Meet Chelsey Truesdell:
Leading with Heart at Central Maryland

 

At the heart of the Second Chances Program at Central Maryland Correctional Facility is a woman who blends compassion, leadership, and lived experience—Chelsey Truesdell, Farm Manager and Groom Elite instructor. Her path to The TRF is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring.

A Journey from Classroom to Barn

Before joining the TRF, Chelsey spent 12 years as a dual-certified special educator and fifth-grade teacher in Baltimore. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shifted classrooms to screens, Chelsey found herself longing for something more hands-on—and more deeply aligned with who she truly was.

“I didn’t have my heart in virtual teaching,” she says. “I started looking for something where I could still use my degree but reconnect with my passion for horses.”

That search led her to the open role at Central Maryland’s Second Chances Farm. It was the perfect fit: a place where her background in education and lifelong love of horses could finally come together.

Melding Two Worlds

Chelsey grew up riding at Brave Venture Farm, spending every spare moment in the barn from ages seven to eighteen. Now, as the manager of the TRF’s Second Chances Farm at Central Maryland, she brings that same dedication to a new generation—men working toward their own second chance.

“I love seeing the emotional growth and confidence that builds through the Groom Elite Program,” she says. “There’s a true symbiosis between horse and man that deepens as the program unfolds.”

One of her most meaningful moments didn’t even happen while she was on-site. While on vacation, she received a call from the farm—one of the horses was showing signs of colic. A soon-to-be graduate of the program had already stepped up, calmly walking through every step of the emergency protocol with confidence.

“He had never touched a horse before coming here,” Chelsey recalls. “But he took the work seriously. That moment told me everything I needed to know.”

Teaching Through Trust

Chelsey doesn’t just oversee the day-to-day care of the herd—she nurtures trust, resilience, and self-worth in her students. Her presence is steady. Her expectations are high. And her belief in the men she mentors is unwavering.

“To me, the mission of The TRF is simple,” she says. “Make space for second chances, and so many will benefit—both animals and humans.”

Why It Matters

Every day, Chelsey shows up for the horses and the people who care for them. She advocates for those whose voices aren’t always heard, both four-legged and two. And in doing so, she brings The TRF’s mission of dignified lifetime care to life—not just in words, but in action.

“The horses need us, yes—but I’m equally inspired by the men who come here ready to learn, ready to grow, and willing to leave their egos at the door. That motivates me to give it everything I’ve got.”

How Can You Help?

• Support Our Staff & Students – Chelsey’s work is made possible by generous donors who support the TRF programs across the country.

• Sponsor a Horse – Provide lifetime care for one of the horses in Chelsey’s herd with a monthly or one-time gift.

• Visit the Farm – Our Central Maryland farm is not open to the public daily, but we host special Open Barn events throughout the year. Contact us to learn more about the next opportunity to visit.

Chelsey Truesdell’s journey reminds us that second chances aren’t just for horses—or even just for humans. They’re for anyone brave enough to follow a calling, open a door, and start again.

Thanks to supporters like you, Chelsey is right where she’s meant to be—and making a difference every single day.