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
Community Engagement 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.”
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!
Lana Butler
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lana attended Texas A&M in her hometown of Corpus Christi and graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology and communications.
For 15 years, Lana worked as a QMHP at Avail Solutions Inc., a mental health crisis line assisting both children and adults in over 200 counties throughout Texas. Her main role of conducting the new hire training sparked her passion for teaching adults. Lana is eager to fulfill CASA’s mission by being the best trainer she can be to those volunteering their time as CASA advocates.
“The purpose of my work was never to destroy but always to create, to construct bridges, because we must live in the hope that humankind will draw together and that the better we understand each other the easier this will become.” -Alphonse Mucha
Alicia Zavala
Office Manager
Alicia attended Tyler Junior College for her general studies and then The University of Texas at Tyler where she earned her B.S. in Health Studies.
Alicia has had a passion for children since working in a nursey at a young age, and was a preschool teacher for many years at a local Preschool here in East Texas. She worked for a local non-profit for 3 years where their main focus was on early childhood development and training early childhood professionals. She is excited to further help children in our local community through CASA’s mission.
“Children see magic because they look for it.” – Christopher Moore
Reily lorenzo
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
Ayana Wilkerson
Development Coordinator
Ayana Wilkerson serves as the Development Coordinator for CASA for Kids of East Texas. She brings a diverse background in public service and education, having previously worked as an Administrative Assistant for Tyler ISD and Chapel Hill ISD, a Civil Court Coordinator for the 114th District Court, and a Deputy Clerk for the County Clerk’s Office. In addition, Ayana has experience as a Parent Educator, where she supported families through guidance and empowerment.
Her professional journey reflects her deep passion for helping children and being a positive voice for those in need. Ayana is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of children and families through her work with CASA for Kids of East Texas.
“There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.” by Kofi Annan
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 Tyler Junior College’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
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
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 the University of Texas at San Antonio 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
lana brady
Case Supervisor
Lana earned a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Tyler.
Throughout her career in public education, she has been fortunate enough to work with children and families from all walks of life. In working with CASA, Lana hopes to become a voice for what’s best for children in foster care.
She believes that children have unlimited potential to do great things.
“Where you start doesn’t determine where you will end up.” – DeAndre Hopkins of the Kansas City Chiefs
lisa Gillis
Case Supervisor
Lisa joined the CASA team in September as a Van Zandt County Case Supervisor. Before stepping into her new role, she served as a dedicated CASA volunteer, bringing firsthand experience and a deep passion for advocating for children.
She is currently pursuing her degree in Social Work and comes from a background in education, where she developed a love for supporting the emotional well-being and safety of kids.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17
To Lisa, this verse is a daily reminder of her calling—to step in, defend the vulnerable, and be the best advocate she can for every child.