Our Staff

Karen "Karey" Singletary, Founder
Karey is one of two people who began the program back in 2000. Graduating form St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a degree in business management and a minor in Equine business, she has always had a love for horses and helping others. Karey is a loving mother of two roudy boys that always keep her hoppin'. She has successfully managed to juggle her responsibilities to family and the program.

Terrell Singletary, Founder
Terrell is the other half of the team that made the program possible. He spent most of his equine career with Tennessee Walking Horses, and has even shown with his children at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration in Tennessee. Terrell was one of the original instructors when the program began and retired from the ring at eighty-three. He continues to be a vital part of every day opperations for the program.

Debbie Guy, Executive Director 

Debbie joined the Hands and Hearts Family on October 1, 2009.  Debbie earned her BS and MS degrees at Valdosta State University.  She spent 28 years as a teacher and coach in Dothan Alabama before returning home to Thomas County.  She has spent a lifetime in several horse related disciplines and currently enjoys showing reining horses.  She along with husband Rusty currently own Rusty Guy Auction Company which conducts equine auctions once a month in Dothan, Alabama.

Kirsten McGee, Program Director
Kirsten graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a degree in Therapeutic Riding, and was quickly snatched up by the barn crew right after graduating. In her youth she was part of the 4-H show circuit, and enjoyed jumping. A native of Vermont, she much prefers the weather down south. She is one of the primary instructors at the barn and can often be heard having full conversations with her equine children. In 2007 Kirsten received her Level 1 certification in Parelli Natural Horsemanship and was accepted into Who's Who for Executive and Professional Women.

Virginia Summerell, Assistant Program Director
Virginia, having benefited from therapeutic riding as a child, decided she wanted to give back in the same way. She graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in December 2005 with a BA degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship and Non-Licensure Physical Education. With the addition of Virginia to the Hands and Hearts staff, the program was able to pass accreditation with a score of 100% in April 2008.

Martha Hanna, Instructor
Martha was born into the horse business as the daughter of Terrell and continues the tradition by volunteering as an instructor. She is a fabulous instructor, and loves teaching and watching her riders advance in their abilities. Being used to the chaos of raising three children, Martha is well prepared for the organized choas found in the therapeutic riding arena. In her spare time she takes lessons herself to improve as a rider and as an instructor. Lots of times you can find her sneaking extra treats to the horses.

Michael Hanna, Physical Therapist
Michael is our resident therapist who utilizes Hands and Hearts for Hippotherapy. As horses are not the most conventional dynamic surface for physical therapy, Michael uses their gait and appeal to make hippotherapy both fun and beneficial. There is never a lack of laughter in his therapy sessions.

Michael Sanders, Maintenance Manager
Michael is Mr. Fix It around Hands amd Hearts. His skill in many trades allow us to conserve resources when conducting maintenance around the barn. Michael takes great pride in the work he does at Hands and Hearts and no one can call his work shabby.

Mae Maurer, Equine Feeder

Mae has been a part of Hands and Hearts since 2005. As a volunteer she helped out with lessons three days a week, and quickly became indispensable to the program. Mae worked her way up the volunteer ladder and has become a great example for our new volunteers. It was natural to hand the reins of equine feeder over to Mae when the time was right. With Mae, the horses are always well cared for, safe, and get tons of love and cookies.