Lindsay Salas
Lindsay Salas
I’ve been part of the CASA family since 2013. During my tenure as CEO, I’m proud of our program’s achievement as the largest serving CASA Program in Colorado. The mission of CASA inspires me daily and moved me to volunteer on a case myself. This personal experience provided me with deeper insight into the CASA role and helped improve my overall leadership within the organization. I continue to further my professional development and business expertise by pursuing an Executive MBA with the University of Denver. In my free time, I enjoy cheering on my stepson, Remington, during wrestling season with my husband Justin. We also enjoy spending family time with our best dog Roly, fishing, cheering for the Cowboys and, as a native Nebraskan, the Huskers.
Vickie Ricord
Vickie Ricord
I have called Westminster home since moving from Louisiana in 2015. I attended Louisiana State University and earned a B.A. in History and General Studies. I began with CASA as a Volunteer in 2008 in Shreveport, advocating for 10 children over a span of two years. I believed so much in the program that in 2010 I joined the CASA staff. In 2015, I was fortunate to join our CASA family here. I am passionate about the work that CASA does to speak for children who have been abused and neglected and will share our mission with anyone! Outside of work, I enjoy live music and spending time outdoors with my husband, Chris, and our sons, Nate and PJ.
Mara Buchmann
Mara Buchmann
I have been a CASA Volunteer since 2012, and on the CASA staff since 2016. I have a B.S. in Psychology with an emphasis on statistics. In 2014, I obtained a J.D. and became a practicing attorney in family, juvenile, and criminal law. I have always had interest in advocating for children. I learned about CASA in law school and had an “AHA” moment. The CASA role is the perfect way to advocate for children and have the most impact. I have a deep passion for this work and love combining my interest in data and law to propel CASA’s mission forward. In my experience it is truly impactful and fulfilling work—both as a staff member and as an Advocate.
Abbie Gass
Abbie Gass
I grew up in New Jersey and followed in my parents’ footsteps by attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Big Red!). I graduated with a B.A. in Communication Studies, and moved to Colorado in 2017. Before I began my journey with CASA in 2019, I worked for Cherry Creek School District as a Kindergarten Enrichment Specialist. I reside in the heart of Denver with my husband, David, and sweet dog, Nana. I work for CASA because I believe one positive adult can make all the difference in the life of a child. CASA Volunteers are that one person who can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Paula Stack
Paula Stack
I first joined CASA in 2016 as a Volunteer where I served on two cases, then as a staff member in May 2018. I previously spent eight years working with child and adult survivors of family violence at The Crisis Center and Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley. I graduated from DePauw University with a B.A. in English Literature and Sociology. I live in Broomfield with my husband, two teenagers and two rescue dogs, Scout and Charlie. I love being in the mountains, reading, traveling, and relaxing with friends. I am inspired by our volunteers and feel optimistic for the future that they choose to work with our community’s most vulnerable children.
Matt Cale
Matt Cale
I have been with CASA since February 2014. Before that, I worked for a private school for 12 years. Born and raised in Colorado, I have lived in the Denver area since 1999. I attended college at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), where I earned both a B.A. and M.A. in Sociology. I work for CASA because I thoroughly enjoy working with passionate, selfless people. I need a mission to my work, and the CASA staff and volunteers are second to none in their dedication and community spirit.
Frankie Dubar-Nelson
Frankie Dubar-Nelson
I am originally from a very small town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. I moved to Colorado in the fall of 2004 and have never looked back. I became a CASA volunteer in the fall of 2021 and when I heard there was a staff position available, I jumped at the chance to come on board. I am the oldest of 6 children, and have three of my own, one with special needs. Working with and serving children, especially our society’s most vulnerable, has always been a passion. I am so thankful for the opportunity to make an impact in the job that I do. Outside of work and volunteering for CASA, I also volunteer at my church’s 12-step program where I help other women who struggle with chronic pain and mental health issues. I am told that I have always had a servant’s heart.
