Angela Kelly: A Woman with a Big Heart

Angela Kelly has an innate desire to help others. Whether it’s through horses, art, or her profession as a therapist, she is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles. Angela recalls that, “growing up with horses, I have watched them do their magic all my life”. When she was in her twenties, she volunteered at a therapeutic horseback riding center.  Since that time, she has been convinced of the healing power of horses and Therapeutic Riding. Today, Angela is a volunteer at Hearts as well as a psychotherapist. In both settings, she uses holistic and natural ways to help people heal from trauma.

“Our family believes that if you do good things, good things will happen,” she said.

Kelly grew up with artistic parents and became an artist herself, believing that art can also help people heal. She has been producing art shows for over 25 years and is motivated by the conviction that art serves a purpose other than being a commodity. Art is a vehicle for self-expression, and healing, as well as a way to connect with others. “I use my art to advocate for a social issue or to bring attention to an important organization,” she explained. “My Art Shows create visibility for non-profits, and initiate new relationships and opportunities for them.”

In fact, Kelly first heard about Hearts when she and her son Max went to an art show, where she met a Hearts volunteer who told them about the organization. A love affair began after she attended the Pegasus Luncheon, where a rider spoke about therapeutic riding and how it helped him overcome PTSD.  She was so moved by his story that she knew she was going to stick around.

“Horses are the most natural cure for people who have survived unnatural situations,” Kelly said. “In my therapy practice, I see how horses can help kids with therapeutic backgrounds.”

This year, Kelly created “Horse Love in Santa Barbara,” an equine-themed art show, hosted by the Santa Barbara Frame Shop and Gallery ,to benefit Hearts. Featured artists included Katie Upton, Jeremy Harper, Brian Chessmar, Nick Van Hecke, David Schler, Jessica Rees, and Linda Collison. Funds raised by this event provide scholarships for riders who would not otherwise be able to benefit from therapeutic riding lessons.

Kelly said she will do whatever she can to help Hearts because of its mission to change lives and enhance people’s abilities. “Every week I take Max to Hearts to feed the horses, and sometimes we stay to watch the kids ride…It’s amazing to see what they can do!”