Christine Thomas

President

Christine has been a physical therapist for 40 years and has worked with hippotherapy programs for 30 years working with other programs prior to Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center.  Her specialty has been in pediatric Physical Therapy.  Christine has been involved with Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center since 2008 as the physical therapist practicing Hippotherapy.  Christine did her PATH training for hippotherapy in 2008. Christine has a passion for helping others and making sure that everyone receives the best care possible in order to achieve their goals.

Melisa Stivaletti

Vice President

Melisa Stivaletti is a Lead Associate with Booz Allen Hamiliton and currently serves as an advisor and deputy program manager at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Prior to work at ODNI, Melisa worked as a task lead for multiple projects at the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. She has twice deployed as a Department of Army Civilian (DAC) to Afghanistan. Melisa also served at the Department of Commerce and in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

Melisa is a certified Project Management Professional, holds a B.A. in International Relations from Liberty University, and an M.S. in Public Policy from George Mason University, and is ABD in a Ph.D. in Public Policy at the University of North Carolina. 

Melisa grew up surrounded by pediatric therapy patients and has witnessed first hand the power and potential of equestrian intervention. As Vice President, Melisa will bring her knowledge and skills as program manager and government contractor to ensure successful planning behind the scenes.

Melisa and her husband, Matheus live in Alexandria, VA. They have a six-year-old son, Luca and enjoy spending time with their dog, Luna and cat, Golfinho. Melisa is a certified yoga instructor and is passionate about travelling and exploring the world. 

Melissa Dalton

Treasurer and Barn Manager

Melissa has been involved with horses for over 30 years.  She has been a professional trainer since 2011.  While in school to get her psychology degree Melissa did her internship with Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center.  She has volunteered on and off with them before becoming part of the board.  Melissa has a passion for helping others and has worked in Mental Health for over 10 years.  Melissa has a special needs son and has worked closely with all the services that will be offered at this facility. Melissa currently owns and trains for Catawba Valley Equestrian.

Melissa will graduate with her Master's Degree from Liberty University for Nonprofit Financial Management in May 2026.

Adrienne Goodfred

Secretary and Lead Physical Therapist

Adrienne has been a physical therapist for 15 years. She started out in adult physical therapy before moving to pediatrics.  This gives her the ability to understand and help a wide range of others.  Adrienne completed her PATH Certification test in October of 2022 for the practice of Hippotherapy. She has been helping as a PT at Magical Moments for four years. Adrienne has been spending time with Melissa Dalton around the horses outside of the therapy to further her knowledge base of horses for a better understanding of how the horse benefits the rider.

Danielle Knowles

Danielle is a NC native and graduate of UNCW Cameron School of Business. Danielle has been in Human Resources and Business Operations for more than 20 years. After leaving the "Corporate World" 3.5 years ago, Danielle started her own consulting business providing HR and Operations support to clients and organizations. While new to the equestrian community, Danielle has always had a passion for volunteering, using her skills and knowledge to give back through service. It has been her goal since childhood to learn how to ride and be more familiar with horses. Danielle started her own personal horseback riding journey with Melissa Dalton a year ago and since has become involved with the Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center. After volunteering with Magical Moments for two rounds of therapy sessions, she knew she had found her new mission, dedication to get involved in support of the growth and success of Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center expansion.

Tamora Clontz

Tamora graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a degree in Business Administration. She worked in the finance side of several businesses, but became unemployed in the early 1990’s. While looking for full-time work, Tamora was a substitute teacher from McDowell County Schools. She spent many days in the class rooms for Exceptional Children. It was here that she discovered her love for working with individuals with special needs. Based on this love and a need to do more for this population, Tamora returned to school and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. This led to a case management position with Foothills Area Program. Tamora worked for both Foothills Area Program and Smoky Mountain LME as a case manager, case management supervisor and Provider Relations Specialist. During this time, she obtained her Master’s Degree in Health Science Management. Then, out of the blue, there came the opportunity to work for a private provider. A couple years later and again out of the blue, Tamora had the opportunity to buy her own company and so Community Companion Home Care was born. Tamora is the mother of two children and the grandmother of 6 wonderful kids. She hopes that more grandchildren are in her future. She has a love for horses which she shares with others through Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center. Tamora has retired and enjoys her family and farm everyday.

Stephenie Swanger

Stephenie is a former public school teacher who taught Life Skills to middle schoolers for six years. After starting a family she stayed at home with her three daughters.  As the kids reached school, Stephenie transitioned into a homeschooling mom. In May 2024 she and her husband, Mark graduated the last of their three children from their homeschool. She has also acted as secretary for her husband’s business for the last twenty-three years. Stephenie was introduced to the Magical Moments program about ten years ago when her two older children volunteered with the program. She was excited to be reconnected when her youngest began physical therapy with Christine Thomas. Now Stephenie and her youngest volunteer with the equine therapy program and love it. She feels it’s a great way to give back while getting to enjoy working with horses and the children.

Aimee Merrill

Aimee spent a lot of time with individuals with special needs as a young girl. She often helped her mom, Tamora, with the Special Angels class at First Baptist Church. Aimee has worked in direct care in the community. She also worked in the Emergency Department in Burlington, NC and her medical knowledge is an asset to CCHC. Aimee graduated from McDowell High School where she was a Lady Titan basketball and Volleyball player. She attended UNC-Greensboro and Alamance Community College. When she is not working, she loves spending time with Daniel, Brody, Charlee, and Dakota.