Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy
In the heart of Windermere, there’s a family that exudes the warmth and dedication of those who have been rooted in this community for generations. Meet the Shaws, a family whose love for Windermere runs deep, even though they are relatively new arrivals. Their commitment to family and community shines brightly, making them a valuable addition.
Terald and Ashley hail from Indianapolis, where their paths first crossed during their college years. Terald holds a degree from the prestigious Purdue University’s Daniels School of Business, while Ashley’s Alma Mater is Indiana University’s renowned Kelley School of Business.
Their initial encounter during their college days laid the foundation, but it wasn’t until later, as members of a wedding party for close mutual friends, that they both felt a spark and realized their connection was something worth exploring. Four years later, on Labor Day Weekend, they wed in Indianapolis and have been happily married for 11 years.
While in Indianapolis, they expanded their family with Harrison (8) and 2 years later with Bryson (6).
The Shaws were enjoying their life, close to family and friends in Indiana when Ashley was offered a promotion that “she didn’t even apply for.” They knew it was a “God Move”, and made the courageous decision to leave their loved ones behind, embarking on a cross-country adventure to Windermere Florida.
Terald is a Financial Professional with Thrivent Financial, where he serves clients from his local office in Windermere. Meanwhile, Ashley has taken on the role of Market Director at Aflac, overseeing operations in Central Florida.
Their initial attraction to Windermere was driven by the highly rated public schools, but what truly made Windermere feel like home was the strong sense of community and small-town ambiance. Little did they know that their adventure was only beginning.
In March of 2020, just eight days after moving to Florida, the Covid Shelter order was implemented, turning a presumed two-week event into a two-year-long journey. Just days before the indefinite shutdown, they had closed on their new home and even their furniture had been delivered. The Shaws knew that once again, God had provided and protected them in this journey. Upon reflection, Terald says, “The unexpected blessing was that our extremely busy schedule that was once filled morning to night with work, school, and activities, slowed down to an enjoyable pace. More quality time was spent together as a family.”
Ashley fondly recalls the slowdown, saying, “I don’t think that we really knew how much we needed that time together with our boys, especially adjusting after such a big transition. We played kickball outside in the street, explored local parks by ourselves, took family walks around our neighborhood, and even played on the dirt mound from our pool construction. During that season, we grew together as a family and eliminated a lot of the outside distractions and busyness that had previously robbed our quality time and energy.”
Now, Terald, Ashley, Harrison, and Bryson have called the “Estancia at Windermere” neighborhood home for three years. Terald says “What I enjoy best about our neighborhood is that it is a melting pot of different cultures and backgrounds. Our subdivision is fairly small but we have a great community of people who are always willing to help each other and we all really enjoy doing life together. It also helps that my direct neighbors are from Indiana and are Purdue Graduates as well. Boiler Up! We love that there are so many kids of Harrison’s and Bryson’s age in the neighborhood and our neighbors really get into decorating for the holidays. It is all so much fun!”
The Shaws love to travel and explore new places as a family. “Living in Florida has given us the opportunity to enjoy new places with our boys that we wouldn’t have experienced in the Midwest. They love to collect sea shells from the dozens of beaches that we have visited. As a couple, we have been to 8 different countries together and look forward to exploring more places with our boys as they grow older.”
One of Terald’s favorite weekday community activities is getting together to fellowship with the Men of Windermere (MOW) group, which meets every Wednesday morning. Terald says “Since we meet at The Windermere Brewery, we jokingly say it’s BYOB, Bring Your Own Bible. The group is led by Pastor Ray Lloyd from Family Church. I especially love the fellowship, not only do we support each other (“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” Proverbs 27:17) we also focus on community projects strengthening both our bonds as friends and our commitment to the community.”
Terald enjoys playing golf, pickleball, basketball, and coaching youth sports. He is actively involved in serving the community as a Volunteer Board Member for Windermere Little League and as an Advisory Board member at Dr. Phillips YMCA. He is also on the Daniels School of Business Alumni Board, and participates in the Windermere Elementary PTO.
The majority of Ashley’s time is focused on her faith, family, and job responsibilities. When she does find time for hobbies she enjoys Hot Yoga, reading, and going to Fro-yo with her boys.
Harrison and Bryson are thriving Windermere Elementary students who are in the 3rd and 1st grades. Both boys love to participate in various sports and have been playing organized sports since they were 4 years old. They are involved with football (Upward and Under Armour), basketball (Upward and Orlando Basketball Academy), and baseball (Windermere Little League). It is a family affair with Terald volunteering as a coach for the boys’ teams and Ashley there to support and cheer.
Harrison’s favorite subject is math and he is a naturally gifted athlete. Bryson’s vibrant personality and love for animals have him dreaming of becoming a veterinarian. Though they don’t have any pets, they do have Max, Bryson’s favorite stuffed animal dog that has been a loyal member of the Shaw family for 6 years and traveled across the US. Terald says “Because of Bryson’s love for pets, they enjoy taking care of the Windermere Elementary school animals Dash and Cappuccino. As parents who are not pet people, we especially enjoy being able to send them back after a short stay!”
In Windermere, the Shaws have found the blessings of a small town with the activities, convenience, and vibrancy of a big city. Ashley says “We are so grateful for the relationships that our community has allowed us to build and look forward to the new connections and relationships that are to come and contributing even more to our wonderful community.”
The Shaws are a testament to the strength of Windermere’s community bonds, showing that a willingness to engage can make newcomers feel right at home. We look forward to sharing many more years of community spirit together.
We would like to thank Anna Sells Lakeside for bringing you this month’s cover article.
