Chelsea joined the High Hopes team as Program Director in the summer of 2019. She began volunteering at High Hopes in 2006 and enjoyed her time as a horse leader and unmounted coach during program and summer camp.

Volunteering at High Hopes inspired Chelsea to work with people with various diagnoses and learning differences- she studied Psychology and Special Education at Salve Regina and completed her Masters’ degree in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut. Prior to transitioning to High Hopes, Chelsea worked as a Transition Program Director for a therapeutic boarding school focusing on experiential learning and career preparedness of young people with social and emotional diagnoses. As an instructor, Chelsea enjoys seeing the participants learn about themselves through their horses and feels strongly that the love of the horse comes before the sport.

She has taught General Psychology and Lifespan Development as an Adjunct Professor at Tunxis Community College since 2014 and lives in Wethersfield with her rescue dog, Harper, and husband, Erich. Chelsea rides dressage and has two off the track thoroughbreds, Maverick and Jack.

Chelsea is a registered level Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, a PATH, International Instructor Mentor, and a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She currently serves on the PATH International Region 1 Leadership Team.