Get to know the leadership, staff, and board of GTA.

Board President

Jenifer Baker is a current board member of Growing Together Aquaponics. She is a Certified Developmental Disabilities Registered Nurse employed with Milestone HCQU (Health Care Quality Unit) West with over 30 years of experience. Milestone HCQU West is committed to supporting and improving physical and behavioral health care services to citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing training, technical assistance, community education/outreach to self-advocates, their providers, and families within 9 counties of Western Pennsylvania. The mission of the GTA Program, providing individuals with disabilities with job-training skills leading to competitive, integrated employment, was one of the reasons she was drawn to this program. In addition, the passion and dedication of the staff to continue to find innovative ways to keep the program evolving and integrated within the surrounding communities was immediately appealing and drew her interest to the program. When Jen isn't working she's strumming on a guitar and singing her favorite songs. You can catch her solo or with the band Noble Hops.

COO, Board Vice President

Marena is the COO of Growing Together. She started in 2018 with the program and quickly became a lover of fish poop. From working the system to working with clients Marena considers herself at home when at GTA.

Marena received her Bachelor's degree from Kent State University, her Masters degree in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University and a graduate certificate in Aquaculture from Kentucky State University. She plans to continue her education with a phD.

Originally from Ohio, Marena now resides in PA with her husband, Garrett, and two dogs, Lady Bug and Sovereign.

If you don't know why she loves fish poop, just ask!

Education and Development Coordinator, Board Secretary

Kendal is the Education and Development Coordinator. She started in 2019 with the program and decided to plant roots in Slippery Rock instead of making her way back to her home town on the eastside of Pennsylvania. Kendal received both her Bachelor’s in Public Health, and Master’s in Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University. Kendal loves growing together with every student that comes through! Outside of work you will see Kendal hanging out with her beagle, Buddy.

Board member, Treasurer

Jim joined Growing Together Aquaponics, Inc. as Treasurer. He retired in August 2021 after 37 years in the student financial aid profession. During those years, he held directorship positions at Peirce College (formerly Peirce Junior College) in Philadelphia, PA; Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA; and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA.

The mission of Growing Together Aquaponics, Inc. appealed to him in that its goal is to educate those with disabilities to help them gain employment and life skills leading to gainful employment. Also, it involves producing at least some of one’s own produce, which he has been doing through gardening most of his life.

In his free time, you can find him working out in the swimming pool at SRU’s Recreation Center, in his backyard garden, or SCUBA diving every chance he gets.

Board Member

Dave Evrard serves as a board member of Growing Together Aquaponics. He has been working in the field of Child Welfare / Juvenile Justice for over forty-five years. He currently is an Assistant Chief Juvenile Probation Office for Allegheny County Courts. Dave has worked in both the private and public sector and has previously been the Executive Director of the Bair Foundation, the Director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lawrence County and worked as a staff member at George Junior Republic. He has also served as the Children and Youth Director in Clearfield County and part of the administrative team for Allegheny County Children Youth and Families.

Dave became aware of GTA as he regularly plays Open Mic at the North County Taproom and immediately fell in love with the program. “My life has always been about helping people do better with their life. The mission of GTA is close to my heart.”

When not working, you will find Dave at almost any music venue, or out hiking, biking camping and/or kayaking.

Board Member

John Dollman serves as a member of the Board of Growing Together Aquaponics. Using his degree from Slippery Rock University, John’s long and diverse career has been spent providing accounting support to a variety of organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He started in 1993 working for Allegheny County Department of Human Services, leading budget and cost reporting systems as people were moved out of Western Center and into the community. From there, he went to an Independent Supports Coordination Unit, and then to a large Residential and Day Program provider.

He first learned of GTA through his wife and was excited when the opportunity to serve on the board presented itself. He’s looking forward to helping GTA support its mission and continue to grow into the future.

When not working, John enjoys watching and attending motorsports, traveling, camping and hiking with his wife, Leslie, and their three dogs, and one RV-loving cat!

CEO

Robert Arnhold, Ph.D., is CEO of Growing Together Aquaponics, Inc. He founded the program in February 2018. Dr. Arnhold is Professor Emeritus of Slippery Rock University where he was director of the graduate Adapted Physical Activity Program. While at SRU he secured funding to build and operate the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center. Dr. Arnhold also began two unique programs for young adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (ID/DD); including the Transition Achievement Program (TAP) and Rock Life, a postsecondary education program for students with ID/DD.

While at SRU he was instrumental in working with Eunice Kennedy Shriver to develop coach training curricula to conduct “Camp Shriver” programs across the United States.

Dr. Arnhold was invited to speak at the White House Conference on Physical Activity for Students with Disabilities.

In quasi-retirement, Bob enjoys bicycling, playing guitar, and renovating a vintage Airstream travel trailer.