A Core Group of Dedicated Individuals

Shining Stars’ instructors teach therapeutic horsemanship to children and adults using methods & skills geared to individual goals.

Staff

Katie Stephens

Katie Stephens

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Since first hearing about Shining Stars years ago, this organization has always held a special place in my heart. God planted a seed in my spirit when I volunteered, that has continued to grow. That growth has led to serving at Shining Stars, and I am so thankful to be blessed to work with the amazing team here. Thank you to all our wonderful staff, volunteers and families.
Maria Coster

Maria Coster

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
I was recently blessed with the opportunity to join the Shining Stars Team. I have worked with special needs individuals for the better part of my career. Of the previous roles that I held from job coach to HR Director, the best part of the job has always been making connections and building relationships. Prior to starting my role as the Development Director, I was invited to observe the classes and visit the farm. I was immediately inspired by not only the beautiful location, but the amazing volunteers. During my visit, I had the chance to start meeting the staff and volunteers, and quickly realized how fulfilling it would be to work with this wonderful organization. Witnessing the joy and excitement on the students’ faces was so inspiring that I knew my heart had found a home. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of The Shining Stars Family.

Rachel Stoner

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
My journey with shining stars started as a volunteer sidewalker in the summer of 2015 with no long-term goals in Therapeutic horsemanship. Growing up in a dairy farming family, I didn’t see a large potential for myself at Shining Stars, but God drew my heart in, and our founder, Brandy, began pulling out my potential in this ministry. I transferred to Wilson College in the fall of ’17 and graduated with my bachelors degree in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics in 2020. I am so blessed to be able to work with such an amazing staff and community of volunteers serving God and the community. Now I could not imagine myself anywhere else.

Lynn Redden

DRIVING DIRECTOR
I joined Shining Stars in 2008, after two out of state moves and having to sadly give up my horse boarding business. I was excited to get back into horses and thought Shining Stars was the perfect answer. Little did I know I would be asked to start the driving program in 2010, after the founder discovered I had driven horses most of my life. She saw a vision and I was thrilled to be able to start a new program. To be able to share my experience and knowledge of the sport of driving with students and volunteers and see them and the program flourish has been the highlight of my driving/horse career.

Shelby Burket

ASSISANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR

I learned about Shining Stars through my friendship with the program director, Rachel Stoner, when we met at Wilson College while being in the same equine program. The combination of horses and Christianity is something I’ve always sought after. After volunteering for only a short amount of time here, I was hooked and excited to start my journey at Shining Stars.

Maggie Strous

FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR

During the first few years of Shining Stars God brought me to the organization through a family member who was volunteering. From the very first night I could feel that Shining Stars is where God wanted me. Over the years of serving, I have had many roles, from side walking, teaching, different support programs, instructing, fundraising and wherever else I am needed. Being a part of the Shining Stars family has been such a blessing to my life.

Instructors

Deanna Hyser

Deanna Hyser

Elecia Bauer

Sharon Stoner

Jen Rebhan

Maggie Strous

Maggie Strous

Terry Pratt

Terry Pratt

Sue Kiehl

Sue Kiehl

Karen Saltzgiver

Karen Saltzgiver