From the vibrant shores of Recife, Brazil, to Cleveland’s West Side, Joao and Charlotte’s paths converged in 2014 at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. Assigned to the exact same MBA working group, the pair clicked instantly. Fast-forward through a 2016 graduation and 11 happily married years together, and the duo has officially traded high-rise living for the green grass and lake breezes of Rocky River.

After spending seven energetic years at The Plaza on the West Bank of the Flats, Charlotte and Joao were ready for a change of pace. Wanting extra space without sacrificing proximity to downtown or Lake Erie, they found their dream fit in the Beachcliffe neighborhood in November 2023.

Both hold impressive credentials in the business world. Charlotte, who grew up on West Boulevard before graduating from Olmsted Falls High School, earned her BBA from Cleveland State University alongside her CWRU MBA. Today, she serves as a Senior Manager in Finance Strategy & Operations at PwC. Joao earned his BBA from the University of Pernambuco before completing his MBA at CWRU, and he is currently working toward a Master of Science in Computer Science at Georgia Tech while serving as a Senior Director of Strategy & Transactions at EY-Parthenon.

Despite demanding careers that frequently send them traveling across the country and abroad, Charlotte and Joao remain deeply rooted in Northeast Ohio. Charlotte’s connection to the local arts scene runs in the family: her family proudly owns Schindler’s Fabrics, a fourth-generation upholstery and design staple in Cleveland. She channels that lifelong passion into community leadership, serving on boards and committees for the Cleveland Museum of Art and the CWRU Alumni Association, as well as previously serving on the Cleveland State Alumni Association Board.

When they aren't working or giving back, you’ll likely catch the couple outdoors. Joao is an avid kitesurfer who frequents the local beaches with friends, and both love hopping on their bikes to explore the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Nearby favorites include relaxing at Bradstreet’s Landing, catching sunsets at Rocky River Park, browsing the stacks at the Rocky River Public Library, or stopping for a sweet treat at Mitchell’s Ice Cream or Malley’s Chocolates.

As they settle into neighborhood life, Charlotte recently joined the Rocky River Women’s Club, and both are eager to get further involved with the local recreation center and neighborhood events. From evening walks through Beachcliffe to enjoying local traditions like the Taste of Rocky River and catching 2026 World Cup matches at the market, they love everything the area has to offer. Travel often takes them far and wide, whether visiting Joao’s family in Brazil or loved ones in Boston, but no matter how far they roam, coming home to Rocky River is always the best part of the journey.