About Arbor Reach

Our Location

Arbor Reach is based in Quinlan, Texas, in Hunt County—part of Northeast Texas, about 12 miles south of Greenville and a short drive from Lake Tawakoni. Our campus is on Private Road 3532 in the 75474 area, in a quiet, rural setting that offers space for reflection and growth.

Quinlan sits in the heart of Hunt County, with access to Greenville, Dallas, and the broader Lake Tawakoni region. We are committed to serving our neighbors in this community and across Northeast Texas.

Board of Directors

Arbor Reach is led by a board of directors who bring experience in business, ministry, and community service. They guide our mission and ensure we steward resources well.

Jeff Merola

Jeff Merola serves as President of the Board of Directors for Arbor Reach and brings more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in the energy industry. His background includes executive management roles and the co-founding of a software company, with a consistent focus on building strong teams, fostering growth, and driving innovation.

In addition to his professional career, Jeff has faithfully served in church leadership, holding roles centered on service, discipleship, and missions. His involvement reflects a deep commitment to helping others and advancing meaningful Kingdom impact through leadership grounded in faith.

Andy Hicken

Andy Hicken serves as Vice President of Arbor Reach and is the Founder of The Forge, a program designed to help men move from brokenness to purpose. His leadership is shaped by personal experience, including time spent incarcerated as a young man—an experience that now fuels his commitment to helping others pursue a different future through faith, structure, and accountability.

Andy is the owner of Hicken Homes, LLC, and co-founder of Hicken Hospitality, LLC, which operates Scooter’s Coffee locations in East Texas. He is actively involved in church ministry as a teacher, mentor, and missions leader. Andy and his wife, Kerri, are raising their four children, and his life is guided by a deep belief in redemption and the possibility of lasting transformation.

Andy Teston

Andy Teston serves as Associate Pastor of Grace Community Church and as Secretary of Arbor Reach, where he contributes to organizational leadership, counseling, and ministry development. He is actively involved in advancing the mission of Arbor Reach, including supporting The Forge program, which helps men rebuilding their lives after incarceration, addiction, or crisis.

Andy holds degrees in theology, counseling, and divinity, including doctoral coursework in Ethics. A retired U.S. Army Chaplain and former Special Forces Communications Sergeant, he also served as a police officer and was certified as a traumatologist and marriage and family therapist. These experiences shape a ministry approach rooted in truth, discipleship, and compassionate engagement. Andy also leads Discipleship Dojo and serves alongside his wife, Suzanne, in their church and community.

Gaving Wirtzberger

Gavin Wirtzberger serves as Treasurer of Arbor Reach, contributing financial expertise and a strong commitment to stewardship. He holds an MBA, is a licensed CPA, and has over five years of accounting experience, including several years focused on nonprofit financial management.

Gavin also serves as Treasurer for his local Rotary Club, supporting initiatives that strengthen community engagement. As the oldest child in a large family, he values responsibility, leadership, and service—qualities he brings to his role in advancing the organization’s mission.

Gilda Martin

Gilda Martin serves on the Board of Directors for Arbor Reach as a non-voting member and brings a blend of medical expertise and ministry experience. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner with degrees in biology, nursing, and nursing practice, and works in Direct Primary Care serving uninsured and underinsured populations. She has also been involved in medical care for Medicare recipients.

Gilda’s passion for Arbor Reach, particularly The Forge, was shaped by walking alongside a family member reentering society after incarceration. She contributes medical and mental health support to the organization and believes transformation is rooted in discipleship, community, and holistic care. Gilda has served in global mission work across Latin America, is a church deacon, and serves alongside her husband, Phil, in ministry and service.

Phil Martin

Phil Martin serves on the Board of Directors for Arbor Reach as a non-voting member. He is an entrepreneur and technology leader with extensive experience in engineering and project management. He has launched and grown multiple companies and brings a strong commitment to faith and community into each endeavor. Phil and his wife, Gilda, own property near Lake Tawakoni that supports the mission and facilities of Arbor Reach.

Phil’s involvement with Arbor Reach grew from mentoring men who struggled to rebuild their lives due to past behaviors. His work emphasizes life skills development, dependency on Jesus Christ, and the importance of supportive community. Through this commitment, Phil seeks to create environments where individuals can grow, contribute, and pursue restored purpose.