Board of Directors

 Nonprofit leader with expertise in youth development, trauma-informed care (TBRI Practitioner), strategic fundraising, and program innovation. 

With more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and youth development sector, I’ve dedicated my career to creating spaces where young people and families can thrive. I am a TBRI Practitioner, a Certified Professional Youth Worker, and a firm believer in the power of the natural environment to foster connection, resilience, and growth. 

I completed my undergraduate studies in Outdoor Recreation, Resource Management, and Parks Administration at Indiana University and earned a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Over the course of my career, I’ve held leadership, facilitation, and professional development roles with a focus on advancing equity, access, and community impact. 

Most recently, I served as Executive Director of Bradford Woods through IU’s Office of Student Life and as Associate Executive Director at Foundation For Youth. In these roles, I led organizational strategy, fund development, staff development, and partnership growth – always centered on supporting young people, families and communities.  

I’m passionate about aligning mission-driven leadership with strategic action, cultivating strong partnerships, and building programs that make a lasting impact. 

Luonna is a grants management specialist with three years of experience working with local, state, and federal funding grants. As a Navy veteran and military mom, she has over 10 years of experience dedicated to advocating for military service members. Having earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, her desire to advocate for vulnerable populations is demonstrated through various volunteer work with organizations such as the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), where she serves as a Homefront and Connection Support Group facilitator. When not working, Luonna enjoys spending time with her favorite little equine, Ms. Beverly, and attending country festivals.

Seneca Harbin is an Army Infantry Veteran who is passionate about helping others to be the best version of themselves possible. After. growing up in Greenwood, Indiana he joined the United States Army at the age of 18.  While serving seven years of active military service, he completed six tours overseas. Once he finishing serving his country, Seneca began a new mission in life by helping others in his local community. 

Seneca served his community as the Director of Veteran Affairs for Johnson County, Indiana for several years before stepping into Law Enforcement. He serves his community as the chaplain for the Johnson County Sheriff Office, the Founder and President of Veteran Support Ministry, the Founder and President of Christian Centered Counseling, a founding member and co-pastor of Recovery Church Johnson County and is an ordained Minister through the Church of God General Conference. He currently serves as an active member of the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court and is a current board member of a Haven for Healing.

In his spare time Seneca enjoys coaching youth sports and doing public speaking events. His hobbies are reading and continuing his education. He is a husband to his high school sweetheart, a father to three wonderful daughters, and a

published author. Seneca lives by the principle that if you can dream it, you can do it.

 Gwen White thrives on dealing with complex issues, untangling high conflict situations, and facilitating community collaborations that support healthy natural resources. She held positions in state and federal government, private consulting, and served in the US Peace Corps aquaculture program in Honduras. Gwen teaches environmental management, communications, and wildlife conservation courses at Indiana University. She has a PhD in conservation biology from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in marine ecology from the University of Maryland. Gwen grew up working on her uncle’s dairy farm and at veterinary clinics. She loves seeing young people gain confidence and compassion through connections with nature and caring for animals. 

Dr. Blair McKissock is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design at Indiana University and a nationally recognized expert in recreational therapy and equine-assisted learning. With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, she specializes in experiential, nature-based approaches to wellness and rehabilitation.

She co-authored PATH Intl.’s Equine-Assisted Learning Fundamentals course and microcredential system, teaches animal-assisted therapy at the University of North Florida, and has published widely—including the foundational chapter on equine-assisted services in the first Veterinary Social Work textbook. Her work spans diverse populations, including veterans and individuals with autism. As co-founder of HorseWork Education, she leads international training programs and serves as a subject matter expert, consultant, and advocate for integrating animal-assisted services into health, education, and professional development.  

 Bio:   

 Brandon Gardner is a Paramedic with almost 20 years of experience in public safety in all facets from law enforcement to 911 dispatch.  He is a certified Mental Health Resiliency Officer through NAEMT and current Supervisor of Paramedics.  While working EMS in the Indianapolis area, he became certified as a Peer Support Advisor through the IAFF.  His passion for public safety and protecting our first responder’s mental health has taken a front seat in recent years. Brandon also brings with him 15 years of experience running large-scale events for Ben Davis High School including event planning, finances, safety/security and large volume volunteer coordination.  Through 6 years of participating in his daughter’s training and horseback riding at Haven’s Hope, he’s discovered the joy and calmness that being around the gentle giants can provide.  A gentle giant himself, Brandon has a love for all things Disney and experiencing all that we can while here on this earth.  When not working, you’ll likely find him shuttling his daughter right back to Haven’s Hope for her own lessons with our favorite guy, Cooper!