Our Team
OUR TEAM
Advocates for children in need
At CASA of NELA, we believe that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow and thrive. Our CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program is dedicated to making this belief a reality for children in our community. We are a passionate and committed group of volunteers, staff, and community members who advocate for the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Keri Foust
Keri Foust was appointed as the Program Director for CASA of Northeast Louisiana in July 2019. Keri has enjoyed her fifteen-year career in various advocating positions within the social services field. Early in life, Keri knew that she wanted to help people less fortunate than herself. Keri earned her bachelor's degree in Family & Child Studies with a concentration in Family Science from Louisiana Tech University in 2004. After graduating, Keri began helping children find forever homes with loving parents through private adoptions. God ultimately led Keri to CASA in 2009 where she worked with dedicated volunteers who gave freely of themsleves to help children of abuse and neglect. Working as an Advocate Supervisor gave Keri more disire to serve others and help give children the ability to share their own future.
When Keri is not working, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Michael, and their two boys, Blaine and Carson. It's the simple thing in life that give Keri the most pleasure. Her two boys have helped Keri understand the importance of having a consistent adult presence in a child's life. Keri's desire is to share this perspective at CASA so that the children we serve have the best opportunity possible.
Anita Traxler
COORDINATOR
Melanie Crain
DATA SPECIALIST
Shuronda Hampton
4TH JDC SUPERVISOR
TaKera Dugan
4TH JDC SUPERVISOR
Leslie Bryan
OUTREACH SPECIALIST
Katey Parnell
3RD JDC SUPERVISOR
Melissa Moore
5TH JDC SUPERVISOR
Caitlin Herrock
TRAINING SPECIALIST
Nicole Hendrix
4TH JDC SUPERVISOR
Nicole Strong
6TH/37TH JDC SUPERVISOR
Board of Directors
Dr. Margot Eason
PRESIDENT
Dennis Gardner
VICE PRESIDENT
Dean Mailhes
TREASURER
Mary Linda McCann
SECRETARY
Kelly N. Clay
Dr. Kenisha Gordon
Wendy Giovingo
Glen Post
George Lee
Thomas H. Fields, III
Damon Marsala
Stewart Mondry
"It is very rewarding knowing you are doing
your very best for a child in need."
BRETT C.
CASA of NELA volunteer since 2013
Past CASA of NELA Board Member
Current Louisiana CASA Board Member