Meet the team

Director

Kirk Ries

Kirk Ries has been involved with St. Herman House since before it came under the FOCUS umbrella. He served as part of the transition team and has served on the Advisory Board. Kirk has been the Chairperson of the St. Herman House Golf Classic since its inception.

Kirk holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Administration and is a licensed Social Worker. He brings nearly 30 years of experience as a program director and direct care. He has worked in mental health residential programs and business development.

As a St. Innocent Orthodox Church member in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Kirk has served in various ministry roles. He has filled several capacities of the Parish Council, including a couple of stints as president. He was also part of a team that developed their monthly community meal and mobile pantry.

Program manager

Kirk Barratt

Kirk Barratt has been at St. Herman House for several years and is an integral part of the programs, including the apiary program, the day-to-day activities, and the prayer services. Kirk’s main function as Program Manager is to work with the men of the house to ensure that they are participating in programming, working with the case manager, and following the rules. He is a member of St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral in Tremont, where he is an altar server and reads.

CASE manager

Miss October Ross

Miss October joined St. Herman House as Case Manager in 2025, bringing vibrant energy and a strong commitment to service. A proud alumna of Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University, she holds dual Associate’s degrees in Science and Art and earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in 2013.

Though she paused her graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health and
Counseling after the loss of her parents, her passion for helping others remains unwavering. With a professional background in human services and workforce development, she compassionately supports individuals facing disabilities and behavioral health challenges. A devoted Christian, her work is rooted in kindness and dignity. She shares, “We are so much stronger together than we could ever be separately. Just like a puzzle, we all fit.”

Director of food services

Carl Cook

Carl has served at St. Herman House as the Director of Food Services since 2011. He has been involved in community outreach in Cleveland, OH for over 15 years, founding Project Save, a nonprofit organization that helps men and women end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. He also co-founded the Metanoia Project, an organization that serves the shelter-resistant population of Cleveland.

Born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Carl earned his degree in Culinary Arts from Beachwood Culinary School and experienced homelessness for a large part of his young adult life. He is honored to serve the community and help those experiencing trauma and trials in their life. Through his role at St. Herman House, he has inspired and supported several residents on their journeys!

Core Volunteer Staff

Roy McInerney

Main House Manager

John Babich

Transition House Manager

Albert Wagner

Office Assistant

St. Herman House Advisory Board

Fr. Stephen Callos

Alexa Fox

Barry Gluntz

Michael Herzak II

Dianna Kall

Stephan Kovalak

Ken Kozak

Angela Majerle

Suzie Mayer

Maria Misthos-Cashy, M.D.

Adam Neff

Meet the Team