Bob and Sarah Soulliere's story began halfway around the world.

Bob grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Sarah in Tappahannock, Virginia. They met in the Czech town of Cheb in 1993 while serving in the country as Peace Corps volunteers.

After returning home, Sarah settled in Del Ray in 1995 while working at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington. Bob followed in 1998.

"I moved here ostensibly for a YouthBuild program opening in Columbia Heights," Bob said. "But really because Sarah was here."

The couple married in 2000, bought their East Howell Avenue home in 2001 and have spent nearly 25 years building a life in the neighborhood.

Bob jokes that he has "2½ jobs." By day, he works in cybersecurity and IT for SAIC. His passion, however, is Breathe Your Power, a practice dedicated to helping people improve resilience and performance through breath, HRV training and biofeedback, mindset, learning about physiology and neurology, aligning with circadian programming, fun, controlled stressors (such as cold), and community.

"We call my jobs head work and heart work," he said.

As North America lead for Wim Hof Method instructors and a Master Instructor for Oxygen Advantage, Bob has trained directly with Wim Hof, Patrick McKeown and Dr. Jay Wiles. He has guided thousands through breathwork and coached athletes, executives, students, parents and people with chronic illness.

"I train the nervous system, mindset, physiology and breathing to increase resilience, capacity and self-control," he said. "Brain and body become coherent."

Bob is quick to credit Sarah, who works as a customer experience guide at Patagonia's Old Town Alexandria store.

"This work would not be possible without the foundational support of my wife Sarah and our kids," he said. "I don't do this work alone. Context is critical."

The couple's commitment to wellness became deeply personal when Sarah faced her own health challenges with depression, TMJ, and neck pain, and the children faced developmental challenges early in life. Sarah questioned why they were struggling with all of this and dove into healthier cooking and trying all sorts things- meditation, acupuncture, etc.

“Sarah’s health struggles and the kids’ developmental challenges very much informed our family wellness journey," Bob said.

The family relied on early intervention therapies, nutritional guidance and exceptional teachers and schools.

"Our kids are beautiful, strong adults now," Bob said.

He also offers advice for parents navigating similar challenges.

"I've found that moms are often five years ahead of dads in recognizing developmental issues," he said. "They see the issues and are calling them out. Watchful waiting sometimes doesn't cut it.”

“Sarah’s doing great and more than anything we’ve learned this journey to better health is lifelong.”

Today, daughter Lucy serves with AmeriCorps at Beaver Creek Nature Reserve in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, integrating her lifelong love of birding. Son Ben graduated in August from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, with a degree in Adventure Education.

"Yes, it's a real thing. I love it.” Bob chuckles.

Ben’s now interning with the San Juan Mountain Association in Colorado as a camp counselor.

The Soullieres have become fixtures in neighborhood life. Bob served on the board of the Del Ray Montessori School, while Sarah worked for several years at MOM's Organic Market. Both have long been active at CrossFit MVA, Trident Athletics and Jerry Hill's CrossFit Old Town.

About 18 months ago, Bob partnered with Hill to launch Durable Foundations, a program combining Primal Movement and functional breath that often meets in neighborhood backyards. Robert has since become a certified Primal Movement coach.

"It is truly a social situation, and we love it," he said.

They enjoy a weekly neighborhood “fire and ice" gathering featuring sauna sessions and cold plunges. Also, Bob can often be found dipping in the cold-plunge tub in his backyard and welcomes others to come give it a try.

Looking ahead, the Soullieres hope to spend time in a Spanish-speaking country, beginning with a visit to Medellín, Colombia. But despite their curiosity about the world, Bob believes Del Ray will remain home.

"We love our neighborhood and are so integrated," he said. "Almost without doubt we'll be here until they take us out feet first."