Board of Directors:
MaryEllen Salamone, PT, JD is both the President of the Board of Spring Reins of Life and the Executive Director. She has an extensive history with non profit organizations and remains active with several that serve children who have been affected by trauma and loss. She is an outspoken advocate for mental health services on both a community and national level and continues to work to bridge the gap between stigma and access to help. As the owner of several horses and mom to a daughter who rides competitively, MaryEllen shares her love for horses and her passion for healing with Spring Reins of Life.
Christianna E. Capra is the President and Founder of Spring Reins of Hope-Growth, LLC. In an effort to serve a population of people who are least able to access equine assisted therapy, Christianna sought to re-organize her business and form a separate non-profit which could more easily partner with other non-profit organizations. She now brings to the board of Spring Reins of Life over 30 years experience handling, riding, competing, working and communing with horses. Combining a past career in publicity, marketing and broadcasting with EAGALA certification, Christianna is fulfilling a deep passion to work with horses and people in need and looks forward to serving this non-profit as a board member.
Francis X. Astorino, CFP is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Astorino Financial Group, Inc. In addition to his success as a certified financial planner and advisor, Frank has been actively involved in philanthropic organizations since 1983, and has been responsible for establishing and/or raising funds for multiple charities in excess of $10,000,000. In addition, he balances his responsibilities to the firm and to his family with a strong desire to give back to his community. Frank has held a variety of both volunteer and appointed positions in local government, including serving on the municipal planning board and as an elected councilman for the Borough of North Caldwell. Spring Reins of Life is his introduction to the horse world, but one he is looking forward to!
Terry Strada is a fund raising consultant with a long history of involvement with horses. Her father was Hall of Fame harness racer George Sholty and her mother continues to breed and raise horses on her farm in Kentucky. With three children and a daughter who rides competitively, Terry knows all too well the benefits horses bring to a family. She has been actively involved with non-profits who serve the 9/11 community as well as the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation. Joining Spring Reins of Life, Terry looks forward to sharing her expertise with horses and non-profits in a way that benefits those our organization will serve.
Artist Michael Colavito is a successful artist in both the large format film and cinematic arenas. For over three decades he has created a completely unique style of art called Colavito Modern Image Painting which is form of combining his art mediums with a base in large format 8×10 photography without using computer graphics or digital manipulations of any kind. His work is being tracked and recognized prominently in the art world today. For many years, Michael has made a point to donate a portion (sometimes 50% or more) of proceeds to charities, proving that art not only inspires and connects people but can also change lives for the better. He also has always had a love for animals and horses and is honored to serve on the Board for Spring Reins of Life.
