O U R T E A M

CEO

Marla Holloway, began her journey with Dayton Recovery Project as a founding board member and now serves as its CEO. She is a devoted woman of God and minister of the Gospel for more than 15 years. For over 30 years, she has walked faithfully alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife, all while raising five sons and cherishing her role as grandmother to five beautiful granddaughters. Her life is rooted in faith, family, and service.

Together with her husband, Marla has successfully owned and operated a cleaning business for the past six years. Her heart for people and passion for advocacy have also led her to volunteer with numerous community organizations, serving others with compassion and dedication.

Dayton Recovery Project is a substance use and mental health organization dedicated to peer support, family restoration, and hope for the West Side of Dayton, Ohio. While the mission places a strong focus on uplifting Black men, it remains inclusive of all who seek healing and restoration.

In every role—minister, wife, mother, business owner, and community leader—Marla lives out her calling to inspire change, foster recovery, and empower others to walk in the fullness of their God-given purpose.

BOARD MEMBER

Shelica Arnold is a proud and loving mother of two daughters. She has dedicated more than twenty-five years to serving individuals from every walk of life including youth, the impoverished, unemployed, underserved, those suffering with addictions and mental health symptoms, the homeless, as well as domestic violence victims. Her experience has been gained through educational attainment, employment, training, volunteering, coaching, substitute teaching and life experience. She earned her Social Work degree at Sinclair Community College and her Bachelor’s in Psychology through Wright State University. She has organized and lead the EmPOWERment Ministry at United Missionary Baptist Church for five years. Additionally, Shelica has developed and facilitated workshops and trainings, which have focused on Mental Health, Self-Care, Grief, and Substance Abuse amongst other topics.

Shelica is driven and passionate about helping those that society has deemed “a loss cause”, because she believes that everyone deserves a chance to have a better quality of life.

BOARD MEMBER

Janet Jackson is a Patient Access Representative for a medical organization. In the past twenty years as a healthcare professional, she has taken on roles as Supervisor, IT Trainer, and Financial Counselor. Jackson had the opportunity to work with some great employees, encouraging them to utilize their full potential in their job choices, while pursuing her master’s degree in business (MBA). Jackson adds thirty-one years of sobriety to her list of accomplishments. Jackson also volunteers at the Suicide Prevention Hotline, Montgomery Juvenile Center, and Ombudsmen Association. She enjoys swimming and bowling.

Engagement Specialist

Barbara Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services from Wright State University in 2013. With nearly a decade of experience supporting youth in transition, she is a passionate advocate for the disability community and a strong voice for equity and empowerment. Barbara brings dedication, compassion, and a solutions-focused approach to every space she serves.

Barbara has lived over 15 years free from substance use, drawing strength from her faith in Christ and her commitment to living with purpose. Having experienced the impact of family substance use firsthand, she shares her recovery journey as a testimony of hope and resilience for others.

She resides in Dayton, Ohio, with her loving husband and their three magnificent children, who inspire her daily commitment to building inclusive opportunities and stronger communities.

Mrs. Marsha Thompson understands Recovery and Sobriety very well having been in long term recovery for over 33 years.

Dayton Recovery Project, Inc. was originated by her late son, Mr. Marc Johnigan. Mrs. Thompson is going forward by faith and will continue to make sure her son’s vision for DRP goes forth and changes lives as he wanted! Her professional goal is to see others lives changed while they press forward on their journey of life and recovery. Mrs. Thompson loves most of all spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, swimming and bike riding. Mrs. Thompson also loves traveling, and fellowshipping in the community of her church and recovery.