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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 23 years with not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations. During her tenure with CASA, the program has grown to provide more than 900 volunteer advocates for more than 1,800 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. "
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Brittany Bryant
Receptionist
Brittany joined the CASA staff in 2011. She is a native of Baton Rouge, LA and brings more than 10 years of customer service experience to the organization. She is dedicated to making sure that the staff and volunteers have the support they need to advocate for the children we serve.
"While we try to teach our children all about life...our children teach us what life is all about.”
-Angela Schwindt
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Garcelia Burchell
Training Coordinator
Garcelia has twenty years experience in group training and education for domestic violence survivors, homeless women, and women in recovery. As training coordinator, Garcelia oversees all volunteer screening and training to help advocates prepare to speak for the best interest of abused and neglected children.
"To positively influence the next generation through justice and hope is profound. This is the work CASA does on a daily basis.”
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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 believe that children are our most valuable resource; for that reason, permanency is a promise made to the children and families by the community at the time of intervention."
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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 include 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. "
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Emily Hebert
Recruitment Coordinator
Emily has a degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, along with 11 years experience as a staff writer for Baton Rouge's daily newspaper, The Advocate. She joined the CASA staff in December 2011 as recruitment coordinator.
"To watch a child play or listen to him laugh is to realize
how innocent and precious each one is."
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Susan Murrell
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."
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Sharon L. Norwood
Advocate Supervisor
A native of Alexandria, LA, Sharon joined the Capital Area CASA Association 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."
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Angie Pitre
Program Manager
Angie joined the Capital Area CASA Association staff as program manager in December 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Louisiana State University and her professional experience includes seven years with area non-profit organizations.
"To love what you do and feel that it matters... how could anything be more rewarding?"
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Donna Rushing
Office Manager
A native of the Baton Rouge area, Donna joined the CASA staff in January 2013. With more than 20 years of experience in office administration and management, Donna's responsibilities include supporting the CASA staff by maintaining the administrative office services and efficiencies.
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?"
-Eleanor Roosevelt |