Elizabeth Houssain and daughters Emma and Claire enjoy a vacation at Universal Studios. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – For Elizabeth Houssain, the people’s diversity is “one of the most under-appreciated qualities that makes Madison such a great place.”

“My tennis instructor is from Sweden. My youngest daughter’s equestrian coach is from England. My oldest daughter has soccer coaches from Jamaica and Uganda, not to mention my friends from Germany, India and Pakistan.”

“To have that wonderful richness of diverse cultures right here in Madison is such an unexpected and pleasant surprise,” she said.

“Our residents are highly educated and offer businesses such as MindGear Labs. Elementary schools offer robust LEGO Robotics teams. We have an amazing, active public library,” Elizabeth said. She likes the health/wellness emphasis, state-of-the-art YMCA and parks.

In an Air Force family, Elizabeth was born near Detroit and moved to the Florida Panhandle and Dayton, Ohio. After undergraduate study at Michigan State University, Elizabeth met future husband Anthony in Chicago, where she earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University.

After 15 years in that field, “I have pivoted. I’m practice manager for Anthony’s chiropractic practice, SpineCare,” Elizabeth said.

Her parents, who had relocated to Madison for his job at Redstone Arsenal, influenced the Houssains’ move here. In Chicago, Anthony was working as an associate chiropractor and planning to open his own practice. However, Chicago’s cost of living and surplus of chiropractors concerned them.

“I suggested relocating to Madison. We were quite taken by the charming small town. Anthony’s reply? ‘There’s no way I’m moving to Alabama!’” Elizabeth said. However, Anthony reconsidered after researching demographics and cost of living. “In 2001, we relocated to Madison and have been happy residents ever since.”

Daughter Emma, a James Clemens High School freshman, and daughter Claire, a Heritage Elementary School fifth-grader, play soccer. Elizabeth coaches Claire’s team.

Houssain is a member of Rotary Club of Madison, “a great organization for professionals who (want involvement) in Madison.”

The Houssains’ pets are Alfie, a ‘Frenchton’ (Boston terrier, French Bulldog mix), spotted gecko Spotty and guinea pig Ginger.

Houssain’s musical taste covers Green Day, The Killers, Coldplay and 21 Pilots to Harry Connick Jr., Steve Miller and James Taylor. Sady’s Bistro and Old Black Bear are her favorite eateries.