If you stroll around East Shore, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Todd and Farina Spitler and their adorable dogs, Maddy and Ellie. For the Spitlers, those daily walks are about far more than exercise. They’re how this couple has woven themselves into the fabric of the neighborhood, one wagging tail and friendly hello at a time. “East Shore is a very pet-friendly place,” the couple says. “It’s a common bond for most of our neighbors.” And they’ve got the circle of friends to prove it.
Fourteen years ago, ExxonMobil’s relocation to The Woodlands campus brought the Spitlers south from Fairfax, Virginia—and East Shore quickly felt like home. Todd is a senior advisor at ExxonMobil and, as he wryly describes himself, “a lawyer in hiding.” Both he and Farina hold master’s degrees; Todd adds a law degree to his résumé. Farina, an engineer by training, has been working in the power generation industry for more than 20 years, with expertise in heavy duty gas turbines and power plants. She is currently a senior Technical Lead at GE.
But Todd’s story doesn’t stop at the office. Since 2002, he has served as a Direct Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. (You may have read about Todd in the November 2026 issue highlighting our Veterans.) Todd has completed tours in Iraq, SE Asia, Eastern Europe, and at the Pentagon. He is currently serving at U.S. Central Command MacDill AFB, FL, and was promoted to the rank of Captain (O6) on May 1.
Todd grew up on Long Island, New York. Farina grew up in Venezuela. But ask them about Texas today, and you’ll hear nothing but genuine enthusiasm.
“The trees!” Todd says without hesitation. “To those that don’t live in The Woodlands or Texas, it is greener than most appreciate.” Beyond the scenery, the Spitlers love the neighborhood’s walkability, the easy strolls to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, great shopping, and an impressive restaurant scene right at their doorstep.
It’s no surprise that the causes closest to the Spitlers’ hearts reflect who they are: Operation Pets Alive, the Wounded Warrior Project, the United Way, and the Montgomery County Food Bank all benefit from their support. Animals and veterans—two communities that ask for little and give everything.
When they do manage to get away, the Spitlers head to San Diego, Vancouver, or Jackson Hole. But with two demanding careers (three, when you count Todd’s military service) home is where they’re happiest, probably with a good book in hand, settled in on East Shore with Maddy and Ellie nearby. And their go-to dinner after a long day? Todd grins: “Whatever Uber Eats will bring us!”
