by The Good Life Park Cities | Jun 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Kris Balekian Hayes and John H. Withers, Jr., are two individuals deeply embedded in the Park Cities community. Their lives, careers, and values intersect in a remarkable way, with a genuine commitment to family, community, and ethical practice, especially in the realm of family law.
Though Kris was born in Dallas, she grew up in Flower Mound. After graduating high school, she attended SMU for her undergraduate studies. Following her undergrad, she attended St. Mary’s in San Antonio for law school and graduate school, earning a MBA to compliment her law degree. After graduating from St. Mary’s, Kris found herself drawn to Park Cities, where she and her husband are raising four children, actively participating in their academic and sporting endeavors. “I moved to the Park Cities in 2000 after I graduated from law school,” she shared. “I got used to the years I spent at SMU, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was coming back. “Our oldest daughter is currently in college at the University of Arizona and will graduate next fall. We also have one child in Highland Park High School, one in Highland Park Middle School, and our youngest at Armstrong. Living in the Park Cities, it’s nice to be able to let them walk down the street or ride a bike around town and not have to worry.”
Now to, John, another Dallas native with a unique journey to the Park Cities. His path took him through Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets and eventually to SMU for law school, a choice influenced by his family’s deep roots in the university. “My grandfather was Willis Tate, president of SMU from the mid-’50s to the mid-’70s and name sake for the Tate Lecture Series,” John shared. Not to mention that his grandparents met at SMU, and his Mother, Father, Uncle and Sisters, all attended SMU, this familial tie, combined with his fond memories of attending SMU football games since childhood, solidified his connection to Park Cities. Additionally, John’s tenure as Associate Judge for Highland Park, spanning approximately five years, highlights his active involvement in the local community. Reflecting on his appointment, he recalled a noteworthy incident involving the housing of inmates from University Park in Highland Park during a jail remodeling. “About 20 years ago, Pat Robertson was the judge for Highland Park,” John explained. “The city council appointed me to serve when Pat wasn’t present. This was during a time when they were remodeling the University Park jail, and they were housing their inmates at Highland Park. There was a rumor of fights breaking out due to the meals being served. Rumor had it that University Park would feed their prisoners Bubba’s Chicken, and Highland Park would feed theirs McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.”
Kris and John’s paths converged professionally in family law. John’s father was board certified in family law, which laid the foundation for his eventual focus on this area. “When I went to law school, it was with the intent to start a boutique family law firm with my Dad,” said John. “I ended up taking a detour and went to work for the DA’s office for five years and then a civil firm for three years before my father and I started our firm in 1996.” Kris, however, stumbled into family law through her own custody battle in 2004. “I opened my practice in 2003 but needed to hire my own family law lawyer in 2004,” shared Kris. “I then began to focus more on those cases myself over the years while growing my practice. In 2019, I decided to narrow my focus exclusively on family law.” John and Kris met during a time when John and his father had their firm located in the Expressway Tower. Kris had an office just down the hall. “They were class acts,” said Kris. “John and I would run into each other frequently. We also served together on the Board of Directors of the family law section of the Dallas Bar Association. Our paths kept crossing, and we decided it was a sign.”
Their approach to family law at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, reflects their shared values of honesty, integrity, and empathy. They prioritize treating clients with respect and providing superior service, mirroring how they would want to be treated in similar situations.
Outside of their legal careers, Kris and John lead lives enriched by family and hobbies. Kris, married for 18 years to another attorney, enjoys snowboarding in Sante Fe and spending time with her family. John, married for 40 years, is deeply involved in CrossFit and scouting, devoting his weekends to his granddaughters. “I was a scoutmaster for Troop 80 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church for about 11 years,” said John. “All three of my sons were Eagle Scouts, and now my granddaughters are Cub Scouts. My wife and I currently volunteer at the District and Council level.
Their shared neighborhood of Mockingbird Ln further solidifies their intertwined lives, where they often find commonalities and shared connections. Despite Kris being the lone non-Aggie in their dinner outings, their friendship remains strong, bonded by shared values and experiences.
