MIKE FARELL | Founder
As a child who experienced homelessness, Mike Farell recognized the need for assistance to the homeless within our community. In October of 2014, Mike founded Geauga Faith Rescue Mission with the intention of creating a private-sector funded and faith-based Rescue Mission in Geauga County to proactively address the needs of the growing homeless community.
As a child who experienced homelessness, Mike Farell recognized the need for assistance to the homeless within our community. In October of 2014, Mike founded Geauga Faith Rescue Mission with the intention of creating a private-sector funded and faith-based Rescue Mission in Geauga County to proactively address the needs of the growing homeless community.
NATHAN LONG | Executive Director
Nathan Long is a pastor, dedicated husband, and father of four children. Nathan joined the team at Geauga Faith Rescue Mission as a board member in 2015 and was promoted to Executive Director in March 2020. "Since being asked to join GFRM as a board member I have developed a deep passion for rescue mission work. I have had the opportunity to interview guests from various rescue missions and hear their life changing stories. It is amazing to see God using rescue missions to save lives through the gospel and to see change take place through loving care and support." Nathan has been an ordained minister since 2002. He served as the senior pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church of Hazard, KY and Grace Baptist Church of Corbin, KY. He is currently the senior pastor at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Nathan married his wife, Mishal, in 2004 and have four beautiful children together, as well as four grandchildren. Above all, Nathan is a dedicated follower of his Lord Jesus Christ. He desires for all to hear the gospel and to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been the greatest source of comfort and purpose in his life.
Nathan Long is a pastor, dedicated husband, and father of four children. Nathan joined the team at Geauga Faith Rescue Mission as a board member in 2015 and was promoted to Executive Director in March 2020. "Since being asked to join GFRM as a board member I have developed a deep passion for rescue mission work. I have had the opportunity to interview guests from various rescue missions and hear their life changing stories. It is amazing to see God using rescue missions to save lives through the gospel and to see change take place through loving care and support." Nathan has been an ordained minister since 2002. He served as the senior pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church of Hazard, KY and Grace Baptist Church of Corbin, KY. He is currently the senior pastor at Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Nathan married his wife, Mishal, in 2004 and have four beautiful children together, as well as four grandchildren. Above all, Nathan is a dedicated follower of his Lord Jesus Christ. He desires for all to hear the gospel and to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has been the greatest source of comfort and purpose in his life.
MARY OWEN| Board President
Mary Owen is a Pittsburgh native and has a BA in Philosophy from Slippery Rock University and master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Public Policy and Management. Mary worked as a Manager in the Transportation industry for several years, where she served as a trainer and Team Leader in Six Sigma for Bombardier Transportation.
Mary left the work force in 2006 to nurture her family and volunteer in the Chardon community. She was a Girl Scout leader, school, and church volunteer from 2010-2019. From 2016-2019, she served as Chairman of the Leadership Board at Chardon United Methodist Church. She began serving as Board President of Geauga Faith Rescue Mission in August 2022 and is pleased to serve the Mission for her love of Jesus.
Mary and Scott have lived in Chardon since 2005 with their three daughters, Alexandra (26), Madeline (24), and Emma (16). Her hobbies are weaving, reading, and traveling.
Mary Owen is a Pittsburgh native and has a BA in Philosophy from Slippery Rock University and master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in Public Policy and Management. Mary worked as a Manager in the Transportation industry for several years, where she served as a trainer and Team Leader in Six Sigma for Bombardier Transportation.
Mary left the work force in 2006 to nurture her family and volunteer in the Chardon community. She was a Girl Scout leader, school, and church volunteer from 2010-2019. From 2016-2019, she served as Chairman of the Leadership Board at Chardon United Methodist Church. She began serving as Board President of Geauga Faith Rescue Mission in August 2022 and is pleased to serve the Mission for her love of Jesus.
Mary and Scott have lived in Chardon since 2005 with their three daughters, Alexandra (26), Madeline (24), and Emma (16). Her hobbies are weaving, reading, and traveling.
TONY STRANIERO|Board Member
Tony Straniero is the son of a brick mason and started working with his dad when he was between eight and nine years old. He graduated from St. Joseph High and Kent State University and worked for 41 years at Fusion Inc. in Willoughby as an Advertising Manager, mostly in sales support activities. Upon retirement Tony got involved with the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, using his skills to rehab the current building.
