Prepare to Serve: Mentor Couples

CHRISTIAN & JANA ADAMS

Married since: 1995

Parishioners since: 2005

Children: We have two daughters who both attended the Basilica School of St Mary from pre-k through eighth grade. Abigail (22) is a senior at Fordham University and Amelia (18) is a freshman at Auburn University.

Occupations: Jana is executive director for Touchstone Energy, a marketing and communications organization that serves electric cooperatives across the country. Christian is president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a nonprofit law firm focused on election integrity.

Involvement at the Basilica: Through the years we have been active within the parish and school community, serving on the HSA Board, volunteer for Battle of the Books, regular chaperone for school field trips, security at diocesan work camps, Mary Martha Guild member and as a Eucharistic Mister of Holy Communion.

Faith Background/Family of Origin:Christian was born and raised Catholic. Jana was Presbyterian and Methodist growing up and converted to Catholicism in 2005.

Fun Fact:Prior to Jana joining the Church, we had our second wedding (sacrament of marriage) so we have two anniversaries ten years and one day apart.

BREVIN & ANNESLEY ANDERSON

Married Since: 2018 (together since 2015)

Parishioners Since: 2022

Children: two young daughters.

Occupations: Brevin is a contractor for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Annesley is pursuing her PhD in English Literature at The Catholic University of America and teaches undergraduate classes part-time.

Involvement at the Basilica: Santa Familia, Knights of Columbus, Nocturnal Adoration Society.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: We both grew up in devout Protestant families and converted to Catholicism in college, after becoming convinced of the importance of Church authority, tradition, and the sacramental life (and reading lots of G. K. Chesterton).

Fun Fact: we have lived in Seattle, Boston, and DC. Our love story began with a shared enthusiasm for the novels of Brandon Sanderson.

EARL & ERIN BELL

Married: Since December 15th, 2012

Parishioners Since: We joined the Catholic Church at Easter 2022 after attending St. Mary’s RCIA that year.

Children: Eason (7 years old) and Eva (4 years old)

Occupations: Earl is an analyst with the federal government, and has been a federal employee for over 15 years. Erin is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in couples therapy, working at her private practice in Old Town, Alexandria.

Involvement at the Basilica: We attend weekly Mass. We were both volunteers supporting the former Date Night at the Basilica apostolate. Earl is currently enrolled in the Master Catechist program with Christendom College in order to help with OCIA. We both serve the Basilica School of Saint Mary in different ways – Earl serves on an advisory counsel at the school and Erin is currently the Family Wellness Committee Chair.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Earl was raised in a devout Southern Baptist home in rural Mississippi. His family was very involved in the local Baptist church. His father was a Deacon, until his death. His mother was a choir director, and continues to play the organ for the church on Sundays. His whole family is from Mississippi and continues to live there. Like Earl, Erin was also raised in a faith-filled Protestant family in Mississippi. At one point, her father was the pastor of a church plant. She was later raised Presbyterian and attended a Presbyterian church school.

Fun Fact: Our first date ended with Erin in the emergency room, and Earl trying to distract her from the stitches by doing voice impressions of Disney cartoon characters. The rest, as they say, was history.

DAVID & LOLA CAPPS

Married Since: 2002 (together since 1994)

Parishioners Since: 2023

Children: 1 son in high school

Occupations: Both chiropractors; their practice is located in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Graduated from chiropractic school in February 2003 and opened their practice in December 2003.

Involvement at the Basilica: Lola – OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation), WWP (Walking With Purpose Bible Study) and is a Basilica Docent. David – participates in That Man is You. Their son – is involved with Youth Apostolates, Work Camp and is also an altar server.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Lola grew up surrounded by different faith influences—Methodist with her grandparents, and later exposed to Judaism and Catholicism while living in New York City from ages 8–14. After moving back to Maryland, faith was not an active part of her life. David was baptized and received the sacraments in the Lutheran Church. For many years as a couple, they were not involved in church life, but in 2022 they both felt a strong calling to return to God. Together as a family, they entered OCIA: Lola and their son were baptized and received the sacraments of the Catholic Church, and David was received into full communion through conversion.

