Meet the Staff
Alicia Burns, Executive Director and Founder
Austin Francis, LPC, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapy Practitioner
Austin Francis, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT, has worked with CKET since 2013 when she started as an undergraduate intern. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Austin attended Houghton University in Houghton, NY and obtained a B.A. in Psychology with a secondary major of Equestrian Studies. Since moving to Virginia, with her own horse in tow, Austin earned her M.A. in Professional Counseling in 2016 and completed her residency in counseling as a lead clinician in Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT) programs in middle and high schools in the Shenandoah Valley. After becoming licensed in 2019, Austin moved into school-based outpatient counseling services for Valley Community Services Board, and then went to private practice with Aurora Counseling in 2021, where she currently works and splits her time with CKET. Austin has been trained in equine assisted psychotherapy through EAGALA, trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy (TF-EAP) through the Natural Lifemanship Institute, is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), is a certified HeartMath Biofeedback Clinical Professional, and holds a certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy from The Embody Lab. Austin is a member of the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA), the local chapter Central Valley Counselor Association CVCA, Natural Lifemanship, and The Embody Lab.
Sarah Matus, LMSW, LCSW, Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner
Sarah Matus, LCSW, has worked with CKET since 2014 when she started as a volunteer and has served on their board and lead the nonprofit’s fundraising and event planning efforts. Originally from Clinton, NY, Sarah attended Siena College in Loudonville, NY and obtained a B.A. in Psychology and later earned her M.A in Social Work from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Sarah has worked as a school social worker for a local school division since 2012 and completed her supervised clinical hours as a mental health professional at Cross Keys Equine Therapy beginning in 2018. She earned her LCSW in 2021 and is passionate about growing her skillset as a clinician and Supervisor for Supervisees in Social Work. Sarah’s unique blend of educational and clinical perspectives, contributes to her whole-person approach when working with clients and collaborating with other professionals. Sarah has been trained in trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy (TF-EAP) through the Natural Lifemanship Institute, and is certified as a Trauma and Resilience Practitioner from Starr Commonwealth. Sarah is a member of the Virginia Association of School Social Workers and Natural Lifemanship.
Savannah Robb, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
I am a Virginia native who has always enjoyed all of the outdoor recreation opportunities that this area has to offer. As I got older, I began learning more about the connection between mental health and time spent outdoors. I chose to pursue my B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University, before pausing my pursuit of education to start my family.
I earned my M.S. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and began seeking opportunities to provide therapy in an outdoor setting. Cross Keys Equine Therapy has been an answer to prayer! I am so thankful to have found a place that is dedicated to supporting people through their mental health journey using such a meaningful approach in an outdoor setting.
Ariana Freeman, Administrative Assistant, Equine Professional
Originally from Northern Virginia, I fell in love with the Shenandoah Valley after earning my degree in Health Services and Business from James Madison University. I started working with Cross Keys Equine Therapy as an intern, handling administrative and bookkeeping tasks. During that time, I found my passion as an equine professional working alongside a mental health professional to support clients through equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Outside of CKET, I manage the neighboring barn, Haven Stables, where I also train horses and riders. I have two personal horses of my own, as well as a dog named Dakota, who is always there to happily greet you at the farm. With a lifelong background in working with horses, I’ve seen firsthand how these amazing animals help people form deep connections, gain personal insights, and navigate life’s challenges, fostering personal growth along the way
Combining my love for horses with my desire to help others has been incredibly fulfilling. In addition to my work as an equine professional, I also serve as an administrative assistant for Cross Keys Equine Therapy.
Stefanie Gettle, Equine Professional, Thrive Coordinator
Jenna Rose Mapstone, Equine Professional