Mary Hensley

Mary Hensley, a lifelong animal lover has turned her passion for the human- animal connection into a journey of education, coaching and mentoring,     Mary is a certified Path International therapeutic riding instructor and has been a driving force in the development of the New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Foundation, located in Palos Hills Il.  With her equestrian experience and volunteer proficiency throughout the years, Mary saw the need to expand the benefits and networking of therapeutic riding in the southwest suburban area. Mary follows the philosophy to ‘inspire in participants a sense of personal accomplishment while challenging them to reach their full potential’. Through her training with Path Intl, which was founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada, Mary earned additional training in Equines for Heroes and autism spectrum disorders.   Prior to her Path Int certification, Mary has had extensive experience and education in recreational management.  Mary resides in the southwest suburbs with her husband Steve, both of whom are proud of the career and educational successes of their three children, but more importantly their compassion for others.  Mary currently has two dogs, as well as the ‘love of her life’ her American Saddlebred horse, Francis.