We're a small organization with a big vision & heart

Co-Founders

Patty Closser and Greg Closser sitting on swing together

Patty Closser and Greg Closser - Co-FoundersGreg and Patty Closser founded A Great Day Farm in 2013 to create a welcoming, accessible environment for individuals with significant support needs. Inspired by their experiences raising their family, they designed the farm so that people with disabilities have the freedom & autonomy to explore, play and relax. You can find Greg and Patty most days working on projects to enhance the grounds and create a more welcoming environment for all.

Our Board

A Great Day Farm is supported by a governing board of directors, who use their talent & time to further our mission & ensure the long-term vitality of our organization.

Clara Devey, Student Board Member

From Interlochen, Michigan, Clara Devey is an undergraduate student at Carleton College with plans to major in Sociology with a minor in Statistics. Her own disabilities and chronic health issues sparked a passion for disability advocacy. As a result, she spends most of her time working and volunteering at Laura Baker Services Association and presenting at elementary and high schools about Service Dogs, mental health, accessibility, and disabilities. In her spare time, she reads fantasy books, writes music, plays board games with friends, and snuggles her Service Dog.

Randy Lia, Board Member

Randy is a retired business leader with a background in mechanical engineering and marketing. Over a 30-year career spanning Sheldahl Inc. and Ecolab Inc., Randy held roles in engineering, sales, marketing, procurement, and global operations. Today, Randy stays active through driving with Enterprise, Inc., property management, travel, time with his family, and giving back, especially with organizations focused on children. An avid learner and mentor, Randy also serves as a guest lecturer at Gustavus Adolphus College.

Lucia Rios, Board Member

Lucia Rios' life in college and over a 20-year working career has included giving a voice to and empowering those with disabilities. During her 15 years as a staff member at the Center for Independent Living in West Michigan, she helped businesses identify ways to become accessible and instructed young adults as they transitioned from school to career. As a journalist, Lucia's writing focuses on disability issues, including living with her lifelong disability. She mentors the next generation of advocates and serves on several local boards. Lucia removes barriers and creates access through her presence, voice, and activism, which includes her current work in Workforce Navigators in the Office of Accessibility at Salesforce.

Staff

Haley Kimmet Teopaco - Executive Director

Haley is focused on building infrastructure to amplify A Great Day Farm's long-term community impact. She previously worked in higher education, corporate and nonprofit environments, all with a common thread of disability and accessibility. Her work is driven by her own experiences with disability - she identifies as “deaf-ish” and leverages assistive technology to do her best work.

John Weyland - Facilities & Maintenance

John supports the farm in many ways - maintaining the grounds, building creative structures, problem-solving repairs and more. He keeps the farm's amenities in good shape so that visitors have a great experience.