Meet Our Board of Directors
(and their special companions). . .
Rhonda L. Minardi
(Founder/Chairwoman)
Living Grace Canine Ranch is a testament to the power of one individual's compassion and dedication to their community. In the Christmas week of ’19, Rhonda Minardi, a professional woman recently relocated to Central Texas, was struck by the lack of resources for the aging population and their pets, particularly senior dogs. She was moved by the sight of hundreds of these old dogs, abandoned and alone in shelters with little hope of adoption or survival. Unbeknownst to her at the time, Texas State Department/Public Health statistics revealed that 64% of dogs do not survive a shelter experience. This heartbreaking reality spurred her into action, leading her to purchase five acres of land in Bertram.
Determined to create a new outcome for adoption-disadvantaged Texas senior dogs and despite COVID-19 impacting nonprofit fundraising gatherings, Minardi’s vision resonated with Texas pet parents and attracted nationwide media attention.
Since its inception, Living Grace Canine Ranch (LGCR) has been a beacon of hope for senior dogs in Texas. In its first year, LGCR opened its sanctuary doors to twenty-five senior dogs, reaching its care giving capacity almost immediately. Today, the ‘Ranch’ is a thriving home to over one hundred old dogs, each with unique medical, physical, and age-related behavioral challenges.
The organization has also spearheaded the creation of a Central Texas pet resource coalition and a joint effort with Meals on Wheels to increase the quality of senior citizen life through canine companionship, furthering its positive impact on the community.
As founder, chairwoman, and executive director, Rhonda summarizes Living Grace Canine Ranch’s overwhelming success as “Love, compassion, and purpose. Only by God's grace has LGCR become possible. This is truly living grace.”
Bear
Blaze - Siberian Husky - 7 Years
Tigger
Ginger
Rescued at 6 Months
Bunny
Rescued at 1.5 Years
Melissa Miller
(Co-Chairwoman)
Melissa Miller is V.P. of Communications and Content at Alaffia. She previously led Sundial Brands/Unilever’s public relations for its portfolio of brands in the U.S. and international markets. Additionally, she has agency executive experience in CPG and corporate communications, as well as a film and television script development background. Melissa was an adjunct professor at Fordham University in the Communications Department and at School of Visual Arts in the Film & Television Department. Melissa and her husband, Ray, advocate for the welfare of animals and banning animal testing in the U.S. and abroad in countries still doing testing. Melissa has also led sponsorships and initiatives for animal shelters and organizations at posts she’s previously held.
Carlie Blakeman
Carlie has over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, excelling in sales, marketing, and market access at companies like Lilly, GSK, and Novartis. As the Associate Director of Market Access at Sun Pharma, she helps patients overcome insurance obstacles to access necessary treatments.
Her commitment extends to both human and animal patients. Carlie participates in medical missions and serves on the board of Cozy Crates, a non-profit that provides comfort items to children affected by disasters.
A senior dog enthusiast, she adopted her first hospice dog, Gabby, in 2014 after losing her beloved Brodie to cancer. Gabby's care allowed her to thrive for an additional 2.5 years, inspiring Carlie to adopt more dogs with medical challenges.
At home, Carlie is a proud pet parent to Remy, a 6-year-old chi-schnauzer mix, and five foster dogs: Whiskey, Lexie, Lola, Foxtrot, and Tango.
In her role at LGCR, Carlie aims to use her analytical skills to enhance healthcare outcomes for residents.
Remy 6 yrs
Foster Dogs
Whiskey - Lexie - Foxtrot - Tango
Michael Beecher
Treasurer
A retired CPA of thirty-four years in the Austin area, working primarily in federal taxation. Upon retirement, Mike moved to Georgetown with wife of 31 years (Lana). With the Beecher children now adults, Lana & Mike consider their family to include seniors Maggie & General.
“We believe that all dogs deserve a good home and unconditional love. Learning of LGCR, we felt called to serve as volunteers, affectionately known as Ranch Buddies.”
In addition to being a Board Member, Mike continues his volunteer work as the organization’s Treasurer.
Jennifer Shear
Jennifer Shear is a Partner Marketing professional at Dell Technologies with over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing. She started her career in sales at Dell, earning multiple awards over 12 years. For the last 8 years, she has contributed to various marketing roles at Dell, showcasing her strong organizational skills and effective communication.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys reading, fitness, and beekeeping. Since 2021, she has volunteered as a Ranch Pal with LGCR, helping transport residents to medical appointments and supporting those with senior foster parents. A passionate animal lover, she has rescued three dogs: Rose, a hoarding survivor; Ronnie, a deaf Heeler from Bastrop shelter; and Ranger, adopted from LGCR.
As a board member, Jennifer is committed to dedicating her time, talents, and skills to enhance the volunteering experience at LGCR.
Rose - Ronnie - Ranger
Yvette Plasencia
Yvette began her career as a Software Developer and certified Project Management Professional. Years of experience leading large projects developed invaluable critical thinking and leadership. Yvette’s professional career with Oracle focuses on customer satisfaction and success.
Yvette has a soft spot for all animals but considers herself a dog lover. She and her husband have rescued several dogs from shelters and bad situations. Despite thinking three was the family number, a little injured Heeler catapulted into their hearts.
Noticing a social media post that an injured dog was on the side of the road and not allowing people to help without biting, Yvette and her husband grabbed gloves and blankets and then rushed to the scene, intending to take the dog to an emergency vet. Within hours, Yvette set up a Go Fund Me page and raised money for veterinarian care. Today, Freya’s happy-ever-after story continues as a cherished Plasencia family member.
Yvette’s corporate leadership skills, combined with her passion and love for animals contribute to LGCR’s mission fulfillment of saving, serving, and valuing adoption-disadvantaged Texas senior dogs.
Freya Bulleit Diesel Ares
Operational Leadership
Sandra Paice, Secretary
The Girl's
Retiring after three decades as Administrative Assistant to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Director, Sandra pursues her life passions of health and canine welfare.
Sandra and Todd currently live in Killeen, where Sandra teaches Yoga, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and Meditation and fosters dogs whenever needed. Sandra had three boxer girls; Gidget, Gracie, and Zona (all rescues), but has lost all three in the past two years! However, as an 8-year member of Dogs on Deployment, the Paice house has been a revolving door of dogs since moving to Killeen!! Their corner lot house has become known as “Dog Central” in the neighborhood - if a dog is lost, check at the Paice’s!
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