Our volunteers and staff make our mission possible. Check out a variety of different spotlights, profiles and more that introduce these invaluable people. Whether it’s a newly sworn in CASA volunteer or a long-term board member or a seasoned staff member, each and every heart and hand changes a child’s story.
Jana Fuller was recently sworn in as a new CASA volunteer by Senior Judge Dave Laur in Steuben County Circuit Court.
Gary Stout, a resident of Lagrange County, was recently sworn in as volunteer advocate by Lagrange Circuit Court Judge William Walz.
DeKalb Circuit Court Judge Kurt Grimm recently swore in Kristen Lamm as a new CASA volunteer.
Meet our newest staff member, Emily Musi. Emily joined Northeastern Indiana CASA in June 2024 as Staff Guardian Ad Litem (GAL).
Jackie became a CASA volunteer in 2015 following her retirement. Jackie has overseen 18 CHINS cases, 1 guardianship case, and has advocated for a total of 42 children. After she retired from teaching, she moved back to Indiana and was ready to do some volunteer work. She felt that being a CASA was a perfect fit, and here she is seven years later.
Mary Leite became a CASA volunteer in 2017 and serves Steuben County. She has overseen 8 CHINS cases, 2 divorce cases, and advocated for a total of 17 children. Mary chose CASA as a way to give back to her community. Before staying home to homeschool her children, being a special education teacher, and Special Olympics coach, she felt this was a good way to use her experience to advocate for children once again.
Sabrina became a CASA volunteer in 2017 following her retirement. Since then, Sabrina has overseen 8 CHINS cases and advocated for a total of 15 children. Sabrina has taken cases in Steuben, Noble, Whitley, and DeKalb counties. Before her time as a CASA volunteer, she spent over 35 years working in elementary education, first a paraprofessional, then a teacher, and finally an administrator.
Liz has been a CASA volunteer for almost 20 years serving Steuben County! She has advocated for over 50 children! She and her husband were foster parents for 30 years, then segued into being CASA volunteers.
Brayton has been a CASA volunteer since 2017. Since then, he has overseen 2 CHINS cases, 1 informal adjustment (IA), and advocated for a total of 6 children. He originally heard about CASA when he was in grad school for social work. Since then, it was something that always stuck in his mind as something that he hoped to do.
Susan became a CASA volunteer in 2020 after retiring from teaching social studies to middle school students. Since joining the CASA team, Susan has overseen 3 CHINS cases, 1 divorce case, and has advocated for a total of 11 kiddos.
Diane has been a CASA volunteer for seven years. She has worked with thirteen children during that time. Last summer, a brother and sister case Diane was appointed to for five years and a single child case she served, since he left the hospital as a newborn, for the three years, were all adopted into great families. Their adoptions were an experience Diane was so thankful to share with the families.
Stan and Anne are a duo in Steuben County. They have been CASA volunteers for the past 10 years. During these past 10 years, they have covered eight CHINS cases and advocated for a total of 14 children. They became involved in the CASA program when they retired and wanted to do something together, to help others, especially children.
Cheryl has been a CASA volunteer in Steuben County since August of 2007. She has overseen 37 CHINS cases, 28 divorce/custody cases; overall Cheryl has advocated for more than 100 kiddos. Over 100 kiddos were provided a voice because of Cheryl.
Dave Sanders has been a CASA volunteer in Noble County since January of 2019. He has overseen two CHINS cases and advocated for a total of five children. Dave grew up on a farm in Butler with his 8 brothers and sisters. Growing up, Dave liked to work on farm equipment and cars. Repairing cars is how he made his way through college to become a mechanical engineer. Dave is now on his 47th car and is partial to Mustangs.
Candice Holbrook, a resident of Noble County, was recently sworn in by Noble Superior Court Judge Steve Hagen as a new CASA volunteer.