meet our staff
Rachel Swedburg, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rachel Swedburg joined the CASA team in the March of 2020 as the Ingham County Advocate Supervisor. Prior to her work with CASA, Rachel worked with survivors of sexual and domestic violence for five years. She has a background working in multidisciplinary teams, program development, and trauma informed care. Rachel was instrumental in CASA’s expansion in Ingham county from one judge to three, and has been honored to work with our remarkable volunteers who continued to serve children in our community - amidst a global pandemic. She will be graduating in the spring with her Master’s in Public Administration, emphasis in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, from Western Michigan University. Rachel lives in the community with her partner, Devon, and their two dogs Kale and Cashew. CASA’s mission resonates strongly with Rachel’s personal values of transparency, advocacy, inspiring growth, and always prioritizing equity.
AMANDA GERDING, PROGRAM LEADER
Amanda began her journey in child welfare as a volunteer with CASA in 2012. She has since completed her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work, with an emphasis on children and families and children's mental health, and joined as staff in 2018. Amanda has experience working in child inpatient psychiatric facilities, home-based therapeutic services, foster care, and parent education. She is passionate about bringing her experience from those multiple roles to this organization and leveraging her knowledge for volunteers and staff across all three of the program's counties. Amanda has found CASA to be the best place to make the most impactful difference for children. Amanda is raising her daughter and puppies and loves to travel the world! In her spare time, she serves children and individuals who have experienced trauma through private practice.
CATHY FRANKLIN, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Cathy joined CASA as the Development Coordinator in November 2017. She brings a unique skill set and perspective to the organization with her marketing and fundraising background. Cathy lives in Grand Ledge with her family golden retriever, Ivy. She has two amazing daughters - her eldest, a recent computer science graduate from Grove City College and new bride, now lives in Phoenix, Arizona and her youngest, is a social work major at Calvin University. In her free time, Cathy enjoys kayaking, camping, road trips, attending music festivals, but most of all, spending time with her daughters & family! Cathy is absolutely thrilled to be part of CASA’s amazing team of incredible staff and volunteers! She finds joy every day in knowing the work she does for CASA helps enable our team of advocates to make a huge difference in the lives of so many abused and neglected children!
SHELLEY DOEZEMA, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, BARRY COUNTY
Shelley Doezema joined our team in Barry in May 2021 with experience in domestic violence, at risk teens, CPS, foster care and sex trafficking. Her passion is supporting people of diverse crises towards healing, stability, and becoming all they are created to be. She and her husband enjoy farming with their boxer, Diesel, as empty nesters. Their first grandson stole the show this summer! Shelley's favorite past times are family, adventure, and women's and children's ministry programs! Anything to solidify safety, health, and well-being for families.
Keeley Robison, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY: Serving Judge McCormick
Keeley joined the CASA team in October of 2021. Before coming to CASA Keeley worked as a Family Case Manager for the Indiana Department of Child Services for four years. During her tenure with the Department of Child Services, she investigated allegations of child abuse and neglect. She also worked with a variety of multidisciplinary teams, Child Advocacy Centers, other agencies, as well as the families and children involved in the CPS system. Keeley moved to a specialized unit, the Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Unit, during that time she investigated specific allegations involving Indiana's children. Keeley is from Michigan originally and graduated from Michigan State University in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and has always been passionate about helping and advocating for children in her community. Keeley lives in Lansing with her husband, Jonah, and their two animals Franklin and Lulu. Keeley is very excited and honored to be working on behalf of children in the community!
RAQUEL BRACE, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, EATON COUNTY
Raquel Brace joined the CASA for Kids team in September 2020 after relocating back to Michigan from Hawaii. Raquel worked for non-profit organizations in Hawaii, travelling around Southeast Asia doing Humanitarian work and more recently working on the island of Kauai as an advocate for victims of domestic violence as well as at-risk youth involved with family court or truancy. In addition to her work, as a licensed foster parent Raquel cared for several children in her home. When she is not working Raquel loves reading, travelling, and spending time with her family. She is excited to be a part of the CASA team and work alongside the passionate advocates who are giving up their time and energy to advocate for children.
Lauren Vitek, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY: Serving Judge Koenig
Lauren Vitek joined the CASA for Kids team in September 2021with experience in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, CPS, and Foster Care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Services with a Specialization in Family Systems from Siena Heights University. Her passion is advocating for at risk youth and has spent many hours working with teens within her community. Lauren has four children at home and two mischievous fluffy cats, Iris and Baloo. When she is not working Lauren loves reading, gaming, and writing. She is very passionate about her work with CASA and is very excited to have become part of such an amazing team while continuing to support and advocate for the youth within the child welfare system.
Lauren Vitek joined the CASA for Kids team in September 2021with experience in Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, CPS, and Foster Care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Services with a Specialization in Family Systems from Siena Heights University. Her passion is advocating for at risk youth and has spent many hours working with teens within her community. Lauren has four children at home and two mischievous fluffy cats, Iris and Baloo. When she is not working Lauren loves reading, gaming, and writing. She is very passionate about her work with CASA and is very excited to have become part of such an amazing team while continuing to support and advocate for the youth within the child welfare system.