Our People
GINNETTE SIMKO
Executive Director
Ginnette brings a rich background in non-profit leadership and higher education administration, along with over a decade of hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, to Farming with Friends. But what truly fuels her passion is her role as the mother of an adult child with disabilities.
Through her journey, Ginnette has witnessed the profound healing power of sunshine, soil, and shared purpose. She believes that when people come together to grow food, they also grow understanding, empathy, and community.
At Farming with Friends, Ginnette sees more than just a farm. She sees a vibrant space where individuals with disabilities can find meaningful employment, where people of all abilities can connect in a safe, joyful, and healthy environment, and where stigma gives way to solidarity. With 15–25% of the population identifying as disabled, this work is not just important—it’s essential.
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She warmly invites you to visit the farm and discover what it truly means to “build community from the ground up.”
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Want to learn more or schedule a tour? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime!
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ginnette@farmingwithfriends.org
216.235.4155
ALEX CLAUS
Farm Hand
Alex Claus, age 25, brings a wealth of business education and experience to Farming with Friends. He graduated in December of 2023 with an Associates of Applied Business from Tri-C, where he gained skills in areas of management, marketing, and accounting. He also completed a two-year Business Marketing Technology program through the Medina County Career Center.
Alex lives with his parents and has one sister, Natalie. Alex's family is deeply entrenched in their passions. His father manages the engineering department for Systems Seals, while his mother takes care of the home and pursues interests in nature and art.
Alex has a wide range of personal interests including global cuisines such as Japanese, Thai, Mexican, and Italian foods. He also loves to travel and has been to Rome and Dublin. Finally, Alex really enjoys are such as pottery and painting.
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SAM BRADY
Farm Hand
Hi, I’m Sam! I’m 23 years old. I went to the Medina County Career Center for Animal Care. At home I have a big garden, chickens, and pets. I like how each animal has a different personality. I usually like smaller dogs, but as you can see in the picture, I have a big one! His name is Jeff and he is a Great Dane.
I collect crystals and trinkets. Purple crystals, like amethysts or grape agates, are my favorite.
I really like working at Farming with Friends, especially packing eggs and learning new things. The people I work with are smart, talkative, and have unique personalities.
JOE TOTH
Farm Hand
Hi, my name is Joe. I am 23. I've lived in Brunswick Hills all my life. I used to help my parents raise chickens and ducks. They are both my favorite. I also have 2 cattle dog puppies I love to spend time with.​​ I have always planted different types of peppers in our garden. I enjoy growing the hottest peppers in the world. My next goal is to find the pepper X and grow that, which is supposed to be the new hottest pepper there is.
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I also have a huge interest in cars. I attend several car shows around the US. I enjoy video gaming, which I collect all the retro gaming units from Atari to Xbox One.
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I really enjoy working at Farming with Friends. Not only am I learning a lot, but I have made some good friends there.
DENNIS SOMOGYI
Farm Assistant
Hello there everyone! My name is Dennis and I sort of been around places. But most of my life I have been raised in the middle of nowhere trying to find a stable place until my family moved to where we are now in Medina. My family and I tend to make little projects here and there so I know a fair share of farming and construction.
I will admit I do not know everything but I do enjoy learning. My first job started me in a small greenhouse which led me here. I never expected to be working on a farm but things happen like that. I haven't been working much at the time of writing this but I do hope this place goes well and I can possibly meet you all in one way shape or form.
As for interests I usually just enjoy playing games, some small farming, a bit of a builder and mechanic, among other things. I am a big animal person growing up around chickens, cats, dogs, and horses. I also did go to the Medina County Career Center for software engineering and website development. Overall that is a bit about me.
If you would like to learn more come on down and visit us whenever you got a chance. And until next time I hope you all enjoy your time doing whatever you all enjoy!
BRIAN SIMKO
Board Member - President
My wife, Ginnette, and I discovered this wonderful organization through the Hinckley Record, a free publication for residents of Hinckley, where we have lived for the past seven years. Our son, Sam Brady, developed a disability in 2023 and given Ginnette's long-time relationship and work experience with agriculture, this was a fortuitous and natural fit for our family.
I have walked a fair few paths though the course of my life and career. Professionally, I completed a BFA and MFA with sculpture as my emphasis, and now manage a talented team at user experience designers at Progressive. I've lived in Seattle, Chicago and Denver over the past 20 years, and I hope to bring a diverse and out-of-the-box perspective to this amazing organization.
This is an important and altruistic cause, which I am honored to be a part of, and I will aim to help shape its future with my talents as we grow together.
KRISTA CLARK
Board Member - Vice President
I grew up near Columbus, Ohio and Krista grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio. We met at Kent State University through an on-campus ministry called Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). In 2014 we started dating and got married on the first day of 2016. We have completely opposite personalities. Krista is a peacemaker, is more outgoing, and loves being around people. I am highly introverted and people drain me.
For many years we struggled through infertility and it was tough, especially when we really wanted kids. God used that season in our lives. We bonded, grew close, and got to spend those years getting to know each other (good sides and bad sides). We have mutual hobbies like board games, hiking through nature, sports, gardening, and serving others.
Krista and I have a passion for loving children who have no one to love them. In 2022 we became foster parents. Over the past 2 years, we have had 3 kids placed with us at various times. This has been one of the most challenging, growth-inspiring, and rewarding experiences of our marriage. And if life wasn’t crazy enough, in the summer of 2023 God blessed us with a baby boy named Crew!
Tiffany O'Neill
Board Member - Treasurer
Tiffany O’Neill is a mission-driven entrepreneur and the founder of Bainbridge Blooms, a small scale herb and flower farm in Bainbridge, Ohio. After building a career in corporate photography, she made a shift toward regenerative farming and plant-based wellness in search of more meaningful, community-centered work.
She studied sustainable agriculture through Ohio State University and gained hands-on experience interning at several local farms.
In 2022, Tiffany and her husband launched Bainbridge Blooms with the goal of growing not just herbs and flowers, but also connection, healing, and beauty. Her work blends creativity, sustainability, and a deep love for the land.
As a sister to a brother who uses a wheelchair, Tiffany is especially passionate about inclusivity and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for all. She believes small farms can play a big role in building stronger, more compassionate communities — and she’s proud to contribute through both her business and nonprofit involvement.
Hannah Billingsley
Board Member - Secretary
Born and raised in Shaker Heights, Hannah spent her childhood riding horses and discovering the joy and beauty of all things domestic through episodes of Martha Stewart Living.
She has a BA in African Studies from Columbia University and lived in Cape Town, South Africa from 2005-2006 and again from 2013-2019, where she had a small fruit pie business and developed an interest in green philosophy and conservatism.
Hannah dreams of homesteading on a small plot that follows Wendell Berry's law for good farming (borrowed from Wes Jackson): "that there is a ratio between eyes and acres, between farm size and farm hands, that is correct."
Some of Hannah's happiest days since moving back to Cleveland in 2021 have been spent at Ginnette and Brian's house, helping them in their backyard garden. She believes so strongly in the mission of Farming with Friends and is honored to be involved.