Family of four gets a kick out of living in 78209
By Bruce X. Forey
Matt and Michelle Stedman and their children, Miles and Maeve, are well known in 78209’s soccer community. Their children have been playing on soccer teams since they were old enough to join a team. Miles plays on the Alamo Heights Junior School eighth-grade boys’ team. Maeve is a sixth grader and looking forward to trying out for the girls’ team in seventh grade.
Miles and Maeve each play on Classic Elite Club soccer teams. With two working parents, it can be hectic getting the kids to weekly practices and games. The Stedmans rely on the help and friendships they’ve formed with other 78209 parents involved with the same club soccer team.
“They’re really our other family,” Michelle said. “They help take our kids to practice, pick up, drop off. When we can’t make a game, they send us pictures. We love those people.”
The Stedmans moved to 78209 in 2006, first in Terrell Hills and then to the Northridge area. Matt is an administrative executive for UT Health Science Center San Antonio for the Department of OB-GYN and the Primary Care Center. Matt was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare after supporting his mother through early-onset Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed at age 52 and passed away at 59 years old.
“As part of my mom’s healthcare journey, I saw the best and the worst of healthcare. I wanted to try to make a difference, which is why I got into healthcare,” Matt said. “I earned my master’s from Trinity University, which has a fantastic health care administration program. I worked for two hospital systems before joining UT Health more than five years ago.”
Michelle is a 20-year career architect and operates a woman, minority-owned firm called Studio Plearn located just north of Downtown.
“We mainly focus on civic and institutional work with occasional residential assignments for clients.”
Prior to starting Studio Plearn, Michelle worked for a large San Antonio firm where she was able to make a unique contribution to the city of Alamo Heights.
“I worked on the design of the new Alamo Heights City Hall,” said Michelle. “I would drop my kids off at daycare at the Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church and walk across the street to monitor the construction of the project.”
Matt and Michelle are strong supporters of public schools. They attended the same high school in Killeen and were active in the band. When they moved to San Antonio, living in an area with a top-rated school system was an important priority.
“We grew up on public school education and value that as a local resource,” Michelle added. “We formed many relationships through our close-knit community and felt Alamo Heights I.S.D. schools would offer that same experience for our children.”
The Stedman children take advantage of the education, arts, and sports opportunities A.H.I.S.D. offers. Miles and Maeve got an early start with music, participating in the elementary strings program. Miles is a member of honors band playing the baritone, also known as the euphonium. Meanwhile, Maeve selected a surprising instrument to begin her band career.
“Maeve threw us a curveball by picking the bassoon,” said Matt. “We thought it would be the clarinet or French horn, but she chose perhaps one of the most unique instruments.”
The Stedmans place a strong emphasis on volunteerism. Through the National Junior Honor Society, Miles gets opportunities to help at local nursing homes and other organized service activities. The Stedmans regularly help at the San Antonio Food Bank as a family.
“We feel it’s important for our children to understand the importance of giving back to the community,” Michelle said.
From schools, volunteerism, soccer pals, and more, 78209 offers everything the Stedmans want from a vibrant community. The excellent nearby food options are a nice perk, too.
“We like to eat. A lot of great restaurant options here,” said Matt.
“Everything is so close by. It’s like a big, small town for us,” Michelle added. “It’s just really nice to be part of this community.”
