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.

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

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!

Board Member

Drew Chelosky serves as a board member of Growing Together Aquaponics. He brings over 20 years of experience in higher education administration and fundraising. Throughout his career, Drew has assisted a number of institutions and non-profit organizations with thinking “outside the box” to help generate funds from a variety of sources. He has worked at large research universities, to small private colleges and secondary schools. In addition, Drew managed a fundraising consulting LLC, and spent 5 years in a sales management role for a leading software security company based in Pittsburgh.

Drew currently works in University Advancement at Slippery Rock University, where he met Dr. Bob Arnhold. Drew instantly took to the mission of Growing Together Aquaponics and wanted to help maintain a working relationship between the organization and SRU. In addition, Drew is helping to secure funding for GTA from corporations and government grants.

 Drew resides in the South Hills of Pittsburgh with his wife and 3 children. He and his family enjoy taking advantage of local sporting events as well as his kid’s athletic competitions. Whenever possible, Drew and his family love to travel, where they can often be found in Disney World.

Russ Carley is a current board member of Growing Together Aquaponics, Inc. Russ is a dedicated chemistry educator and academic leader with a passion for both teaching and administrative work. He currently serves as a chemistry teacher at New Castle Jr-Sr High School, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the scientific minds of young students. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Russ is also an adjunct faculty member in the STEM Division at Butler County Community College, where he shares his expertise in chemistry and science education with college students.

A committed advocate for the advancement of science education, Russ is an active member of several professional organizations. He is a member of the American Chemical Society's Committee on K-12 Education, where he contributes to shaping national policies and initiatives that support chemistry education at the primary and secondary levels. He is also involved with the National Science Teachers Association's (NSTA) Supervision and Instruction Committee, helping to guide effective teaching practices and strategies for science educators nationwide.

Beyond his academic endeavors, Russ is deeply engaged in his community. He serves as a board member and treasurer for First Choice Federal Credit Union, where he leverages his financial acumen and leadership skills to support the organization's mission and ensure its long-term stability.

Russ holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Slippery Rock University, where he also earned his Master's degree in Chemistry Education. He further expanded his academic qualifications with a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Youngstown State University. Currently, he is in the final stages of completing his dissertation for a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Slippery Rock University, focusing on Administrative Studies and Policies. His work aims to enhance educational leadership practices and policies in the realm of science education.

Throughout his career, has demonstrated a profound commitment to both education and service, seeking to impact students, fellow educators, and his community through a blend of academic excellence and administrative leadership.

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.

COO

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, daughter, and two dogs, Lady Bug and Sovereign.

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