforgettable evening, filled with laughter and great conversation. From that night on, we knew we had something special, and we've been inseparable ever since.

Outside of work, Steve and I have a variety of hobbies and interests that keep us busy and entertained. Steve is quite the baseball enthusiast and enjoys playing every weekend. He also has a unique passion for catching butterflies and adding to his impressive butterfly collection from around the world. On weekends, you might find him either on the golf course or fishing at a nearby lake. Plus, he has an amazing garden that he's incredibly proud of.

As for me, I love to hike and explore new trails. Baking and cooking are my passions, and I never miss a chance to whip up something delicious in the kitchen. Watching our daughter play soccer is one of my greatest joys, and I cheer her on at every game. I'm very interested in taking up photography and am excited to capture beautiful moments. Once our kids are off to college, I plan to start writing a book about my adventures in HR and my journey from a near-death experience to living my best life.

Steve and I have diverse educational backgrounds and professional journeys that have led us to where we are today. I graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a degree in Kinesiology/Exercise Science, where I was also a dedicated member of the cross country and track teams. Initially, I pursued a career as an athletic trainer and massage therapist, with aspirations to become a physical therapist. However, an injury shifted my path, and I found myself starting a career in Human Resources at a medical device company. I worked my way up to an HR Director role before a life event prompted me to take a leap of faith into a new career in HR & Payroll Sales. Joining Heartland Payroll & HR Services was the best decision I've ever made. It has allowed me to earn numerous accolades and awards for my hard work and unique approach of educating businesses rather than just selling to them.

Steve, on the other hand, attended SDSU in San Diego, focusing on mathematics and science. With over 25 years in Sales and Business Development roles, Steve has achieved success at every company he's worked for. Seven years ago, he found his home at Heartland Payment Systems. Steve has excelled in various roles but ultimately settled into his favorite position as a Territory Manager, serving clients in Colorado. An exceptional networker, Steve created an amazing networking group called Heartland Connect, which brings local business owners, partners, and potential clients together to support and build each other up. This group has connected hundreds of businesses and hosts an annual golf tournament to support Tri-Lakes Cares, a nonprofit in Monument, CO, helping many local families.

You might have noticed that Steve and I both work for Heartland, but in different verticals. We have truly embraced Heartland's "Stronger Together" motto, supporting each other's clients at the highest levels. Steve's encouragement gave me the courage to transition into HR & Payroll Sales, allowing me to use my God-given talents to help not just one company, but many within our community.

When it comes to our hobbies, our family loves playing games and a favorite is Mexican Train. 

You will also find us at our lake home in Bella Vista, paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking and hiking through the amazing trails. When it comes to eating out, Sushi Ato is our go-to spot. Costa Rica, Greece, and Australia/New Zealand are among our top vacation destinations. We’re also big sports fans, cheering on the San Diego Padres and the Pittsburgh Steelers. And for the past nine years, we’ve been proud parishioners of St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument and love our faith community. 

Our story would not be complete without mentioning our amazing dog, Ben. He is the kindest, most loving, and friendliest dog anyone could ever meet. Ben is an Anatolian Shepherd and chocolate lab mix. He has a passion for going on rides, taking walks, enjoying pup cups, getting treats, and being petted by anyone willing to indulge him. 

What we love most about living in the Flying Horse community is the incredible sense of closeness and camaraderie. Being just minutes away from the USAFA, several beautiful hiking trails, and serene lakes makes it easy to enjoy all the natural beauty Colorado Springs has to offer. However, it’s our neighbors who truly make this place special. They have become like family to us. We have wonderful cul-de-sac parties, engaging Bible studies, and we support each other through life’s challenges. Whether cheering each other on in good times or offering a helping hand in times of need, the sense of community here is unparalleled. Overall, the best part of living in Flying Horse is the amazing people who surround us every day.