SWEET HOME AMERICANA

As much as Mia Gregor enjoyed her decade living and working in Scottsdale, she was thrilled to bring her family back home to Lake Forest. “I was the lead of the pediatric neuropsychology department at a large children’s hospital in Arizona, treating children with complex neurological and medical diagnoses,” explains Gregor, a Lake Forest High School (LFHS) graduate who had lived in the city since age 2. “After returning with my husband Alex and two sons, Brody (a 15-year-old LFHS freshman) and Knox (a 12-year-old Deerpath Middle School seventh grader), I have been happy to share my knowledge through child development lectures at schools and the inspiring Suite Escape.” A board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist, she now works at Chicago Neurodevelopmental Center, a private practice in Northfield, and gives back to her community whenever she can. Since returning to Lake Forest, she has become involved with the Spirit of 67 Foundation, the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Newcomers Club, Allendale Women’s Board, Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board, and the Lake Forest High School Foundation. “We are so happy to be in Lake Forest and back to the four seasons of the Midwest. I always tell people the fact there are so many people living here originally from Lake Forest speaks to the amazing community it is,” says Gregor, adding that she and her husband also love being close enough to go back to their University of Michigan alma mater for football and lacrosse games. “Many of us have lived in other cities, states, and countries but eventually return to Lake Forest since it is a sweet slice of Americana and a great place to raise your family.” With that in mind, she recently took time from her busy work and volunteer schedule to share a few of her favorite things.

Favorite place you vacationed recently? Last summer we did a big trip to Croatia and Montenegro that was incredible. Beauty brand you can’t live without? Not fancy, but I love Dickinson’s witch hazel toner. For cosmetics, I mostly use Jane Iredale and also love Henry Rose scents. Favorite Lake Forest restaurant? We love the new café at Elawa farm. I always have a solid meal at Deerpath Inn and am also a huge fan of the tuna tataki at Sophia Steak. Favorite winter escape? Back to Scottsdale to visit family and friends. Local place to spend the day with your family? Relaxing at the beach in summer, as well as the Lake Bluff Farmer’s Market. Favorite Lake Forest shop or boutique? Pasquesi Home and Gardens. And Elawa Farm’s garden market. Favorite way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Stay home with my husband, make a nice steak, and relax on the couch with a good show and a glass of wine. Song you always sing along to when driving? All of them, much to my kids dismay. Quote that inspires you? “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Epicuras TV show you can’t stop binging? All documentaries, especially murder mysteries. I just finished the Jon Benet Ramsey documentary. Best way to stay fit during winter months is? Paddle, walking (or snowshoeing if possible!) on the Elawa trails, and I do Club Pilates. Best book you’ve read recently? Brain on Fire by Susannah Chalan. What’s at the top of your 2025 bucket list? Starting a podcast related to pediatric neuropsychology topics, but also engaging, entertaining, and getting our two French bulldogs, Gus and Gertie, better trained.