Ben brings over twelve years of fundraising experience, including ten years with the Gettysburg Foundation. He will lead efforts to grow donor support and expand awareness of Shining Stars’ mission to serve children, families, and veterans through therapeutic horsemanship. A lifelong Hanover resident, Ben also serves on the board of the Hanover Symphony Orchestra and holds a degree in political science from West Chester University. Outside of work, he enjoys music, hiking with his wife Ashley, traveling, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.

Heather’s current roles at Shining Stars are Equine Connection Director and Volunteer Coordinator. Prior to Shining Stars, she was an Instructional Assistant for students with Moderate-Severe Handicaps at multiple levels and a Program Coordinator for an Equine Therapy Ministry in California. She has been in education for more than 20 years, focusing on Special Education for the last 10 years, and has worked with horses in equine therapy for the last 5 years. It is her passion to work in an environment where people are being educated and supported, through equine connection, to improve life skills and enhance emotional well-being.

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.

I came to know Shining Stars through one of my professors at Wilson College. The passion and love they have for their students is what I was searching for. After volunteering in the summer of 2023, I felt called by God to this mission. When I learned about the driving program, I was blown away. Lynn, the Driving  Director, has created a beautiful program and opened the door for all types of students to get horse experience. I got the privilege to learn how to work with the driving team and horses. Before I bought my graduation cap, they called and wanted to know my plans after graduation. I wanted them to be my future, and they wanted me to be a part of theirs. I graduated from Wilson in May 2024 and have worked here since then. I could not have asked for a better opportunity. I prayed for my dream job, and God not only answered my prayers but also surrounded me with a second family made up of a wonderful staff and a community of volunteers.

Being born and raised in Gettysburg, I’ve always loved horses, but I didn’t have the opportunity to work with them as a child. That changed in 2017 when a young couple started a riding lesson program across the road from my grandparents’ home. My grandfather bought me riding lessons as a gift, and that present quickly grew into a lifelong passion and career. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to the care and well-being of animals through training, barn management, riding instruction, and leading trail rides. I take pride in providing exceptional care while creating positive, rewarding experiences for both horses and the people who engage with and enjoy them. Every day, I’m grateful to do what I love helping horses thrive, supporting riders as they grow, and working alongside fellow caretakers who share the same passion as myself.