MEET THE HEARY FAMILY

weeks early, Abigail’s arrival was both a surprise and a longawaited blessing. “The early days were incredibly difficult but we knew we had a great NICU medical team behind us, and every small milestone Abigail hit was like winning a victory.”

“She’s growing like a weed, and every day we’re reminded of how strong and capable she is,” says Brendan and Jessica with a smile. “She may have started her journey a little early, but now she’s catching up and showing us what ‘perseverance’ truly means.”

As medical professionals, Brendan and Jessica are no strangers to the importance of recovery, healing, and adapting to life’s challenges. “We’re used to helping people overcome obstacles, so when it came to Abigail’s early arrival, it was just another challenge to face,” Jessica reflects. “But it’s a reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond, and we’re lucky to have each other to lean on.”

Though their careers and family life keep them busy, Brendan and Jessica make sure to carve out time for fun, relaxation, and a little adventure—whether it’s a weekend hike with Khloe and Abby, rock-climbing, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. On a sunny weekend, you will probably find Jessica going on a stroller run with Abby throughout Folsom Ranch and Brendan walking Khloe as she stops to smell the roses (and many other scents).

The Heary family believes that life's an adventure and can be filled with unexpected twists and turns but with love, resilience, and a little laughter and humor along the way, there’s no challenge too big to tackle together.

The Laneys grew up in Sacramento and relocated to Folsom in 2018, ultimately moving to Folsom Ranch in 2020. Since becoming Folsom homeowners, the Laneys have actively engaged in local life. Chris and Dianna are part of the Mangini Misfits, a community band that plays at various local events. Music is a big part of the Laney household; their daughter Scarlett, 7, enjoys playing drums and the piano and often belts out the latest hits from the new Descendants: Rise of Red film, while their son Ryker, 10, has recently taken up the clarinet. Chris’s collection of instruments adds character to their loft, a space dedicated to family jam sessions and musical pursuits.

Outside of the musical world, the family enjoys trips to the Cummings Skate & Bike Park, enjoying the outside and their large backyard play structure, an open-door policy for neighborhood kids to come and hang out, and of course, worldbuilding in Minecraft. Known for his hands-on approach in all things, Chris enjoys helping neighbors with "anything that requires a tool," from plumbing repairs to installing ceiling fans and assisting with various DIY projects. Though his work keeps him busy, Chris occasionally finds time to relax with a round of golf, enjoying the game with a laid-back attitude. Chris also works a flex schedule beginning in the early morning hours to ensure he can be present when its time for the kids to get their homework done and have dinner together.

Dianna is currently the Chair of the Folsom Library Commission and is wellknown in the community for her willingness to lend a hand. She has volunteered at events like the annual pumpkin patch, Holi Festival, Mangini Ranch Elementary Trunk or Treat, and the recent community costume exchange. In their personal time, the Laney family loves snowboarding, camping, and exploring the outdoors. Dianna also enjoys training for half-marathons, reading, and entertaining friends and neighbors. She’s a dedicated mom and active community member, often seen coaching her kids' soccer teams, volunteering as an Art Docent at Mangini Elementary, or serving dozens of shifts per year as a crossing guard at Mangini Parkway and Sawyer Way.

Currently, Chris and Dianna are focusing their energies on supporting Dianna’s campaign for FCUSD Trustee Area 2, which covers Empire Ranch, Folsom Ranch, and the South of 50 area of Rancho Cordova boundaried by Sunrise and Douglas. Dianna first became intimately involved in school issues in Fall 2023, meeting with local leaders to advocate for decisions balancing data, growth, and the needs of both Rancho Cordova and Folsom families.

Dianna's leadership and commitment to her community have earned her endorsements from key figures such as former Folsom Mayor Rosario Rodriguez, Vice-Mayor Sarah Aquino, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Rancho Cordova Councilmember Garrett Gatewood, and many others. As the only candidate with children attending FCUSD schools, the only Folsom Ranch candidate, and the only candidate who pays the special school bond for new schools within the district, she has a perspective and desire for results that only someone with “skin in the game” can bring to the board. She is dedicated to balancing the need for quality education with fiscal responsibility, the latter of which is a skill she has sharpened over 18 years in the finance industry.

But where Dianna truly shines is her command of the details about the biggest issues facing FCUSD. She has encyclopedic knowledge that she can quickly apply to the questions at hand, and a willingness to listen and learn from others on issues where her expertise is not yet honed.

With Dianna on the ballot, all of those within FCUSD, including those in Folsom Ranch residents who have not had any representation on city council nor school board since the first house was occupied five years ago, have an opportunity to shape their community’s future and ensure their voices are heard. She is eager to get to work proactively advocating for affordable building of new schools and renovation of existing schools, increasing access to advanced, elective and alternative courses, building trust between Folsom and Rancho Cordova, and generally, ensuring the brightest possible future for the entire FCUSD ecosystem.