When Bethany and Matthew Hrica arrived in Danville, they felt an instant connection to the Blackhawk community. “The second we entered the gates, we were in awe,” Bethany shared. “The trees, the landscaping, the hills, the people out walking and biking, the wildlife—we immediately felt this is where we were meant to be.”
Originally from the East Coast—Bethany from Lincoln, Rhode Island, and Matt from Litchfield, Connecticut—the Hrica family made the big decision to relocate to California in the summer of 2024. With their children Connor (7) and Mackenzie (5) at perfect ages for adventure, and Matt receiving an exciting job opportunity at Collins Aerospace in Fairfield, they chose not to let the moment pass them by. “We didn’t want 10 years to go by and wonder ‘what if,’” Bethany said. “We wanted to lean into the adventure, and we’re so glad we did.”
Driven by Passion, Grounded in Purpose
Bethany and Matt both bring deep passion and expertise to their careers. Bethany, a Registered Dietitian and Physician Assistant with board certification in Lifestyle Medicine, runs her own virtual practice, The Lifestyle PA. Focused on supporting women over 35 through evidence-based strategies for optimizing metabolism and well-being, Bethany’s work is driven by her personal journey through hormonal and metabolic challenges. “I realized how many women are left without real solutions or support during this stage of life,” she shared. Her structured coaching program addresses nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, mindset, and social connection empowering women to take control of their health with sustainable, science-backed strategies.
The Hrica family’s story began much earlier—back in their college days at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. Meeting through mutual friends during summer orientation, Bethany and Matt had no idea they would one day build a life together on the other side of the country. “We actually hated each other at first!” Bethany laughed. But by that fall, they were inseparable. They married in 2009 with a breathtaking destination wedding in St. Lucia, sharing the day with Bethany’s sister and their close-knit circle of family and friends—a memory they still cherish, especially the hilarious moment when the groomsmen had to swim back to shore just minutes before the ceremony began after an adventurous (and windy!) sail.
Matt, with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering and nearly completed MBA studies, has spent his career contributing to projects that protect and save lives—from designing submarine structures for the Navy’s COLUMBIA and VIRGINIA classes to managing development testing for military and commercial jet engines. Now as Program Chief Engineer at Collins Aerospace, Matt oversees programs for ejection seats, energetic devices, and propulsion systems, ensuring the safety of pilots, astronauts, and commercial flight crews alike. “What we build saves lives,” Matt shared proudly. “It supports space exploration, enhances flight safety, and helps protect our country’s freedom.”
An Active Life Full of Adventure (and a Little Princess Magic!)
The Hrica family doesn’t just work hard—they play hard, too. Outdoor adventures and staying active are a central part of their lives. Whether competing in Spartan races (yes, even the kids participate!), mountain biking, skiing in Tahoe, hiking, kayaking, or paddle boarding, they prioritize quality time together in the great outdoors. “Spending time as a family outside is just as important for our mental health as it is for our physical health,” Bethany shared.
Connor, a sports enthusiast, is passionate about soccer, baseball, basketball, and is a huge Steph Curry fan. Mackenzie, full of energy and creativity, loves gymnastics, swimming, and anything princess-related—especially Elsa! She often makes up her own songs and dances, filling the house with joy and imagination.
Matt stays involved in the kids’ activities, coaching Connor’s Mustang Soccer team and currently assisting with his Little League team. Meanwhile, Bethany fosters connection within the community through The Elevation Crew, a mom’s hiking and walking group she started in March that meets Friday mornings after school drop-off. The group has quickly grown, and offers apparel that supports Tassajara Hills Elementary.
Living Their Values: Time Together Over Things
At the heart of the Hrica family’s journey is a deep commitment to living intentionally. “Our goal has always been to prioritize adventuring and time together,” Bethany said. Their move from a large home on four acres in Connecticut to a simpler lifestyle years ago taught them the value of time and experiences over possessions. “We realized we didn’t want to spend our lives working just to pay for a big house and upkeep. We wanted to spend that time with each other.”
Now, they aim to maintain that balance—supporting their children’s activities, nurturing their own passions, and making room for adventure. “Pursuing our own goals makes us better parents and shows our kids firsthand the importance of determination, discipline, and how to handle both success and failure.”
Building Community and Making Memories
The Hrica family feels grateful for the warm welcome they’ve received in Blackhawk. “It’s very quiet, the neighbors are so friendly and easy to talk to,” Bethany shared. “The kids especially love seeing the cows and playing with the kids on our street—it’s such a sweet little bonus!” This summer, they look forward to hosting their extended family from the East Coast for a California visit filled with local exploring and a Tahoe lake house getaway. They also hope to keep fueling their adventurous spirit with future travels, including a dream trip back to Hawaii and more West Coast destinations. For the Hrica family, life is about taking risks, chasing big goals, and embracing the journey together. Or, as they like to say, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Photos courtesy of Hrica family