Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025

Janie Murphy — Shelley Levin — Andrea Greenspan — Katie Heinemann

"I’ll Quit My Job Before I Quit Mane Stream!"

We’re honored to highlight someone whose quiet dedication and love for Mane Stream spans 13 years and over 900 hrs of service —Janie Murphy!

Years ago, Janie would bike or drive past Mane Stream with her family on weekends. She often told her husband that when life slowed down, she would find her way to the barn. That opportunity came the summer before her second child started college. She and her youngest child, then 15-year-old son Kevin signed up for volunteer training together. They began side by side in the indoor arena, supporting Riding Instructor Holland’s sessions with multiple riders. Eventually, Kevin moved on to a paid job—but Janie stayed (thankfully).

Through the years, Janie has become one of our most consistent and knowledgeable volunteers. A direct quote from another long-timer, Speech-language Pathologist, Melanie Dominko-Richards, states, “Working with Janie over the years has been an absolute joy! She brings so much engagement and excitement to therapy sessions. Her knowledge and skill as a horse handler is invaluable and helps my sessions run smoothly.”

Janie has a special fondness for Minnie, describing her as “dependable and forward—she just gets the job done.” A longtime fan of the Norwegian Fjords, she still remembers the impact of working with horses like Ian, Beyra, Baen, and Ellie. “But Minnie and Blaze are my all-time favorites to long line,” she says with a smile.

One of Janie’s favorite times of year is the Annual Horse Show, when families come out to cheer on their riders. It’s a moment of joy and pride that stays with her. But it’s the everyday progress that really speaks to her heart. She recalls a therapy client who once couldn’t sit on a horse without props and support—now sitting independently without the hands-on assistance of side walkers. And an adaptive rider who started with full assistance now rides confidently on their own. “It’s incredible to see the benefit physically, emotionally, and socially from their time at Mane Stream,” she shares. To see how Mane Stream helps support families through those milestones—it’s so rewarding.

Though Janie grew up around horses, her first introduction to therapy tack and adaptive techniques came through volunteering here. “I knew nothing about therapy tack and little about English tack,” she recalls. “But the staff and fellow volunteers were always willing to teach. Mane Stream wants the volunteers to succeed!  The staff puts a lot of effort into that goal.” That’s the culture at Mane Stream!

And the appreciation goes both ways. Volunteer Coordinator Emily De Jong shared, "I'll always remember how welcoming Janie was when I first started working at Mane Stream! Managing such a large volunteer program can be overwhelming, but having such a dedicated and knowledgeable group made it worlds easier. It's been a pleasure getting to know her and I look forward to continuing to work with her!"

Occupational Therapist Emily Istvan added, “Janie is an extremely dedicated and invaluable part of our team. She’s always here with a smile on her face—rain or shine or hail or snow. Janie is loved by so many of my clients and their families. She’s always here to cheer them on and willing to roll with my out-of-the-box ideas. She even comes up with brilliant activity adaptations that light up our sessions with joy. Our OT work is brighter because of her presence.”

Janie’s own words say it best: “Being at Mane Stream is often the best part of my day. Honestly, I’ll quit my job before I quit Mane Stream!”

Please join us in celebrating Janie’s incredible contributions, her passion for people and horses, and her unwavering commitment to Mane Stream’s mission. We are beyond lucky to have her as part of our herd.

Shelley Levin
"There’s still so much to learn—and so much joy to be found."

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 still a lot to learn and satisfaction to be gained from seeing people progress and feel a sense of accomplishment in a less stressful environment.”

Shelley has supported a variety of programs, including the Horses for Healing initiative and the Pillar School sessions. One particular moment that stayed with her came during a Horses for Healing session, when she saw a participant light up after successfully cueing their horse. “She had been hard on herself,” Shelley said. “But the moment the horse responded, her whole demeanor changed. Her smile made it clear she was pleased.”

Field trips have also left an impression. Shelley remembers one Friday when a nervous student refused to go near the horses—until, by the end of the session, they were petting them and didn’t want to leave. “I find this very touching,” she says.

Though she’s always had a soft spot for Dorito (now retired)—“such a gentle and steadfast horse”—Shelley speaks highly of the entire herd. “All of the horses at Mane Stream are so calm and patient. They truly are partners in the process.”

