Meet the Team
Melanie Romano
Co-Founder
Board President
Melanie lives her life for Jesus, and everything she does flows from that foundation. Her mornings begin with quiet time and breath & movement practices that center her heart. Time on the ocean, horseback riding, wandering nature trails, and hiking in the mountains all refresh her soul. Daily moments with her horses and donkeys are among her greatest joys. Whether she’s watching the full moon rise over the water, soaking in a stunning sunset, or stargazing from her backyard, Melanie is always in awe of God’s creation. Her love for her family is fervent. She is wife to Jimmy, mom to Emilee and Madeline, step-mom to Landon, mom-in-law to Pitt, and “Gah” to her cherished grandson, Henry. She treasures her friendships and finds great joy in hosting loved ones at Peaceful Pastures. Melanie has always had a heart for people. Her own journey through trauma has shaped her compassion and her desire to walk alongside the hurting. Over the years, she has partnered with several local nonprofits that bring hope and healing to those in need. She didn’t know exactly what God was doing when He began bringing together the pieces that would become Peaceful Pastures, but looking back, the path is clear. Melanie became a Christ-centered yoga instructor in 2018, completed a Christian Life Coaching certification in 2020, and became certified in Biblically-based equine-assisted programming in 2023. Each step prepared her for the ministry she now leads. Melanie is humbled and grateful for the life God has entrusted to her. She sees it as a gift to spend her days doing what she loves, caring for others, partnering with her beloved herd, and helping people slow down, breathe deeply, and connect more fully with Christ.
Michael Constantino
Board VP
Michael has a career in healthcare that spans over 50 years. Areas of Expertise: Project Management, Strategic Cost Management, Pharmacy Procurement, Group Purchasing Operations & Contracting, Long-Term Care Operations. He is the Principal and founder of Synergy Consulting Associates, formerly a Team Leader for Strategic Cost Management with BD Healthcare Consulting Services, the President and CEO of the consulting firm Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., a Senior Manager with Ryerson Management Associates and Vice President of Sales and Services at United Shared Services. He has managed projects ranging from small community-based healthcare facilities to large academic medical centers. When he isn’t managing healthcare you can find him playing golf, propagating hydrangeas, crepe myrtles & lemon trees, as well as working on outdoor projects at Peaceful Pastures. He loves Jesus and is very active with his church, he leads a small group bible study and he volunteers regularly with local charities. He has been married for 55 years, together with his wife Judy, they have five daughters, 15 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Jimmy Romano
Co-Founder
Board Member
Jimmy spends his days as the Service Manager at Jeff Gordon Chevrolet. He has worked in the service industry for 27 years. Helping people is something he really enjoys doing although it can be somewhat stressful. This is why he loves a good stress outlet, whether it be working out at the gym, fixing anything mechanical, building something with his own hands, or just working outdoors at Peaceful Pastures. Jimmy has a hard time being still. If he isn't doing some kind of physical labor, you will find him boating or watching anything that has to do with Alabama football. Jimmy does love a vacation, especially if it includes hiking. A dream of his is to one day hike the entire Appalachian Trail. He is in awe of how God brought Peaceful Pastures into being and is grateful that He has chosen him to be a part of it. Jimmy very much enjoys caring for the animals and the property of Peaceful Pastures.
Shannon Whitaker
Board Treasurer
Shannon was born in Michigan but has called Wilmington NC home for the last 30 years. She and her husband Josh have 2 amazing children, Gracelynn currently studying at Chapel Hill, and Geoffrey who attends Hoggard High School. Although they are dreading becoming empty nesters soon, they look forward to the next phase of life, especially if it involves travel! Shannon is on staff at Saltbox Church and leads their outreach initiative the Yellow Truck Coffee Company. She has always had a heart for ministries, has been involved in the start-up of several 501-C's, and is honored to be a member of the Peaceful Pastures board. By being a part of some of the first Christ-centered yoga classes Melanie led she has had a first-row seat watching her and Jimmy grow closer to God and His desires for them over the past 7 years. The way God has orchestrated every detail of this journey, and their obedience to His calling is truly remarkable and inspiring.
Michelle MacKay
Equine OT
In 2018, Michelle asked the Lord for direction and what He wanted her to do as a career. She learned about Occupational Therapy and began the process to receive her master’s degree. Michelle met Melanie and Jimmy through church community groups in May 2023. After spending time at Peaceful Pastures and hearing their vision, Michelle began to pray about possibilities of using her skills to provide services at Peaceful Pastures. Michelle has enjoyed spending time and getting to know Sammy, Piper, Pedro, Mary Jane, and Florence. She loves serving people and working with children. Michelle is a proud aunt to two little girls, whom she spends all her free time with. In addition to being with family, Michelle loves being around animals and spending time at the beach. She has an Australian Shepherd, Saylor.
Kendall Newton
board member
Kendall has called Wilmington home since moving here to attend UNCW in 1996. After completing a BA in Education and a M.Ed in Curriculum Instruction she jumped into teaching until she and her husband began a family in 2007. Being a stay at home mother to two active boys is a blessing beyond comparison. She and her husband own Cape Fear Games board game store and Kendall is active in church as a Bible study leader and her sons school as leader of the Parents in Prayer weekly group. In 2019-2021 she helped in development and planning of the Timothy Program, implemented in Myrtle Grove Christian School, to serve children with learning difficulties as well as exceptional learning. Experiencing the joy and peace of the outdoors is a daily priority for her so being a part of the Peaceful Pastures community has been a beautiful fit. It’s inspiring to see firsthand how the Lord uses His creation to express his love and care for us.
Brittney Maslach
Board Member
Brittney has been passionate about animals for as long as she can remember, with a lifelong love for horses and equine care. She has dedicated herself to learning about animal care, earning formal education in the field to better serve the creatures she holds dear. As a member of the board for Peaceful Pastures, Brittney is thrilled to combine her lifelong love of riding and her deep commitment to animal welfare by contributing to the equine program. She is excited to be part of an organization that brings healing, comfort, and joy to both animals and people alike, and looks forward to helping Peaceful Pastures continue its important mission.