Ultimately, Kris Hayes and John Withers, Jr., are the essence of Park Cities living—a blend of tradition, community, and shared values. Through their dedication to family law and active involvement in their community, they leave a lasting impact on both their clients and their neighborhood, embodying the spirit of compassion and integrity in their legal practice and personal lives.
by The Good Life Park Cities | May 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Meredith, a native of Dallas, grew up in a home on Stanhope, (just a stone’s throw from her current residence), while her husband, Corby, hails from Tyler. Their paths crossed at Camp Longhorn in Burnett, Texas, when Meredith was in high school, but they didn’t begin dating until later after both graduated from the University of Texas. Meredith, armed with a degree in advertising, ventured to San Francisco to pursue a career in her field. During a return trip to Dallas for the wedding of mutual friends, she reunited with Corby. Six months later, she made the decision to return permanently to Dallas, and the rest was history between the two. Corby works for locally-owned Benchmark Bank and loves the bank’s commitment to the community.
Transitioning from her role in advertising, Meredith has found fulfillment in her career in real estate. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls the influence of her mother’s entry into the industry during a challenging period in Dallas’s history. “When I was in third grade at Bradfield, my mom went to work for Allie Beth Allman,” she explained. “I witnessed her success and achievement in receiving the Rookie of the Year award her first year. I admired her ability to balance family and her career and that she had her own thing that she loved.” Meredith formed connections with industry leaders like Robbie Briggs and began her own real estate journey at the age of 24 with Briggs Freeman. Two years later, her mother came back to work, and they enjoyed a long and successful partnership. Over two decades later, her passion for homes, architecture, and, above all, people, continues. After 15 years at Briggs Freeman, Meredith made the leap to Compass five years ago and now leads the Meredith Ferrell Group.
Meredith and Corby are proud parents to two wonderful children. 15-year-old Madison, their oldest daughter, is a freshman at Highland Park High School and enjoys playing soccer. Meanwhile, Gigi, their youngest daughter, is in fifth grade at MIS and participates in competitive cheerleading.
When it comes to family vacations, their adventures often lead them to Telluride where they enjoy skiing and hiking. Equally loved are their travels to the different beaches of 30A.
Residing on Arcady, Courtney shares the same passion for community and renovation as Meredith. Originally from Lake Forest, a suburb of Chicago, Courtney went to Vanderbilt University and then the University of Virginia for her master’s degree in business. Her journey then took her to New York where she began a career with Goldman Sachs before moving back to Chicago and joining JLL. Her husband, Charlie, began his career at Compass Leasing and Management before also joining JLL where the two met. It was Charlie’s career with JLL that landed them in Dallas 10 years ago. “The draw of Highland Park was that it was similar in feel to Lake Forest,” said Courtney. “We knew it’s where we wanted to be.” Charlie now works for Cushman and Wakefield and has been in commercial real estate for over 30 years. They have two daughters, Victoria and Eliza. Victoria, 20, is a sophomore at the University of Texas, and Eliza is in fifth grade at MIS with Meredith and Corby’s daughter, Gigi. “Gigi was Eliza’s first friend in Dallas, and the girls met at Fairfax Park playing on the playground,” shared Courtney. “We got to know Meredith and her family and realized we have the same passion for community and preservation, so not only did our daughters bring us together, but our passion did as well.”
Recently retired from the corporate world, Courtney is now focusing on interior design with her business, Courtney Petit Design. “As a working mom, I had been on the road travelling frequently and always thought I would retire from my corporate job and then pursue my passion – decorating,” Courtney shared. “My mom was a decorator and had an antique store with her friend, so she was certainly an influence on me. She would frequently decorate and shift things in and out of our home showing us the art of the possible and how slight modifications in a home can make it feel new again.”
