Question 1

Lauren Broderick | Executive Director |  lauren@floydcountycasa.org

Accepted Answer

Lauren holds a masters degree in education from the University of Florida.  She worked as an elementary school teacher in Title I schools where her passion for underserved communities developed.  She has spent the last two and a half years working at a non-profit in Phoenix in the volunteer coordinator position, focusing on volunteer recruitment, care, and appreciation.  Lauren is ardent about serving the volunteers at CASA who tirelessly serve children who are experiencing trauma, giving them a voice.

Question 2

Courtney Roberts | Advocacy Director | Courtney@floydcountycasa.org

Accepted Answer

Courtney has a Bachelors degree in Human Services with a concentration on Children and Family Services and a Masters in Jurisprudence in Child Law and Policy from Loyola University. She has worked in elementary education as well as for the State of Indiana assisting applicants with Medicaid and Food Stamp resources. Courtney became a CASA in May of 2019, first working as the Volunteer Coordinator in Washington County and later transferring to Floyd County to work as a Staff Advocate. Courtney became involved with CASA because she saw a huge need for strengthening families. Courtney believes children thrive in environments of stability and love, as well as with their parents when possible. When it is not safe for children to remain with their parents, she believes they need an unbiased voice advocating for their best interests.

Question 3

Kerma Hopewell | Program Compliance Manager | Kerma@floydcountycasa.org

Accepted Answer

Kerma Hopewell attended Indiana University Southeast and majored in psychology. Kerma worked at Kroger for 35 years where she learned to resolve issues for countless problems and found joy in helping people have a little bit better of a day. Kerma says she believes the “small things” matter! She became a volunteer in 2011 and was hired on staff in 2014. Kerma says her heart has always been drawn to the vulnerable in our society. Kerma emphasizes that in advocating for the best interests of the child, we can empower the whole family by ensuring they receive and know of all the services, resources and support available in our community. One thing Kerma has learned is that some people in our community do not reaching their potential due to circumstances they have no control over, and it would be a shame to lose those talents, gifts, and value. She considers herself very blessed to be part of the program and to be surrounded by the wonderful people CASA works with and for.

Question 4

Carrie Faith | Triage Specialist | Carrie@floydcountycasa.org

Accepted Answer

Carrie holds an associate degree in Hospitality Management. In 2007 Carrie began working in Special Education within the school system. She later went on to become the Enrichment Coordinator for a non- profit in Louisville that works with adults with disabilities. In that position Carrie taught reading and continuing education and became involved in advocacy for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Carrie became a CASA in November of 2019 when she joined the team as a Staff Advocate. Carrie and her husband were foster parents for several years and in that time she came to quickly understand the need for children to have a voice in the system. Carrie believes CASA provides an essential part in the lives of children and families in crisis.

Question 5

Tatum Nieto | Volunteer Coordinator | Tatum@floydcountycasa.org

Question 6

Allie Peot | Development & Communication Manager | Allie@floydcountycasa.org

Question 7

Laura Renfrow | Case Coordinator | Laura@floydcountycasa.org

Question 8

Christine Benitos | Case Coordinator | Christine@floydcountycasa.org

Accepted Answer

Christine Benitos is an Air Force Veteran, who holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. Her work at CASA is about connecting parents and caregivers with the resources they need to create a safe and loving home. She wants all children to have access to sports, and helped run a competitive soccer program in Southern Indiana for 5 years. She joined the CASA team in April 2024.

Question 9

Heather Parsons Phillips | Case Coordinator | Heather@floydcountycasa.org

Question 10

Dawn Adkins | Case Coordinator | dawn@floydcountycasa.org

CASA OF FLOYD COUNTY STAFF

Lauren Broderick | Executive Director | lauren@floydcountycasa.org