This month, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The McLaughlin Family: John, Ashley, Matthew, Joey, Jonathan and Genevieve. Their story is one rooted in strong values in an active household where sports, service and family traditions shape daily life.
Ashley grew up in Springfield, surrounded by extended family and a strong sense of community. She attended Scenic Hills Elementary School and later Springfield High School, graduating in 2000. Throughout her school years, Ashley was deeply involved in student life. She served as President of Student Council, worked as a Peer Facilitator and participated in Amnesty International. Her interests naturally led her to a passion for politics and communication, and she pursued them at American University in Washington, D.C.
Ashley pursued a double major in Political Science and Public Communication, eager to explore the many professional opportunities the city offered. During college, she interned every semester, gaining experience at a think tank, the Chamber of Commerce, and on Capitol Hill. “Although I loved the internships, I quickly realized that I didn’t want to continue to pursue a career in politics,” she explained. “So, I decided to try something outside of politics. I turned my attention to an internship with a popular D.C. radio station, DC101.” That was where Ashley discovered her true calling. She was drawn to the fast-paced energy of radio, the entertainment aspect and the relationships formed through the industry.
Ashley embraced her new direction and remained at American University to complete a five-year program, graduating in 2004 with her bachelor’s degree and earning a master’s degree in Marketing and Communications in 2005. She served as Social Chair for her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she organized mixers and events, and also studied abroad in Rome, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of travel. Weekends were spent exploring Greece, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, France and Prague with her roommate. “We had such a good time that when we came home from that trip, we decided to continue our European adventure by spending a summer working and studying in London,” she explained.
After graduation, Ashley returned home and immediately pursued her goal of working in radio, applying to her favorite station, Big 98-1. That decision marked the start of a career that has now spanned two decades. Ashley began as an Account Executive and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Local Sales Manager and eventually a General Sales Manager. When she achieved that role, she was the youngest female General Sales Manager in the market. Ashley credits much of her success to a mentor and close friend, the VP Director of Sales, with whom she has worked for
over 18 years.
Ashley now manages a team that develops advertising strategies across several major stations and platforms, including WIP-FM, KYW Newsradio, B101, BIG 98-1, 96.5 TDY, 1210 WPHT, the Eagles and Phillies Radio Networks, as well as streaming and podcast platforms. “One of the most meaningful aspects of my career is helping coordinate an annual Radiothon on BIG 98 that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Ashley said. “The event recently raised more than $285,000 during a two-day broadcast.” She is also proud of her involvement in the Travis Manion Radiothon, which supports veterans. Ashley hopes to remain with her company for the long term, continuing to grow alongside a team she truly values.
John’s path reflects his own strong commitment to service and leadership. He was raised in Clifton Heights and attended Westbrook Park Elementary School before graduating from Upper Darby High School in 2000. John was a lifelong member of the Clifton Rams boys club and started playing sports at an early age. He loved football, baseball and basketball. John was a varsity football and baseball player in Upper Darby High School and was captain of both his high school baseball and football teams.
After leaving high school, John enlisted in the Marine Corps post 9/11 and served two tours of duty in Iraq. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant and rifle expert in 2010. During his military career, John served active duty in Yuma, Arizona, with the 3rd Marine Air Wing MWSS371, 29 Palms, California and deployed in 2009 with MWSS271 out of Cherry Point, North Carolina. His service reflects his deep love of country and his desire to protect others. Throughout the years, John has also volunteered at soup kitchens and participated in efforts to support individuals
experiencing homelessness.
After completing his military service, John worked full-time and attended Temple University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership in 2016. He currently works in the mechanical construction industry as a Special Projects Manager and has been a mechanical project manager for over 10 years. John is currently a member of the Mechanical Contractor Association. “I oversee complex mechanical projects, many of which take place in local hospitals and universities,” John explained. “I am living my dream because as a kid I loved construction, trucks and cranes, and my current career mirrors exactly what I did in the Marine Corps as a combat engineer.” John continues to be a leader and mentor. He is currently on the Veterans ERG Leadership team for the Eastern PA Branch, which engages with local veterans as they transition out of service and helps them enter trades and thrive in the workplace. In addition, he also remains involved in youth sports. He coaches wrestling with the Brandywine Bulldogs Youth Wrestling program and is currently in his fourth year. His dedication to mentoring young athletes reflects his belief in discipline, teamwork and perseverance.
Ashley and John first met as teenagers at the Philadelphia Art Museum through a mutual friend. They dated during high school, went their separate ways, and reconnected during Ashley’s junior year of college. Their relationship continued long-distance while John was stationed in Arizona, and their connection remained strong.