Fun Fact: They love movies, especially classics from the 80s and 90s, and often quote their favorites.

DAVID & VICTORIA CONCEPCION

Married Since: met through the Catholic Campus Ministry at University of Mary Washington in 2014 and were married at the Basilica of St. Mary in January 2020.

Parishioners Since: 2020

Children: Two daughters, Genevieve and Adriana.

Occupations: Both work in public relations.

Involvement at the Basilica: The first few months of marriage they faced obstacles, including Victoria’s job loss and living in a studio apartment for the first five months, but Victoria and David found a meaningful support group through the Basilica’s Bible study for married and engaged couples and believe the trials of the first few months made their marriage stronger as they had to rely on each other more than ever.

Faith Background / Family of Origin:

Fun Fact: During their free time, Victoria and David enjoy playing with their girls, exploring Virginia wineries, and planning future travels together.

ISAIAH & DARIEN CONTU

Married Since: 2017 (together since 2014)

Parishioners Since: 2023 (VA natives since 2016)

Children: Three children: Wilson (4 years old), Alyssa (1 year old), Andrew (6 months old).

Occupations: Isaiah works as a Vice President of Ministry Service at Communio, a nonprofit focused on helping churches build marriage ministries across the country. Darien is an Investment Operations Manager at VELA, a nonprofit focused on investing in innovative K-12 education models outside of the traditional system.

Involvement at the Basilica: We’re often found enjoying company at Santa Familia gatherings and will soon be supporting Date Night at the Basilica.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Isaiah grew up in a devoutly Catholic family in Scottsdale, AZ. His mother leads in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and his father hails from Sardegna, Italy. He is the third of four children and his parents just celebrated their 39th anniversary. Darien grew up in rural Western NY state in a small town in a CEO Catholic family and she recommitted to the faith in college when she was confirmed at an Easter Vigil at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Manhattan. She has one younger brother and her parents have been married 31 years. Darien & Isaiah were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Alexandria in 2017.

Fun Fact: Isaiah asked Darien to marry her on a skydiving adventure. Both enjoy reading, having adventures (in books or in real life), and coffee.

JOHN & KERRY DALY

Married Since: John and Kerry Daly were married at Good Shepherd Church in Mount Vernon in September of 1998, having met at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

Parishioners Since: They became parishioners of the Basilica in 2005.

Children: They are the parents of four children: John (26), Margaret (24), Catherine (20), and Molly (15), all of whom attended the Basilica School of St. Mary and St. John Paul the Great High School in Potomac Shores.

Occupations: John has worked for the Marine Corps as a civilian employee for nearly 25 years, serving in the Office of Legislative Affairs in the Pentagon. Kerry’s had a more varied career having started as a Systems Engineer for Lockheed Martin, then spending a decade as a full-time Mom, she now works at St. Aidan’s preschool with, primarily, two-year olds.

Involvement at the Basilica: Our support of the Basilica has primarily been through serving at the school. John ran the Christmas Tree Sale for many years, while also serving as a CYO basketball coach. Kerry was a regular volunteer in the library, cafeteria and wherever help was needed. Both served as Scout leaders over the years. Their children have served at the altar at Mass, been OCIA catechists, and assisted with SPRED.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: John and Kerry both come from Catholic families (John likes to put extra emphasis on Irish-Catholic families) with roots that run deep in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Products of both parochial and public schools, along with a Jesuit university, the Church has been woven throughout their lives.

Fun Fact: As mentioned above, John and Kerry met at St. Joseph’s, but they actually met at a Philadelphia Phillies’ game in September of 1992. It’s a good story about John stepping over people, then being told to sit down, and 9 innings (and 34 years) later…..the rest is history.

Matt & Audra Gannon

Married Since:November, 10, 2007

Parishioners Since: 2007

Children: Twin 8th grade daughters at The Basilica School of St. Mary.

Occupations: Matt is a Federal Lobbyist with Farmers Insurance, and Audra works at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

Involvement at the Basilica: Audra is co-chair of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas Chapter and belongs to a Bible Study at the Parish.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: We both grew up in the Catholic faith. Audra is from Florida by way of Connecticut, and Matt is from Ohio.

