Kelly Rickard, Director of Alpha Equestrian Center, home of Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding, is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Instructor. She has been practicing in the Woodstock area since 2009. Her motivation for building an Equestrian Therapy Center stems from her deep belief in God and the desire to minister to special needs children and adults and their families through the use of horses. The Center provides a welcoming environment for individuals to learn, grow and achieve their full potential.
Therapeutic and Riding Instructor Dr. Evelyn Ellis-Grosse is a lifelong rider that holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry and Equine Science from Judson College, and a Doctorate in Pharmaceutics from Auburn University. Evelyn was on Judson College’s Equestrian Team and during her industry career continued competing, foxhunting and training horses. She is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and also teaches beginner through jumping lessons.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor Annette Crenshaw has ridden horses since age 12 and throughout her college career, graduating from the College of Charleston. Annette is a non-profit veteran, having once started her own 501(c)(3) organization. Prior to coming to Heaven’s Gait, Annette was a lead teacher of 2 and 3 year-olds at Woodhaven Academy. She is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and her passion is working with special needs people and horses. We’re blessed to have Annette on our team!
Riding Instructor Olivia Epple has experience teaching all age groups and abilities. She studied Health and Community Wellness at the University of West Georgia and is pursuing certifications from the American Riding Instructor’s Association and PATH International. Olivia has participated and won many championship ribbons in International Federation for Equestrian Sports championship events and served as a volunteer at Save The Horses, a horse rescue organization in Cumming, GA.
Elise Mogelgaard is a life-long equestrian with countless hours in the sadde. Elise and her horse Buck have been part of the HGTR family since 2018 and pride themselves in being a well-rounded horse-and-rider duo. Elise graduated with honors with a degree in Communications from Kennesaw State University and she uses those skills to creatively and effectively guide riders to be more independent. Elise believes in empowering her students by highlighting their strengths and making learning enjoyable. Through teaching, Elise aspires to share her passion for living things and teach widely-applicable life skills.
