top of page

our team.

The humans

IMG_1539.jpg

HEATHER GIRVIN, PH.D
(SHE/HER)

Founder, Mother Hen, and Executive Director

Board Member

heathergirvin.loneoak@gmail.com

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.

42CA547A-605C-4D6E-B660-36CAB2CF483E.jpeg

SARAH PRIMAK, LCSW, MSW

(SHE/HER)

Director of Clinical Practice, Therapist

Board Member

sarahprimak.loneoak@gmail.com

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Lancaster County.  I have worked with various populations across all age groups to address complex social and mental health needs.  I received my MSW at Millersville University in 2011 and continue to adjunct for their School of Social Work periodically.  While social work is one of my greatest passions, being a mother is what makes me happiest.  My husband and I are currently certified foster parents and continue to work with a local agency to open our hearts and home to children who need it the most.  I believe in the powerful impacts of relationships with horses and am looking forward to sharing these experiences with others.

IMG_7441.jpg

KATIE LINEBARGER, LPC

(SHE/HER)

Director of Educational Initiatives, Therapist

Board Member

katielinebarger.loneoak@gmail.com

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and received a Master’s in Counseling from Messiah University (formerly Messiah College) in 2018, with an emphasis in School Counseling and Mental Health. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In the daytime I work as a School Counselor in alternative education. I have worked with children in the school setting since 2013 and spent several years as a Behavior Support Specialist for adults with Dual Diagnoses. I am also an adjunct professor at Elizabethtown College teaching Psychology. I have worked with children who are behaviorally and intellectually challenged and adults with an intellectual disability, suffering from various mental health concerns and trauma. I utilize cognitive behavioral and solution focused approaches. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, anger, behavioral issues, and trauma. I am married and a mom of three! In my “free” time, you will often find me at the soccer field or at the barn with my daughter.  I also have two dogs, Campbell and Roxy! They are quite large and take me for a walk! 

Abbie_edited.jpg
NL_Trained_Logo_1.webp

ABIGAIL WILSON, DSW, LSW
(SHE/HER)

Director of Operations, Therapist

Board Member

abigailwilson.loneoak@gmail.com

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.jpg

SHANNON WITTLINGER, MSW
(SHE/HER)

Volunteer Coordinator

Leadership Team

shannonwittlinger.loneoak@gmail.com

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. 

DH Photo[140061].jpg

Danielle Hornung, LSW, MSW
(SHE/HER)

Public Relations and Fundraising Specialist

Leadership Team

I am a PA Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and recently graduated from Millersville University’s School of Social Work with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). I received a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Programs from Slippery Rock University, with concentrations in liberal studies, science and mathematics, and education. I have worked in various mental and behavioral health settings, specializing in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as individuals experiencing substance use. I also have professional experience working in research, advocacy, project coordination, and policy. In 2004, my mother founded a nonprofit organization, Caitlin's Smiles, which fostered my lifelong devotion to supporting communities and marginalized groups. I began my journey with Lone Oak as an MSW intern and quickly fell in love with the organization. Getting to watch and experience remarkable change with Lone Oak’s team of passionate, kind, and incredible staff (and animals), has been one of the most valuable life experiences. I am honored to continue my journey with Lone Oak as a member of the Leadership Team!

Marisol.jpg

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.  

Joe.jpg

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. 

BHoff.jpg

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. 

IMG_5572.jpg

AGNES POTTER

(SHE/HER)

Equine Specialist

IMG_2576.jpg

ADELINE POTTER

(SHE/HER)

Equine Specialist

bottom of page