We are pleased to share that CASA staff has grown once again. This is an exciting time, as we have never had 3 new staff start so close together. With more children being served than ever before and the expansion of programs we are offering, the time was right to expand our ranks. These additional positions have been added thanks to the generous support of the Victims of Crime Assistance Grant, as well as the support of our annual unrestricted funding raised through our many fundraising efforts. Please help us welcome these new staff members!
Courtney Como is joining us as our first Director of Development. Before joining CASA, Courtney worked for ten years as Executive Director of Employer and Alumni Relations within the Center for Career Education at Columbia University. In this role, Courtney was responsible for cultivating relationships with corporate and non-profit organizations and the Columbia alumni community in an effort to create and promote job opportunities for students. She has supported various volunteer organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Alzheimer's Association and is proud to promote and participate in the amazing work of Passaic County CASA. Courtney holds a BS Degree in Economics and a M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University.
We also welcome Dana Livelli to the role of Assistant Case Supervisor. Dana received her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Child Advocacy, from Montclair State University. Having been in the foster care system herself, along with having five adopted siblings, her personal experience inspired her to better the lives’ of children that have been in her shoes. She is driven by the belief that every child deserves to thrive regardless of socio-economic status, race, religion, and/or disabilities.
We are excited to announce that former Assistant Case Supervisor Keisha Maldonado has been promoted to the position of Bilingual (Spanish/English) Case Supervisor. She will begin this position effective October 7.
Last, but certainly not least we welcome Laura Nanda to the new role of Child Visitation Specialist/Distance Placement Liaison. Laura was a Law Guardian in Louisiana for many years prior to moving to New Jersey and also has prior experience as a CASA volunteer. While living in Louisiana, Laura worked as a Law Guardian, representing children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. She also worked in the area of Bankruptcy Law having clerked for a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge and worked for a large firm. Laura enjoyed being involved in the community, volunteering and/or serving on the board of directors for an array of organizations. Laura graduated from Rutgers University and Temple University School of Law. Once moving back to New Jersey, she wanted to continue working with children and became a CASA volunteer.
With these new staff members onboard we are excited to be able to serve our more children than ever in the coming year.