Molly embodies the transformative power of horses and the absolute best of the equestrian community. As a PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor at EquiCenter, Molly serves as a bright spot in the day for countless adaptive riding and unmounted horsemanship participants. In a therapeutic setting where creating a safe, encouraging and joyful environment is everything, Molly is a shining example of compassion, patience and dedication.
Having ridden since age 4, Molly understands that horsemanship isn’t just about skill—it’s about trust, vulnerability and deep connection. Her own bond with horses is playful and unwavering, rooted in the belief that horses are our best friends and non-judgmental partners. She carries that exact philosophy into her teaching, where her favorite moments aren’t about ribbons, but about watching a new student experience the pure joy of riding for the first time. She has a rare gift for helping riders overcome fear, gain confidence and discover their own bravery, just as horses taught her to do.
Molly lives by the belief that horses teach us to slow down, appreciate the little joys and get back on when we fall. Her passion for facilitating horse-human connections transforms lives daily at EquiCenter, making riders feel stronger, more open-minded and deeply seen. She is an unsung hero whose impact reaches far beyond the arena, bringing the healing magic of horses to those who need it most.
-Alexis Sklair, EquiCenter
Molly is sweet, bubbly and an incredibly hard worker, especially impressive given how young she is. She brings a rare combination of warmth and work ethic to everything she does, connecting genuinely with her students and forming real bonds with our teens, empowering them toward independence in the saddle. She also loves TikTok and fun dances and has a way of getting the whole staff to join in! She’s exactly the kind of instructor who makes EquiCenter feel like a second home for our families, and we’re so lucky to have her on the team.
One of my favorite memories was when she first started and sent a voice-to-text message without proofing it first; it came out completely inappropriate by accident. She was absolutely mortified, but I found it hilarious and it’s one of those moments that still makes me smile.
There have been so many other fun moments along the way too like the time she told us she was getting her oil changed at “Vasoline,” introduced me to my first Raising Cane’s on our Maryland adventure, pushed me to go on trail rides, and we served together as guest bartenders at our first fundraising event, where we came in second place for the most tips—by just $5!
Beyond her skills in the arena, Molly has become a true friend among the staff, and that connection shines through in everything she does with her students. Her genuine care and infectious energy have left a lasting, positive mark on everyone she works with and on the whole program.
-Sam Schaubroeck, CTRI Mentor Program Manager & PATH Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor, EquiCenter
Molly (along with Carissa, my equine instructor) makes me, as a student, feel safe and supported while challenging me to try something new and stretch my skills. She is positive and always finds a nugget of growth in each lesson. I am becoming a stronger and more confident rider and am having fun along the way.
One day, I arrived for my lesson feeling stressed and disoriented. Molly listened and started the lesson slowly. Before the end, Carissa and I were trotting in a pattern! I initially said, “I can’t do that!” but then I did it. Molly knew I could.
As an assistant, I see how Molly always meets her students where they’re at that day, with patience, kindness and firm insistence on safety. She connects with their caregivers and provides honest assessments. She never gets upset and responds quickly and appropriately to unexpected situations with a can-do attitude. I love watching her other students gain strength and confidence.
-Mary Ellen Coleman, Participant and Volunteer
From the first time we met Molly, it was obvious there was something truly special about her. She had that infectious smile and gave you that feeling that you had always known her. She related so well with my daughter Hope, and very quickly honed in on how to reach and motivate her. She has greeted us each time over the past four years with an energetic “Hi!” and genuine interest in, “How are you today?” Molly has always made the lessons fun and meaningful all while working on so many skills in just a half hour. Molly has been flexible in modifying lessons if needed based on Hope’s health needs as well. She knows Hope’s favorite songs and incorporates them into her lessons. Because of the “Molly Magic,” EquiCenter Day is Hope’s favorite day of the week! Hope says, ” I love you. You are so fun!”
-Jill Wood, Parent of a Participant
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