Meet Caitlin Vander Meulen— College Park Educator and Mom
I was born and raised in Connecticut. I met my husband Jeff in college at Colgate University and we got married and moved to Orlando 13 years ago. We bought our first house in College Park 11 years ago and have loved College Park every day since. I was a stay at home mom for 6 years and just recently returned to teaching.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I are both teachers. We have two fabulous children aged 6 and 3 years old. We love riding bikes all around town and love visiting the lakes and beaches as a family!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was a teacher for ten years before I decided to stay home with our children. Just this year I returned to teaching. I love teaching early elementary children and watching the joy when they learn new things.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Our family loves Ollie’s, Graffiti and Ragazzis!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in College Park for 11 years!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit Hawaii, we also want to go to Ottawa
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Our favorite show reruns of Parks and Rec- makes us laugh!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Enjoy each day and make the best of each situation.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to skate on the Ottawa canal.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Jack Johnson
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
We love the soda fountain and I love looking for gifts in The Good Crowd and Bijou’s Boutique.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We love being able to ride our bikes or walk to stores and restaurants. We love riding our bikes around the lake to fish. Our neighbors are amazing and the kids play together every afternoon. The community is the best in College Park.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living here in College Park watching my children grow up making lifelong friends.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was invited to the Olympic Development Ice Hockey camp in high school and played Division 1 Ice Hockey in college.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Montego Bay – on our honeymoon.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Christmas morning! Love seeing the children so excited! Halloween is another new favorite day. Halloween in College Park is magical and amazing.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. I want to live my life as an example for them to help them grow into kind and hardworking adults.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pine – reminds me of Christmas and the smell of the ocean.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, happiness
