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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. 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!
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.
family spend their time outdoors and with near-by family.
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!
JENNA PERSHEY, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, EATON COUNTY\\
RACHEL SWEDBURG, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY
RACHEL SWEDBURG, ADVOCATE SUPERVISOR, INGHAM COUNTY