Maryland Therapeutic Riding

1141 Sunrise Beach Rd | Crownsville, MD 21032
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MTR Team: Kelly Rodgers

Kelly-Rodgers_headshot
Kelly joined MTR in 2008 and instantly felt at home—from her first drive down the long entry road to the deep connection she found in MTR’s mission. Starting as Program Director, she became Executive Director in 2020, leading the organization with heart, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to healing through horses. With a degree in Equine Business Management and a lifelong love of horses, Kelly brings both experience and passion to her role. She thrives on working with MTR’s dedicated team, creating a safe, empowering space for participants, families, staff, and equine partners.
Joined MTR in 2008
Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management, Centenary University
  • PATH Intl. Master Certified Riding Instructor
  • PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
  • Eagala Equine Specialist
  • USEF Para Dressage Bronze Coach
What brought you to MTR?

After two years in South Florida post-college, I missed the changing seasons and being near family. Drawn to Maryland, I reached out to MTR’s founder, Naomi, to explore job opportunities. MTR captured my heart the moment I drove through the gates and came down that long driveway. I will never forget the feeling of peace, love, and serenity of the grounds. From my start as a part-time instructor to leading the organization as Executive Director, MTR’s mission to transform lives through the humans and horse connection continues to inspire me daily.

What do you do at MTR and what do you love most about it?

I took on the Executive Director position in May of 2020. As the ED, I lead MTR’s mission to transform lives through the healing power of horses. Day to day, I oversee operations, strategic planning, and fundraising, ensuring our programs support the participants that come through our gates. My highest priority is fostering a healing and safe environment that empowers participants, staff, volunteers, families, caregivers, and our equine partners.

What’s your favorite part of working at MTR?

Working alongside the most hardworking, driven, and passionate people you could ever meet. There’s something truly special about being part of a team that shows up every day with heart, grit, and a shared commitment to making a difference. I love that MTR is a place where we celebrate our wins–big and small–learn from our challenges and keep pushing ourselves to grow and improve. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a community that lifts each other up and strives to be better, together, every single day.

If you could spend a day doing anything (besides being with the horses) what would it be?

I would be on or near some kind of body of water with my husband KJ, our son Declan, and our two English setters, Harley and Gracie.

Fun Fact:

One of my summer jobs as a teenager was milking cows at my family’s dairy farm in Pennsylvania. Maybe not a “fun” fact, but something that most people don’t know about me is that I am afraid of pigs!