Tony has been married to his wife Deborah for 44 years and lives in Newbury, OH. He and his wife have two grown children, Bryan and Katie, and three grandchildren, Ali, Rowenne, and Loretta. Tony attends Cornerstone Bible Church in Middlefield, serving as a deacon. In his spare time he enjoys golfing and bicycling.
Tony Straniero is the son of a brick mason and started working with his dad when he was between eight and nine years old. He graduated from St. Joseph High and Kent State University and worked for 41 years at Fusion Inc. in Willoughby as an Advertising Manager, mostly in sales support activities. Upon retirement Tony got involved with the Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, using his skills to rehab the current building.
Tony has been married to his wife Deborah for 44 years and lives in Newbury, OH. He and his wife have two grown children, Bryan and Katie, and three grandchildren, Ali, Rowenne, and Loretta. Tony attends Cornerstone Bible Church in Middlefield, serving as a deacon. In his spare time he enjoys golfing and bicycling.
SISTER BARBARA KLODT|Board Member
I was born in Akron Ohio November 9, 1942 to James and Mary Klodt. Two sisters and three brothers joined me during the next seventeen years. One brother and one sister are now deceased. I attended St. Mary High School in Akron, received a Bachelor Degree in elementary education from St. John College and a Master's Degree from John Carroll University. After twenty-three years of elementary teaching I became a Youth Minister for twelve years. After Youth Ministry I spent seventeen years at Notre Dame Educational Center in various administrative and service roles while serving two parishes part time. I was a member of Leadership Geauga in 2002. Being a member of Geauga Faith Rescue Mission is a commitment to me.
I was born in Akron Ohio November 9, 1942 to James and Mary Klodt. Two sisters and three brothers joined me during the next seventeen years. One brother and one sister are now deceased. I attended St. Mary High School in Akron, received a Bachelor Degree in elementary education from St. John College and a Master's Degree from John Carroll University. After twenty-three years of elementary teaching I became a Youth Minister for twelve years. After Youth Ministry I spent seventeen years at Notre Dame Educational Center in various administrative and service roles while serving two parishes part time. I was a member of Leadership Geauga in 2002. Being a member of Geauga Faith Rescue Mission is a commitment to me.
SISTER MAUREEN SPILLANE|Board Member
Sister Maureen Spillane was born in April 10, 1942 to Daniel and Dorothy and grew up with five brothers (now deceased) and one sister. Sister Maureen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in February of 1961 and celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year.
Through the years Sister Maureen has served the church and community as a teacher, principal, director of Pastoral Care in the Notre Dame healthcare center, parish pastoral minister, administrative and leadership roles, and Formation Director.
Sister Spillane has a Bachelor of Education from St. John College, a Master of Education from Virginia Tech, as well as a Pastoral Minister Certification from St. Mary Seminary and a Spiritual Direction Certification from Shalem. She was a member of the Leadership Geauga Class of 2016 and presently serves as a Spiritual Director and Board Member for Geauga Faith Rescue Mission.
Sister Maureen Spillane was born in April 10, 1942 to Daniel and Dorothy and grew up with five brothers (now deceased) and one sister. Sister Maureen entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in February of 1961 and celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year.
Through the years Sister Maureen has served the church and community as a teacher, principal, director of Pastoral Care in the Notre Dame healthcare center, parish pastoral minister, administrative and leadership roles, and Formation Director.
Sister Spillane has a Bachelor of Education from St. John College, a Master of Education from Virginia Tech, as well as a Pastoral Minister Certification from St. Mary Seminary and a Spiritual Direction Certification from Shalem. She was a member of the Leadership Geauga Class of 2016 and presently serves as a Spiritual Director and Board Member for Geauga Faith Rescue Mission.
HARRY WHITEHEAD|Board Member
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Dan Dawson|Volunteer Coordinator
As a Playhouse Square Redcoat Volunteer, Dan witnessed the harsh reality of homelessness just steps away from the theaters. Determined to make a difference, Dan joined Geauga Faith Rescue Mission becoming its Volunteer Coordinator. With 48 years of experience in industry and education, he mentors men for success in their personal and professional lives. Dan and his incredible wife of 43 years reside in Chesterland and attend Christ Presbyterian Church.
As a Playhouse Square Redcoat Volunteer, Dan witnessed the harsh reality of homelessness just steps away from the theaters. Determined to make a difference, Dan joined Geauga Faith Rescue Mission becoming its Volunteer Coordinator. With 48 years of experience in industry and education, he mentors men for success in their personal and professional lives. Dan and his incredible wife of 43 years reside in Chesterland and attend Christ Presbyterian Church.