Courtney has first-hand experience when it comes to renovating and decor. The first house they moved into in Dallas, on Fairfax Avenue, needed work and remodeling. After successfully completing that project, they realized they didn’t have the right space to configure a pool. “We started looking for another home that had a pool,” explained Courtney. “We renovated and redecorated that next home as well on Beverly Drive. Later, I was on a walk and came across our current home and called Charlie and said, ‘This is the next one and the final one!’ It had that pre-war feel and room for a pool. We ended up renovating three houses in a six-year period, all within a four-block radius.” Courtney’s work has been featured in D Home and House Beautiful. Friends previously approached her about projects but until now, she hasn’t had the time to focus on it, but ultimately said, “Life is too short, and my time is now to be doing this.”
Vacations for the Petit family include excursions to Europe, with their favorite destination being Florence, Italy. They pick a city and immerse themselves in the culture saying, “We look at architecture, visit museums, and shop for antiques to incorporate into our home.”
Joining forces as Co-Chairs for Preservation Park Cities Home Tour, Meredith and Courtney look forward to giving back to the community that they love. “We want to make the history and architecture of the Park Cities relevant for our age group,” said Meredith. “The organization as a whole has received a lot of attention recently, and more clients our age are buying and renovating. There’s something about the emotion and feeling you get in an older home.”
They say it takes a village, and supermoms Meredith and Courtney couldn’t agree more. “We both have rockstar husbands that are present and involved. We also have really wonderful parents that step in to help out.” Meredith’s parents live a mile away and both commented on the importance of living so close to their children’s friends for carpool and playdates. “You have that amazing support all around you, just down the block. The kids can run down the street and have a playdate that doesn’t have to be pre-arranged or organized. Putting family first and staying true to family values is so important to us. Being in this community makes that easier. We are very humbled, fortunate and blessed to live in this community that provides that for us.”
The upcoming annual Park Cities Home Tour takes place on May 10th and features some of the most beautiful homes in the Park Cities. The tour is a tribute to those who share in the appreciation of historic architecture. Meredith and Courtney look forward to seeing you there!
by The Good Life Park Cities | Apr 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
If you ever find yourself strolling through the streets of Highland Park, chances are you might bump into Carrie and Jason Morski. Though originally from New York, they have found the Park Cities the perfect place to call home.
Carrie, originally from upstate New York, attended D’youville University in Buffalo, where she not only pursued her degree but also played soccer for four years. After receiving her master’s in physical therapy, Carrie made her way to NYC where she worked for three years. Meanwhile, Jason, also from upstate New York, completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Buffalo and later moved to New York City as well. The two met for the first time in college and dated, and their relationship became more serious while they were both in New York City, with Jason proposing in Central Park.
After an initial move to Preston Hollow in 2006, the Morskis relocated to Highland Park in 2020. “We had so many people that were very helpful in assisting us with finding the right location,” explained Jason. “Rogers Healy spent time sharing stories about what it was like to grow up here and really helped to zero in on what neighborhoods to look for.” It was during Covid when the couple had a chance to step back and reassess what was important to them. “We determined that we wanted to be in a neighborhood where our kids could play with other kids,” they shared. “We wanted that same neighborhood feel that we grew up with the kids riding bikes down the street to a friend’s house or playing outside with the neighborhood kids.” Jason added, “The sense of community here is unmatched. People had told us that, but seeing really is believing. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful. In fact, when we moved in, a neighbor baked us a cake and delivered it with a handwritten note. We knew we were in the right place.”
During their time in Preston Hollow, their two children, Maxwell and Addison, attended Parish Episcopal. They are now students at Bradfield Elementary where Maxwell is in third grade and Addison is in first grade. Both Morski children, like Carrie, love soccer. “They started playing when they turned three, far earlier than when I started in high school,” said Carrie. With an initial start in YMCA soccer, they continued playing during their time at Parish Episcopal with Carrie as coach. They have since joined the team at Bradfield and play club soccer for HPSA. “They both still really enjoy it,” said Carrie. “When I tell Addison she has soccer practice, she is very excited and wants to know how much longer until practice starts. Both kids have excellent coaches and are natural athletes.” In addition to soccer, Maxwell also plays on the Scots club baseball team and a recreational basketball team on the Park Cities Baptist Church Upward league.
