Many of us have seen Joe and Cindi Ferrini walking around The Landings – steady, side by side, purposeful. Their familiar presence on our streets is more than a daily exercise routine; it’s a living picture of the life they teach. In their books, seminars, and conversations, Joe and Cindi speak about faith, marriage, perseverance, and intentional living. And in the simplest, most consistent way, they model those very values with each step they take. In every sense, they walk the talk.
Joe and Cindi grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe graduated from Baldwin Wallace University and Ohio State School of Dentistry. He practiced dentistry for 41 years in Middleburg Heights, Ohio; a profession that utilized his calm presence, careful hands and genuine care for people.
Cindi graduated from Bowling Green State University. She taught high school home economics for five years, then was a stay-at-home supportive mother to three children. Their oldest child, Joey, is 45 years old with profound disabilities. They also have two daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. Cindi later founded Creative Management Fundamentals, a biblical based time life management seminar. In addition, Cindi used her immense energy and talent to write books, design artwork, and lead her faith-based radio programs.
They each “FOUND A MATE in 1978” in each other! (Watch the video on their websites, joeferrini.com or cindiferrini.com.) Their first event together was attending church. After biblical encouragement by family and friends, Joe proposed at church on his 26th birthday. They were married on August 24, 1979. Joe and Cindi’s marriage is one of those partnerships that seems to have been built for the long walk – steady, intentional and deeply rooted in shared faith. From the beginning they approached life as a team, each bringing strengths that complement each other. Their early years laid the groundwork for a life of ministry, mentorship, discipleship and service to others.
They have provided faith, encouragement and counsel through a wide range of forums and ministries including Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), FamilyLife, Billy Graham Crusade, Moody Bible Institute and many others in order to share the lessons of their journey and to encourage others who are facing challenges as mates and/or parents. Together they have written 10 books including Unexpected Journey: When Special Needs Change Our Course; Love All-Ways, Embracing Marriage Together on the Special Needs Journey and most recently The Special Needs Parent, A Guide to the Life You Never Expected. In addition, Cindi has published No Regrets, Get It Together, Pause for Prayer, and Balancing the Active Life. Her radio shows are designed to share her knowledge and to encourage others dealing with challenging personal situations. The Ferrinis have led or spoken at conferences nationally and globally on faith, marriage, parenting and leadership development.
They have been recognized and appreciated by many organizations for their selfless devotion to serving others. In 2010, they received the very special Inaugural Kingdom Class Leadership Award given by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes inscribed to “Dr. and Mrs. Joe Ferrini for contributions locally, nationally, and internationally.” Joe received the Alumni Merit Award from his college for his exemplary career in dentistry and his dedication to promoting the Christian faith through his work in the community. And together, their high school inducted them into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
At The Landings, Joe and Cindi are widely recognized for their expertise and contributions to our community Bible Study programs. In addition, they have led Easter worship services at Charlie McCoy Pavilion. In our active world of golf, tennis, pickleball, boating, gaming, and social activities, Joe and Cindi remind us that the most powerful moments are lived quietly. Neighbors and friends see them not only as teachers and authors, but as fellow travelers. People who show up, who listen, who care and who live the life that they encourage others to live.
Together, Joe and Cindi Ferrini walk our streets the same way they walk through life – with purpose, steadiness, and faith. Their journey together has touched countless lives near and far, but perhaps their greatest testimony is found in the quiet consistency of their daily steps.
They truly walk the talk, and our community is richer because they walk among us.
