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)
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 II
(SHE/HER)
Client Specialist II
As a Client Specialist at Lone Oak, I'm deeply passionate about animal-assisted therapy and sound healing. Since graduating with my Masters in Social Work in Spring 2024, 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.
Dr. Marc Felizzi
(HE/HIM)
Clinical Supervisor and Consultant
Leadership Team
Dr. Marc Felizzi has agreed to join Lone Oak as a Clinical Supervisor and Consultant. Dr. Felizzi has spent the last 30 years studying the effects of family violence, juvenile violence, and the consequences of family instability on youth. Dr. Felizzi has written extensively on these topics, and his findings and opinions have appeared in local, national, and international publications. Dr. Felizzi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at Millersville University and is active on a number of community boards, including Touchstone Foundation, the Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Disability Services, the New Castle County Interagency Council, and the Newark, DE, Interagency Council. Dr. Felizzi also has a thriving clinical practice where he works with children, adolescents, and their families. He is a member of the Association of Social Workers in Sports, a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and a local board member of the National Association for Mental Illness.
Dr. Felizzi is also a lifelong “horse guy,” who is already part of our herd.