Fun Fact: We love English football (c’mon City!) and enjoy vinyl — Matt surprised Audra with tickets to see her favorite band, Oasis, last summer in Manchester.

Married Since:2018

JAY & MICHELLE GRESS

Married Since: 2005

Parishioners Since: Michelle (1998), Jay (2004)

Children: Four – Anne (18), Helen (16), Leo (14), Felix (12)

Occupations: Jay: For almost twenty years, Jay has served as an intelligence officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations. This job allowed the Gress family to live overseas (Europe, Asia, Middle East) for nearly ten years. The family moved back to Alexandria in 2018 and has remained since. Prior to his career as an intelligence officer, Jay forecasted snow avalanches in the Pacific Northwest. Michelle: Michelle serves as Executive Director of government relations at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, where she has worked since returning to the U.S. in 2018. While living overseas, Michelle devoted most of her time to raising children, though she undertook some part-time work. Michelle attended law school in the early 2000s, immediately following which she worked for the White House and the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to law school, Michelle was active in policy work and operated her own public relations firm.

Involvement at the Basilica: In addition to weekly and sometimes daily Mass attendance, Jay and Michelle actively support the Basilica’s participation in the annual Diocesan Work Camp youth program (Jay serves as one of several parish leaders for the program, while Michelle helps coordinate fundraising activities). The Gress children are also very active in the parish, with the girls helping to teach at the confirmation retreats and the boys serving regularly as altar servers for Sunday Masses. Of those who are eligible by age, the Gress kids attend the weekly youth group events at the Basilica and the annual Work Camp event.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Michelle: Michelle is a cradle Catholic, and grew up attending Catholic schools in Utah, where the faith formation was relatively tepid. In college, Michelle started attending daily Mass, and began to really discover the richness of the Catholic faith. Michelle’s parents divorced when Michelle and her brother were in their early teens. Jay: The youngest of four siblings (three older sisters), Jay was raised in a family that practiced the Catholic faith but did not discuss or talk about the faith much. His parents had a warm marriage, as did many of their friends who were also practicing Catholics – people Jay still recognizes as having model marriages to this day. Jay’s education came from both Catholic schools and public schools, with the Catholic schools not placing a strong emphasis on catechism. Accordingly, Jay’s grounding in the faith wasn’t particularly steadfast, and he did not avail himself to the sacraments during his early college years. Thankfully, Jay had a significant “re-version” to the faith in his early 20s, and oriented his life towards the sacraments and living out a vocation consistent with the Church’s teachings.

Fun Fact: Michelle and Jay are avid players of board games and card games. Such pursuits have served their marriage and family life well, as gaming is an excellent way to spend time together with engagement, conversation, and laughter (as well as the occasional competitive disappointment).

JOHN & JENNELLE

Married Since: 2011

Parishioners Since: 2002

Children: 3

Occupations: Jennelle is an instructional assistant at the Basilica School; John is a Division Manager at AtkinsRealis.

Involvement at the Basilica: We attend weekly Mass and participate in Walking with Purpose, That Man is You, and Heaven in Your Home. Our two oldest are altar boys and all three are in Junior Legion of Mary.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: John was raised Catholic, although he was not Confirmed until we were married. Jennelle was raised Presbyterian. After we were married, Jennelle converted and both of us went through RCIA together — something that was a true blessing as we began our life together.

Fun Fact: We met playing on our company softball team.

DENNIS & RUTH KELLY

Married Since:2013

Parishioners Since: 2020

Children: Dennis has three children from a prior marriage and two grandchildren.

Occupations: Dennis currently works in investment management and was previously an Army civilian, management consultant and US Marine. In his spare time, Dennis enjoys researching the Civil War, genealogy, and current events. Ruth spent 25+ years as a CPA and now works as a teaching assistant at the Basilica School of Saint Mary. Ruth enjoys walking, caring for animals, and studying foreign languages.

