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Our People

Tristan and Melanie Griffin

TRISTAN & MELANIE GRIFFIN

Executive Director (Tristan) & Board Member (Melanie)

In 2014, I moved from my home state of Texas to Ohio, and within my first few months in the Buckeye State, I met a beautiful woman from Celina, Ohio. As the story goes, she pursued me until I said yes…couldn’t keep her away from me ;). In May of 2016, we got married and moved into a little one-bedroom apartment in the Akron area. We enjoyed nearly 2 years of peace and quiet, and then our family began to grow. Scout was born in 2018. Tillie and Bingham were born in 2020, and Dawsey was born in 2022. 

 

As for my professional life, I joke about writing a book called, “Climbing Down the Ladder.” I started as an attorney, then became a college football coach, then went into full-time ministry, and now I’m a farmer. I’d say that this was all a part of my plan, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is that I’ve been trying to follow God’s lead since 2015 and that has resulted in an atypical journey.

 

As for Melanie's professional life, she's engaged in the most important profession of all...motherhood! She wrestles and wrangles our four children all day every day and does a darn good job of it. She's also one of the goofiest people you'll ever meet. Oh, and she loves to bake.

 

Everyday is quite an adventure and we’re doing our best to soak it all up. 

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 22 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.

GINNETTE SIMKO

Director of Operations

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in edible plants. Whether foraging on hikes or growing produce in whatever space is available to me - from potted plants on window sills, to small strips on city lots, to giant suburban backyard gardens - nothing compares to the harvest!

 

I’ve been professionally involved with local agriculture for many years, too, including work with ag-focused nonprofits and adult education programs. Most importantly, I’ve put in time on several local farms, including Black River Organics in Wellington, Second Spring Farm in Grafton, Old Trail School’s learning farm in Bath, and Cody Grey’s operation at York Meadow Farm in Medina. (Thank you to all of my mentor farmers for your tireless work and commitment!)

 

To me, thriving local food systems are the key to individual and community health and resilience, and I’m thrilled to bring my experience to Farming with Friends! As the parent of an adult child with disabilities, the mission and goals of this organization are especially close to home and close to my heart.

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Caleb and Krista Clark

CALEB & KRISTA CLARK

Farm Manager (Caleb) & Board Member (Krista)

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!

TIM & DIANA EAMES

Board Chair (Tim) & Board Member (Diana)

Tim and Diana live on the west side of Akron with their 4 children. Together they run a business consulting firm, Custom Consulting Group, and a local non-profit organization, Foundation 59, which  provides one-on-one mentoring as well as academic and financial assistance to competitive junior golfers.

Tim and Diana Eames
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