Luis Echeverria
Luis Echeverria
I am originally from Mexico City, having lived in Southern California and Washington State before relocating to Colorado. I worked in the cruise and expedition travel industry for nearly 17 years and traveled to more than 70 countries. I began my journey with CASA as a Volunteer. I am 100% mission and purpose driven and see tremendous value in watching over the well-being of children in our community. I have sincere love for CASA’s mission and am happy to have the opportunity to support CASA Volunteers in my staff role. When not working, I thoroughly enjoy cooking, snowboarding, fishing and relaxing with Dakota, my dog!
Lisa Gallegos
Lisa Gallegos
I was raised in Albuquerque. I earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from NMSU and spent 10 years in the corporate sector. I have over 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising to support homeless families, victims of domestic violence, and children with special needs. I have been working with CASA since 2018. I am most proud of my role as “Gigi” to my very special grandson, Jaxson. As his secondary caregiver and advocate, I am dedicated to exposing him to a range of activities like skiing and going to museums. I know how important it is for children to “have a voice”—a person to listen to them and look out for their best interests.
Georgia Kasow
Georgia Kasow
I am from Vermont and earned a B.S. in Health Science and Social Policy at Brandeis University. I moved to Denver in 2018. I am currently a graduate student at CU Denver in the Master of Criminal Justice program and joined CASA in May 2022 as an Advocate Supervisor. I am attracted to jobs that combine meaningful work with the constant opportunity to learn and use new skills. I also love being able to work with volunteers with such a wide variety of strengths and backgrounds and being able to see how each person brings their unique skillset to their roles as CASAs!
Molly Kerns
Molly Kerns
I joined CASA in 2023 as the Events Manager. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University. Creating safeguards and support for Colorado children to grow and learn to their fullest potential is my passion. I am so happy to work with the CASA community to do just that! In my downtime I love to explore rivers and woods with my three sons and dog named Joy.
Josie Martinez
Josie Martinez
I was born and raised in Brighton, Colorado and I am very passionate about staying connecting to my communities. Having gotten my degree in Nonprofit Administration and Community Leadership from MSU Denver, I knew I wanted to stay local and be a part of great organizations that make real differences in the lives of families and children. When I am not at work or in the community, I am at home in Denver reading, scrolling or watching a good movie! Along with spending time with those I love and cherish!
Elizabeth Norris
Elizabeth Norris
I am from Slabtown, South Carolina. I was the first in my family to go to college, earning a B.A. in History from the University of South Carolina-Upstate. Then I made the best decision of my life—I moved to Colorado! I earned my M.A. in Public History from CSU and worked at a private investigative company, but I knew I belonged in the nonprofit world. Then I discovered CASA! I never had an advocate growing up, and I could have used one. I want to help provide that opportunity to children in my community who need it most, to empower them to reach their fullest potential, so that one day they too can make a difference in their communities.
Catherine Parra
Catherine Parra
I was born in Illinois but have lived in Colorado since 2000. I received my B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from University of Northern Colorado. I first joined CASA as a volunteer back in 2019 and served on three cases. I am happy to be joining CASA as a staff member and have the opportunity to support other CASA volunteers.
Emily Patston
Emily Patston
I joined the CASA team in September of 2022. I am a Colorado native and received my B.S. in Human Development and Sociology from CSU in 2019. I have always been passionate about empowering children and families. After working and interning in the criminal justice field where I interacted with many families who had been impacted by abuse and neglect, I came to understand the power of advocacy to promote positive outcomes. CASA amplifies the voices of children and advocates for the wellbeing of families, and I am excited to be part of the CASA family! In my free time, I enjoy exploring Denver, cooking, and spending time with my dog, George.
Leslie Sanders
Leslie Sanders
I am a graduate of Colorado State University with a B.S. in Communications and a minor In Sociology. I have years of marketing experience, most recently at Golden Peak Media and iHeart Media. I am excited to bring my experience, passion, and creativity to the nonprofit world. I am an advocate to those who cannot advocate for themselves and am excited to be a part of such an impactful organization!
