We are VdM (at a distance): The Matlock Family

The very best part of Villa di Maria is our people. Our community of families, faculty and staff is something to be proud of and something to hold onto during our school's COVID-19 closure. In this series, We are VdM, we’ll highlight the energies, talents, humor and wisdom of some of our amazing people—and we'll stay connected! Today, we'll meet Jamie, Sean, Camille and Marlow Matlock. Camille is a VdM alum and Marlow is in his second year in Mrs. Steinman's Children's House.Villa di Maria: Tell us a bit about you and your family.The Matlocks: We are the Matlocks! Often caught smiling and on the go! Sean and Camille are the stability of the group; balanced, logical, and calm. While Jamie and Marlow love to the core, with a bit of a wild streak. We are typically a go-with-the-flow, happy-go-lucky crew that is along for the ride and down for just about any adventure! We love to be outside, being active, hanging with family and friends, and traveling. Camille is 11 years old and is in 6th grade. She is incredibly kind, eager to learn and help others, and a wicked athlete. She is a great soccer player, swimmer, and has been dabbling in some distance running, but can pretty much “pick up” any sport she tries. Marlow is 4 years old and feels all of his emotions to the deepest level! Whatever he is into at the time, he is all in and you will know it! He is all things fun and fast, but loves settling down with some solid cuddle sessions. He loves (the social aspect of) school and ADORES his teachers ;). He is fearless and like his sister, is down for almost anything! He talks constantly and wants to know allll the details!VdM: How did you find Montessori and what brought you to VdM?The Matlocks: When Camille was 2 years old, we were looking for a school-type setting for her to go to during the day a few times a week, but also somewhere that she could go to early/after care as needed due to our work schedules. We were looking for something more than daycare, however, it was difficult to find (we didn’t know about VdM at the time!). We stumbled upon a Montessori preschool/daycare and had a wonderful experience. Camille attended up until her culminating year! Camille's teacher had just finished AMI primary training and knew we were interested in continuing this method of learning. She told us about two schools in the St. Louis area that we should tour. We were all in, took tours at both schools, and naturally, VdM took the cake. Camille joined Mrs. McAuley's classroom for her culminating year (almost 7 years ago!) and continued through most of elementary. When it was time for Marlow to attend, we knew exactly where he would go (and I maybe begged a time or two for them to take him early)! :) VdM is truly a magical place and we feel so lucky that both of our children have been able to experience this magical community!VdM: What do you and your spouse do, career-wise?The Matlocks: Sean is a Financial Research Analyst for a firm here in St. Louis. His job entails lots of travel, which the rest of us get to piggy back on from time to time! Jamie is a Speech and Language Pathologist. She works part-time at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital and also sees children privately. Jamie also is the assistant coach for Camille's select soccer team. That is maybe her most demanding job of all ;)VdM: What is something your family is doing to make the most of this extended break?The Matlocks: We are typically BUSY! I would be lying if I didn't say we enjoy keeping busy schedules (I think?!). Between the sport commitments (ohhh, the many, many practices, games, meets, classes, etc), Jamie's workout schedule ;), staying connected with friends and family, and squeezing in as many impromptu getaway trips as we possibly can, we typically have jam packed schedules! So, during this extended break, we are all learning how to NOT have ANYTHING to run to! Loads of fun family time, being outside as much as we possibly can, reconnecting with hobbies we never knew we missed and needed, lots of evening movies showing Camille some old favorites, and just overall slowing down. I think it's good for us. But we are all missing the chaos a little bit!VdM: A question specifically for Camille -If you could snap your fingers and go anywhere in the world for 24 hours, where would you go? And why?Camille: I would go to my uncle’s home in Hanalei. There are so many other places I would want to go, but with only 24 hours, Hanalei seems like the best choice. We can swim, surf, hike, and play at his ranch house all in one day. It‘s perfect!VdM: A question specifically for Marlow - Which do you like better, riding your bike or skiing? And why?Marlow: Riding my bike! Because it’s very fun! Because I can go around and around very fast and skid!Thank you, Jamie, Sean, Camille and Marlow! We are so happy your family is a part of the VdM family.Photos courtesy of the Matlock family.