Gentle Giants Leadership
Christine Hajek, Executive Director & Founder
Christine began Gentle Giants as a labor of love and continues to lead the fight to end horse slaughter in the US. Christine is the proud adopter of Twister, Amigo, Buckshot, Pecan, Sage, and Zurah.
You can reach Christine at 443-285-3835 or christine@gentlegiants.org.
Christina Rizzutto, Director of Training and Adoptions
Contact Christina for information about our adoption program, or to schedule an appointment to meet an adoptable horse. Christina has adopted Vegas, Hattie, Gracie, Chickory, Floyd, and Zorra from Gentle Giants.
You can reach Christina at adoptions@gentlegiants.org or by calling 443-285-3835
Lorin, Development Director
Lorin manages our technical programs, in addition to all media, marketing, events, and fundraising. She educates the public about our mission, builds excitement around the rescue and our horses, and is frequently behind a camera, capturing the photos and heartwarming videos you see on our social media channels and in our newsletter. Lorin has adopted Drifter, Denver, and Demi from Gentle Giants and fosters Cherokee and Siggy.
You can reach Lorin at development@gentlegiants.org. Media inquiries can be directed to media@gentlegiants.org.
Jessica Bowers, Director of Rescue Operations
Jessica oversees the day to day operations across the farm and leads our staff of Animal Care Technicians in providing the expert level of care Gentle Giants is known for.
You can reach Jess at operations@gentlegiants.org or by calling 443-285-3835.
Adria Strausbaugh, Community Outreach Director
Adria is your go-to person for questions about volunteering, team building opportunities, and community events. Adria has brought several of our Resident Ambassadors to historical museums, breweries, and nursing homes to meet the public and share the Gentle Giants mission. Adria is the proud adopter of Klondike.
You can reach Adria at community@gentlegiants.org or by calling 443-285-3835.
Dawnn Double, Director of Donor Relations
Dawnn is the most likely to greet you when you call the office, and is there for all your donation questions and needs. Dawnn is also our resident cat lady, and cares for our two hard-working office cats. Dawnn has adopted Molly, Abby, and Jon Snow from Gentle Giants.
You can reach Dawnn at 443-285-3835 or at donors@gentlegiants.org.
Carolyn Lavrey, Assistant Director of Rescue Operations
Carolyn directs the daily care provided to our 180+ horses and keeps a pulse on the health and wellness of every horse at Gentle Giants. Carolyn has adopted Deacon from Gentle Giants.
You can reach Carolyn at barn@gentlegiants.org or by calling 443-285-3835.
Key Staff
Anastasia Schiavi, Program Development Coordinator
Anastasia is a ‘jill-of-all-trades’ and is passionate about educating the public about our mission and the care of draft horses via a multitude of projects and programs. Anastasia also assists with the marketing, fundraising, and major events at the rescue.
You can reach Anastasia at Anastasias@gentlegiants.org or by calling 443-285-3835.
Courtney Garber, Trainer II
Courtney is an exceptional trainer who has dedicated most of her life to equine rescue. Courtney has extensive experience in Liberty Training, Natural Horsemanship, Trail Obstacles, Western disciplines, and Roping. Courtney has adopted Jasmine from Gentle Giants.
Courtney can help with training questions at trainer@gentlegiants.org.
Rhetta Petr, Trainer I
Rhetta joins us with a background in natural horsemanship and working equitation. She began her training career as a volunteer within the equine rescue community and continues to follow her passion for training rescue horses here at Gentle Giants.