Natalie Sauter
Natalie Sauter
I am a Colorado native, and earned my B.S. from Colorado State. After many years leading in the retail and service industries, I followed my heart to CASA in 2024. After many years volunteering with organizations that serve children in need, I am proud to join CASA’s team in service of our incredible mission. I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver. In my free time you’ll find me cooking up a storm, enjoying a hockey game, or making the most of our beautiful state with my husband, Daniel, and children Calea, Rylie, and Austin.
Emily Tarr-Whelan
Emily Tarr-Whelan
I joined CASA in June 2022 as the Peer Coordinator Administrator. I discovered my passion working with children when I began my career working as a nanny and an assistant at a daycare center. I spent the last four years working in the nonprofit sector, most recently at Children’s Hospital Colorado as the Volunteer Coordinator, where I helped launch and run the volunteer program. I am not only part of the staff, but I am a CASA Volunteer too. I work and volunteer for CASA because I believe every child deserves a stable, loving home where they can grow up and be happy.
Becca Zeiler
Becca Zeiler
I moved from Durango to Loveland in 1998 to raise my family where I began working in ministry and volunteering as a victim’s advocate. In 2006, I became a foster parent, served as parent educator, facilitator, and parenting time supervisor. All roads led to CASA for me! I’ve known since I was a foster parent that I wanted to be involved in some way and I joined the staff in 2017. It’s a perfect blend of my understanding of the court system and experience as a facilitator. During the summer I split my free time between Loveland and Red Feather Lakes, where I have a small cabin.
Laura Afflerbaugh
Laura Afflerbaugh
I have been a CASA volunteer since 2019 and love the advocacy work that we do. Prior to discovering the CASA organization, I had been a research scientist for a large biopharmaceutical company for several years. Once I had a family of my own, I found myself prioritizing my family time over my career and decided to move away from pharmaceutical research. As my kids have grown, I’ve learned how important it is for children to have at least one adult advocate in their lives who provides a voice for them when they need it. I feel incredibly honored to be able to serve my community, and especially the children in my community, in this way.
Afsheen Ahmad
Afsheen Ahmad
My educational and professional background is a mix of art, architecture, and psychology. I own a small mobile art business called Chromatix and am involved with several nonprofit organizations at various levels. I really enjoy all that I do, but my favorite role is that of mother to my two boys. I have been part of the CASA family for 5 years. Children are amongst the most vulnerable population groups of a society, and as a CASA I feel privileged to be their voice when their circumstances dictate otherwise. CASA to me represents a platform that can have a lifelong impact on a child’s life, that can help build a better tomorrow for all of us.
Linda Bennett
Linda Bennett
I have been a CASA volunteer since 2017. Prior to this, I worked for the Federal Government where I retired after 31 years. I volunteered for the National Sports Center for the Disabled for 17 years as a ski instructor. After retirement, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity working with children. I did a short time volunteering for Save Our Youth. During one of my Church Services, there was a presentation for CASA. After looking into it, I felt this was my calling for volunteer work. I have a real heart for children and want them all to be safe and have happy productive lives. CASA has been a perfect fit for me.
Charlene Campbell
Charlene Campbell
I grew up in Colorado and retired after 30 years in the classroom as a Business, Technology, and Marketing teacher. I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. Volunteering as a CASA Volunteer keeps me involved with children and youth. If not me, then who will speak and advocate for those who, through no fault of their own, cannot?
Ashley Dunn
Ashley Dunn
I have been a CASA volunteer since February 2022 after looking for something that would help kids. I wanted to directly affect the lives of children but also continue to work full time and raise a family. CASA was a perfect fit. I did not have any prior experience with child development. However, being a CASA is not about your knowledge (although you pick some up along the way!), but about being there for the children and their families. This organization works as a team to support the volunteers and families we serve, I am continually learning and am never alone.
Morgan Ernzen
Morgan Ernzen
I joined CASA in August of 2021 and I have served on 2 cases. I graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Social Welfare and served as a Case Manager in the Kansas City area upon graduation for 2 years. I have been lucky enough to stay home and raise my three girls. Once they were all in full-time school, I knew I wanted to give back to our community through CASA. When I was a Case Manager, I relied heavily on their opinions and recommendations regarding my cases. I chose to become a CASA volunteer and Peer Coordinator because I do believe that in this chaotic world, one positive adult can change the trajectory of a child stuck in a vicious cycle. Being part of a child’s success is priceless and a truly wonderful feeling!
