Born and raised in the Greater Cleveland area, I started at L’Arche when I was 20 years old and have spent almost my entire adult life in the community. I have been both a live-in and live-out assistant, house leader at several homes, Program Director, Assistant Director, and now the Community Leader. Prior to starting at L’Arche, I worked with Fr. Jim O’Donnell in inner city Cleveland working in schools as a tutor, working with single mothers navigating the welfare system, and visiting the L’Arche community for dinner and Mass. The Community Leader at the time asked if I’d consider working in the homes for a couple evenings a week, and as they say, the rest is history. When I have time for hobbies between my L’Arche life and home life, I love to read. I have a great love of interior design and organizing, for both myself and family and friends. I have been married to Dan for 25 years, and we have 4 children. I feel so blessed to be able to raise my children in L’Arche and to have a spouse that loves L’Arche as much as I do.
I am originally from Cleveland and grew up in the Cleveland Heights area. My healthcare journey began in high school when I became a State Tested Nurse Assistant. That experience sparked my passion for supporting individuals with unique abilities. After spending several years in the field, I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and am now pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Healthcare Administration. This path allows me to combine my passion for care with leadership and advocacy. I discovered L’Arche through my job searches, and their mission instantly caught my attention. Each time I came across their name, I found myself diving deeper, learning more, and feeling increasingly inspired by their commitment to cherishing core members. When the time felt right, I applied for a management position, and the team saw something special in me, giving me the opportunity to be part of this incredible journey. In my free time, I love bedazzling and turning ordinary objects into something extraordinary. I also enjoy baking sweet treats, getting lost in a good book, and taking peaceful walks to unwind. Crafting and trying out fun DIY projects are my ways of expressing creativity and relaxing. Caring for others is truly my passion, and I’m so grateful to have found a wonderful place like L’Arche, where I can grow my career, nurture my passion, and be part of a family that shares the same values of love and support.
I was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland and have lived here most of my life. I began working in the field of developmental disabilities in 1979 as a direct service provider, and later became a Program Coordinator and Administrator for two different private nonprofit organizations. In addition, I have served in the Peace Corps and traveled far and wide. I joined L’Arche Cleveland in 2004 and have been an Assistant, House Leader, and Program Director. With L’Arche’s blessing, I continued to travel and was welcomed back upon each return. In 2015, I took an extended break to attend to family needs and returned as the Office Manager in 2018. L’Arche and I have been a good match for each other through the years. Outside of L’Arche, I coordinate a small nonprofit program that supports and implements a variety of grassroots projects in Haiti. I enjoy gathering with family and friends for a meal, adult beverages and a long visit, watching the Tribe, travelling, reading, live theater and going to the movies.
I am originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana and moved to Toledo, Ohio when I became a Sister of Notre Dame 35 years ago. I received a Bachelors in Elementary Special Education and a Master’s in Special Education. I was an elementary teacher for 10 years. I also attended Clinical Pastoral Education at SVCMC to become a chaplain. I decided I needed a break from teaching and was already familiar with L’Arche from reading Henri Nouwen’s books. I came to Cleveland to visit and fell in love! In my spare time, I love to crochet, bake, cook, and spend time in nature hiking.
I initially came to L’Arche as a music therapy practicum student in 2015. After graduating, I wanted to learn more about living in community and became an assistant. I completed my music therapy education while working at L’Arche part-time and chose to come back full time in early 2019. L’Arche has become a second family to me, and I’ve loved seeing the community grow and change through the years. I’m the definition of an “animal person,” and I love drinking coffee, visiting new places, and being with my family, friends, and cats.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. I graduated from Notre Dame Academy and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Baldwin Wallace College, followed by a master’s in human services specializing in blindness studies from Western Michigan University. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a variety of populations, including individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, those with mental health diagnoses, and people who are deaf or blind. I’ve owned my own business and also managed two non-profits. I’m a contributing writer for multiple magazines. I came to L’Arche through my longtime friend Mary Hurley. After learning more about the position and meeting the community, I decided to get involved because it seemed like the kind of place I’d want my own family members to live if they ever needed it. I felt that if I could help, it would be a good thing to do—and everyone I met was fun and kind. Outside of L’Arche, I have a large family, and I’m a lifelong Girl Scout and a board of elections poll worker. I love gardening, photography, and planning events and parties. I also really enjoy listening to and dancing to live music.
