Illinois CASA Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Mari joined the CASA movement as a volunteer advocate in 2012. Shortly thereafter, she joined the staff of CASA Lake County and moved to the State Office in October of 2017. With a background in resource development, Mari understands the complex and diverse funding and organizational development needs of the Illinois CASA network.

Her previous non-profit experience includes serving as the Program Officer in Education at the Chicago Community Trust and working as the Board liaison at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She began her career in management consulting. Mari is a graduate of Stanford University and completed her graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Mari lives with her family in Chicago, and you can find her at home in her kitchen or a yoga studio almost anywhere in Illinois.

Deputy Director

Melissa joins CASA with decades of experience working in the Illinois child welfare system. As both a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed attorney, Melissa understands the challenges faced by families and professionals navigating the complex child protection system. She has extensive experience building and evaluating programs; supervising and growing teams; and collaborating with community partners. After a short time away from non-profits to work as a litigator, Melissa is excited to return to a mission-driven organization.
Melissa lives in Chicago and spends lots of time in St. Louis visiting family. She is an avid sports fan and traveler.

Director of Training

Karen joined CASA in 2017 as a volunteer advocate for CASA of Cook County. Her experience supporting families in Cook County ignited a passion for the cause, and Karen became a member of the Illinois CASA team in November 2020. Prior to joining CASA, Karen had extensive experience in the education sector. She has been a teacher, coach, trainer and quality assurance expert. She also has experience with board development, strategic planning and mentoring district personnel. Karen is excited to have a full-time opportunity to contribute to all the great work CASA is doing throughout the state of Illinois.

Karen lives in Riverside, IL with her husband, Tom, and their three crazy dogs.

Grants & Contracts Manager

Jen joined Jerseyville CASA as a volunteer advocate in 2017 and was hired as the Executive Director of the program in 2020. Jen moved to the Illinois CASA office in 2022. She understands the challenges the local programs encounter and looks forward to utilizing her skills and passion to continue to grow the CASA mission in the state of Illinois.

Jen has prior work experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry and possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Organizational Leadership.

Jen currently lives in Alton Illinois and loves to hike, kayak and play pickleball!

Grants & Contracts Supervisor

Laurie is excited to be working with CASA in the Grants Role. She has a background in working with non-profits (in the medical and educational fields) and enjoys the interactions with programs. She looks forward to contributing to CASA's growth and mission.

Laurie lives in Chicago and enjoys biking on the lakefront and exploring the robust food scene.

Social Media and Training Coordinator

Sophie joined CASA in 2023 and has a background working with a range of child advocacy non-profits. She has a passion to help create a world where all youth get a fair chance, and that is why she was drawn to this role. Sophie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Arizona State University where she graduated at the age of 19. Her experience includes program coordination, data integration, creating child advocacy informational vlogs, and non-profit Board organization. She is excited to be a part of the CASA mission in Illinois.

Sophie has a passion for all things music and she loves camping, cats, and food!

Data Administrator

Administrative Assistant of more than fifteen years. Determined, confident and well-organized with extensive experience in supporting mid and senior level managers. Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. I love to read and travel. As a mother of three, I was drawn to this position because of my love for children. I’m a highly approachable individual with a willingness to make a positive mark.