When Angela and Ron Barthel relocated from Sandy Hook, CT, to the Charlotte area in 2016, they were looking for great schools and a welcoming community to raise their family. They found both in Firethorne.
After a short stay in Waverly while house hunting, the Barthels purchased their home on Baltusrol Lane in May 2017 and have spent the past nine years building friendships and making memories that have made Firethorne feel like home. "We feel truly blessed to have such a great neighborhood for our children to grow up in," they say.
Ron, who grew up in Woodbridge, CT, and Angela, who grew up between southern Michigan and the Miami, FL area, first met in 1999 while they were college students in New York City. Their chance meeting took place over dinner at the iconic Italian restaurant La Mela in Little Italy, and the rest is history.
Both earned undergraduate degrees from Fordham University. Angela later completed graduate studies at Fairfield University, and Ron earned his graduate degree from New York University. Today, Ron serves as chief of staff for cybersecurity at TIAA, while Angela is a registered nurse whose career has included ICU, emergency and trauma care as well as virtual healthcare.
Their three sons keep the family busy year-round. Rhys, 15, will begin his freshman year at Marvin Ridge High School this fall. A competitive swimmer with SwimMAC, he first discovered his love of the sport on Firethorne's summer swim team before joining SwimMAC in 2021. He's also part of the Mandarin language immersion program and enjoys fishing, beach trips and spending time with friends.
Sebastian, 13, is entering eighth grade at Marvin Ridge Middle School, where he competes in cross country and track. He enjoys middle-distance running, golf, math and puzzles and has also been part of the Mandarin immersion program since kindergarten.
The youngest, Nico, 6, recently completed kindergarten at Rea View Elementary, where he is enrolled in the Spanish language immersion program. Whether he's swimming, golfing, playing tennis or talking about his favorite birds, Nico approaches everything with enthusiasm. His parents say he's especially fascinated by birds and numbers.
The family's household also includes two unique pets: Nala, a snow lynx Bengal cat, and Sasha, a pet tarantula.
Outside of work, Ron enjoys spending time in the yard, while Angela loves playing mahjong and gathering with friends. Entertaining has become a favorite pastime, especially since many of the friends they've made in Charlotte are fellow transplants who have become like extended family.
Angela is passionate about encouraging others to prioritize their health. After being diagnosed with breast cancer through a routine mammogram in 2025, she is now cancer-free and dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of annual screenings and preventive care within her community.
"The many friends we have met living in the Charlotte area have become family to us, and we enjoy spending time with them any chance we get, especially on holidays." The Barthels
That sense of community is also reflected in the Barthels' holiday traditions. Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day and other celebrations are often spent together with neighbors and close friends, creating traditions their children have grown up cherishing.
Travel is another family passion. This year has included trips to the Bahamas, Kiawah Island, Amelia Island, Florida's scenic 30A and other favorite beach destinations throughout the Southeast.
When they're not traveling, you'll often find the Barthels enjoying concerts, sporting events, local restaurants or spending time at the Country Club of the Carolinas. They appreciate being just a short drive from both Charlotte and downtown Waxhaw while still enjoying the beauty, outdoor lifestyle and strong sense of community that first drew them to Firethorne.
And if you ask Ron about his favorite recent discovery? He'll happily tell you the new Costco is exactly six minutes from his front door.
To recommend a family, please email Delia at ballantyne@strollmag.com.
This story appears in the August 2026 issue of Stroll Firethorne, marking the magazine's one-year anniversary. Read the full edition here.