Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Klinicki Family. Since settling in Edgmont in 2016, Emily, Joe and their children have built a life centered on family, community and a balance that allows them to enjoy both the quiet of their neighborhood and the excitement of exploring new places. With four energetic children, a beloved dog and a calendar that blends school activities with camping trips, their home is a place where laughter, support and togetherness shape each day.
Emily’s path to Edgmont began far from Pennsylvania, with early years spent in Ellicott City, Maryland. She attended St. John’s Lane Elementary School and Patapsco Middle School, where she developed a love for dance, immersing herself in ballet, modern and jazz. Her childhood took a major turn when her parents divorced during her eighth-grade year, prompting a move with her mother and brother to Leakey, Texas. The transition from suburban Maryland to a small Texas town with fewer than 400 residents was significant, but it proved to be a defining chapter. Emily embraced every opportunity available, becoming deeply involved in school life. She ran track and cross country, played volleyball, basketball
and golf, competed in power lifting and was also a cheerleader. Reflecting on that time, Emily often notes how formative it was, saying, “It pushed me to try everything and really shaped who I am today.” She graduated early as valedictorian of a class of just 21 students, a testament to both her academic drive and her ability to thrive in a close-knit environment.
Her academic journey continued at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2007. She then went on to receive her law degree with honors from the University of Texas in 2010. Emily’s early legal career took her to New York City, where she worked at Skadden Arps, gaining experience in corporate and finance law. After getting engaged, she relocated to Philadelphia and joined Drinker Biddle, now Faegre Drinker, where she continued practicing until 2016. When their first child was born, Emily decided to step away from her legal career to focus on raising their family. “I loved my work as an attorney,” she said, “but being home with the kids and being present for all those milestones has been incredibly rewarding.” Today, she channels her energy into serving on the board of the West Chester Area Day Care Center that offers affordable childcare and assistance to low-income families and volunteering with the Edgmont Township Fire Company, training to become a member of the fire police. “Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose outside the home while still allowing me to be there for my kids,” she explained.
Joe’s story, while also marked by academic excellence and professional achievement, is deeply tied to the local area. He grew up in West Chester and attended East Bradford Elementary School before moving on to West Chester Henderson High School. There, he excelled both academically and athletically, playing football and rugby. As a senior, he served as captain of the football team and earned First Team All-Ches-Mont League and First Team All-Area honors, all while graduating as valedictorian of his class. “I had such a great experience growing up here,” Joe said. “I always knew I wanted to come back and raise my own family in this area.”
Joe attended Penn State University, where he was part of the Schreyer Honors College and earned a degree in electrical engineering in 2007. His interest in technology eventually led him to law school at the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors in 2010. Today, Joe is an attorney at Flaster Greenberg, based in the Conshohocken office. His work focuses on intellectual property and patent law, allowing him to stay connected to cutting-edge innovations in fields like wireless communication, machine learning and artificial intelligence. “I get to work with companies all over the world on some really exciting technologies,” he said. “There’s always something new to learn, which keeps it interesting.” He has also served on the firm’s Board of Directors since 2022, a role that reflects both his leadership and commitment to his profession.
Outside of work, Joe volunteers as a firefighter with the Edgmont Township Fire Company. “It’s a great way to give back and also get to know people in the community,” he shared. “I highly encourage anyone in the area to consider volunteering with the Edgmont Township Fire Company.” Joe is also a hunter and said he is very excited about the new state game lands on the Sleighton School grounds.
Emily and Joe’s relationship began in 2008, during their second year of law school, when they met through mutual friends. At the time, their careers were pulling them in different directions, with Emily headed to New York City and Joe to Philadelphia for summer internships. After graduating, they continued working in their respective cities, maintaining a long-distance relationship that required frequent weekend travel. “We were regulars on the Bolt Bus,” Emily recalled with a laugh. Despite the challenges, their connection grew stronger, leading to a proposal in the fall
of 2012 during a camping trip to French Creek State Park. “We were sitting around the fire when Joe proposed,” she said. “It was simple and perfect for us.”
