Celebrating Our TEA-rific Volunteers!
With another spring brewing here at Mane Stream, we are again reminded of how much of an impact each volunteer makes with our participants and greater community. Together our volunteers make our programs a perfect blend of independence and support for all of our participants.
You’re all the most TEA-rific group of volunteers we could ask for!
All week long, we’re celebrating YOU—our amazing volunteers—with a cozy spread of drinks and snacks during your shift. Craving a favorite tea, coffee, or cookie? We’ve got you covered—and don’t forget to grab a treat bag to take some goodies home!
Not scheduled this week? No problem—swing by anytime! We’d love to see your smiling face and say thank you in person. Thank you for being such TEA-rific volunteers!
We’re Shining the Spotlight on four dedicated Volunteers
janie murphy:
"I’ll Quit My Job Before I Quit Mane Stream!"
Janie first discovered Mane Stream the way many locals do—biking and driving by the farm on weekend family outings. She’d often tell her husband, “When life slows down, I want to volunteer there.” That opportunity came the summer before her second child started college. Together with her youngest child, then-15-year-old son Kevin, Janie enrolled in Mane Stream’s volunteer training. They began side-by-side, supporting sessions in the indoor arena. Eventually, Kevin moved on to a paying job—but Janie stayed. Kevin is now 28, and Janie has donated over 900 hours of service in the 13 years since. Her favorite horse? KEEP READING
Janie Murphy leading Joe at the 2023 Horse Show.
shelley levin:
"There’s still so much to learn—and so much joy to be found."
Shelley Levin sidewalking during a Pillar School Occupational Therapy Session.
After retiring from a long and fulfilling career as an occupational therapist, Shelley Levin was looking for a meaningful way to give back. Having passed Mane Stream countless times on her travels, she finally decided to take a closer look when a friend encouraged her to volunteer. “I went to the website and was immediately impressed by what I read,” she recalls. “It was clear this wasn’t just any program—it was something special.” Now, nearly two years and almost 100 hours of service later, Shelley continues to be inspired by what she sees at Mane Stream every day. “There is such a sense of accomplishment and joy here. It’s different from the clinical setting I came from, but no less powerful.” KEEP READING
andrea greenspan:
“Helping Riders Grow in Confidence—One Lap at a Time”
Andrea Greenspan leading Tux at the 2024 Horse Show.
For Andrea Greenspan, volunteering at Mane Stream felt like a natural fit. As a pediatric physical therapist with a lifelong love of horses, she had heard about our founder, Octavia Brown’s pioneering work long before Mane Stream became the organization it is today. “We used to drive by often,” she recalls, “and I always told myself I’d get involved when I had the time.” Once her children were older, she reached out—and has been a cherished part of the Mane Stream family ever since. Combining her clinical background with her passion for horses, Andrea brings a unique perspective to every session she supports. She's seen countless moments of growth, but one memory stands out…KEEP READING
katie heinemann:
"The smiles say it all."
Katie leading Eli up to the outdoor for a Saturday morning riding lesson.
Katie Heinemann joined the Mane Stream family nearly two years ago, bringing with her a lifelong love of horses and a genuine desire to make a difference. With 32 hours of service under her belt, Katie is a reminder that even a few hours can have a big impact—on both our participants and the volunteers themselves. “What drew me to Mane Stream was the idea of combining my passion for horses with helping others,” Katie shares. “Seeing the smiles on participants’ faces is everything.” That joy and positivity shine through in her approach to volunteering. From day one, Katie noticed…KEEP READING
