meet our staff
BECKY CARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Becky Carson has worked with children who have experienced abuse and neglect within the child welfare system for over 25 years. She served youth in a residential treatment program in various capacities for 18 years prior to joining CASA for Kids, Inc. Barry, Eaton & Ingham as the Executive Director in 2011. She has most recently expanded CASA’s service into Ingham County. Becky’s professional experience covers a range of areas related to child welfare and leadership. She is committed to quality and effective collaboration with individuals and agencies within the system and community to ensure the right things happen for children. Becky has permanent guardianship of three resilient children whose lives have been touched by the foster care system and adoption. She believes in the power of relationships to make a life changing difference.
AMANDA GERDING, PROGRAM LEADER
CATHY FRANKLIN, DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Cathy joined CASA as the Development Administrator 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 two amazing daughters and their golden retriever, Ivy. 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!
MICHALE VANN, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, BARRY COUNTY
Michale Vann received her Masters of Arts in Family systems from Western Michigan University (1998) and an advanced diploma in Community Management (2016) from Darwin University, Australia. She is currently completing her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy specializing in Trauma on line at North Central University. Michale has worked with children and families in the child welfare system for over 25 years. She has managed and led highly effective teams based in Australia and the European Union. She is passionate that a child's right to attain permanency is deemed paramount. Michale lives by the motto, “All families and individuals have the capacity to foster resiliency despite the barriers the have faced.” Michale enjoys working for CASA Barry County and capacity building in Hastings and the outlining communities!
RACHEL SWEDBURG, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY
Rachel Swedburg joined the CASA family in the Spring of 2020. She brings her unique expertise in sexual and domestic violence advocacy to our team. As well as a background working with multidisciplinary teams, program development/management and trauma competency. Currently Rachel is getting her Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Leadership and Management at Western Michigan University. Rachel has a passion for being a voice for those who need support in accessing, or do not have their own. She and her fiance, Devon, have worked to build a life that emulates these passions by taking in rescue animals (currently including Kale and Chewie, both dogs). Rachel is honored to walk alongside and mentor the CASA advocates as they raise their voices for the children we have the privilege of serving.
RAQUEL BRACE, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, EATON COUNTY
XAVIER HENDERSON, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, EATON COUNTY