A recent family visit to Paris in December reminded Jackie Wernz of why her family loves the M Streets. “Our favorite part is the historic nature - we love the older houses and the consistent style,” she says, “and pulling into the neighborhood after a long day or a trip away, it always feels so charming and welcoming.” 

Jackie studied English, History and French at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and still practices French through online courses. After graduating, she continued her studies at the University of Virginia School of Law, earning her JD in 2007. Today she is a Partner at Thompson & Horton LLP where her focus is on helping educational institutions comply with Title IX. Husband and Dad Matt Wernz pursued a parallel route to the Law, with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Government from Georgetown University, followed by earning his JD from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2007. Today Matt is Director of the Southwest Region for the Federal Trade Commission, overseeing the enforcement of consumer protection laws for the residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.  

This year Jackie and Matt’s children Isaiah (12) and Cecily (9) both started at the William B. Travis Academy for the Academically Talented and Gifted - Isaiah in 6th and Cecily in 4th grade. Their three-year-old vizsla, Copper, completes the family. Proud of their kids’ academic promise, the couple is equally attentive to extra-curricular activities: “both play basketball and tennis, Isaiah plays soccer, and Cecily volleyball. They both practice karate through the Lakewood Dojo of Chamberlain Studios of Self Defense.” Isaiah and Cecily participate in math competitions through the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association (TMSCA). Jackie describes herself as an avid reader, as is Cecily, while Isaiah loves chess.  

While Jackie enjoys working up a sweat at Pure Barre and on her Peloton, Matt is a marathoner. This March he is running in Boston for the fifth time, completing 25 marathons. He plays tennis with the kids and as, Jackie adds, “is an amazing kids' basketball coach.”  Matt and Jackie are both involved in mentoring in their legal community, and they attend The Church of the Incarnation in the neighborhood.

Their advice to anyone new to the M Streets is: “Get out and explore your backyard. Dallas traffic can be a nightmare, so it's wonderful to have almost everything you need close by. We have found so many restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars and bars to choose from; we almost never leave the neighborhood to dine or hang out. Our favorite restaurant is Chelsea Corner.” They also appreciate the shopping, from boutiques to larger stores; the parks and playgrounds within walking or biking distance especially Glencoe Park; Frisco for bowling, laser tag, and the “best arcade ever” at Strikz; and the neighborhood’s St. Patty's Day festivities. 

A favorite dinner at home is Marcella Hazan's Bolognese (or bolon-zay-zay as the kids have always called it). The family enjoys all the ‘Back to the Future’ movies and Ted Lasso on TV., while Jackie and Matt have followed Arkansas Razorbacks football and Georgetown Hoyas basketball since their college days. 

Jackie notes that the family loves to visit Chicago in the summer, but otherwise they prefer their home neighborhood. "The weather is so amazing here for most of the year, and one of the most unique things about this neighborhood is the ability to get around without a car,” Jackie concludes, “it's liberating and fun - give it a try!”