They were married in September 2014 at Horsham Country Club and had an incredible honeymoon in South America. “We spent two weeks there hiking and camping in Patagonia, where we saw penguins and glaciers,” Emily recalled. “Joe was brave enough to jump into the glacial waters, but I was just fine staying warm on the shore!” From there, they ventured to Argentina for sightseeing and then spent a few days relaxing on the beaches of Uruguay.” Once back home, Emily and Joe began their married life in a townhouse in Philadelphia. “We loved that house, especially the
roof deck,” Joe said, “but once we had our first son, those stairs became a lot less charming.”
The transition to Edgmont came in December 2016, when their son Bobby was just eight months old. Both Emily and Joe felt it was time to trade city living for a place where their family could grow. “We wanted a yard, space for a dog and room for the kids to play,” Emily explained. Joe added, “Edgmont checked all the boxes. It has that semi-rural feel, but you’re still close to places like Media, and it was an easy commute for me at the time.”
Their search ultimately led them to a home on a cul-de-sac near Sleighton Park, where a unique detail helped seal the deal. “The previous owners included a write-up about how great the neighbors are,” Emily said. “That really stood out to us, and it turned out to be completely true.”
Today, the Klinicki household is a lively one, filled with the energy of four children, each with their own distinct personality and interests. Bobby, now 10, is a fourth grader at Glenwood Elementary School and a devoted baseball player with Aston Middletown Little League. “He lives for baseball,” Joe said. “He’s always throwing a ball around or watching the Phillies.” Eight-year-old Anna, a second grader at the same school, brings creativity and kindness to the family dynamic. She participates in gymnastics at Garnet Valley Gymnastics and is involved in cheer with the Rose Tree Colts. “She’s always singing or dancing,” Emily said. “And she’s such a great big sister, always looking out for the younger ones.”
James, age six, is in kindergarten and shares his siblings’ love of sports, playing soccer with Rose Tree Soccer Club and baseball alongside his brother. He is also known for his sense of humor. “James loves to make people laugh,” Joe said. “He’s always coming up with little pranks.” The youngest, three-year-old Kaitlyn, attends preschool at Lima Christian Nursery School and is already showing her independence. “She’s determined to keep up with the older kids,” Emily explained. “And she gives the best hugs.” Completing the family is Jack, their nine-year-old goldendoodle,
who holds the special distinction of sharing a birthday with Joe. “He’s very much part of the family,” Emily added.
Life in their neighborhood has become one of the most cherished aspects of their experience in Edgmont. Their cul-de-sac, with just seven other homes, has fostered a sense of closeness that goes beyond proximity. “Our neighbors are truly our friends,” Emily said. “We get together at each other’s houses or sit around a fire and catch up.” Joe echoes that sentiment, noting, “There’s always someone willing to lend a hand, whether it’s helping with storm cleanup or watching the kids at the last minute.” This sense of community has created a support system that enriches their daily
lives. “It really does feel like a village,” Emily said fondly. “We’re all looking out for each other.”
Travel and outdoor experiences play a central role in the Klinicki family’s lifestyle. Camping, in particular, has become a favorite tradition. “We try to go as often as we can during the summer,” Joe said. “It’s something we all look forward to.” Their trips range from local destinations to longer adventures, with plans that have included stops at Knoebels, Jellystone, Jim Thorpe and Virginia Beach. Each summer, they also join Joe’s extended family for a large gathering in the Outer Banks, bringing together 19 family members for a week of beachside memories. “It’s chaotic in the best way,” Emily said. “There’s always something going on, and the kids love being surrounded by their cousins.”
Their shared love of travel has also taken them farther from home. They recently visited Disney World and Fort Lauderdale as a family, and Emily and Joe are looking forward to an upcoming trip to Antigua for just the two of them. “We want our kids to see the world, but also to appreciate the simple things, like sitting around a campfire,” Joe explained.
As they look ahead, Emily and Joe remain focused on maintaining the balance they have worked hard to create. With strong ties to their com-
munity, fulfilling roles both at home and in their careers and a shared commitment to family, they have built a fulfilling life in Edgmont. “We feel really lucky to be here,” Emily said. Joe added, “This is exactly where we want to be, raising our kids and being part of this community.” Their story is one of thoughtful choices, meaningful connections and a deep appreciation for both where they have been and where they are going.