Maggie Burns

Like most girls, Maggie grew up enchanted by horses. She was raised in Hyde Park, MA, walking distance from a barn, and though she was too small to ride, she has never forgotten the magical smell of sweet grass and hay, the musk of wood and earth, and of course Penny — the beautiful mare in residence.

Decades later, a move to the North Shore from "south of the bridge" pulled her back toward those memories. Living in Topsfield felt majestic, and she could feel the draw toward horses again. The closest she expected to get was a polo match at Myopia — until she read about Hands for Healing Equine in Stroll Magazine.

The mission spoke to her immediately, because she has spent her career in human services, supporting organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness and poverty. She has seen firsthand how smart programming and the right support can change a life. "There are no coincidences," she says. She reached out to Suzanne, started volunteering in the barn, and offered the organization her fundraising and leadership skills. And here she is.

As Chief Philanthropy Officer, Maggie leads the organization's fundraising strategy and development, building the donor relationships and resources that let the mission grow. She brings a career's worth of human-services leadership and a deep belief in the bond between humans, equines, and nature — and the privilege of giving back.

Maggie's best friend at the barn is our very own Sophie.