Rob Ameln 

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Graduated from University of Missouri- Columbia (Mizzou – Go Tigers!).  Arrived in Arizona (Prescott) in 1970 as a VISTA Volunteer. Initially did community assessments and community organization. Ultimately developed a variety of demonstration projects, and then convinced community leaders to take them over and sustain them. Most long-lasting is Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters. Created the agency along with three other VISTA Volunteers, and two community leaders, one of whom became my mentor (Bill Murphy).  This agency is now 35 years old and going strong !!!

Applied and was hired by Child Protective Services in 1973. Transferred to Tucson in 1978. Started as a casemanager, recruiting, licensing and supervising foster parents, as well as having a teen caseload. Progressed through the ranks to supervisor, Assistant Program Manager, and finally Program Manager, a position held for 14 years, until retirement from State Service in 2002.  Currently doing Social Service consulting and volunteering.  Have been involved with IMS since the beginning.

Other interests include: animals (horses, dog), hiking, camping, fishing, geocaching, photography, music, and on and on…..