Mary-Lou Misrahy

Board of Trustees

Mary-Lou Misrahy was the former president and CEO of Physician’s Insurance and has had extensive experience working in a field that combines business and medicine.  

Mary-Lou grew up in Southern California, where she found her love of horses, and showing hunter/jumpers. Although Mary-Lou grew up in a family of physicians, she found and discovered her own path in business as she progressed through her educational journey.

In 2004, when Mary-Lou relocated to Washington for job opportunities, she knew that she wanted to volunteer in a program that combined her love of horses and its experiences, and knowledge of medicine and business. She had prior experience volunteering in a program like Little Bit’s in California and was eager to continue her involvement in a similar program in Washington. This would eventually lead her to Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.

At her first meeting with Kathy Alm (former executive director), Mary-Lou hoped to gain more insight into volunteering with Little Bit. But, after some encouragement, Mary-Lou came out of the meeting with a position on the Board. Her valuable experiences with healthcare and physician-centered insurance and business, combined with her deep love for horses, made Mary-Lou an important asset to the Little Bit Board. Mary-Lou agreed to this position and would then go on to serve on the Board from 2009-2014 and was elected to another term in 2024.  

In her time on the Board, Mary-Lou has played key roles in heading the Finance and Governance committees. In her first term on the Board, she provided valuable financial insight and helped ensure that the old Mink Road facilities were sold to a new trusted stable. Even after completing her first term in 2014, she continued to lend her expertise in various aspects of Little Bit. In 2024, she formally rejoined the Board, where she is heading the Governance Committee. She also serves weekly as an arena volunteer.

Mary-Lou has been an instrumental part of Little Bit’s story sharing her deep business acumen, and emotional investment in Little Bit. Her commitment to Little Bit, however, extends beyond mere involvement — it’s a reflection of her love for horses and the healing power they bring. 

Mary-Lou's time on the Little Bit Board has also played a significant role in her life. She says, “I think it has made me a better person”. Mary-Lou worked mostly in the for-profit sector for much of her career, but serving on a nonprofit board helped her recognize different things and made her a better leader in her career.

When asked why Mary-Lou continues to be part of the Little Bit Community, her response was “You just see the magic in action, and it just makes you want to become part of the community.” For her, the magic is in the little moments she sees on site at Little Bit. She remembers a time when a young boy had just finished up a riding lesson, and he said his first words to his mom, bringing her to tears. 

After 50 years, Mary-Lou said she is amazed at what Little Bit and its community has accomplished. She is proud of the half a century of valuable work led by an exceptional team of executives, board members, volunteers, and staff. She recognizes how difficult this business model may be to run, but also how prosperous it has been at providing such an essential service to so many. The work it does and the people it serves make Little Bit such an important asset to the community and one that spreads its unique “magic” to everyone it touches. 

For Mary-Lou, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is more than just a place — it’s a community that touches lives in ways that are impossible to fully describe. The “magic” she speaks of is the profound connection between horses, riders, and volunteers that transforms everyone involved. Mary-Lou has seen that magic up close, and it’s what keeps her coming back to this extraordinary place, time and time again. 

  Find more 50th anniversary stories HERE.