For Lisa and Jonathan “Sully” Sullivan, family life is full, fast-paced and filled with laughter. Between raising four active children, managing demanding careers, coaching sports and building a small business, their days are rarely quiet. Yet, through all the hustle, their home in Newtown Square has become a place of warmth, community and memories that keep growing right alongside their family.
Lisa’s path has always centered around caring for others. A graduate of Garrettford Elementary and Upper Darby High School, she played softball and field hockey before pursuing a career in nursing. She earned her associate’s degree from Delaware County Community College, her BSN from Immaculata University and is currently completing her master’s in Nursing Leadership at Capella University. “I have always wanted to be a nurse,” she explained. “My mom was a nurse, and growing up, I remember watching all the medical shows on TV.” Her career has taken her through many areas of nursing — hospice, pediatrics, labor and delivery and school nursing — and along the way, she earned the prestigious Daisy Award, which recognizes and celebrates nurses for their extraordinary and compassionate care.
Now, Lisa teaches at two nursing schools, works at Bryn Mawr Hospital’s labor and delivery unit and holds a care management position. Yet her newest venture, Reboot IV Therapy, has become a special source of excitement. Reboot is a mobile wellness business offering IV hydration, vitamin therapy, peptides, weight loss and other health-boosting treatments. “I’m most excited about Reboot because it empowers people to take a proactive approach to their health,” Lisa said. “Too often we wait until we’re sick to care for our bodies. Our goal is to make wellness accessible, convenient and part of everyday life.” Her company offers both group and individual sessions, and Lisa hopes to grow the business further and build a lasting brand focused on helping people feel their best.
Jonathan’s work life is equally hands-on. A graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, he played football, hockey and basketball. Jonathan bounced around a bit after high school because he didn’t quite know what he wanted to do for a living. “My older brother was a carpenter, and my dad encouraged me to take the entrance exam while in my senior year at Bonner,” Jonathan said. “Honestly, the only reason I agreed to take the test was because my dad told me I would get the day off from school.”
Jonathan passed the exam, but decided to explore other options shot. And as cheesy as it sounds—and borrowing from the movie Meet the Parents—I thought, If Jesus was a carpenter, why not me?” Aside from taking career advice from a movie script, Jonathan realized that he had always been good with hands-on work, whether working on cars, electrical work and physical labor in general. “I was active in church, had been an altar boy for years and figured Jesus would have my back!”
Jonathan joined the Carpenters Joint Apprentice Committee in 2002. He now works with the Philadelphia Carpenters Union Local 845 and American Furniture Installations, where no two days are the same. “My job site and coworkers are always changing,” he said. “I’m never stuck in one spot or with the same crew for too long. I get to work all over the tri-state area, and I love that.” He may have a few years to go, but Jonathan is already dreaming of spending his retirement years in Florida, maybe even working for Disney, a place near and dear to him and Lisa.
Lisa and Jonathan met the way many Delco couples do — at a bar in Drexel Hill back in 2003. They had actually crossed paths long before that, attending the same elementary school where Jonathan was in Lisa’s older sister’s grade. A few years after reconnecting, Jonathan proposed in true fairy tale fashion at Disney World. During dinner at Cinderella’s Castle on Lisa’s little sister’s birthday, a covered silver tray was brought to the table. When the lid lifted, inside was a glass slipper holding the engagement ring.
Quoting Rocky Balboa’s proposal to Adrian, Jonathan asked Lisa to marry him. “You know, I was wondering, like, what do you think you’re doing for like the next uh 40 to 50 years? I was wondering if uh, you wouldn’t mind marrying me much?” It was a perfect mix of romance, humor and heart, setting the tone for a marriage built on shared values and laughter.
The couple married on October 10, 2008, at St. Andrew’s Church in Drexel Hill. It was an unforgettable day not just for them but for Phillies fans everywhere — they were getting World Series score updates while standing at the altar. Their reception at Drexelbrook was followed by a two-part honeymoon, first in Disney World and then in Fort Lauderdale. Soon after, they settled in Drexel Hill and started their family. Less than a year later, they welcomed their first son, born on Jonathan’s birthday.
As their family quickly grew to six, they began to outgrow their Drexel Hill home. In 2016, after welcoming their fourth child, the Sullivans made the move to Newtown Square. They were drawn by the space, the strong schools, St. Anastasia’s church and the sense of community. Lisa remembered feeling a bit nervous about moving to a new area, but as they drove down their new street, Jonathan spotted an old neighborhood friend mowing his lawn. T hey took it as a sign they were right where they were meant to be.
