our team.
The humans
HEATHER GIRVIN, PH.D
(SHE/HER)
I am a lifelong horsewoman, academic, and social service professional and Founder of Lone Oak. I work to build community wellness by offering equine-assisted therapeutic and developmental programming.
I am currently an associate professor at Millersville University, earning my Doctorate from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research. My practice experience centers on children and families, primarily in child protective services and foster care. I have also worked in residential programs, public child welfare agencies, provided in-home services, and worked as an outpatient therapist. My research interests include trauma, social justice, and alternative interventions that are accessible, individualized, and effective.
ABIGAIL WILSON, DSW, LSW
(SHE/HER)
I am a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania with a Doctor of Social Work degree from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. I am trained through Natural Lifemanship as a Level 1 practitioner. I am an adjunct professor at Millersville University and Elizabethtown College teaching social work courses. I received my Master of Social Work degree in 2016 with a Specialization in Child Welfare and Child Well-being from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice. I work at an advocacy organization during the day, working with service providers to achieve a brighter future for children, youth, and families. I have worked primarily with children and youth experiencing various mental, behavioral health concerns. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief specific to children. I utilize psychotherapy as well as ecotherapeutic and equine-assisted strategies.
SHANNON WITTLINGER, MSW
(SHE/HER)
Barn Manager
I graduated from Lampeter Strasburg High School in 2011 and attended the University of Valley Forge, earning a Bachelors degree in Social Work. I completed my internships in geriatrics and in elementary student school social work. After graduating with my BSW, I ventured to Millersville University's Advanced Standing Master's in Social Work program. After completing my MSW in 2016, I entered a challenging season of my life! I struggled to pass my LSW and life was changing for me. I started a job with the School District of Lancaster as a paraprofessional, with my shining star being a boy with Down Syndrome. My heart grew for students with intellectual disabilities and as an advocate for inclusion and support. As life continued, River Rock Academy came into my life! In 2018, I obtained a job with Red Lion River Rock Academy, a Private Academy Learning educational center, serving students in need of behavioral and social support! I started as a 4-6th grade case manager. During the 2021-22 school year, I moved to a Secondary Counselor position in our PAL program. Katie Linebarger, a co-worker and friend, invited our Red Lion crew to be a part of their pilot program with Lone Oak. I had a bad experience as a child with horses, so I was hesitant to try. When I did, I completely fell in love. Currently I am studying for my LSW after a difficult journey, enjoying my counseling role with a wonderful private academic school, being an Aunt to 3 beautiful nieces, a fur mama to cats and experiencing the freedom of fresh air, horses and a connection I never knew I needed.
Malia Burris
Client Specialist
(SHE/HER)
Client Specialist
As a Client Specialist at Lone Oak, I'm deeply passionate about animal-assisted therapy and sound healing. Pursuing my social work graduate degree, I'm dedicated to holistic well-being and empowering individuals and families through creative expressive work and multi-sensory experiences. Beyond my role at the barn, you'll often find me tending to my plants, crafting unique jewelry pieces, and enjoying the company of my Siberian Husky, Harlow. Born in Hawaii, I cherish nature's beauty and seek adventure through travel. My work at Lone Oak allows me to nurture connections with both nature and individuals, fostering a sense of unity and wellbeing withing out community.
Megan Archibald
(SHE/HER)
Fundraising Chair
Leadership Team
As most of our volunteers and clients, I learned of Lone Oak through word-of-mouth based on the amazing reputation we have gained throughout the community. I have been working with our animals and giving back to our community since 2022. Throughout my time volunteering at Lone Oak, I have gained more than I could ever imagine. People who were once strangers I now consider family, and I love the animals as much as if they were my own. The kindness every individual shows to the clients we serve and the animals we care for makes me proud to be a part of the Lone Oak family.
Caroline Fischer
(SHE/HER)
Assistant Barn Manager
Leadership Team
After attending Susquehanna Waldorf School in Marietta, PA, I developed a love for nature, the environment, and art. I started riding horses in 3rd grade thanks to a family friend who was a skilled horse trainer. She helped me start competing, and I worked my way up in the 3'6" hunter/jumper class with different horses, including Mustangs from the Nevada desert. I owned a young Friesian warmblood cross and later a Mecklenburger warmblood. Taking care of them taught me a lot about horse care and fueled my passion. In 2021 and 2022, I was the horse camp counselor at Camp Puh'tok in Monkton, MD, and saw how much young people can benefit from horses. This experience showed me the amazing connection between humans and horses and inspired me to work at Lone Oak. As the Assistant Barn Manager, I get to work with a variety of horses and people. I'm excited to learn more about equine therapy and make sure our horses are well-loved and cared for.
Brooke Augustine
(SHE/HER)
Camps and Activities Coordinator
Leadership Team
After 18 summers of working at summer camps, I am proud to bring my experience here to Lone Oak. I started at Lone Oak as a volunteer eager to get back into working with horses, but unaware of the impact I could also have working with humans. At age 8, I experienced my first horse camp and after that I never looked back. My experience ranges everywhere from rock climbing director, to trips advisor, to special events coordinator, to teen division director. My goal is to take all I know about camps and horses and bring kids together to find a place they can express themselves in a safe space and to be able to be their authentic self. Camps have always been my passion and have allowed me to feel like I can always be myself, and I am excited to be able to give that back to our camps here at Lone Oak.
Marisol Santos
(SHE/HER)
Community Engagement Specialist
Leadership Team
I graduated from Central Penn with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Management Concentration, and I am currently enrolled in Millersville University's Master of Social Work program. I joined Lone Oak in 2019 through a partnership that was formed between my day job and Lone Oak and have enjoyed evolving through process. I have been a partner, a parent of a child who received services, a volunteer and intern, a friend and now a part of this AMAZING Community. I worked with students, families and communities for the past 25 years in various capacities, but this is the first place that I was able to do so while taking in the beauty of the Lone Oak herd.
Joseph Mobley
(HE/HIM)
Technology Consultant
Leadership Team
You can count on Joseph to use insight, design, creative organization, and attention to detail to tell your story!
Honing his crafts of photography, video, and graphic design, he helps you see what's possible through authentic and captivating visuals. Joseph has earned his BS Degree from The Art Institute of Philadelphia (Interactive Media Design), along with a host of awards and collaborative works.
Joseph is passionate about collaborative work within a team and is committed to the details that matter. His enthusiasm for the people and the projects he takes part in is contagious, and his teaching mentality naturally enlightens and unlocks the potential in others.
Brandon Hoff, M.S.
(HE/HIM)
Education Consultant
Leadership Team
I am a Master’s Level Counselor with a Master’s Degree from McDaniel College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice from the Pennsylvania State University with a minor in Sociology. I have been in the Alternative Education Field for 20+ years working in all capacities from teaching, counseling, and administration. I am currently a Regional Operations Director for an Alternative Education program. I believe that building positive relationships with students is what assists in changing behavior. Every child has the will to learn but they need to learn the skills. I am a husband and father of three. I am honored to be part of this team and to have our Alternative Education Programs participate in the program, as I have witnessed firsthand the positive change in our students.