Family

Mark

Mark is the oldest child of immigrants who came to America in the late 1970's. They fled communism in an attempt to seek a better quality of life and opportunities. Mark's father was an civil engineer and mother was a secretary and Mark and his brother grew up in Long Island, NY

Mark's brother, Peter, went to Cornell for undergrad and became an investment banker before realizing he was a net negative contributor to society. He changed careers and subsequently became an academic meteorologist in Colorado where he lives with his spouse and two children.

Mark's parents are currently retired and live in Florida. He has one surviving grandparent who also lives in FL.

Ponnila

Ponnila is the oldest child of immigrants who came to America from India in the 1970s. Ponnila's father was pursuing a PhD in parasitology and eventually took a job at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME. Ponnila's mother worked at an insurance company for many years and then, subsequently, as a medical secretary and referrals coordinator.

Ponnila's sister Pari went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where she received both her bachelors and masters degrees. She now lives in Smyrna, GA with her husband and dog, Kitsu.

Ponnila's parents live in Maine to this day, but are looking forward to moving to Rochester to help care for their future grandchild. Pari cannot wait to spoil her future niece or nephew!