L’Arche Cleveland is grateful to have such a diverse group of individuals who are helping us to further our mission.
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.
Having joined the Board of Directors of L’Arche Cleveland in 2019, Faraaz currently serves as its Vice 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.
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.
Mary is a former attorney who became involved with L’Arche through Mary Hurley and Barb Higgins. She was drawn to L’Arche because of its unique and caring mission to provide its Core Members with a loving, secure home for life. Mary also volunteers at the Fr. Michael Whitman Ozanam Center, a food pantry in East Cleveland, as well as the Cuyahoga County Archives. She and her husband have one child. She also has three step- children and six step- grandchildren. She loves to travel, read, research history and garden.
Born in Wisconsin, Paul has spent time in New York, Detroit, and Rome, Italy. He now resides in Beachwood with his beloved wife of 47 years, Julie. They both enjoy their 6 grandchildren born of two children. Paul says, “Old age is slowing us down, but we have enjoyed travel to Europe, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Alaska in our camper. L’Arche has given me new friends and a cause to care about deeply.”
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.
Bruce has been a member of the L’Arche Board since 2017. He became aware of the important work that L’Arche does in communities all over the world by his association with former board President, Richard Coyne. Bruce’s career as both a Licensed Social Worker and Therapist spans over a period of forty years. He has been married for over 30 years and has three sons. He is also actively involved with the Christian teaching ministry at the New Community Bible Fellowship located in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
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.
Jenny is originally from Idaho, where she earned her bachelors in mathematics from Idoho 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.