The same could be said of the volunteers. Shelley describes the Mane Stream atmosphere as “positive, supportive, and energetic.” She admires the commitment of those who have worked with the same riders for years and really seem to be an integral to the riders’ development. “The volunteers clearly love being here. The concern and caring for the participants is evident.”

From her first impression of the program to today, Shelley has been continually impressed by the creativity and flexibility the Mane Stream team brings to each session. “They go above and beyond to make things work, no matter what. And they make us volunteers feel truly valued. That should be a given, but it often isn’t. Mane Stream goes above and beyond in this realm.”

Volunteer Coordinator Emily De Jong shared, “Shelley has been such an enormous help to our organization. She's assisted in so many programs during her time with us, but she really shines while helping with the Pillar School. She has the perfect personality to work with the students, no matter their frame of mind, and has a knack for keeping them calm and successful. We truly appreciate her at Mane Stream and will never be able to thank her enough!"

Please join us in celebrating Shelley’s dedication, warmth, and quiet impact. Her steady presence and compassionate nature make her an integral part of the Mane Stream herd.

Andrea Greenspan:
“Helping Riders Grow in Confidence—One Lap at a Time”

This National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the amazing individuals who bring heart, knowledge, and steady hands to our programs—like Andrea Greenspan, who has given nearly 100 hours of her time since joining us two years ago.

For Andrea, 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: leading a nervous rider during the Annual Horse Show. “They were so anxious in the beginning,” she remembers. “I tried to talk quietly and calmly as we moved through the class, and little by little, their confidence grew. By the end, they were so happy and proud of themselves. I think we both felt great in that moment.”

Andrea’s favorite horse? Tink. “She’s just so sweet—steady and reliable,” she says. “Perfect for the riders I’ve worked with.” But like many volunteers, she’s quick to add, “They’re all great.”

When asked what she’s learned about herself, Andrea reflects on the joy of finding a space where her skills and passions intersect so naturally. “I’ve realized how much I enjoy volunteering for a great organization and being able to combine my love of horses and helping others learn to enjoy horses as well as learn new skills, increase their confidence, and just have fun.”

She also recalls those first few shifts at the barn. “I was a little intimidated at first, worried I might do something wrong,” she admits. “But that dissipated quickly because everyone works together as a team regardless of what their assignment is.”

From her first impression—an “awesome place doing great things”—to her deeper understanding of the dedication and heart behind every staff member, volunteer, therapist and instructor, Andrea’s journey with Mane Stream continues to be one of meaningful connection. “It really is a family that wants everyone to have positive and successful experiences.”

Kelly Champion, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, wants everyone to know, "Andrea comes straight from her high-stress job and still shows up with a smile every time. She's a go-getter, a truly amazing person, and I absolutely love having her as part of my volunteer team!"

Please help us thank Andrea for her time, compassion, and the warmth she brings to the barn each week. Her presence makes a difference—for our horses, our staff, and most of all, our participants.

Katie Heinemann
"The smiles say it all."

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 how eager the participants were—even when they were having a tough day. “They always find a reason to smile,” she says, “and that kind of resilience is inspiring.”

Katie recalls her first experience at Mane Stream’s summer camp vividly. One camper was hesitant to ride, unsure about the whole experience. But Katie patiently guided them through grooming and tacking, giving them time to build trust at their own pace. “By the end of the day, the camper didn’t want to go home because they had so much fun!”

As for the Mane Stream volunteer community, Katie says the atmosphere is positive and welcoming. “Everyone was so friendly and helpful when I started. I never felt uncomfortable asking questions. I love talking to other volunteers while tacking up.”

Katie believes the most important part of adaptive riding is experiencing the bond between horse and rider. “It helps create confidence that will carry with the participants forever.”

Volunteer Coordinator Emily De Jong shared, "I always enjoy having Katie volunteer! She's a joy to talk to, and it's heartwarming to see her interact with the participants. Her help as an on-call sub is so truly appreciated!"

Though Katie is still early in her volunteering journey, her kindness, compassion, and quiet leadership are already leaving a mark.