John proposed during the holidays while home on leave. “He arranged a full day of special surprises for me, including appointments to have my hair and nails done,” Ashley said. After dinner, John suggested they walk around the city to see the holiday lights. “I thought we were heading to Boathouse Row, but John instead brought me to the exact spot where we first met.” There, John got down on one knee and proposed. The couple later celebrated their wedding with a Philadelphia-themed reception at the Crystal Tea Room before honeymooning in Maui and Napa Valley.
The newlyweds began their married life in a condo in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, just behind the Art Museum. They loved the walkable lifestyle and spent time at local restaurants and the nearby dog park. As a wedding gift, John surprised Ashley with a French Bulldog named Lenny, who quickly became their beloved companion and first “child.” Lenny was a special part of their lives for 12 years.
The McLaughlins moved to Edgmont in 2013 when Ashley became pregnant with their first child. Both being Delaware County natives, they knew they wanted to raise their family in the suburbs. After exploring various communities, they attended an open house in Edgmont and immediately fell in love with the area.
Their home sits on two acres of land, surrounded by trees, providing the family with a private outdoor retreat complete with a pool that becomes the center of summer gatherings. Ashley later discovered that her childhood memories of visiting her uncle’s pool were tied to the same Edgmont community she now calls home.
Family support remains a central part of their lives. Ashley’s mother, a retired dentist from Springfield, relocated to Thornbury to be closer to her grandchildren. Ashley’s two aunts also live nearby in Media and have played an important role in helping care for the children since the birth of their oldest son. John’s parents and older brother, Tom, still live nearby, too. “Tom and his wife Kelly have four kids our kids’ age, and they love spending time with their cousins,” Ashley said. “And John’s parents cherish every moment with their grandchildren.”
Matthew, the couple’s 12-year-old son, attends Springton Lake Middle School. He has been passionate about golf since receiving his first set of clubs at just one year old. Matthew participates in junior golf at Concord Country Club and plays on the junior PGA team. He also enjoys tennis and basketball. Matthew has a natural talent for technology and recently built his own personal computer. “One day, when Matt was in middle school, I came home from work and showed him that my phone had died,” John said. “I had already been to two different Verizon stores, but no one could figure it out. They just told me I had to get a new phone.” Without hesitation, Matt proposed that if he could get it to work, he could have John’s old phone. “I agreed, thinking there was no way he would be able to fix it, but within 15 minutes, Matt had the phone up and running!”
Joey, age 10, attends Glenwood Elementary School and is an enthusiastic baseball player who participates in Newtown Edgmont Little League. He also wrestles and plays basketball. Joey dreams of becoming a professional baseball player and hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame. He has an incredible memory for sports statistics and can recall player histories, team records and game details with remarkable accuracy, often serving as the family’s personal sports analyst during games. Ashley said, “At first, John and I didn’t believe he was giving us the correct information, because how could a kid so young have memorized all the stats, but then we started fact-checking him, and he was always right!”
Jonathan, age 9, also attends Glenwood Elementary School and participates in wrestling, baseball, football with the Rose Tree Colts and golf at Concord Country Club. Jonathan discovered his passion for wrestling at age five and has remained committed to the sport ever since. He has qualified for state competitions for two consecutive years and hopes to compete again at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State. Jonathan also plays the saxophone and is known for his outgoing personality. “Everywhere we go, Jonathan knows someone,” laughed Ashley. Nicknamed “Muffin” during summer camp, the name has followed him through school, sports and community events, reflecting his friendly nature and
wide circle of friends.
Last but certainly not least is three-year-old Genevieve, who attends Middletown Montessori School. She adores her older brothers and happily participates in their activities. “Genny may be the youngest, but she is without a doubt the boss of the house!” John remarked. Genevieve recently attended her first Phillies game and now asks nightly if the family can return for another.
John, Ashley and the kids enjoy meaningful friendships with neighbors, many of whom they met through their children’s time at Middletown Montessori. They also cherish time spent attending Phillies games, making annual trips to Duck, North Carolina and visiting Ashley’s mother’s home in Seaside Park, New Jersey, where the kids love fishing, crabbing and beach days. The family also enjoys vacations in Florida and has taken memorable road trips to Williamsburg and Chincoteague. They hope to introduce their children to European travel once Genevieve is a bit older.
Guiding everything the McLaughlin family does is their shared motto of God, family and country, a reflection of John’s Marine Corps service and the values both parents strive to instill in their children. Through busy schedules, community involvement and strong family traditions, the McLaughlins continue to build a life centered on connection, service and appreciation for the place they proudly call home.