ABOUT

New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding

FULL-TIME STAFF

MICHELE VISE
Executive & Program Director

Michele has been a part of the New Beginnings family since 2009. She became a certified PATH riding instructor in 2017. She grew up with horses and cattle in Lexington, KY. She has always loved animals and riding and is excited to teach others about horses.

OLIVIA WILLIS
Head Instructor & Director of Operations

Olivia has been with New Beginnings since 2014. She grew up in Elizabethtown KY, where she grew up showing American Saddlebreds. After high school she attended Florida College for 2 years then moved to Bowling Green to finish her schooling at WKU.

While in Bowling Green she was able to fulfill her dream of working with horses and people through New Beginnings. She became a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2015. Now she is the Head Instructor and Director of Operations at NBTR.

LESLEY RIDDLE
Volunteer Coordinator, Instructor-in-Training

Lesley has a passion for helping others, serving her community, and sharing the mission of New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding. Through her love of people and animals, she has found a special place at NBTR. She enjoys helping the organization grow and is proud to be part of the New Beginnings family.

When she's not at the barn she's homeschooling her child & taking care of all the animals on her own farm.

INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors are required to become a PATH Intl Certified Instructor to better serve our organization. Pursuing the CTRI certification is an investment in professional growth and the quality of the services provided. It benefits not only the instructor but also the clients, families, and the organization. A CTRI ensures that the programs are delivered with the highest standards of safety, effectiveness, and care.

The benefits of a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor:

  • Enhanced safety for participants and horses.
  • Credibility within the therapeutic horsemanship field.
  • Higher quality and more effective therapeutic programs.
  • Career growth through professional recognition.
  • Increased job opportunities in therapeutic riding centers.
  • Continual learning through professional development and continuing education.
  • Stronger outcomes for participants, leading to a more fulfilling experience.
  • Networking opportunities to connect with others in the field.

For more information, please email Olivia Willis at info@nbtr-bg.org.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Being a board member for New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding can be a deeply rewarding and impactful role. As a board member you would:

  • Support a Cause with Meaningful Impact
  • Influence Positive Change
  • Leverage Professional Expertise
  • Expand Your Network
  • Personal Fulfillment
  • Be Part of a Unique Experience
  • Foster Community Engagement
  • Fundraising and Resource Development

Being a board member is not just about attending meetings—it’s about making a difference in the lives of people who benefit from equine-assisted activities and therapies. It’s a role that offers both responsibility and the opportunity to create lasting, positive impact.

NBTR is always looking for that person who wants to make a difference! For more information, please contact Michele Vise at mvise@nbtr-bg.org.

2026 BOD

President: Kevin Yates
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Vacant
Secretary: Stephanie Weckerly
Board Members: Ellie Hollis, DVM, Kevin Yates
Honorary Member: Kim Kirby, CPA, Jackie Reynolds

SUPPORTING COUNCIL

Medical Consultant: Dr. Kelly Kries, MD
Therapist Consultant: Caroline Alexander Hudson, M.S., CCC-SLP
Corporate Counsel: Lauren Marley, ESQ