Involvement at the Basilica: Together, Dennis and Ruth attend the Luminaries of Holy Mary apostolate (about the appearance of Mary at Fatima, Portugal), and have taken several Catholic pilgrimages, including to Rome, Fatima Portugal, and the Camino in Spain. Dennis is an usher at the Saturday 5 pm vigil Mass and is a Knight of Columbus. Ruth facilitates the Thursday session of Walking with Purpose bible study.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: The oldest of six, Dennis grew up in a Catholic family in Nebraska, England, and Virginia; Dennis’s father was an Air Force officer. Ruth grew up in Northern California and was not raised Catholic; she converted to Catholicism at Easter Vigil 2021. Dennis and Ruth both enjoy praying the rosary.

Fun Fact: Dennis’s maternal grandparents emigrated to Nebraska from Sicily about 120 years ago (to work on the railroads) and Dennis remains in touch was his cousins in Sicily. Although Ruth is not Italian, she speaks Italian, so Dennis and Ruth visit family in Sicily every few years to keep in touch with Dennis’ Italian cousins.

ROB & BETTY LOIA

Married Since: We have been married for 34 years. We met and first dated as freshmen at Catholic University 40 years ago. That number still shocks us.

Parishioners Since: We have been parishioners at the Basilica of St. Mary for 3 years.

Children: We have six children, two daughters and four sons, ranging in age from 20 to 33. Our oldest daughter, Mia, and her husband, Kyle, just welcomed their first baby, our first grandchild, in July. Our son, John and his wife, Elizabeth, are also expecting their first son in January.

Occupations: We are both career-long Catholic educators. Rob is the principal of the Basilica School, while Betty teaches English at Bishop Ireton High School.

Involvement at the Basilica: Rob is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Betty belongs to the Catholic Daughters of America.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: We both grew up in Catholic families. Rob is the son of Italian immigrants and was born and raised in New Jersey. He attended his parish elementary school and an all-boys Benedictine high school. Betty grew up in Winter Park, Florida. After undergraduate work at Catholic U., Betty earned her Master’s in Theological Studies at the John Paul II Institute. Rob pursued graduate degrees in education from both Loyola University of Maryland and the University of Notre Dame.

Fun Fact:

During our years together we have lived in Maryland, New Jersey, Arkansas, South Carolina and Virginia( all without being in the military!).

One of our favorite places is Lake George in upstate New York where we have been vacationing for 25 years.

In August our “nest” will be empty for the first time in 33 years when our youngest son, Peter, leaves for Virginia Tech.

JAKE & ASHLEY MCCALL

Married Since: 2002 (together since 1997 — with some stops and starts along the way!)

Parishioners Since: 2009

Children: We are the parents of five children — two girls and three boys — ranging in age from a second-grader to a college freshman.

Occupations: Jake works in financial regulation and Ashley is a research librarian.

Involvement at the Basilica: We have participated in various ministries and activities over the years, including Walking with Purpose and assisting with the children’s Mass and youth ministry activities. We are currently on the speaking team for the Diocesan Conference for the Engaged.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: We are both cradle Catholics who started to explore our faith more deeply and purposefully as newlyweds.

Fun Fact: We are both graduates of the University of Notre Dame and met in the football stadium our sophomore year.

CASEY & KATE O’CONOR

Married Since: 2011

Parishioners Since: 2019

Children: We have 4 children – three attend St. Mary’s School and one is in preschool (3 year old).

Occupations: Casey works for a government technology company and Kate splits her time at home and running her own small art business.

Involvement at the Basilica: We attend the 8:30am Mass every week at the Basilica. We also participate in various ministries and activities. Most of our time is spent volunteering at the school to include activities such as chaperoning field trips, selling Christmas trees, or serving as Room Parent.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: We both grew up Catholic. We individually and together dove deep into our faith in college. We met at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and that formed a solid foundation in our relationship.

Fun Fact: Just a few years into our marriage, we went on a three-year adventure living and working on the other side of the world in Abu Dhabi!

PATRICK & MIMI O’GRADY

Married Since: 2017

Parishioners Since: 2024

Children: Three sons, John Paul, Michael, and Eamonn.

Occupations: They both moved to DC to work on Capitol Hill, but Patrick is now a civil servant, and Mimi is an executive assistant at a nonprofit.

