Brooke and Will Wollesen both attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was there, when they lived in the same apartment building, that they met. Funny enough, Will actually dated Brooke’s roommate for a short time. But of course, the chips always fall as they should, and Will and Brooke began their beautiful life together!
The Wollesens have four children, Daenan, 22, Davis, 20, Haley, 16, and Sadie, 12. Since Brooke grew up in Pleasanton and Will grew up in Saratoga, moving back to the Bay Area to raise their family was a non-negotiable. Three years ago they moved into their westside Danville home and have loved every minute of it!
The Wollesens live behind The Livery, so shopping and great restaurants are just steps away. They love being so close to schools, programs, and plenty of other things to do for anyone interested in getting out of the house for a bit.
At BYU, Brooke earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family Science. Her full time career has been raising the kids. She is now a part time fitness instructor, leading a High Fitness class at I Can Do That Performing Arts Center and Fitness 19 in downtown Danville.
Will graduated BYU with his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. From there he attended Santa Clara University to get his JD, all while working full time at a tax and financial advisory firm. “Will has spent the last eight years at Hall Law Group, LLP in Pleasanton where he is a Partner and focuses his practice on estate planning, tax and business needs of high-net-worth individuals.”
Recently Will ventured into the restaurant business as a co-owner of Sliver Pizzeria just off Railroad ave. Check them out for original recipes, unique and delicious toppings, and so much more!
Together Brooke and Will both enjoy being active. They’ve brought their kids along for the ride and taught all four kids how to wakeboard and wakesurf. Will is a big fan of running, often right through town! Everyone in the Wollesen house loves the Bay Area teams – Giants, Warriors and the 49ers. Haley takes the cake, however, “Haley is Steph Curry’s biggest fan and can often be caught watching Steph Curry highlights on YouTube.”
Each year everyone migrates to the beach for some R and R with the extended family. The kids’ grandparents live right by the water, so it’s the perfect getaway spot filled with fun memories for everyone.
Daenen and Davis are both attending BYU after each having served a two-year church mission, Daenen in Denver Colorado and Davis in Antofagasta, Chile. They both enjoy all sports, but you can find Daenen on the basketball court and Davis on the soccer pitch in their free time.
“Haley has Down Syndrome and is active in the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area right near where we live in the Town and Country [shopping center]. She does a peer class and participates in Dancing Without Limits and Beyond Hoops through the Connection. Haley is also a varsity cheerleader at SRVHS this year! She loves to dance and play soccer with Mustangs.” We can’t wait to see you out on the field, Haley!
Sadie and Brooke are part of the mother-daughter charity group, National Charity League. Sadie says, “You can start in 7th grade and continue until you graduate high school.” Through NCL, you work right here in the Diablo area, getting involved in the communities and learning about philanthropy.
For Brooke, bringing people together comes second nature. Each August the whole neighborhood joins the Wollesens for an annual outdoor concert. “Anyone can perform and share their talents and it’s one of the best nights of the year,” says Brooke. When the weather cools down a bit and the holiday sweet teeth kick in, you can find Brooke hosting a cookie exchange party. Neighbors make the best friends and judges in this case, and they’re happy to taste test everything and to hand out the prizes for best cookie!
A reader favorite is, of course, the featured family’s “words to live by”. Will and Brooke work diligently to instill in their children “We Can Do Hard Things” – a fitting statement that everyone can benefit from.
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By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017