From Classrooms to Campgrounds: The Conley Family's Journey of Teaching, Construction, and Adventure

Photo by Karen Presecan

For nearly three decades, Deborah and Wayne Conley have called Stafford home, raising two sons together, pursuing careers that have impacted their community, and building a life full of purpose, connection, and exploration.

Building a Life Together

It all began at a country line dancing venue in Woodbridge in 1994. That's where Deborah, now 53, and Wayne, 62, first met—an unlikely beginning to a 29-year marriage filled with family adventures and shared passions.

"When we were first married, we lived in Woodbridge—Wayne worked in DC mostly, working on different construction job sites, and I taught kindergarten at Fort Belvoir Elementary," Deborah said.  They moved to Stafford in 1997, buying a home off of 610 in North Stafford.

The couple's fondest memories revolve around time spent together in the great outdoors. "I think our best memories are from spending time together—especially camping and RVing," Deborah said. "When the boys were little, we often camped throughout the year on land near the James River in Scottsville, VA."

Their family traditions centered around these natural getaways. "We always spent the 4th of July 'at the river' where we could see the fireworks, attend the small town 4th of July parade, make s'mores, and just be together," she recalls, highlighting how these simple pleasures formed the foundation of their family bonds.

Careers Built on Service

Both Wayne and Deborah have built careers focusing on improving their communities, albeit in very different ways.

Deborah has dedicated her professional life to early childhood education. Currently teaching first grade at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School in Stafford, she brings enthusiasm and creativity to her classroom daily.

"I love teaching kids in the classroom—I affectionately call my students Conley Cuties," she says. "I try to provide hands-on learning and fun experiences besides just teaching reading and math."

Her decision to teach in Stafford came about when their eldest son started middle school. "When our oldest started middle school, we were rezoned for Thompson MS.  It caused some conflicts with after-school care and transportation, so I decided to start teaching here in Stafford to be closer to home," Deborah explains. "Teaching where I live has also helped me to be able to support our boys so much more with their school activities, music concerts, and band competitions."

Wayne recently retired after more than four decades in commercial construction, where he progressed from carpenter to senior superintendent. His career encompassed significant projects throughout the Washington DC, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia regions.

"Wayne's favorite job was the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Memorial in DC," Deborah shares proudly. "Wayne worked with an incredible team of guys to lay the groundwork and install the infrastructure for the plaza, fountains, and statues of the memorial."

His work renovating schools has held special meaning as well. "Working on renovating schools was very rewarding as he was able to modernize and update the buildings and improve classrooms and playgrounds," Deborah notes. "He often had a first day of school deadline to finish the work and was able to see the joy and gratitude on teachers' faces when the jobs were complete."

The Next Generation

The Conley's sons, Cougar (26) and Colton (23), have pursued their own paths while maintaining the family's commitment to education and community.

Music runs deep in the family, with both sons actively involved in band throughout their educational journeys.  Cougar and Colton both performed with the Colonial Forge Sound & Guard and wind ensemble in high school and have continued to participate in various musical endeavors in college and beyond.  

Cougar, a 2017 Colonial Forge High School graduate, studied music education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He now serves as the Director of Bands at Colonial Heights High School in Colonial Heights, VA, sharing his passion for music with the next generation of students. He enjoys designing marching band shows, has started a jazz program for his high school students, and recently played the trumpet in a popular Richmond band.  

Colton, who graduated from Colonial Forge HS in 2020, recently earned his chemistry degree at VCU and is now pursuing his PhD in chemistry at the same institution.  Colton performed with the jazz orchestra while at VCU and continues to play the saxophone with the VCU pep band, the Peppas, as well as at various venues in Richmond.

Adventures on the Open Road

In recent years, as their sons have moved into adulthood, Deborah and Wayne have embraced a new chapter in their lives centered around travel and exploration.

"We love to travel in our RV!" Deborah exclaims. "We've owned a camper for many, many years and have camped in it throughout those years, including summer family trips to the James River and Virginia Beach. But we only just started TRAVELING in it these last few years."

Two summers ago marked a milestone adventure for the couple. "We took our first super road trip to Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2023. We spent 8 weeks on the road (basically all of my summer vacation), explored six national parks, and visited 14 states," she recounts.

The journey provided unforgettable experiences. "The country is so gorgeous out there! The mountains, landscapes, and scenery are truly breathtaking," Deborah said. Their adventures also brought them close to wildlife: "We had a grizzly bear walk right in front of our car in the Grand Tetons!"

These travels have inspired a new passion. "A new hobby has been visiting National Parks and monuments," Deborah noted. "I enjoy collecting the park stamps."

Putting Down Roots in Stafford

The Conleys have called Stafford home since 1997, witnessing its transformation from a small community to a thriving suburban area.

"Back then, 610 was four lanes, and all we had to shop at was Walmart and Giant. It is amazing to see how fast and how large Stafford has grown," Deborah observes. Despite the changes and the occasional thoughts of downsizing, their connection to the area remains strong.

"We have talked about downsizing in the future and moving somewhere else, but we always come back to how much we love Stafford—its great location in Virginia and everything it has to offer," she says. "It's close to everything—shopping and restaurants, nature spots, historical places."

The family enjoys exploring local attractions, with downtown Fredericksburg being a favorite. "We enjoy visiting downtown Fredericksburg. We are on a mission to try every single restaurant downtown," Deborah shares. "And Blue Cow ice cream is always a stop after dinner."

For the Conleys, home isn't just about location—it's about community. "While we don’t live in a traditional neighborhood,  getting to know and supporting the neighbors we do have is very important to us," Deborah emphasizes. "If any of us need a helping hand, all we have to do is ask, and we will be there for each other."

As they look to the future, Wayne and Deborah continue to balance their love of adventure with their deep roots in Stafford County—planning the next great road trip while cherishing the community connections that have defined their family's journey for nearly three decades.