Estelle Fleckenstein
Estelle Fleckenstein
I am a Colorado Native – and I still LOVE living in Colorado. I am a wife; mother to three grown daughters; Nana to four wonderful humans; and mom to two very spoiled rescue fur-babies. I am a retired secondary school math teacher which is how I first learned about CASA. I knew that when I retired, I would look into the program. I was a CASA Volunteer for almost two years when I was approached to think about transitioning to the position of Peer Coordinator.
“It is rewarding to be a voice for children who need an adult to believe in them and their futures.”
Faye Gillis
Faye Gillis
I grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and graduated from nursing school in 1975. I worked in pediatrics and public health for 30 years. I have one daughter and son-in-law. I have had 3 Labrador retrievers and a cat. I love being outdoors, and I like music and singing. I have been a CASA Volunteer since 2012. In my work experience, I spent many years working with children in domestic violence and abuse situations. I believe that CASA has the ability to make a real impact on the life of a child. It is very rewarding to be a part of the CASA family.
Gerry Hernandez
Gerry Hernandez
I am a paralegal with over 20 years of experience specializing in family law. I own my own contract paralegal business. Volunteering is one of my passions outside of my work. As a CASA, I love to help a child and their family navigate through the court system. Besides my role as a CASA and Peer Coordinator, I also volunteer for the Metropolitan Volunteer Lawyers, Family Law Court Program, assisting indigent clients in completing their paperwork for dissolution of marriage or custody of their children. When I am not volunteering, I love music, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with my two pups, Lucy and Joey.
Jimmy McCulloch
Jimmy McCulloch
I’ve been with CASA since 2021. I was born and raised in Alaska until middle school when my father and I moved to Virginia. After playing a year of football in college, I enlisted and served for 5 years in the Marine Corps. I then attended CSU in Fort Collins, graduating with a BA in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. I am an avid outdoorsman, martial artist, and musician. I was drawn to CASA because of my time as a kid in the court system. Reflecting on the trajectories of my childhood, my peers made me realize how important role models and advocates are. I’ve been fortunate in my life, and I feel a responsibility to give back.
Tim McIntire
Tim McIntire
After spending 37 years in the pharmaceutical industry I decided to retire in 2022 and we relocated from the Boston area to Erie, Colorado. In retirement, I not only wanted to be able to fill up my time with activities, but I also felt that it would be equally important to find something that would allow me to give back and provide value to the community. Supporting faith, families and food insecurity have always been important causes for us and becoming a CASA volunteer seemed to fit with this very well. Supporting individuals who cannot necessarily take care of themselves, especially children, is particularly rewarding and important to me.
Kalen Nevarez
Kalen Nevarez
I have been volunteering with CASA since 2017 and a Peer Coordinator since 2021. I work as a part-time substitute teacher, and in my spare time enjoy traveling, taking long road trips, watching my kids play sports, and exercising. I volunteer for CASA as a way to give back to the community. I joined when I was a stay-at-home mom as a way “to get out of the house” but have continued volunteering because I have seen the impact CASAs can make on children and families. I value how being a CASA has helped me learn and grow. I value the commitment CASA has made to doing DEI work and the opportunities for training and ongoing professional growth.
Christine Polliard
Christine Polliard
I joined CASA in 2018. I am married and mom to 3 amazing humans. I am the president and CEO of a small local business in Brighton. I became acquainted with CASA through various business groups, which led me to become a Volunteer, and then moved into the position of Peer Coordinator. I volunteer because I see the need for the amazing support CASA provides to children and families that find themselves in the court system. I found the mission statement and the work CASA does daily to be inspiring and an organization I want to support. I enjoy volunteering and hope to help make a difference in the life of a child.
