A Healthcare Power Couple Finds Home in Ballantyne
From Columbus to Charlotte, With Stopovers in Sci-Fi
Zuko the Fish and the Family Who Moved Here for Trails
By Nell Thomas | May 2, 2025, 2:43 PM
If Ballantyne had a sitcom, the Daleys would be its breakout stars. Rory, Andrea, and their three kids—Declan, Brigid, and Saoirse—arrived in 2021 from Ohio by way of nearly every metro zip code worth living in. Now firmly planted in the west side of Ballantyne Country Club, they’ve brought hammocks, high-functioning healthcare resumes, and one beta fish with roommates.
Rory and Andrea met during Greek Week at Ohio University—fraternity guy meets sorority girl; the rom-com writes itself. They circled each other until senior year and have been together ever since, navigating a “corporate gypsy” tour of San Diego, Houston, Chicago, and Columbus before settling in Charlotte.
He’s in life science partnerships. She’s a CPA leading investor relations. If your molar crown’s holding up in a quarterly earnings report, chances are they’ve touched it professionally. And when they’re not closing deals? They’re hanging in hammocks, rock climbing indoors, or hiking trails with their three spirited kids.
Declan, a sixth grader, splits his time between martial arts and guitar lessons. Brigid, a fourth grader, crafts and recently starred in her school’s drama club. And Saoirse, the first grader, is busy dancing and plotting her next Girl Scouts badge. Together, they binge Star Wars, build puzzles, and binge more Star Wars.
Then there’s Zuko, Declan’s beta fish, who comes with a full entourage: an algae-eater, two snails, and a shrimp. You’d think it was a terrarium in Ballantyne’s aquarium.
Dinner most nights is shredded chicken tacos (the Switchin’ Kitchen is on speed dial), and the Daleys recharge with beach trips to Isle of Palms and the occasional jaunt to Disney. Local favorites include Supperland for date nights and Hawthorne’s Pizza when things get chaotic.
Want to know what family integration looks like? Andrea’s brother moved from California and lives nearby. “It’s the first time we’ve had family this close,” she says. “We’re hopeful more will follow.” Word to the wise, Daley cousins: the porch is open, the tacos are hot, and Zuko’s tank is full.
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📸 Want your family featured or your fish’s tank profiled? Email us your story: ballantyne@strollmag.com
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— Nell Thomas
Senior Writer, The Charlotte Mercury & Strolling Ballantyne
Currently caffeinated, hammock-curious, and googling “how many roommates is too many for a fish”
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