Meet CASA
Community volunteers working since 1989, advocating for the best interest of children in the Texas Hill CountryHill Country CASA is a non-profit organization
Which provides trained, court appointed volunteer Guardians Ad Litem (GAL) to serve children who are victims of abuse and neglect in Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall and Kerr Counties.These volunteers work with the courts to advocate for the overall well-being of these children.
CASA is a national volunteer movement founded in 1977. Hill Country CASA is a member of the National and Texas CASA Associations. There are more than 1,000 CASA programs nationwide and 72 CASA programs in the state of Texas.
ABOUT OUR WORK…
When a child enters the foster care system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help them. That volunteer is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate®, or CASA.
CASA volunteers are screened and highly trained and then appointed by judges to represent and advocate for a child’s best interests in the child protection system. CASA volunteers are each assigned to help one child or set of siblings at a time, so they can focus on giving that child or sibling group the individualized advocacy and attention they need. CASA volunteers save taxpayers money and children’s futures by helping children find a safe, permanent homes as soon as possible.
CASA continues to provide valuable volunteer advocacy for every abused child in the Hill Country. CASA volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” for the judge in child welfare cases. This includes researching each child’s situation and making objective recommendations to help them reclaim their childhoods from abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are frequently the only stable presence in these children’s lives as they navigate the foster care system.These volunteers bring three critical qualities to their work: they focus on one case at a time; they bring a unique perspective to the court case; and their sole objective is representing the best interests of the child.
Our Team
With over 80 years of combined case management experience
Stephanie Cash
Executive DirectorEmail Me
Stephanie Cash is passionate about advocacy for abused and neglected children, and committed to supporting community members who serve as their court-appointed GAL. She joined HCCASA in 2013 as a volunteer advocate, before assuming the role of Executive Director in October 2014.
Goldie Rabson
Program DirectorEmail Me
Goldie Rabson has spent the last 19 years working for HCCASA. She was hired in the July 2005 to do data entry and quickly realized she had a calling to advocate for abused and neglected children, as well as supporting volunteers who work as GALS for abused and neglected children.
Amy Harding
Outreach DirectorEmail Me
Amy Harding is dedicated to providing passionate advocates for abused and neglected children in the Hill Country. She is committed to providing quality training and support for community volunteers who serve as court-appointed GALS. She joined HCCASA in 2008 as a Case Supervisor.
Judy Houston
Master TrainerEmail Me
Judy Houston joined HCCASA as the Master Trainer in January 2016, following her retirement from TDFPS, where she worked for 30 years in multiple capacities. Judy and Amy work together to produce a high-quality annual training series for HCCASAs.
Marcus McLemore
Case SupervisorEmail Me
Marcus McLemore joined Hill Country CASA in fall 2023 as our Office Manager and recently transitioned to a Case Supervisor. Marcus enjoys building relationships with the children and volunteers. He works diligently to ensure that the children have a strong voice heard in the courts.
Sarah Woods
Case SupervisorEmail Me
Sarah Woods joined Hill Country CASA in summer 2024 as a Case Supervisor. Sarah enjoys spending time with children and volunteers. Sarah's previous experience as a teacher providers her with valuable insight to children and their developmental needs.
Sandra Egging
Office ManagerEmail Me
Sandra Egging joined Hill Country CASA in summer 2024 as the Office Manager. Sandra has a background in teaching and child development. Her experience as a Case Manager and Teacher provides volunteers and staff with structure and support.
Hill Country Casa Board of Directors
CHARLES WETHERBEE
PRESIDENT, BOERNE
BRENDA HUGHES
VICE PRESIDENT, KERRVILLE
MELINDA HUFF
SECRETARY, BOERNE
JESSICA RUSSELL
TREASURER, KERRVILLE
ANNA MOSS
MEMBER, KERRVILLE
RIKKI TAI
MEMBER, FREDERICKSBURG
ELIZABETH EARLY SHEEHAN
MEMBER, KERRVILLE
DR. CHRIS MERIWETHER
MEMBER, KERRVILLE
KATHY SIMMONS
MEMBER, KERRVILLE
DIANE OEHLER
MEMBER, KERRVILLE
KIMI MARTIN
MEMBER, BOERNE