Meet Our Team
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Konnie Newbro
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Haku Baldwin Center, Konnie oversees the management operations of our Boarding Facility, Therapeutic Riding Programs, and Commercial Rental Properties, ensuring the organization continues to thrive and serve our community. With an extensive background in marketing communications, strategic planning, and project management, Konnie brings a wealth of experience to Haku Baldwin Center. She began her career at McCann-Erickson San Francisco, a leading global advertising agency, where she ascended to Vice President and held leadership roles in Talent Acquisition and Management, Creative Services, Business Development, and Account Management. She contributed to high-profile projects for clients such as AT&T Wireless Services, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, and Sony Vaio Computers. Konnie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and furthered her expertise with a Project Management certificate from Cornell University. Her community involvement extends beyond her professional pursuits; she currently holds a position on the Board of the Pacific Cancer Foundation. Under Konnie's leadership, Haku Baldwin Center is poised for growth and continued excellence in its mission to enrich and nurture the human spirit, providing individuals with meaningful opportunities for education, growth, and discovery through equine-assisted experiences.
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Chrissy Stout
Program Director
PATH Intl. CTRI & Mentor
Since 2009, Chrissy has been dedicated to providing quality Equine Assisted Services to our Maui community. She oversees all aspects of programming and possesses specialized training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (EAP-PTSD), Equine-Assisted Services for Heroes®, and Equine-Assisted Learning. Chrissy's approach underscores the importance of mindfulness for humans and equines, and she holds additional certifications as a HeartMath® Mentor, Children's Mindfulness Coach, and is a Horse Powered Reading® Facilitator. -
Crystal Barnett
Instructor
PATH Intl. CTRI Candidate
Crystal began as a volunteer in the Therapeutic Riding Program back in 2012 and spent many years as a valued member of the Facility & Equine Caretaker team. As a lifelong horsewoman specializing in natural and compassionate horsemanship, Crystal is enjoying her career as an instructor in multiple programs at HBC. Crystal is working toward her PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification (CTRI).
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Greer Chapman
Instructor
PATH Intl. CTRI Candidate
Greer completed our first internship in the Therapeutic Riding Program in 2022 and is now a member of our instructor staff. Her background in the nonprofit sector, experience with community outreach and animals (of all shapes and sizes!) is a welcome asset to the team. Greer is currently working toward PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification (CTRI).
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Sonja Bigalke-Bannan, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sonja joined the team as a licensed mental health provider in January 2024, bringing her expertise to support fire-impacted individuals and families through our equine-assisted psychotherapy program. She is an EAGALA Certified Mental Health and Equine Specialist, an EMDRIA trained EMDR Therapist, and a Certified Harm Reduction Therapist. Additionally, she holds OK Corral Certified EAP/EAL and PATH Intl. CTRI credentials. Sonja owns and operates Heart Horses on Oahu and we are thrilled she is able to serve clients across both islands.
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Facility & Equine Caretakers
Haku Baldwin Center’s day-to-day operations are run by our awesome team of Facility & Equine Caretakers, some of whom have been with us for more than a decade. We are thankful for them every day—through their hard work and expertise, our programs and our equine co-workers continue to thrive and serve our community well.