In addition to staying busy with the kids, Jason works for MFS Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in the world, and is credited with inventing America’s first mutual fund in 1924. He also serves on the board of Preservation Park Cities. With a love for their historic Highland Park home and vintage cars, he has now taken on the chairman’s role of the PPC car show. “When we moved to the Park Cities, I began noticing a lot of classic cars and began asking around if there was a group that got together,” shared Jason. “When I found out there wasn’t, I hatched a plan to start one with the idea of getting together twice in the spring and fall for a local Cars and Coffee at Highland Park Village. I later found out about the car show at SMU and asked if I could help out.” After that 2022 car show, Polly and Dan McKeithen asked if he would consider taking over. “I decided it would be fun, and if would help Preservation Park Cities, I would do it.” The charity car show, set for April 20th this year, displays around 350 cars and has close to 2,000 attendees. With his own collection of classic cars, with a focus on vintage and modern Porches, in addition to a vintage Landcruiser, Jason said the one car that he will never give up is his 1976 Porche 911S that he purchased in Manhattan and restored.
Carrie enjoys staying active, and you can often find her walking with their mini Goldendoodle, Murphy. “We love to explore the neighborhood, and he goes with me to drop off the kids at school every day,” Carrie shared. “He has become so popular that the kids at school ask about him.” After taking off the last seven years to raise their children, Carrie is also now exploring her options for re-entering the workforce.
When they’re not involved in community events or sports activities, the Morskis enjoy family traditions and outings. From Colorado ski trips during spring break to sunny days on Florida beaches, their holiday traditions and vacations create memories that will last a lifetime. Regarding local destinations, they make the most of the culinary offerings with frequent trips to Mi Cocina, Café Pacific, Park House, and Honor Bar, saying, “We love Highland Park, and we are so glad we are here!”
by The Good Life Park Cities | Mar 9, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Sarah Mitchell
Meet Carey and Drew Clancy, a couple with a story that encompasses life’s rollercoaster of twists and turns. Their story is filled with love, resilience, and the creation of new family traditions. Carey, an Atlanta native, found herself venturing beyond her Southern roots to TCU, and has considered herself a Texan ever since. Her first job was in Ft. Worth, working in marketing for the Ft. Worth Zoo. She then moved to advertising in Las Colinas before making her way to Dallas and the Park Cities. In 2004, she launched her own residential organizing business, which kept her busy for seven years and ultimately led her to be recruited by The Container Store to play a crucial role in launching their organizational services nationwide. Drew, on the other hand, originally hailing from Chicago, made Dallas his home at the age of 11 after his father accepted a position at Taylor Publishing. He attended St. Marks, Amherst College, and Northwestern University, ultimately landing him the role of CEO at
Publishing Concepts in 1999. He also has a blog, RiseWithDrew.com, and he hasn’t missed a day blogging in over four years. “I am very interested in leadership, positive psychology, building workplace culture, and servant leadership,” shared Drew. “My blog also features books that I have read that have had an impact on me.”
Drew’s late wife, Julie, died from cancer in 2018, and Carey’s 20-year marriage ended in divorce following the discovery of multiple addictions and betrayal. Drew and Carey both had a strong faith that God would take care of them and trusted in His perfect timing. And just before the pandemic, a mutual friend – also named Carrie (also married to a “Drew”) – introduced them and the rest is history. Their first date was at Il Bracco, and they closed the place down. “Conversation was just flowing. We looked up, and just like in the movies, they turned the lights up, and there was literally a guy mopping the floor, waiting for us to leave,” they laughed. They were engaged a year later and have been married for three years. With initial plans for a downtown Dallas wedding, things changed when both Drew and Carey came down with Covid three weeks before their wedding day. With their Sunday school teacher officiating, the couple exchanged vows at home, surrounded by their children, laughter, and love. A photographer, videographer, wedding planner, harpist, and chef were present, and they shared the experience via Zoom with over 300 people. “It was super fun and intimate,” said Carey. “We took the furniture out of the living room, and we had our first dance to Fly Me to the Moon, and then our kids joined in.” The Clancy family expanded further as Carey and her kids moved in, transforming their 2,000-foot attic to add two additional bedrooms and a game room. “The space works so well,” explained Carey. “It looks like it was originally designed this way.”