I was born and raised in Cleveland and have worked in this field for about 30 years. I first learned about L’Arche from an old coworker, who said L’Arche was a small, world-wide company and a great place to work. I decided to give it a try and have been working here ever since. I found a home in L’Arche and plan on staying here! My hobbies include bowling, hanging out with my family, and enjoying time with my grandkids.
Emma joined our community in June of 2022 as an assistant, and became a House Leader at King of Peace in 2024.
Board of Directors
Having joined the Board of Directors of L’Arche Cleveland in 2019, Faraaz currently serves as its Chairman. In his professional life, he works in investment banking, drawing from his diverse background with a BA in biology and economics, and a minor in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University. Beyond work, he’s a car enthusiast who loves hiking and spending time with family and friends, embodying a blend of passion for community service and personal interests.
Jenny is originally from Idaho, where she earned her bachelors in mathematics from Idaho State University. She received her masters and PhD in mathematics and economics from the University of Arizona. She relocated to Ohio in 2011 where she initially began her career at Oberlin College and is now at Case Western Reserve University. Jenny serves as an associate professor of Economics and as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate and Integrated Studies at Weatherhead School of Management at CWRU. She currently teaches introductory microeconomics, the capstone research project in economics, law & economics, and the economics of business strategy. Jenny was introduced to L’Arche through Faraaz while connecting students with the organization for a capstone project. She was drawn to the mission of L’Arche to expand understanding and appreciation of the diversity and gifts that every individual brings to this world and through shared connection and understanding, empowering each other. Outside of her career, Jenny loves practicing yoga, hiking, paddleboarding, and when there’s snow, cross-country skiing.
Sean first became involved with L’Arche as a high school junior, joining the inaugural group of St. Ignatius students guided by the late Jim Skerl in the “Friends with L’Arche” group. Students attended monthly dinners at the homes, something the group continues doing today. Sean met former Board Member Marty Dybicz during his time there. Sean became a member of the Board and Treasurer in 2019. Sean is a CPA and began his career working for the large accounting firms and is working for a local start-up consulting company. Sean also coaches cross country and track at St. Ignatius.
Catherine grew up in a small farm town in Indiana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education/Multicultural Education from Ball State University and a Master’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has nearly 45 years experience as a teacher in schools, at the college level and life enrichment classes for many years as well. Catherine is the author of the book, “In Pursuit of Danny”, a story of a little boy born with disabilities in the 60’s and the difficult decisions his family had to make at that time. She’s passionate about assisting people of all ages and abilities in developing their creative outlet and strives to learn new skills every day. She is not retired, but rewired, and serves as a consultant for persons with disabilities as well as seniors, teaches life enrichment classes and has a sewing business, selling at craft shows among other places. Serving on many boards in the past and present, she is most excited to be part of the L’Arche board. She’s worked in a professional capacity with L’Arche for at least 25 years in her career with the county prior to retirement in 2014 as the manager of the department serving provider agencies.
Rick treasures his involvement with L’Arche. He and his family have grown spiritually through being part of the L’Arche community. A trial lawyer by day, Rick enjoys family, friends and community involvement. He is involved with the Knights of Columbus, Legatus and Cleveland Right to Life.
Jennifer joined our board in 2025.
Allison joined as a Board Member of L’Arche Cleveland in 2024. She graduated from Beaumont High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing from John Carroll University’s Boler School of Business. In her professional life, Allison is a Commercial Real Estate Agent where she specializes in retail leasing for both tenants and landlords on a local, regional, and national level. Aside from her career, Allison enjoys going on hiking adventures with her husband and their golden fur-boy, Archie.
Jerry grew up in South Euclid and Cleveland Heights, the oldest of six children. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Cleveland and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from Cleveland State University. He worked for 37 years in Human Resources, finishing the last 22 years with Saint-Gobain Corporation and retired in 2017.
He is married to the former Margaret Higgins with whom he has five children. They live in Timberlake with their youngest son.
Shreya joined our board in 2024.
Colleen joined our board in 2024.
Russ joined our board in 2022. He has been a Financial Advisor for over 30-years and specializes in planning at every stage of life. In his spare time he enjoys weightlifting, music, reading, and theater. He has two adult children and twin grandkids. He currently lives in Valley View.