Involvement at the Basilica: While they always enjoyed worshipping at the Basilica, they have really appreciated the kindness they have received here in the last year, particularly towards their children who love participating in the Mass (reminder, they are toddlers….).

Faith Background / Family of Origin: While both raised Catholic and from similar families of origin, marriage has pointed out their differences, and being aware of them has helped them approach different aspects of life. They credit the faith for overcoming unforseen obstacles and for every joy (marriage is the best!).

Fun Fact: While dating between 2015-2017, Mimi and Patrick’s respective hockey teams, the Penguins and Blackhawks, combined to win 3 Stanley Cups, the most recent of which happened a day after their wedding. The teams have won one playoff series since, combined. Thankfully, their marriage is stronger than sports.

Married Since: August 2014

Parishioners Since: 2019

Children: 5

Occupations: Investment Advisor (Chris), Chief of Staff at Blockchain startup (Joanna).

Involvement at the Basilica: 3 children at the Basilica School, Joanna attends Walking with Purpose, Chris has attended This Man is You.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: we were both baptised Catholic after birth, and were raised in Catholic families. Joanna is Italian-American, raised in Silver Spring, MD. Chris is British, raised in Winchester, England.

Fun Fact: We met while working for the same company, Chris based in London and Joanna based in New York! Eventually, Chris was able to relocate to be with Joanna in 2010.

TERRY & SANDEE RILEY

Married Since: 1998 at the Basilica of Saint Mary

Parishioners Since: Terry (1997), Sandee (became Catholic in 2015)

Children: Two adult children. Patrick graduated from Bishop Ireton HS in 2019. He went to Virginia Tech and earned a BS Computer Science degree in 2023 and Master of Engineering degree in 2024. Patrick recently became an Adjunct Professor for Marymount University to teach a class at Bishop Ireton HS.

Kelly attended 7th & 8th grade at the Basilica School of St. Mary and graduated from Bishop Ireton HS in 2020. She went to James Madison University and earned a BS Intelligence Analysis degree in 2024. Kelly recently married in June 2025 at the BSM.

Occupations: Both retired federal government employees.

Involvement at the Basilica: Terry is an usher at the 10AM mass. Terry has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), an Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization since 1997. He helped organize and charter the AOH Division for BSM in 2011. Terry is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Sandee has volunteered with OCIA since she became Catholic in 2015. Both have volunteered for various activities through the years – Hooley, workcamp, Octoberfest, etc.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Terry was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. He was raised as a Catholic and his family was active in their parish. Terry served as an altar boy.

Sandee was born in Seoul, South Korea at the Army hospital and grew up in Alexandria, VA. She was raised as a Presbyterian and her family was active in their neighborhood church. Sandee joined the Catholic church in 2015 at the BSM.

Terry & Sandee met and dated in San Francisco while working in California. After they both moved back to Virginia in 1997, they attended the BSM and were married in 1998. Both children attended the CCD program and received sacraments through BSM.

Fun Fact: Terry & Sandee like to travel in their RV and go fishing. They also volunteer at the Hollin Hall Senior Center leading an exercise class.

GALEN & TRISTA ROEHL

Married Since: 2007 (together since 2005)

Parishioners Since: Mariane (2015), Michael (2019)

Children: Five daughters, ages 4 to 16, who attend the Basilica School and Bishop Ireton High School.

Occupations: Galen and Trista met in 2005 while working on Capitol Hill. He now works in public policy, focusing on telecommunications and intellectual property. After the arrival of their third daughter, Trista left public policy and is now a homemaker.

Involvement at the Basilica: Galen has served as an usher; Trista participates in Walking with Purpose, the play group, and leads a middle school girls’ Bible study at the school.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: They both grew up in California, but from very different faith backgrounds. Galen’s family was loosely Catholic; he had a reversion in 2004 and received all of his sacraments at the Basilica shortly thereafter. Trista grew up in a very faithful and active Protestant family; after a long process of God calling her into full communion, she was received into the Catholic Church at the 2009 Easter Vigil.

Fun Fact: we are ardent English Premier League football fans and travel annually to London for a match; each of our daughters gets a special 10th birthday trip to London to cheer for our favorite team.

