Liz Betz

Executive Director

Liz became the executive director of Capital Area CASA Association in 1993.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University and her professional experience includes twenty years with not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations.  During her tenure with CASA, the program has grown to provide more than 600 volunteer advocates for more than 1,300 children.

"People often ask me how I do this work – they assume it is depressing to work with abused children.  That mindset always surprises me because what I do is far from depressing.  To feel powerless to help abused and neglected children would be depressing.  To know you can mobilize the community to make a difference is
extremely rewarding. "

Jessica Alleyne

Recruitment Coordinator

Jessica joined the Capital Area CASA staff in June 2009.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Administration from Louisiana State University. Her professional experience includes over four years in development for non-profit organizations in Louisiana and Ohio. As recruitment coordinator, Jessica raises public awareness about CASA and recruits new advocates to support CASA's mission.

"The imperative is to find what is right and to do it." -Barbara Jordan

Sydney Brown

Training Coordinator

Sydney joined the Capital Area CASA staff in September of 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from Louisiana State University. As training coordinator, Sydney prepares volunteers for their role as child advocates.

"Time spent with these children is an investment in the future of our community.”

Ricketta Cotton-Monroe

Advocate Supervisor

After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Ricketta began her career serving children in need in Houston.  After returning to Baton Rouge, she joined the CASA staff in March 2002.  As an advocate supervisor, Ricketta oversees the advocacy efforts of CASA volunteers as they speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children.

"I strongly believe that children are our most valuable resource and we must do everything in our power to preserve and protect them."

Sheila Gross

Advocate Supervisor

Sheila joined Capital Area CASA Association in 2006.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Southern University and her 10 years of professional experience includes work in court environments and children's case management. Her role as an advocate supervisor is to guide CASA volunteers' efforts as they work to help abused and neglected children reach permanent, safe and stable homes.

"Children are our future and we must find a way to protect them. CASA lends that helping hand to abused and neglected children. "

Marina Keaton

Receptionist

A native of Lakeland, Florida, Marina joined the Capital Area CASA Association in June 2009 as receptionist. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and has approximately ten years experience in the customer service and administrative fields.

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." -Shel Silverstein

Susan Murrell Martin

Advocate Supervisor

Susan brings 16 years of experience working with child victims of domestic violence to her position at CASA, which she began in January 2004. Susan is passionate about her belief that children deserve safety, nurturing and a permanent home in which to grow and develop.

"Children can never have too many good people in their lives."

Sharon L. Norwood

Advocate Supervisor

A native of Alexandria, LA, Sharon joined the Capital Area CASA staff in June 2008. Sharon graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Northeast Louisiana University and has sixteen years experience working with children and mothers who are victims of domestic violence.

"Children are innocent and silent victims of abuse. Their voices are silenced and need to be heard. I believe CASA is an excellent resource to empower children to take their voices back."

Tony J. Pryer

Advocate Supervisor

Tony received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University.  He previously worked as a social work supervisor for a residential treatment facility for male youth.  An advocate supervisor since April 2001, Tony was named the Louisiana CASA Association Program Staff Member of the Year in 2003.

"Children need to be able to grow and thrive in an environment that’s conducive to their well-being.  CASA helps  make that happen."