For Jerry and Tara Casagrande, the journey to Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood was anything but linear. Jerry grew up in New Jersey, while Tara was raised in Ontario, Canada. The two met in California before embarking on a yearlong stint in Mongolia, where Jerry worked for the World Bank and Tara taught English, worked at an orphanage, and helped launch a local restaurant. After returning to the US and living in various parts of Alexandria, the couple moved to Del Ray in 2019 to put down permanent roots.
 

Tara's connection to Del Ray deepened when she opened Ease Yoga Studio & Cafe in 2015. The studio served as a bustling gathering hub for wellness, offering classes ranging from yoga flows to sound baths. Though the physical studio closed during the pandemic, Tara continues to teach locally at Yoga in Del Ray, hosts a monthly Women’s Wisdom Circle, and leads international retreats to destinations such as Costa Rica, Iceland, and the Galapagos. Through her practice, she integrates mindfulness and meditation training into local corporate and community events.

Jerry launched Wilderness Kids Alexandria in 2021 to address inequalities in access to green spaces among local teens. Driven by a desire to share his love for the outdoors, the organization now serves more than 220 students annually through weekend trips, after-school programs, and summer camping programs. Activities like kayaking, hiking, and rock-climbing offer teenagers a chance to step away from daily stressors and build confidence and resilience.

Today, the Casagrande family fully embraces Del Ray's walkability and warm atmosphere. From grabbing morning coffee at St. Elmo's to visiting the Saturday Farmers' market, the family enjoys Del Ray's vibrant business community. Both Jerry and Tara remain committed to fostering an inclusive community through local volunteer work, ensuring that as Del Ray grows, it remains a welcoming environment for everyone.