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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. Becky’s professional experience covers a range of areas related to child welfare and leadership. She has led quality improvement efforts over the years, and expanded CASA's service to Ingham County in 2018. Becky most recently has become the permanent guardian for three beautiful children whose adoptive mother graduated to her heavenly home. Becky possesses an unwavering desire to make sure that the right things happen for children, and connect child welfare expertise to better support the needs of children whose lives have been affected by abuse and neglect. She believes in the power of relationships to make a life changing difference.
CATHY FRANKLIN, DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR
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 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!
AMANDA GERDING, PROGRAM LEADER
Eric Sweeney, Advocate SupervISOR, EATON COUNTY
Eric Sweeney joined CASA as an Advocate Supervisor in the spring of 2017. He brings with him a wealth of experience that includes 13 years serving children in residential treatment in several different capacities and 6 years with assisting disabled adults find housing and any other needs they may have. His passion is in helping others and in particular children that are in the child welfare system. He strongly believes that the empathy, kindness, and respect that professionals can give to children and families will lead to more positive outcomes for all. Eric has lived in Potterville for the past 12 years with his wife and two boys.
JENNA PERSHEY, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, EATON COUNTY
SARAH BERDINER, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY
Sarah Berdiner joined the CASA family as an Advocate Supervisor in the spring of
2018. She graduated with her Masters of Social Work from the University of North
Carolina-Pembroke in 2015. She comes to CASA with experience in child welfare
advocacy, mental health treatment, and facilitating workshops for military personnel.
She has a passion to provide guidance, resources, and support to CASA advocates, the
community warriors, championing for the best interest of children in the foster care
system. Sarah resides in Ingham with her husband, two children, and dog. She and her
family spend their time outdoors and with near-by family.
2018. She graduated with her Masters of Social Work from the University of North
Carolina-Pembroke in 2015. She comes to CASA with experience in child welfare
advocacy, mental health treatment, and facilitating workshops for military personnel.
She has a passion to provide guidance, resources, and support to CASA advocates, the
community warriors, championing for the best interest of children in the foster care
system. Sarah resides in Ingham with her husband, two children, and dog. She and her
family spend their time outdoors and with near-by family.
MICHALE VANN, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, BARRY COUNTY