MELLA FAMILY! Meet the

BY MARIA SMIETANA

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CHANTILLY NATIONAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Amber and Matt Mella owe their relationship to a card game and a sister, which might explain why game nights are still a big part of their family fun. Amber, a native Canadian who grew up in upstate New York and Bel Air, MD, met Matt’s sister Heather at Christopher Newport University. By the time Amber graduated with her BS in business administration with a concentration in management and a leadership minor, the two ladies had become close friends. Heather went on to earn a master’s degree, and it was at her graduation celebration that Amber first met Matt over a lively round of “Apples to Apples.” Within two months, they were dating.

Fast forward a bit, and the Mellas, who’ve lived in the Greens for nearly four years, are mom and dad to Madilyn (Madi), age 8, and Hunter, who is 5. Madi is a cheer and gymnastics enthusiast who would rather navigate the world via cartwheels than on two feet. She’ll shortly finish second grade, where she’s found a love of math and art. Her parents describe her as an outgoing kid who thinks it’s great that the neighborhood is filled with her friends and so many fun events! Hunter is in pre-K and is an avid learner who loves to play T-ball and being outdoors with his friends. If he’s not outside, he’s likely to be playing Sonic. His mom says he’s getting really good at Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers, too.

S p e n d 2 0 2 3 a t c h a n t i l l y n a t i o n a l

Matt grew up in Oakton, VA, where his parents still live. He earned his BS in information systems from VCU and now works as a solutions architect at a local technology company. Computers and technology have always been one of Matt’s passions. “I got into it by building my first computer at the age of 6,” he said. “I enjoy learning how things work and finding solutions to problems that involve technology.” In his current role he gets to work with people from across all areas of the business and be a technical liaison between the business processes and the technology solutions that are implemented at his company. Amber, a self-described people person, is an accounts payable manager for an electrical contractor. As a team leader who has always liked working with numbers, she says she “loves creating a supportive work environment for my staff and being able to help the company reach its goals.”

Amber has also turned a couple of her favorite pastimes into successful side businesses. Over the past six years, she has built Amber Rose Photography and Events. “I do lifestyle photography and love being able to work with families to capture sweet memories,” she said. “As the business has grown, I’m happy to have repeat clients that I see year after year.” Additionally, she shares her love of reading as an independent rep for a book company. “It’s so great to be able to bring new books into family’s homes to grow the next generation of readers,” she said.

Matt spends his hours outside of work across a dizzying array of niche hobbies. He is an avid home brewer, amateur woodworker, and home-improvement buff, so he just finished building out a 10-tap bar in the basement. As a member of several local brewing clubs, he gathers with fellow hops-and-foam connoisseurs to try different beer styles and “geek out” about beer! “Most of all though”, he said, “I enjoy being a dad to two awesome kids and watching them grow, learn and experience life in the wonderful community we’re fortunate to raise them in.”

The Mellas both believe strongly in community involvement. “We have a difficult time saying ‘no’ when someone asks for help or we see a need,” Matt said. Amber somehow has made more time in a day than should be possible and does her best to give back to the community through both her photography and book consulting businesses-she does multiple fundraisers each year for local organizations and schools. She is very involved in the PTA at Hovatter Elementary and as a troop leader for Madi’s Girl Scout troop. Matt, an Eagle Scout, is looking forward to being involved in scouting again when Hunter is old enough to join a troop. Meanwhile, he’s mentoring others in leadership and technology. Fittingly, the three words the Mellas chose to describe their family are loving, giving, and happy!