Mary Jo Burgess
Executive Director/CEO
Mary Jo earned a Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of North Texas with a double major in Personnel Management Organizational Behavior and Administrative Management. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Mary Jo worked for the Dallas American Red Cross, National Office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Meeting Professionals International, and Texas PTA. Working for CASA combines her passion for helping victims and ensuring that children have an opportunity to be successful and thrive. She strongly believes in supporting the community through volunteer service.
“A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…. but the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child.” – Forest Witcraft
Katherine Elliott
Development And Facilities Director
Kathy attended Tyler Junior College and Texas Eastern School of Nursing.
Kathy started her extensive career in the medical field and then worked as a Child Support Officer III at the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Texas.
During that time, Kathy and her husband became a Fictive Kinship Placement for a CASA newborn and eventually adoptive parents for this same precious child. They both served as CASA volunteer advocates and Kathy realized this was her true calling. She originally joined CASA for Kids of East Texas as a Case Supervisor and has held numerous staff positions, now serving as Community Engagement and Development Director. She is very proud and passionate about our mission and the work that we do. Ask Kathy about ways to connect with CASA.
“There are no hopeless children, only those who have yet to experience hope.”
Jerid Watson
Community Engagement Director
Jerid received his BFA from UT Tyler in 2017 with a concentration in Ceramics and Alternative Firing Methods, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Non-Profit Management from UT Tyler in 2022.
His journey with non-profits began as a volunteer in 2018 with AmeriCorps, where he served two years working with youth in foster care and Title I schools. This led him to continue to work with youth in vulnerable situations, including those in Domestic Violence and Residential Treatment Centers. As an organization, CASA aligns with his core values and he is passionate about the mission. Jerid has been with CASA for Kids of East Texas since 2022 and is honored to work with such passionate and selfless volunteers.
If you are ever interested in learning more about what our volunteers do, please do not hesitate to contact CASA! We love sharing our mission and what our volunteers do to help our community.
Sonya Burris
Community Engagement Coordinator
Sonya studied math and sciences at Henderson County Junior College. Certification as Animal Technician Registered. Many courses in sales, recruiting, and computer programs.
Sonya has always had a strong heart for children. She counts it a blessing to be a part of the CASA team since 2021, helping abused and neglected children in our area. “As a bonus, I get to use my favorite parts of past work experiences – recruiting and training – in a completely different way to help the children.”
Sonya would love to talk with you and any of your groups or organizations, large or small, about how you can be a part of making lives better for the children in our area who are the most vulnerable. There are so many ways to help. Please reach out so we can explore all the possibilities.
Make Happiness a Habit!
Amy McDonald
Program Director
Amy attended Northwestern State University, where she earned her B.S. in Psychology.
After college, Amy’s first professional job was in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. She never knew the detriment substance abuse caused in children’s and family’s lives until then. Amy began working with CASA in 2009 after 11 years at DFPS. Seeing and knowing the difference our advocates make in the lives of children is incredible. “I love how important they make children feel!”
In Amy’s office, She has a drawing that a very special young lady (a CASA child) drew at school that has really impacted her: “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” – Ayesha Siddiqi
Joni Lunsford
Assistant Program Director
Joni attended TJC’s Child Development Associate Program. Early childhood education from birth to five years.
Ensuring children are safe and loved has always been Joni’s passion. She was involved in early childhood education as a Preschool teacher and Executive Director of a Children’s Christian Academy for nearly twenty years. Joni was a volunteer advocate with CASA and joined the staff in 2011.
“A person is a person, no matter how small.” – Dr Seuss
Jenny Bird
Case Supervisor
Jenny attended Tyler Junior College – ASL Skills Certificate, General Studies.
Jenny has worked with children in many capacities over the last 12 years. She says working for CASA has been a wonderful, new experience in working with children. She has been with CASA since 2023 and feels blessed for the opportunity to continue her occupation in helping children reach their full potential in life.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Nichole Branch
Case Supervisor
Nichole has her Master’s in Social Work from The University of Texas A&M Commerce and an undergraduate in Psychology.
Nichole has been with CASA since 2019. Before CASA, she worked and trained in environments with children in the system, disabled adults and the elderly. She always knew that helping others was her passion. Working with CASA allows her to work with children and families in the community by locating resources in our community and being a voice for those in need.
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeline Albright
Johana Taica
Case Supervisor
Johana has her Associate degree in music, and is pursuing a degree in psychology.
Johana was born in Columbia and moved to the US when she was 8 years old. Family is a big deal in her culture, and her experiences as an immigrant have inspired a deep love to serve children in circumstances where their voice needs to be heard regarding their family, or lack thereof. When she started working at a camp for foster girls, her eyes were opened to the need for a solid, consistent adult in these kids’ lives. That is why she is so passionate about CASA and the work we do here.
Growing up, her family was part of a missionary organization that provided resources to impoverished areas. When Johana became an adult, she began working with teenagers and kids. She helped organize summer camps, girl’s night out events, and shopping sprees for teenage girls who are currently in the foster system. The children in foster care captured her heart and drew her into social work.
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story” – Josh Shipp. CASA offers the opportunity to be exactly that, a caring constant adult in a child’s life and what a privilege it is!
Laura Beam
Case Supervisor
Laura graduated from Tyler Christian Academy and then enrolled at Tyler Junior College.
Laura has worked at CASA for Kids of East Texas since 2011. Before CASA, she was employed with the Smith County Juvenile Detention Center as the Volunteer Coordinator and later worked in the Juvenile Probation Department. There is nothing like helping a child through one of the most difficult time of their lives.
She has this Bible verse posted where she can read it each day. Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves”. Though our means and methods may have changed since 2011 and continue to change, the mission remains the same. Our CASA advocates speak up for the children.
nANCY BECK
Case Supervisor/Teen Coordinator
Nancy attended UTSA where she earned her certification as a paralegal.
She joined CASA as a volunteer advocate in October of 2021. Nancy became a staff member at CASA in 2024. She is excited to be a part of CASA as a case supervisor and is happy to wake up every morning and get to do her job.
“Develop enough courage so that you can stand up for yourself and then stand up for somebody else.” – Maya Angelou
Reily Clifton
Marketing and Communications Manager
Reily graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with her Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She gained her social media and marketing experience from working at CBS19 as well as helping small businesses grow their social media.
Reily joined CASA for Kids of East Texas in 2024 and is enthusiastic about promoting CASA’s mission within the community. She is deeply passionate about CASA’s cause and is excited to contribute to the organization’s efforts in supporting children in need.
“God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: look after orphans and widows in their distress.” – James 1:27
kassandra villela
Administrative Assistant
Kassandra attended Tyler Junior College where she earned her certification as an Ophthalmic Medical Assistant.
Kassandra is bilingual and comes from a diverse professional background, having experience working in both the medical field and at a law firm. She joined CASA for Kids of East Texas in 2024 and is excited to contribute to the to the team and have the opportunity to be part of the impactful work CASA provides to children in need.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God, forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32