JOE & ANN SOMERSET

Married Since: 2007 (together since 2006 – met in 1995)

Parishioners Since: 2011

Children: Two teenaged sons.

Occupations: Joe works in finance specializing in the healthcare industry, and is based in Old Town. Ann spent a number of years as a Foreign Service Officer but resigned in 2011 to focus on raising their sons.

Involvement at the Basilica: Together, we’ve enjoyed supporting Date Night at the Basilica and The Choice Wine, and Ann has greatly appreciated Walking With Purpose and other Bible study groups. Our sons attended the Basilica School for many years and are now altar servers and participate in the parish’s youth activities.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: The youngest of four, Joe grew up in a Catholic family in Syracuse, NY. Ann has one sibling and was also raised Catholic but moved around quite a bit while growing up with some time spent overseas. Joe and Ann attended college together, but started dating almost ten years after graduation. They spent the first few years of their marriage in DC’s AU Park as parishioners at St Ann’s Catholic Church before moving to Alexandria in 2011 when their second son was born.

Fun Fact: Ann had paint in her hair on our wedding day left over from our effort to re-paint the kitchen cabinets in what was about to become our first home. Together, we’ve had a project going almost ever since. We’ve been slowly renovating the 1970s era home we bought in 2011 and we think we might FINALLY be finished – at least for now!

MICHAEL & MARIANE STARON

Married Since: 2019 (together since 2015)

Parishioners Since: Mariane (2015), Michael (2019)

Children: Three young children—Benjamin, Alexander, and Amelia Rose—including children with special needs.

Occupations: Michael holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy and teaches middle school and high school theology and philosophy. Mariane holds a Master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization and has served at the Basilica of Saint Mary since 2017, currently as the Director of Ministries to Youth, Young Adults, and Young Families.

Involvement at the Basilica: Mariane leads the parish’s ministries to youth, young adults, young families, and marriage formation, with Michael supporting these efforts through teaching, mentorship, and formation. Together, they have led the Santa Familia Bible Study for the past seven years. Mariane is also an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary, a sister in the Seven Sisters Apostolate, and teaches CCD, where their oldest child is enrolled. Michael participates in That Man Is You and Men’s Connect

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Michael was raised in a Catholic family in Bayonne, New Jersey, where faith was present and valued, though not always consistently lived, alongside a strong intellectual and theological curiosity that deepened over time. Mariane, raised between Brazil and the United States, was baptized at a young age while living with her grandparents and grew up within a complex family dynamic shaped by divorce, remarriage, and blended family life. Although both were introduced to the faith early on, it was not until young adulthood—particularly during college—that Mariane encountered Christ in a personal and transformative way, an experience that continues to shape her approach to ministry and accompaniment.

Fun Fact: Their home library is filled with hundreds of books—especially philosophy (with an entire section dedicated to St. Thomas Aquinas), theology, and catechetics, along with Mariane’s smaller collection of Latin American politics, political philosophy, and fiction (including favorites like Harry Potter and Agatha Christie novels). Their shared love language is coffee and TV, often enjoying sitcoms like Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, and The Office.

PETER & MARY ELLEN YEP

Married Since: They met on Catholic Match in early 2014 and were married the following year in 2015.

Parishioners Since: The Yeps have been parishioners at the Basilica of St. Mary for the past five years and are deeply grateful for the spiritual formation they’ve received. They see marriage as a great adventure—and believe that living a life rooted in the sacraments has brought peace and purpose through both joys and challenges, including the loss of a parent, infertility struggles, and job transitions.

Children: They have three adorable daughters and a German Shepherd named Lottie.

Occupations: Peter works in government affairs in Washington, D.C., and Mary Ellen works for a nonprofit.

Faith Background / Family of Origin: Originally from Chicago, both Peter and Mary Ellen were raised Roman Catholic in big, devout, and joyfully fun families—Peter is the seventh of eight children, and Mary Ellen is one of ten.

Fun Fact: the Yeps are Chinese! Peter’s great-grandfather immigrated from China, and their last name “Yep” means “to be in harmony.” Bonus fun fact: As proud midwesterners, the Yeps are pizza connoisseurs and will happily debate about which city does it better—Chicago verses anywhere else!