For the Thevaos family, life in Ballantyne Country Club is rooted in connection, adventure and a deep appreciation for both home and the wider world.
Dean and Norelle, along with their daughters Anna Grace (6) and Claire (3), have called the neighborhood home for nearly four years. “The people. Hands down,” Norelle says when asked what they love most about living here. “We have developed amazing friendships within our community. We enjoy holidays, travel, weekends and so much more with each other. They are there in good times and bad. We feel so fortunate.”
Their home is also shared with two beloved rescues—Bear, a 15½-year-old lab, and Moxie, a spirited 3-year-old schnauzer-yorkie mix (or “snorkie,” as they affectionately call her).
The couple’s story began with a bit of hesitation and a lot of fate. “We met on a blind date in January 2014,” Norelle shares. “Neither of us had ever been on a blind date, but after much consideration we reluctantly agreed. We met for a drink and ended up talking for three hours.” A few days later came their first official date—with Dean picking Norelle up “like a gentleman”—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, their life is a joyful mix of family, careers and shared passions. Dean serves as a chief technology officer in the fintech space, while Norelle brings two decades of experience as a makeup artist to her business, Makeup by Norelleb, offering lessons, special event hair and makeup and more throughout the Charlotte area. Prior to motherhood, she worked with several prestigious makeup brands in corporate training and development.
At home, the family thrives on staying active and engaged. Anna Grace and Claire are busy with dance classes, tennis, soccer and swimming, while Dean and Norelle carve out time for their own interests. Norelle enjoys Barre3, tennis, Peloton workouts, reading and hosting, and has recently returned to gardening—a hobby she first learned alongside her grandfather. Dean, meanwhile, gravitates toward the outdoors, especially fishing and time in the mountains. He’s also the family’s go-to chef, known for preparing “fantastic meals” that often bring everyone together around the table.
Travel is a central part of their family story. “Whether it’s regional or international, we prioritize traveling,” Norelle says. “It’s important to us to show our girls as much of the world as possible.” One of their most memorable trips was a two-week journey through Italy in 2025, where they explored Rome, Florence and the Portofino coast. “We really enjoyed experiencing it with our children,” she says. “We are all happiest near the water.”
Those moments on the water—especially boat days filled with good food, drinks and snorkeling—top their list of favorite travel memories. “A close second would be seeing historical places around Europe,” Norelle adds. “It’s so humbling to see how old this world really is and to experience all the beauty it has to offer.”
Back in Charlotte, the Thevaos family enjoys discovering local favorites, from Asian cuisine to neighborhood staples like Roosters, Ilios Crafted Greek and Inizio, along with city favorites like Steak 48, Supperland and The Fig Tree. At home, meals often reflect their heritage, with dishes like chicken or eggplant parmesan, pasta and Greek chicken skewers with lemon potatoes making regular appearances.
When it’s time to unwind, both Dean and Norelle turn to fitness and simple pleasures. “Walking is a favorite stress reliever for both of us,” Norelle says. “I love a hot cup of coffee and a good book—and I’m always partial to a spa treatment or a nap.” Dean prefers quiet time at home, while Norelle enjoys a balance of relaxation and small gatherings with friends.
Deeply involved in the community, Norelle participates in book club and mahjong, while both she and Dean are active in the neighborhood wine club and enjoy many of the social and family events the club offers.
At the heart of it all is a shared sense of gratitude—for their family, their travels and the friendships they’ve built right here at home. “We always joke that it will be impossible to leave,” Norelle says. “We are so grateful for this community.”
Photo by Kate Brighton Photography.
To recommend a family to be featured, please email Delia at ballantyne@strollmag.com.