When they got married, Carey’s daughter was a senior in high school and is now a junior at Ole Miss. Cooper, their younger son was at the University of Oklahoma and graduated last May. He is now in Houston working for EY in consulting. The oldest son, Luke, went to Rhodes College in Memphis where he worked for a couple of years after graduation before recently moving back to Dallas. Lucy, Drew’s oldest daughter, went to Fordham University in New York City and still lives there. There are still two children at home, both in high school. Kate is a sophomore and a
Highland Belle, and Virginia is a freshman that will be trying out for HP Cheer in March. Traditions became the heartbeat of the Clancy household. “Clancy Day” emerged, offering each family member a chance to plan a day of activities, from rock climbing to museums to favorite dining spots. “Regardless of where it is, it’s always a fun time,” said Carey. “Everyone participates, and it gives each person a chance to get the spotlight.” Another tradition they have started is hosting a party the night before Christmas Eve for their kids’ friends and their parents. With six children between them, they really are like the Brady Bunch and have embraced this theme with their Christmas cards.
Hobbies for Drew and Carey include running and travel. Running became a shared passion, with Carey achieving an impressive streak of not missing a day in over two years, while Drew typically conquers four half-marathons annually. Their love for travel culminated in a five-week European adventure in 2022, weaving memories across France, Italy, and Spain. Carey’s parents and sister’s family joined the Clancy Bunch in Normandy, where they stayed in a VRBO castle that left them awestruck. Other highlights were Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, as well as an unforgettable trip through the Burgundy wine country in France for Carey’s 50th birthday.
As they continue to build a life together, Carey and Drew Clancy exemplify resilience, love, and the joy of creating new traditions. From going through their own separate histories to sharing a beautiful life of gratitude together now, their story shows the beauty of new beginnings. The Clancy Bunch’s journey continues to unfold, promising more adventures, laughter, and love.
by The Good Life Park Cities | Jan 24, 2024 | Uncategorized
Elliott and Lisa Burdette’s story is filled with rich experiences and a strong connection. Lisa’s roots in Cartersville and Newnan, Georgia, where her father owned 200 acres and nurtured longhorn cattle, pear trees, grapevines, and crops, gave her a close connection to the land and a love for nature. Her mother, Pat Burton, is 87 and still resides in Sharpsburg, Georgia where you can often find her making wonderful peach preserves. Previously married and widowed, Lisa has six children. With four of them already living in Texas, she made the decision to move to Texas as well. Elliott and Lisa have seven children in their blended family. Elliott’s daughter, Claire, attended Bradfield and graduated from HPHS in 2011. She is married to John Sager and both are attorneys and, along with Elliott are all SMU Law grads , with Claire graduating Magna Cum Laude. They have a son, Dutch, and are expecting another child soon. Lisa’s children are: Jim, an attorney and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and his wife, Huamin, an accountant, their daughter Maria, with another baby on the way; Sam, an attorney and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and his wife, Dr. Jenna Long, DVM, have two sons, Quince and William; Charles is a graduate of West Point Military Academy and is a resident in Oral and Maxilofacial surgery and his wife, Racheal, will soon begin studies to become an Orthodontist, and are expecting their first child; John, a graduate of West Point academy and his wife, Chloe, have two daughters, Alice and Margot; Lainie, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and studying law, is married to Luke Hoffer, a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy.