Today, Lisa and Jonathan have fully embraced life in Newtown Square. Their neighbors have become close friends, with yearly camping trips, summer days at Rosetree Woods Swim Club and an annual Halloween party that fills the cul-de-sac with laughter and costumes. The Sullivans’ home is also known for its festive holiday spirit. Last year, their Christmas display earned the “Best House” recognition on the Christmas Prism light tour, something Jonathan takes great pride in.
Together, Lisa and Jonathan are raising four kids who share their sense of humor, love for sports and knack for adventure. Their oldest, sixteen-year-old Jonathan Jr., attends Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) and is known for his love of hockey, roller coasters and movie quotes. He’s fascinated by 80s and 90s classics and can quote nearly any scene from “Back to the Future” or “Weird Science.” Jonathan’s considering a future in criminal law or forensics, but is currently focused on keeping his grades up.
Owen, age fourteen, attends Paxon Hollow Middle School (PHMS), where he plays hockey, lacrosse and baseball, and even umpires baseball games. His parents describe him as kind, tough, and a natural leader who leads by example. They love to tell the story of when Owen was at a friend’s house one day, playing video games. His friend’s dad walked in the door, and Owen immediately paused the game to shake his friend’s father’s hand and ask how his work day was — a simple but meaningful gesture that showed the kind of respect and manners that make his parents proud.
Twelve-year-old Travis, also at Paxon Hollow, is often called “a forty-year-old man trapped in a twelve-year-old’s body.” He’s mature, witty and independent, with a big heart and a love for competition. He’s also the family daredevil. As a toddler, he once rode a laundry basket down the stairs in their old house. This winter, Travis will travel to Quebec City to play in the prestigious PeeWee Quebec ice hockey tournament, often described as the “Little League World Series” of hockey.
Scarlett, the youngest at ten, attends Culbertson Elementary and keeps up easily with her big brothers. She plays ice hockey, softball and basketball, and also dances at From the Top. She has a creative streak, writing stories and songs and performing them for her family. She even earned a Superintendent’s Art Recognition Certificate of Excellence. Scarlett has a big personality, described lovingly by her parents as “the boss.” When she was just a toddler, she once pushed a chair up to the kitchen sink, climbed in and sat among the dishes, delighted with herself.
The Sullivan kids share more than sports and school — they share a sense of humor and a tight sibling bond. Their love for classic movies runs deep, and they can stump just about anyone with quotes or theme songs from 80s favorites. Their “Bryce Harper tooth pull” video once went viral, earning them a visit from Fox News and a spot on Good Day Philadelphia. And they have carefully selected their players for this year’s hockey fantasy league, where Lisa is the returning champion. But for Lisa and Jonathan, their favorite moments are the smaller ones — neighborhood games of wiffle ball or roller hockey and family movie nights.
Their dog Lady, a six-year-old Maltipoo, is a beloved part of the family and completes the lively household.
The Sullivans love exploring new places together. Disney World remains a favorite, but recent family adventures have included Hawaii and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they once spent thirteen straight hours riding go-karts. “Our kids are thrill seekers,” Lisa laughed. “They’ve gone cliff jumping and even swam with sharks and dolphins.” Through it all, they’ve built memories rooted in fun, family and courage.
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heir family motto is simple but meaningful. “It’s not about winning,” Lisa said. “It’s about not quitting and how you handle yourself in every situation.” They emphasize respect, kindness and confidence, and telling the people in your life that you love them. “We say it all the time in our family,” Lisa said. “And the kids say it, loud and proud, no matter where they are and who they are with.”
The Sullivans have also experienced how strong the Newtown Square community can be in times of need. When Travis was six and injured during a baseball game, the community surrounded them with care packages and support during his recovery. “It’s impressive how many local people volunteer their time to support and improve this community,” Lisa said. “We really love being part of it.”
Life for the Sullivans is wonderfully busy, filled with ice rinks, ballfields, laughter and neighborhood friendships. Their home is a hub of energy and warmth, and their story reflects everything that makes Newtown Square special — family, faith, connection and gratitude. As their favorite movie line from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off reminds them, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
And for the Sullivan family, they’re making sure not to miss a thing.