Ironstone Farm New Executive Director
Kerri Whalen is the new Executive Director of Challenge Unlimited/Ironstone Farm; an Andover equine therapy farm that provides therapeutic, educational, and recreational opportunities using the resources of the farm and its environment to help all involved experience joy and enhanced quality of life. Ironstone farm serves over 500 individuals and families each month and provides services for people with disabilities and their families, Veterans, individuals suffering from mental health and PTSD, cancer patients and survivors and trauma victims. Kerri is excited to be reaching out to key stakeholders and the Andover Rotary Club to share the amazing stories of the people and families whose lives have been changed through the love and connection they have received at the farm. Ironstone Farm is launching new programs and initiatives to increase the numbers of individuals we can support and serve, and our Vet Retreat house is almost complete. It is an exciting time for Ironstone Farm!
Kerri credits her love for the non-profit sector from her years as an Americorps Volunteer working with low-income families. This experience gave Kerri a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life for the people and communities they serve; one program at a time. Kerri’s experience encompasses work as a clinician, Program Director and later Development Director with more than fifteen years of experience in grant development, corporate giving, individual fundraising, and project management. Kerri later served as Deputy Executive Director where she led teams to deliver outstanding client and stakeholder experiences and identified best practices on internal systems with an eye on the long-term vision of the organization. Kerri says “I am thrilled and honored to join the team at Ironstone; it is truly a special place. The horses and the environment at the farm are giving individuals and families hope, happiness and connection and it is life changing to witness and be a part of.”
Kerri is thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with the community of Andover to build strong partnerships that create lasting community change.
On the weekends you will find Kerri spending time with her husband and two teenaged children outdoors on the hiking and cross-country ski trails or building Legos with her nephews.