Echo Pines Equine, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization started by Steve and Melissa Gilliland in 2022. Our goal is to provide Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to individuals based on the principles from the Natural Lifemanship Institute. The mission of the Natural Lifemanship Institute is to help people and animals form connected, trusting relationships to overcome toxic stress and trauma.
Below is the mission statement for Echo Pines Equine, Inc.:
“Our mission is to help others find peace and fulfillment by sharing the therapeutic benefits of our equine friends.”
Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy focuses on building a healthy connection between the client and the horse. A healthy connection helps both achieve the following:
1) Enhances the quality of life
2) Creates positive interactions
3) Heals trauma
4) Helps with self regulation
5) Increases our capacity for joy
When a connected, attuned relationship that engages the entire brain is the primary focus, things like trust and respect will find their appropriate place.
Our farm is located in Grove City, Pennsylvania, and our services are provided at no cost to participants. Our herd consists of two quarter horses, a mammoth donkey, a standard donkey, a mule and a miniature horse.
This initiative is entirely volunteer-based, which means it’s dependent on caring people who believe in the goals of the project who are willing to give up their own time, and other supporters who are willing to donate resources to keep us going.
ECHO PINES EQUINE, INC.- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephen M. Gilliland, MSW, LSW-President
Steve retired from George Junior Republic in November 2021 after 38 years of working with male adolescents in residential treatment. He supervised treatment services in mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. He started Echo Pines Equine Inc. in 2022 with his wife Melissa in order to continue helping others through equine assisted therapy.
Debra Minor – Vice President
Debra has been an area resident for over 27 years. She has worked at the family owned business, Minor Meat Packing for 25 years.
Debra and her family and friends donated Tanner’s Equine Obstacle Course in memory of her son, SSG Tanner Edwards. She has a passion for helping others and hopes that the obstacle course will provide an enjoyable experience for both the horse and rider as they work through the obstacles.
Brenda Mcdeavitt Weber- Secretary/Treasurer
Brenda grew up in Slippery Rock. She has been a resident of Grove City for 39 years where she lives with her husband on their family dairy farm.
Brenda has always had a love for animals and helping people. She organizes and assists in a lot of the fundraising activities and promotions.
She is currently employed as Office Manager at Plantation Park Campers Association, Inc. where she has worked for 20 years.
Bobbilyn Latimer, Realtor- Board Member
I am a lifelong Mercer County resident and a proud 1984 West Middlesex High School graduate. I married Doug Latimer in 1988. We raised two sons in the Grove City School District and currently reside on the Neshannock Creek where we enjoy our beautiful grandchildren and our wonderful horses.
My passion for these beautiful creatures stems back to my childhood. Being raised near my maternal grandparents allowed me free access to horses. At a very young age, I began riding ponies and graduated to my first horse at 13. There is nothing more rewarding that the feeling you get when you are with your equine friends. At this time in my life, I am very fortunate to be around them each and every day.
It is a privilege being asked to serve as a board member of the Echo Pines Equine. My goal is to assist alongside Steve, Melissa and all of the other wonderful people who are helping the community with this magnificent outreach; one individual at a time.
Jennifer Johnson-Parker AA-Board Member
After residing in this area for 24 years, Jennifer is currently serving as a Residential Manager for a forensic Long Term Structured Residential Program. She is pursuing a liberal arts degree in Organizational and Professional Communication. She is now working with adults who are in need of tools and guidance to become successful and productive members of society. She has a true passion for helping others, and her dream is to continue serving and giving for as long as she can.
Kaylee Van Gent-MA-Board Member
Kaylee has been volunteering and working in Equine Therapy for 16 years. She is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH International. In 2022, Kaylee completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Slippery Rock University.
Kody Kendall – Board Member
Kody currently resides in Grove City with his wife Liz, their daughter Mia and their two dogs, Harley and Major. During his nine to five, he works as a CPD for Stantec Architecture Engineering. He comes from a military family and is proud to say that he has a brother currently serving in the United States Army, a brother who has served in the United States Navy, and a nephew currently serving in the United States Navy. He and his wife are proud to serve as youth Pastors at Shiloh Ministries where they have been involved for over 15 years. When there is some free time, they enjoy scenic rides on their motorcycle. Echo Pines Equine and Tanners Trail have become a passion for him and his family and they are looking forward to working with both organizations to help more people in our communities.
Mandy Anderson, LPC, NCC, MA – Board Member
Mandy is the National Clinical Director at The Bair Foundation in New Wilmington, PA and a licensed professional part-time counselor at Parkside Psychological Associates in Meadville, PA. She is certified in TF-CBT, trained in EMDR and CBT for kids and adolescents through the Reach Institute. She has 22 years of experience in the field.
Echo Pines Equine 