Pollak Training Center
The Pollak Training Center (PTC) provides services that focus on helping adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities reach their full potential, whether it is in the community or the classroom.
What is Pollak Training Center?
The Pollak Training Center (PTC) provides services that focus on helping adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities reach their full potential, whether it is in the community or the classroom.
Low participant-to-staff ratios to fulfill the needs of adults with disabilities
Job-skill training through secure document shredding
Community inclusion and leisure activities
Learning & Enrichment
Adult Enrichment
This department focuses on learning basic social skills and studying topics that help participants interact independently in the community. This fun-filled adult day training program provides a safe, educational environment that encourages friendships, laughter and learning. Participants receive instruction in visual arts, ceramics, self-care, communication, and socialization. They play in a rhythm band, make crafts, become physically active through exercise, yoga and dance and participate in regular community inclusion activities.
L.I.F.E. – Learning Is Fun Everyday
L.I.F.E. provides an age appropriate, meaningful day activity that promotes skill acquisition and independence in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Daily activities include workplace readiness, daily living skills, computer literacy, community inclusion, art and recreation, and much more. Concepts and skills are learned through interactive, hands-on activities that take place in different settings throughout the day.
Art Program
The Art Department is available for participants of Adult Enrichment, Document Shredding, and LIFE. This department gives people with disabilities the opportunity to create art by learning ceramics and painting. Currently, the Art Department has two artists who instruct participants, helping them create pieces to sell at local art shows and festivals, including the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. As many as 50 clients sell their work at these festivals.
Artwork can be purchased at The Pollak Training Center from 8 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday and at the Gateway Café located at Studer Community Institute from 8 am to 5 pm.
Document Shredding
The Arc Gateway’s secure shredding services were funded through an Impact 100 grant in 2009. The Document Shredding department employs more than 40 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing them with valuable vocational training and an opportunity to earn a paycheck!
How to Receive Services
Funding is provided by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) or through private pay. You can reach APD at 850-595-8351 or visit apd.myflorida.com.
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The Arc Gateway, Inc. and The Arc Gateway Foundation, Inc., are Florida corporations operating as 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations serving Florida. Both organizations are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration #CH428, #CH13805.
The Arc Gateway, Inc. and The Arc Gateway Foundation, Inc., are Florida corporations operating as 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations serving Florida. Both organizations are registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registration #CH428, #CH13805.
Dawn VonStein
Pollak Training Center Program Manager
A native of Pensacola, Dawn VonStein graduated from the University of West Florida with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education. She began working at The Arc Gateway in 1993 as a support specialist for the Women’s Training Center where she felt she could use her teaching background to help teach daily living skills to the women at the group home. When asked why she has made her career at The Arc Gateway she says it is, “because there are few other places I could work where every day is different, I feel like I’m making a difference in someone’s life, and I am truly loved by those I serve.”
Dondie Roper
PALS Program Director
Dondie is an innovator with more than 15 years’ experience driving results in program management, marketing, and media production. In addition to her studies in Journalism and Communication Arts at the University of West Florida, Dondie has received certification in Nonprofit Management. Dondie is very active in the community serving on board of directors for area nonprofit organizations, secretary/treasurer for UWADA, Loaned Executive with United Way, and volunteer with Special Olympics.
Natalie Hurd
South Santa Rosa Associate Program Manager
Natalie began her journey with The Arc Gateway in October 2018. She came on board with 20+ years of customer service experience in multiple platforms to include Walt Disney World and Gulf Power Company. She earned three college degrees to include an Associate of Science in Legal Assisting, a bachelor’s in Business Administration and a master’s in Public Administration. Natalie has 6 furry four-legged children and enjoys attending and volunteering at Community Life United Methodist Church.
Jennah White
Special Projects Manager
Jennah began her journey with The Arc Gateway in the fall of 2016 as an assistant to Human Resources. During her time with the agency, Jennah has acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology along with a Certificate in Human Resources both from The University of West Florida. Jennah can be considered a “jack-of-all-trades” thus securing her role as the Special Projects Manager (Office Manager). She also takes an active role in her community as a member of Pensacola Young Professionals.
Níta J Hooks
Senior Adult Program Manager
Níta started working at the Arc Gateway in January 2019 as the Senior Adult Program Manager. She began working in the Developmental Disabilities field in 2015 as a Support Coordinator and has worked as Supportive Living Coach and a QMRP. Níta earned an Associate Degree in Pre-Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling. She also worked as a Licensed Clinical Mental Therapist in Mississippi with all populations. “It is a joy to get up each morning, come into the program and work with such a wonderful group of people who keep me on my toes. I wouldn’t trade this job for anything in the world.”
Amanda Holtzhower
Human Resources Manager
Bio
Rebecca Baron
Residential & Community Service Director
Rebecca is a Pensacola native who graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has been a part of The Arc Gateway team for over 2 decades, starting her career with us in 1997. Rebecca’s first position with The Arc Gateway was a Support Specialist in the Pal/Ace program. From that role she became a Group Home Manager with one of our female group homes, then moved into her current position as Director of Residential and Community services. “I love making a difference in the lives of people we serve and assisting them to achieve their goals and gain skills toward independence.”
MaryAnn Bickerstaff
Children’s Services Director
MaryAnn Bickerstaff began her career at The Arc Gateway in 1986 as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist soon after completing an internship with the Pearl Nelson Center’s Early Intervention and Preschool programs at the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education at the University of West Florida. After working in this role for four years, MaryAnn became the Early Intervention Coordinator and in 1990 assumed the position as Children’s Services Director. During this time, she is proud of the program’s growth and diversity in funding, including grants and fundraising activities, but she is most proud of the impact her team is making in the lives of children every day. MaryAnn is very engaged with community partners and serves on the Board of the Early Learning Coalition and the Operational Support Team of Achieve Escambia among others. MaryAnn is a proud to be a native of Pensacola.
Chip Henderson
Chief Advancement Officer
Chip graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts in 1989 and has spent his career in marketing communications, fundraising and special events. He’s worked in a variety of industries and nonprofits, including The Arc Gateway in the mid-1990s. He founded and managed his own brand intelligence firm, Emagination Unlimited, for 18 years before deciding to follow his passion and “return home” to the nonprofit world. Mission-focused work is in his DNA.
Lea Farrington
Chief Financial Officer
Lea joined The Arc Gateway in 2021, bringing with her over 18 years of experience in finance and accounting. Lea earned her Bachelor’s degrees in accounting, finance and management at the University of Mobile in Alabama and a Master’s in Business Administration at the University of West Florida. Lea is also a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. For several years, she has worked in the nonprofit industry, both domestically and internationally. As a Pensacola native, Lea is passionate about meeting the needs of the Northwest Florida community. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and living up to her “boymom” title.
Cathy Lauterbach
Chief Operating Officer
Cathy Lauterbach has shared her talent with The Arc Gateway for over two decades. A California native, Cathy obtained a bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She began her employment with the agency in 1995 as an employment specialist. From that role, she became the program manager at the Pollak Training Center before moving into the position as director of Residential and Community Services, and now her position as COO overseeing adult programs at The Arc Gateway.
Melissa Rogers
Chief Executive Officer
Missy has been working in the field of developmental disabilities since 1997. Throughout her career she has performed in a variety of roles including direct care, case management, fundraising and administration. Her extensive knowledge base and experience allows her a unique perspective and understanding of issues facing the disabled community. Missy’s passion and dedication can be felt in her decision-making process as she always puts the best interests of those being served by the agency first. In her spare time, she can be seen acting with a local dinner theater acting troupe. Missy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Elon University in North Carolina and is originally from Virginia.