Resumen del año con el personal de CASA en Texas

We asked our extraordinary staff: What are you most proud of accomplishing with Texas CASA in 2025?

Deedra Baker, Chief Network Operations Officer

I’m most proud of working alongside network programs and the Communications team to help shape the CASA Story as we worked on creating concrete ways to describe CASA’s role in a changing child welfare system. Many thanks to all those who committed this additional time and joined the workgroup: Mandy Wright, Jarah Mendoza, Mary Jo Burgess, Natalie Thornton, Ann Marie Ronsman, Lauren Rowe, Leann Johnson, Jennifer Rodriguez, Patty Pisklak, Kevin Kyle, Malenda Cree, James Hamilton, and Johana Belford.

Lisa Briggs, Advocacy Development Manager & Leslie Cocke, Advocacy Development Specialist

This year the STAR team is extremely proud of the volunteer supervisors who came from all over Texas to participate in Strengths-Based Supervision Training for Volunteer Retention. These dedicated CASA supervisors are boots on the ground, proactive leaders who prioritize being the best support system they can be for their CASA volunteers who advocate for children in foster care. Each and every volunteer supervisor and coordinator is committed to investing time and energy into their volunteers and ensuring quality best-interest advocacy for every child served. Well done, volunteer supervisors!! 

Kelly Clarke, Internal Communications Manager
I’m incredibly proud of the launch of the new Learning Center on the Texas CASA website because it represents more than just the final result — it’s the outcome of persistence, learning, teamwork and stepping outside my comfort zone. What began as a challenging goal slowly transformed into an opportunity for growth, and seeing it through has made me so excited for what’s next. This new learning platform will hopefully be a huge asset to CASA volunteers and staff statewide.

Catherine Herlich, Collaborative Family Engagement Director

I’m most proud of reaching a major milestone: 10 years of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) in Texas. This anniversary has been a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the growth and evolution of CFE, recognize the dedication of our CASA network, and reflect on the lasting impact of this work for children and families across the state. I’m deeply thankful to be part of a team that continues to innovate, collaborate and keep relationships at the heart of everything we do.

Dennise Jackson, Strategic Network Support Director

I’m proud that we’ve shifted the perception of ‘support’ from being reactive help to being a strategic partnership with local programs. Our role is now more collaborative, future-focused and built around shared accountability and shared wins — not just troubleshooting.

Chris Kelly, Executive Assistant & Property Manager

I am most proud of completing Phase I of replacing our over 15-year-old rooftop HVAC units. The project started about 10 months ago and consisted of replacing three of the six units. I learned so much through the bidding stage, contractor selection, working with the mechanical and structural engineers all the way through the installation. I am excited to see the reduced energy bills that the efficient new units will bring as well as starting Phase II for the remaining three units next year.

Amanda Melancon, Especialista en Aprendizaje y Educación

I am incredibly proud of the hundreds of advocates across Texas who have continued their education through my quarterly Sharpening Skills Webinars. In 2025, we saw a remarkable number of attendees, and it has been tremendously gratifying to provide meaningful opportunities for advocates and staff from local programs.

Taylor Merrill, Collaborative Family Engagement Coach

This year, I’m excited to have joined the team at Texas CASA and our fantastic CFE team! I am most proud of stepping into the CFE coach role and assisting with multiple statewide events including our Family Meeting Workday, Forum and the CFE Embedding Webinar. It has been such a joy to work with such a great team and truly an honor to be making an impact supporting programs as well as CPS and SSCC’s in their CFE work. 

Celeste Prather, Program Operations Director

I am most proud of my Program Operations team at Texas CASA. The Program Specialist Team, Linda, Liz, and Michelle, work hard to ensure compliance with the Texas CASA Standards all while providing support and resources to the network. Our Legal Resource Specialist, Andrea March, always stands ready to meet with the network to provide the support and resources needed. I am excited to work with our newest team member, Danielle Elliott, in her new role. This team has the passion for the mission and a heart to support the network. 

Thalia Wilson, Website Development & Communications Specialist

I’m most proud of completing my first year at Texas CASA and working with the amazing Communications team! I’ve also enjoyed getting to know each local program better and helping with website needs.