Allison and Eric Koester have lived in DC for about 15 years and moved to the neighborhood in March 2019. Allison is a professor at Georgetown University and Eric runs a book publishing company. “We love the variety of people who live in Cleveland Park. It’s a lovely mix of families with kids, international visitors spending a few years in the U.S., and decades-long residents,” Allison says. “It's amazing to interact with people so passionate about their work and their community.”

Eric grew up in Omaha while Allison’s family moved around the Midwest during her childhood. Allison graduated from the University of Arizona and University of Washington and Eric graduated from Marquette University and George Washington University Law School.

The couple lives on Idaho Avenue NW with daughters Quinn (eight), Parker (six), and Aven (three). “We are in negotiations (with mom) for a dog,” Eric notes.

Quinn and Parker attend Hearst Elementary School where they sing in the chorus and love art. “We appreciate how welcoming and involved the Hearst community is,” Eric shares. “Beyond Hearst, the older girls just started participating in Winners Lacrosse, which they are really enjoying. And if anyone needs Girl Scout cookies, Troops 42137 (Parker) and 42149 (Quinn) are at your service!” Aven attends preschool at CommuniKids-WABC in the Spanish immersion program. “We are amazed at how much Spanish she has picked up in just a few months,” Allison remarks. “Gracias maestras maravillosas.”

In April 2022 Eric published his first middle grade novel ‘The Pennymores and the Curse of the Invisible Quill,’ which tells the story of three sisters (Quinn, Parker, and Aven) and one brother (Riley) living in a world where writing is banned because writing quills – not wands – can be used to cast magic. “I never had any intention to publish this story. It began as a bedtime story during the first year of the pandemic,” Eric says. “Night after night the story just kept developing with twists and turns around every corner. It was so much fun that when we reached the end we decided to write it up. It’s been a wonderful family project.” The book was a finalist for Goodreads Reader's Choice for ‘Best Middle Grade and Children’s’ category in 2022.

“Our weekends focus on activities at our two hubs: Cleveland Park and Georgetown University. We have lots of kids’ playdates and trips to the parks and playgrounds. We also love just being home and doing art or reading with the kids, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends” Eric shares. 

“And we love the Hearst Pool!” Allison adds. “Quinn and Parker were so excited on opening day that they queued up nearly an hour before it opened so they could be the very first to dip their toes into the water. The pool is an activity that keeps the whole family engaged.”

“The people of Cleveland Park are truly the best part of living here.” Allison concludes. “We are grateful to be a part of this community.”