What is CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate.
CASA volunteers are community members just like you, who are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA will be the one constant adult the child knows as they navigate through the court system, providing much needed stability.
Once appointed by the judge, CASAs research the case, review documents, interview people, and make a report to the court regarding what is in the “best interest” of abused and neglected children in terms of services, placement, visitation, reunification and permanency. CASA volunteers monitor the child’s situation to ensure safety and basic needs are being met.
How did the CASA movement begin?
In 1977, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, WA saw a recurring problem in his courtroom: “In criminal and civil cases, even though there were always many different points of view, you walked out of the courthouse at the end of the day and you said, ‘I’ve done my best; I can live with this decision,’ he explained.
“But when you’re involved with a child, and you’re trying to decide what to do to facilitate that child’s growth into a mature and happy adult, you don’t feel like you have the sufficient information to allow you to make the right decision. You can’t walk away and leave them at the courthouse at 4 o’clock. You wonder ‘Do I really know everything I should? Have I really been told all of the different things? Is this really right?”
Concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information, the Seattle judge conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom – an idea that would change America’s judicial procedure and the lives of over a million children.
Today, the CASA program has grown into a network of nearly 1,000 advocate and guardian ad litem programs that recruit, train and support volunteers across the country.
Meet the Staff
Jessica Foust
Executive Director
Jessica graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She was born and raised in Marshall County. Jessica began volunteering with CASA by the Lakes during her time at Murray State and continued to do so over the course of several years. She is so excited to be a full-time staff member and help support CASA’s mission! When she isn’t working, Jessica loves to spend time with her husband and little girl, travel and try new restaurants with friends.
Jessica can be reached at jlfoust.casa@gmail.com
Isaac Henson
Advocate Coordinator
Isaac studied Computer Science and Game Development at Murray State University. Born and raised here in Murray, KY, he has volunteered at numerous CASA events in the past. With a background in management, Isaac is excited to take that knowledge and apply those skills at CASA by the Lakes. In his spare time, Isaac enjoys longboarding, golf, playing video games and most importantly, spending quality time with people who make him happy!
Isaac can be reached at ihenson.casa@gmail.com
Julia Keleher
Advocate Coordinator
Julia graduated from Murray State with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on both Gender Neutral Studies and Cultural Studies. Born in New Orleans, Julia has also lived in Denver, CO and Buffalo, NY before landing in Murray. She was drawn to CASA because she saw that it’s more than just another case, it’s a child’s life! When she isn’t working, Julia loves to travel both locally and abroad. She also enjoys spending time outside and is currently learning to cook!
Julia can be reached at jkeleher.casa@gmail.com
Kelsie Watson
Program Assistant
Kelsie graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communication Media. She was born and raised in Pleasureville, KY. She was drawn to CASA due to the programs diligent efforts of helping abused and neglect children. When she isn’t working, Kelsie loves to spend time with friends and family, playing video games, and fishing.
Kelsie can be reached at kwatson.casa@gmail.com
Team CASA
Board of Directors
The CASA by the Lakes Board of Directors consists of various community members of both Calloway and Marshall Counties. These members are invaluable assets of the CASA team, who come from all walks of life and have expertise in a variety of fields, including: law enforcement, fundraising, non-profit governance, the court systems, and banking. Our board members assist in organizing fundraising events, creating policies and procedure, and helping spread the word about CASA by the Lakes in our area.
Executive Committee:
Dallas Young- Chair| Angela Mitchell- Co-Chair| Casey Lovett- Secretary | Samir Patel- Treasurer
Board Members:
Danita Smith, Jessica Doom, Dave Howe, Tiffany Carlson, Sarah Saylor, Ashley Heath, Erica Shepard, Danny Archer