City Faces in Different Places
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on December 20, 2020 from City Faces
Today's City Face is Adrea Leach. Learn about her and her family below!
How long have you lived in Bridgeport? If not a lifelong resident, tell me what brought you here.
I have lived in Bridgeport since the age of 2.
Are you married, have kids? Tell me about your family.
I have been married to Adam Leach for 14 years. We were introduced by his cousin, who was my roommate at West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was a sophomore at WVU. Our first conversation was on AOL instant messenger (showing my age now!) and our first date at The Boston Beanery. We were married 2 years later. We have 4 children. Our oldest, Ansley, is 12 years old. She is in the 6th grade at Bridgeport Middle School. She is a BMS cheerleader and also participates in all-star cheer at Champs Central, LLC. Avery is 9 years old and is in the 4th grade at Johnson Elementary School. He loves basketball, video games, playing piano, and he is a big fan of the WVU Mountaineers! We have 5-year-old twins, Austin and Archer. They are in Pre-K at Johnson Elementary School. They are “all boy!” They love to be outside playing with their bikes and 4-wheelers and helping their Dad and Grandpa’s build and fix things.
What about pets?
We don’t have any pets, but my kids want a puppy for Christmas. Maybe Santa will bring one?
Where do you work and what do you do there?
I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at WVU Medicine Children’s. I work part time in the Pediatric Complex Care Clinic. The backstory on how the program got started has a lot to do with my son, Avery, who was born with congenital hearing loss. We had been taking Avery to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to see some specialists, and we were very impressed with their care coordination for children with medical complexity. I felt compelled to share our experiences with my colleagues at WVU. Our program was started a few years ago at WVU Medicine Children’s. I am so blessed to be in this role! I know that helping these children and their families is what God has called me to do, and I couldn’t be happier about it!
What are your hobbies/favorite past times?
I love boating and camping at Tygart lake with my family and “lake family!”
Favorite Bridgeport spot?
Compton Park is a special place for me because I had so many memories there as a child, and now I get to take my own children there to make memories!
What do you like about Bridgeport … why is this a good place to live?
Bridgeport is a city that offers a small town atmosphere and is a great place to raise a family. The community offers a wide range of opportunities for people to connect with one another and to give back. I am a member of the Bridgeport Junior Women’s Club, and this year, I took over the role of the Junior liaison for Bridgeport Juniorettes which is for middle school and high school girls. I really enjoy giving back to the community though the Juniors! I have also enjoyed helping my daughter and other girls her age to develop a passion for community service.
One – or more – of your favorite memories of something that took place in Bridgeport ...
My wedding at Simpson Creek Baptist Church was one of the most memorable days of my life. I grew up at Simpson Creek Baptist. It is a beautiful church with so many memories!
What is your favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport?
Tygart Lake.
How about your favorite place outside of WV?
North Captiva Island in Florida. We have vacationed there several times, and I cannot think of a more beautiful place to spend time with my family.
What are some of your favorite things?
Helping people, a clean house (which hardly ever happens with 4 kids!), traveling, cooking food for my family (although I may need a little break after the pandemic is over!), and family traditions.
Food/restaurant?
I love sushi, italian food, and mexican.
Favorite color?
Pink
Music genre/artist?
Country and Contemporary Christian
What is your best childhood memory?
Holidays at my grandparents houses. They always made them so special!
Interesting fact about you and/or something you would like to add…
This year we have all experienced loss, but I believe there are many things that we have gained. To me, one of the best things that has come out of the pandemic is the overwhelming sense of community that I have witnessed. I have seen so many in Bridgeport step up to help their neighbors in need. My children have been able to see, first hand, humanity at its best. The lessons learned are priceless. Thank you friends and neighbors- you have lifted our spirits in the darkest of times and shown us what can happen when we simply choose to love one another!
