The Jankowski family intertwines adventure, love, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging to build a life full of excitement and new beginnings. 

Caitlin was born in Salt Lake City but grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she would meet her husband-to-be, Brian, who was born and raised there. The two recall meeting in 7th grade with Brian sporting a trendy perm and Caitlin in fashionable white overalls. They would later find an old photograph indicating they had taken First Communion together years before. Though never a couple in their youth, their paths would cross again.

Each left the state after high school to further their education. Caitlin headed to Gonzaga University where she earned a public relations degree, minoring in advertising. After graduation, she volunteered for AmeriCorps before embarking on her career. Brian chose Weber State University in Ogden, UT, to study psychology with minors in chemistry, zoology, microbiology, and technical sales while also competing as a two-sport D1 athlete.

The pair reconnected after college and began dating. Both adventurous with a love of the outdoors, Brian proposed atop Ben Lomond Peak in Utah, 10,000 feet above sea level. The view made the most beautiful backdrop for such an occasion. They were married in their hometown church surrounded by family and friends and are looking forward to celebrating their 10th anniversary in April.

As the Jankowskis grew as a couple, they also nourished their professional careers. Caitlin fed her passion for public relations working for a regional bank in Utah that allowed her to utilize her talents and communication skills at events such as the Sundance Film Festival and numerous charity events around Salt Lake City. Brian’s aspirations would eventually relocate the couple from the mountains of Utah to the desert of Arizona. In the years following, Brian earned his master’s in public health and DMD degrees from A.T. Still University in Mesa. 

During this period, the couple began a family. Like their parents, the Jankowski kids are being raised to love the outdoors and be adventurous. Whether hiking, skiing, exploring new cities, or trying anything new, Brian and Caitlin savor the moments watching their children experience “firsts” like seeing the ocean, meeting a Disney character, or celebrating when they get the hang of a new skill like skiing.

Each of the Jankowski kids brings a unique personality and energy to the family, but one thing they have in common, according to their parents, “is the ability to entertain —whether it’s with a silly joke, a thoughtful gesture, a dance performance, or just being their sweet, energetic selves.”

Amelia (9), a third grader, is a creative soul and athlete. She is an avid reader, writer, and artist with a love of books and music. You can usually find her playing the piano or curled up with a good story. Amelia is also a ballerina and volleyball player, and she’s looking forward to joining the swim team.

Deacon (4) is in preschool and has a passion for vehicles of all kinds. He enjoys riding his bike and cruising around NoCo in his ride-on Chevy truck. He loves digging and playing construction, basketball and baseball, and is always eager to help around the house. 

Eli (2) is the social butterfly of the family, making friends wherever he goes. He loves music, stories, tracking the garbage truck, tagging along with his siblings, and is a dog lover. 

If you haven’t picked up on it, the Jankowskis have a theme running through their names. “Our initials are A, B, C, D, and E, which wasn’t planned but turned out to be a cool family quirk. To keep the pattern going, our dog’s name starts with F!” Felix, a 1-year-old Poovanese, is a handful. He has stealthily consumed everything from take-out (including wrappers) to homemade playdough. Caitlin admits, “Despite his troublemaking ways, we love him and wouldn’t trade him for anything!” 

Brian and Caitlin have lived in five different states, giving them a love for exploring, meeting new people, and finding ways to make each community feel like home, so when Brian was accepted as an endodontic resident at the UofL Dental Clinic, they trusted God and welcomed the adventure. The Jankowskis have embraced their new life, neighborhood, and community. 

Caitlin finds joy in her role as a stay-at-home mom, cherishing the fleeting, precious early years with her children as she orchestrates their daily routines and works to create special memories and traditions. Amidst her parenting responsibilities, she makes time for hobbies such as making sourdough bread. The family attends Food Truck Friday and the Farmers’ Market, and Caitlin is active with the NoCo Moms’ Group. In his spare time, Brian enjoys playing drums, a hobby from age 12, and serves as a recruiter for Kids Dental Brands, helping place dentists across the country. 

“We believe that a strong community is built on kindness, connection, and giving back. In the short six months we’ve been here, we’ve been amazed at how easy it has been to get involved and how welcoming everyone has been to our family. From the start, we’ve made it a priority to support our local schools and church through volunteer work, service projects, and donations….We love finding ways to give back.”

They also make a point to frequent local businesses, restaurants, and shops because they believe supporting neighbors strengthens the entire community. “It’s been rewarding to see familiar faces, build relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging. As we continue to settle in, we’re excited to deepen our involvement even further, finding new ways to connect and contribute to the incredible spirit of this neighborhood.”

From Idaho Falls to Norton Commons, with every new chapter, the Jankowskis embrace and thrive on adventure, becoming closer to each other and the communities they call home.