They have two children, Lila and Lincoln; Lindy is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and her husband, Tyler Jones, are both Captains in the U.S. Air Force and are stationed in Abilene. They have two sons, Jett and Dash. Elliott’s background, originating from western Pennsylvania and his family’s move to Texas, highlights his father’s determination to provide a better future for his children. “My father had a general store in Pennsylvania, but the economy there wasn’t strong at that time,” shared Elliott. “He realized that with six kids, he needed a location with a better future. He and a friend packed up and traveled by car for six months looking for a new place to call home. They visited California, Florida, and Texas, ultimately deciding on The Lone Star State due to the friendliness he experienced while visiting.” They moved just before Elliott’s 4th grade year, and he still remembers the heat. Elliott’s educational journey began at Kimball High School. After graduating, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. “I later talked my dad into attending the American University in Paris, an international liberal arts school,” explained Elliott. “I went for a year and met people from all over the world.” This opportunity furthered his global perspective and his belief in the value of a liberal arts education. He reconnected with an AUP alumni group 10 years ago and was later invited to join the Board of Trustees. “This is an important part of my life,” said Elliott. “I believe in a global liberal arts education and the dedication of AUP to consistently enrolling a diverse group of students from over 100 countries.” Meeting through a friend and sharing their first date at Al Biernat’s marked the beginning of a special journey for Elliott and Lisa. The instant connection they felt during their initial conversations and their recent two-year anniversary celebration speak volumes about the depth of their bond. Their shared love for travel has taken them to diverse places, including the romantic streets of Paris and the Périgord region of France for their honeymoon, a thrilling safari in Tanzania and Kenya, and explorations in Cape Cod, California, and plans for Israel this fall. It’s clear that Lisa and Elliott’s love for travel and new experiences is a testament to their adventurous spirits. The Burdettes stay busy in the community from work to recreational activities. Professionally, Elliott’s impressive 42-year career in law, particularly at Glast, Phillips, and Murray Law Firm, reflects his dedication to safeguarding people’s legacies and ensuring beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance. Lisa, the founder of The Dallas School of Etiquette, graduated from Auburn University where she earned a degree in Education. She has a
passion for helping youth and young adults develop the social, leadership, and communication skills needed to succeed through all aspects of their lives. She was also recently hired as an Education Instructional Assistant at Bradfield Elementary. When they are not busy with their careers, you can find them at Royal Oaks playing pickleball or attending church at St. Michael’s
Episcopal Church where Lisa also serves at the St. Michael’s Woman’s Exchange and teaches Sunday School. Lisa’s underlying belief that a family thrives when centered around God exemplifies their strong values and their aspiration to inspire others to have the same relationship. Their appreciation for the blessings in their lives, from St. Michaels to the people they serve and the friendships they cherish, illustrates their gratitude and positivity. Overall, Lisa and Elliott’s story is one of shared values, mutual respect, and a zest for life. Their journey through various experiences, both challenging and exhilarating, has fortified their connection and provided them with a foundation upon which to build a remarkable life together. This is a couple who not only appreciates their own journey but also strives to uplift those around them through their actions and beliefs.
by The Good Life Park Cities | Jan 21, 2024 | Uncategorized
“The Art Of Caring For Others Art Auction and Reception” Set to Unveil a Night of Generosity and Creativity
On February 29th, 2024, the Dallas Country Club will host an exquisite evening dedicated to philanthropy and creativity at “The Art Of Caring For Others Art Auction and Reception.” This event aims to raise vital funds for Christ’s Family Clinic, offering essential healthcare services to those in need.
The event will commence with a VIP Reception at 6:00 pm, followed by the main event from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, transforming the Dallas Country Club into a hub of artistic generosity.
Diane and Daryl Johnston, renowned for their commitment to charitable causes, will grace the occasion as our featured guests. Their insights into the significance of supporting organizations like Christ’s Family Clinic promise to inspire and motivate attendees.
“The Art Of Caring For Others” will spotlight a captivating art auction, showcasing the masterpieces of local artists.
“We’re honored to have Diane and Daryl Johnston join us and share their passion for supporting vital healthcare services. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.” – Haley Dale, Executive Director
Join us at “The Art Of Caring For Others Art Auction and Reception” to experience an evening of philanthropy, artistry, and compassion. Let’s come together to make healthcare accessible for all.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://givebutter.com/artofcaring2024.
For more information about Christ’s Family Clinic and to discover how you can support their mission, please visit https://christsfamilyclinic.org/.
Media Contact:
Haley Dale
Executive Director
haley@christsfamilyclinic.org
214.354.3653
About Christ’s Family Clinic:
Christ’s Family Clinic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality primary care services to underserved populations in our community. Through the support of donors, volunteers, and community members, the Clinic continues to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
