To recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the judicial systems of St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, or Bond County—working to reduce physical, emotional, and social harm.

Our Mission

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Our Vision

The vision of CASA of South­west­ern Illi­nois is to advo­cate for the best inter­est of abused and neglected chil­dren through col­lab­o­ra­tion with var­i­ous community agen­cies, pub­lic and pri­vate funds, local busi­nesses, and judi­cial offi­cials in order to end sys­temic cycles of abuse for the future gen­er­a­tion.

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Our Goal

The goal of CASA is to serve 100% of the abused and neglected children referred by the judicial system.

Our Core Values

The Core Values of CASA are Racial Equity, Respect, Dignity, Volunteerism, Stewardship, and Preservation.

CASA of Southwestern Illinois was founded as a 501(c) (3) organization in 1988 by Honorable Judge Milton Wharton, St. Clair County Courts and the Belleville Area Foster Parents Association. The organization accomplished the following milestones:

1988

The organization received official certification & acknowledgement by National CASA

1997

CASA of Southwestern Illinois soon expanded its geographical service area to include Monroe County in 1997

2004

CASA of Southwestern Illinois became a United Way Member Agency

2011

CASA of Southwestern Illinois changed its name in October of 2011, as a result of the expansion of the Southwestern Illinois geographical service area.

2012

CASA of Southwestern Illinois finally began the Madison County expansion process in 2011. Services were implemented in 2012.

2025

CASA of Southwestern Illinois finally began the Bond County expansion process in 2024. Services were implemented in 2025.

CASA of Southwestern Illinois provides 30 hours of training and 6 hours of courtroom observation to potential volunteer advocates.

CASA of Southwestern Illinois is proud of its collaborative partnerships and relationships with businesses, churches, court systems, and individuals.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • ERIN BEAVERS

    PRESIDENT

  • LAUREN DIERKING

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • KIM JACOBS-OWENS

    SECRETARY

  • KALE BOOHER

    TREASURER

  • ASTHA BHATNAGAR

    BOARD MEMBER

  • ERIC V. SEIDLER

    BOARD MEMBER

  • TIMOTHY TYLER

    BOARD MEMBER

  • ASHLEY VOGT

    BOARD MEMBER

  • ADRIANE HORTON

    BOARD MEMBER

  • AMY HAYWOOD

    BOARD MEMBER

  • SONIA SHELBY

    ADVISORY

  • JUDGE MILTON S. WHARTON (RETIRED)

    ADVISORY

  • SANDRA WAGNER

    ADVISORY

  • ANN HATCH

    ADVISORY

  • JUDGE ELIZABETH LEVY (RETIRED)

    ADVISORY

  • LAUREN WRIGHT

    ADVISORY

  • SAVANNA PETERSON

    OLIN FELLOW

  • MECHIKO WHITE

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TEAM

  • MECHIKO WHITE

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • KWANZAA WRIGHT

    ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • JANE FRANKE

    BOOKKEEPING AND FINANCE

  • ELAINE DANDRIDGE

    HR SPECIALIST

  • MELETTA ROMIOUS

    ADMIN SUPPORT

  • LYNDA CAMP

    MARKETING AND EVENTS

PROGRAM SERVICES PERSONNEL

  • MELODY KINZIE

    LEAD VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

  • MARIA PAYNE

    LEAD VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE COORDINATOR

  • STARNECIA DEAN

    VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE COORDINATOR

  • JEREMY VOLKMAR

    VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE COORDINATOR

  • TAWNY RODRIGUEZ

    VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE COORDINATOR

  • BIANCA SIMS

    VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE COORDINATOR

  • CASTADARAL MATORY

    CASA TRAINER

  • LYRIC TYRUS

    CASA TRAINER

Recognitions and Affiliations

  • National casa organization

  • member of illinois casa

  • naacp

  • racial harmony

  • youthbridge community foundation

  • gateway grizzlies

  • riverbend family ministries