Zoe Reese
Zoe Reese
I am a retired Social Worker and spent most of my time in public middle and high schools. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I recently spent two months traveling in Australia with my husband and spent two weeks with our son and his wife who live in Tasmania. I am a member of the Adams Centennial Lions Club, a small but active group. I’ve been taking line dancing lessons through the Brighton Center, which is great fun. I have been with CASA since I retired. I love the organization. I love the children and families I have had a chance to work with. And I love the challenge of supporting other CASAs as a Peer Coordinator.
Lisa Romeo
Lisa Romeo
I grew up in New Jersey but moved to Colorado when I was 16. I graduated from Douglas County High School. I taught elementary school, grades 2 through 5, for 19 years in Douglas County and another 14 years in Westminster Public Schools. After retiring, I subbed for seven years. I have been married to my husband for 36 years. We have traveled to over 30 countries. We have one daughter who lives in Chicago and is a special needs teacher. As a retired teacher my passion has always been children and helping to make a difference in their lives. I felt CASA was the perfect fit for me to continue to impact children’s lives in a positive way.
Jan Ryan
Jan Ryan
I worked most of my life in accounting or bookkeeping then I returned to college in my fifties. I graduated in December of 2001 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught four years in Oklahoma at a low social economic neighborhood school in Tulsa. When my husband and I returned to Colorado in 2006, I taught one year in the Brighton 27J District. After leaving teaching, I returned to work in accounting. I have been retired since 2017. After retirement, I wanted to give back to society. There is no better way than to work with children who have been abused or neglected.
Candie Toller
Candie Toller
I have been married for 48 years and have 2 sons and 3 granddaughters who are the light of my life. We are so lucky that we live within walking distance of each other. When my kids were in school, I got a job in the schools to have the same time off as they did. Thirty years later I retired from the schools and now fill my time with my hobbies and interests. I became a CASA because I wanted to do something to help those children who have no control over what happens to them. It’s gut wrenching at times and extremely rewarding at other times. I feel strongly that they need a voice and someone they can count on in their lives.
Pam White
Pam White
I grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado in 1992 with my husband, who is a research meteorologist for NOAA in Boulder. We have three grown children and two granddaughters. I began my work life as a high school English teacher, but also worked for 15 years in public relations and proposal writing for a defense contractor and for 25 years as director of religious education for an Episcopal church. I’ve been retired since 2017. I volunteer with CASA because I believe every child should have adults who care about them and a safe, loving home. Being around my CASA kiddos keeps me young and being part of the CASA team makes me feel useful.
Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams
I co-founded the Butterfly Pavilion where I served as the first education director and volunteer coordinator. I have traveled to 23 countries, attending butterfly conferences and consulting on other butterfly projects. I have a criminal justice degree that enriches my CASA work and has helped in understanding the court system. Family time is so very important to me. I did not have a great childhood and had family members who advocated for me. I feel the skills I learned from them allows me to help children who may not have advocates within their own families.
Judy Witt
Judy Witt
I have a degree in Elementary Education and taught first grade in Oklahoma. When I moved to Colorado, I went into marketing where I met my husband. We have a daughter and a son. After children, I was primarily a stay-at-home mom and worked part-time as a corporate trainer. When my son entered middle school, I wanted to work with children again, so I started substitute teaching. After subbing for many years, I found CASA. Once I became a Volunteer, I knew CASA was where I was meant to be. Children deserve to know there is someone they can depend on who will stand up for them. There is nothing better than making a difference in a child’s life.
Barbara Zeidman
Barbara Zeidman
I have been a CASA for over 12 years. Prior to volunteering with CASA, I worked for the City of Los Angeles for 22 years, leaving as the Assistant General Manager of the Housing Department, responsible for rent control, financing new construction and renovation of thousands of housing units, developing new housing policies, and supervising over 400 staff. I subsequently worked for Fannie Mae and Wells Fargo, making equity investments in new housing developments and supporting homeownership programs. Becoming a CASA allowed me to develop new skills and interests, and is a richly rewarding opportunity to be an important part of a child’s life at a critical time.