8 minute read
The Snyder Family
Finding Passion, Purpose and Time for Play
Resident Feature by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com
Thanks to Alpha Century Security of Newtown Square for sponsoring our Resident Feature.
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This month we are pleased to introduce you to the Snyder family. Chris, Lauren, Katie and Ally know how to appreciate life, value our community and embrace opportunities by jumping in with both feet.
Chris grew up in Havertown with his parents and two younger brothers. He went to Lynnewood Elementary, Haverford Middle School, and graduated from Haverford High School in 1997. Athletics was especially important to Chris, so he competed on Haverford High School’s swim, golf and baseball teams. He also sang in the school chorus.
Chris furthered his education at The University of Richmond where he continued to stay active. “I swam for the men’s swim team, sang in the all-male a cappella group, and had a great time with friends as a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity,” Chris recalled. He graduated in 2001 with his degree in Business Administration/Finance and a minor in Math. He then returned to PA to earn his Master’s in Business Administration/Finance from Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
Lauren and Chris Snyder
Lauren grew up with her parents and two sisters just a few blocks away from Chris. She went to Manoa Elementary, Haverford Middle School, and graduated from Haverford High School the same year as Chris. In high school, she played volleyball for the Haverford Fords. She then attended Rosemont College, where she also played volleyball and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2001. She then began working for Vanguard, and continued for eight years before leaving to care for their girls.
By now you’re probably thinking that this story is about two high school sweethearts, right? Not so fast. Although Lauren and Chris were classmates in middle school and high school, their romantic relationship didn’t begin until they were juniors in college.
It is said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and for Chris and Lauren, it was 250 miles of separation that sealed the deal. “I would make the drive up from Richmond to visit Lauren every month,” Chris said, “and I chose to move back to the area after graduation so we could be together.” Lauren was living in West Chester at the time and Chris was working in Philadelphia, so he decided that an apartment in Newtown Square would be an ideal place to rest his head.
Two years later, Lauren and Chris married in 2003, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. They honeymooned on the “One Happy Island” of Aruba. Amid the crystal-clear water and pristine beaches, Chris said he and Lauren also learned that the island has a challenge with stray dogs due to uncontrolled pet populations. “Those dogs were unkempt, but they were friendly and walked right up to us on the street,” he explained. “Lauren couldn’t resist petting them, and I knew right then that we would eventually have dogs of our own.”
After returning from Aruba, the couple bought a home in the Westgate section of Havertown. They settled in familiar surroundings and started a family. Eventually, Chris and Lauren decided that they needed more space and a bigger yard for their two girls and future puppies. They both agreed that Newtown Square was where they wanted to live, so they began their search and found the perfect home in the St. Albans neighborhood.
Katie and Ally Snyder at St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club
Chris and Lauren’s oldest daughter, Katie, is excited to begin 9th grade at Marple Newtown High School this fall. She’s an avid competitive swimmer at Episcopal Academy Aquatic Club (EAAC) and at St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club. “Katie is a distance swimmer and backstroker first and foremost, but she prides herself on doing all the strokes well,” said Lauren. “Her favorite race is the 200-yard backstroke.”
Chris describes Katie as extremely driven, goal-oriented, determined and focused. She’s fun-loving and very witty, too. When not in school, she spends her days at the swim club. “Katie goes from swim practice in the morning, to card games and gaga ball with friends in the afternoon, to lessons and swim meets in the evening,” he said. “Chlorine is her favorite perfume!”
Their daughter Ally will start 6th grade this fall at Paxon Hollow Middle School. While Ally shares her sister’s love for the water, her true passion lies on the pitcher’s mound. Ally just completed her first season in the 12U age group for the Newtown Square Petticoat League Rebels. “The Rebels made it to the championship game and were runners up in the Del Val South Division,” Chris said proudly. “It’s a joy to watch them play together.”
Lauren describes Ally as hard-working and focused with a sunny disposition. “Ally is one of the most positive people you will ever meet,” said Lauren. “When she was just four years old, she would come downstairs and proclaim it the best day ever before we even finished breakfast!”
Chris and Lauren Snyder with their children (L-R) Katie and Ally
Rounding out the Snyder family are their two beloved Miniature Schnauzer pups Archie and Oscar. They are two-year-old half-brothers who quarrel like it, too. Chris said it’s easy to figure out who Archie and Oscar’s favorite humans are. “When Lauren, Ally or Katie leave the house – the saddest howling you’ve ever heard. When I leave – silence.” Though Archie and Oscar may fight, these half-brothers agree on letting Chris know where he ranks.
There is no doubt that Katie and Ally get their determination and focus from watching their parents. For over 20 years, Chris has worked for Temple University Health System. He started as a financial analyst and is now the Vice President of Financial Operations and Business Intelligence. Chris’ job involves using data to help hospitals and physician practices make sound business decisions and provide world-class care to the Philadelphia region. And though the COVID-19 crisis was challenging, he said that seeing firsthand the efforts and leadership of Temple’s care providers was awe-inspiring. “I am grateful to have played a role in supporting them.”
Lauren currently works as a Teacher’s Aide at Newtown Square Presbyterian Nursery School.
Lauren credits the school’s Directors, Jane Fiorvanti and Meghan Kazanjian, for their excellent job in successfully navigating through a very difficult time.
The Snyders make getting involved and giving back to our community a priority. In 2016, they joined St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club, to give their girls an opportunity to swim, have fun and learn from some of the best swim coaches in the area. But that was just the beginning for Lauren, who now serves on the Board as one of the swim and dive team directors.
Chris volunteers his time with Newtown Square Petticoat League. He served as their Treasurer for three years, and continues to help the organization in every way he can.
The Snyder family
When asked what they love about Newtown Square, Chris and Lauren said that living here has shown them just how much our community has to offer. From the Marple Newtown School District to St. Albans Swim & Tennis Club, the EAAC to Newtown Square Petticoat League, the Snyders feel fortunate to have found their home here. “Our girls have found their passions. They’re learning that you get back what you put in,” they said, “and as a result, they’re building strong work ethic and character.”
The one thing missing? “During the pandemic, we really missed block parties and backyard get-togethers with friends,” they said. “We are so excited to finally get back to that!” Your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors are ready to dive into that, too!
Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila TurnerHilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.
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