Board Members

“Restorative Justice is a path to healing and reconciliation. It is built on the understanding that punishment can be a part of Justice, but it is not Justice in itself.”

Tristan joined the board of Vantage Pointe in November 2020. Restorative justice organizations are the main focus of his philanthropy, having seen their ability to transform lives and communities while growing up in eastern Massachusetts through the interventions of Communities for Restorative Justice (CR4J).

After struggling with the education and justice system as a teen, he found the engagement he was looking for in the self-directed programming of Marlboro College, where he earned his BA in Photography and Art History, with additional work in sustainable architecture and community design at Marlboro and Yestermorrow Design/Build school. He continued his studies in Computer Science, online and eventually in UNC Wilmington’s MSCSIS.

He is currently a Software Engineer at nCino, and enjoys volunteering with WARM and the NC Coastal Federation.

Kelsey joined the Vantage Pointe board in October 2020. She is a UNC-Wilmington graduate and works at nCino as a Product Manager with a passion for human-centered software development and innovative technology. Her experience includes global product development, digital marketing and user experience optimization. In addition to serving the Wilmington community, Kelsey enjoys spending time outside on her stand-up paddle board and out on the disc golf course.

“I was introduced to Vantage Pointe through a friend.  Once I learned of the fantastic services that Vantage Pointe offers, I knew I had to get involved with this organization.”

Elisa joined the Vantage Pointe board in November 2019.  She is a Software Quality Control Analyst at Castlebranch. She has previously volunteered for 10 years with New Hanover County Council of PTA’s as well as on the boards of both Ogden Elementary School and E.A. Laney High School PTA’s.  Prior to moving to Wilmington she lived in Massachusetts and worked at Staples Corporate offices for over 10 years as both a Programmer and a Business Analyst.

Elisa is a resident of Wilmington and greatly enjoys being involved within her community.  She looks forward to combining her passion for the welfare of children within our community with the many opportunities that Vantage Pointe offers.

Diane joined the board of Vantage Pointe in November 2019 after hearing about the services Vantage Pointe offers to schools, community leaders, and other community groups. She is looking forward to bringing her passion for education to serve the youth and families in the greater Wilmington community.  A native of Chicago, Diane has lived in Wilmington for over 20 years. She earned her BA from Western Illinois University, and her MS in Counseling and College Student Personnel from Minnesota State University Mankato. She is currently a First Year Seminar instructor at University of North Carolina Wilmington, and a former career counselor of 25 years. She has served as “band mom” at John T. Hoggard High School, coordinating fundraisers and events to support all the students in the program and loves spending time with all the band students. 

“I learned of Vantage Pointe through another attorney in the community who volunteered with the organization. After looking at the programs that Vantage Pointe offers, and the vital services that it brings to the community, I knew that I had to get involved. I saw the mediation and facilitation aspect as particularly valuable due to my experience as an attorney, but since becoming a member of the Board, I have learned that Vantage Pointe offers so much more than that.”

Michael joined the Board of Vantage Pointe in November of 2017. He is Contracts Counsel at Castle Branch, Inc. He previously worked in private practice in Wilmington where he focused his practice on Business and Corporate Law, Estate and Trust Planning, and Real Estate Law. He holds an AB in Psychology and Philosophy from Elon University and a Juris Doctor from Campbell University. A resident of Wilmington, Michael is excited to serve his community through his involvement with Vantage Pointe.

“I initially joined the board of Vantage Pointe because of my prior involvement in the Junior League of Sarasota, which started Teen Court in Sarasota County. I knew how important Teen Court was to any community. Since then, I doubled down my commitment to the organization because I learned how important a third party mediator can be to any tough conversation. Vantage Pointe is an unsung hero in this community.”

Melissa joined the board of Vantage Pointe in April 2017. She is a Vice President of Risk at Live Oak Bank. Melissa joined Live Oak in 2013 as a Special Assets Officer after 15 years of varied commercial credit positions with community and regional banks in North Carolina and Florida. Her experience includes commercial lending, portfolio management, underwriting, special assets, and training and loan Documentation. Melissa has volunteered with a number of organizations over the last twenty years, serving on the boards of The Junior League of Sarasota and The Junior League of Winston-Salem. Locally, she volunteers with Junior Achievement, Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, Junior League of Wilmington, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA of Southeastern NC, and Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington. Melissa has a B.S. in Business Administration from UNC at Chapel Hill.

Leslie joined the board of Vantage Pointe in January 2019.  She is a Liberty University graduate with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling.  Leslie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS). Currently she is a practicing Licensed Clinical Therapist with New Hanover County Public Health, School Mental Health.  During her career, Leslie has worked as an advocate for abused and neglected children, as a practitioner helping women find recovery from addiction, and assisting adolescents with mental health.  Her passion for helping others achieve their desired change is the driving force behind her joining the Vantage Pointe board.