Meet our Team
Executive Director
Kerry Moles
Kerry joined CASA in November 2015 with 25 years’ experience working in the fields of child welfare, youth development and domestic violence. Prior to joining CASA, Kerry worked at the Children’s Aid Society for nearly 15 years. There she was the founding director of the Family Wellness Program, which serves families impacted by domestic violence, with a focus on families involved in the child welfare system. Her most recent role at Children’s Aid was as deputy director of the Division of Child Welfare and Family Services, where she oversaw a range of programs serving justice system involved youth, youth aging out of foster care, and families impacted by domestic violence. Prior to joining Children’s Aid, Kerry did direct service work in residential facilities for children and youth, and worked extensively in the areas of rape crisis and domestic violence/teen dating violence prevention and intervention. Kerry is the author of The Teen Relationship Workbook (2001), The Relationship Workbook (2003) and Strategies for Anger Management (2003) and trains nationally on the intersection of domestic violence and child welfare systems. She has served as adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work since 2011.
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Jennifer Asencio, BA
Jennifer has worked in public service for over ten years. Prior to joining CASA in November 2022, Jennifer worked for NYC Health + Hospitals helping families obtain medical financial wellness as a financial counselor. Jennifer has a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Humanities and Justice Studies with a triple minor in Philosophy, Psychology, and Law. In addition, she has worked with children and their families as a back up foster parent for seven years.
Advocate Supervisor
Drema Bautista, MHC-LP
Drema has over 8 years of experience engaging and supporting families and youth in crisis. Before joining CASA-NYC in June 2023, Drema gained many internship experiences, such as working at an LGBTQ center and going abroad to the Dominican Republic to serve students in need. Drema has extensive experience in various roles, including as a clinician for undocumented children at Cayuga Centers, and has held in multiple roles at Good Shepherd Services, including adoption recruiter, socio-therapist, mental health therapist, and facilitated support groups for foster parents and youth. Drema has clinical experience as a psychotherapist and ABA therapist. While earning her master’s degree, Drema participated in an Interdisciplinary Health Education Learning Program (IHELP) Fellowship, receiving training and providing services for children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth who are at risk for behavioral health disorders in high-need and high-demand areas. Drema is first generation graduate with a MS in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College 2022 and B.A in Sociology from Suny Cortland 2016. Drema is highly passionate about continuing to serve, teach, advocate, and help children, adolescents, and transitional-aged youth and family members to reach their full potential.
Director of Volunteer Services
Annie Benedict, LMSW
Annie first joined CASA in 2015 as an advocate supervisor and was promoted to borough coordinator for Manhattan and Staten Island in 2017, to director of programs in 2022, and to director of volunteer services in 2024. Annie received her MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, with a specialization in Child Welfare, in May 2014 and a BA in Psychology and Child Development from Tufts University in May 2008. As a graduate student, Annie interned at Brooklyn Community Services providing family counseling and preventive services. She has conducted ongoing research with families in the NYC child welfare system, in collaboration with the Research Foundation of CUNY and the Silberman School of Social Work.
Director of Operations and Quality Assurance
Alison Caspi, LMSW
Alison joined CASA-NYC in 2015 and has held various roles, including Advocate Supervisor, Brooklyn Borough Coordinator and Director of Quality Assurance and Volunteer Services. In her current position as Director of Strategy and Quality Assurance, Alison oversees the continuous improvement of the organization’s programs to ensure the highest standards of service for the children, youth and families CASA-NYC serves. Alison earned her MSW from the Silver School of Social Work at New York University, becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in 2007. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Alison gained valuable experience as a social worker at The Children’s Law Center in the Bronx and Family Services of Westchester in White Plains, New York. She is also SIFI certified, a credential she earned in January 2015.
Director of Finance and Administration
Joe Dooling, MBA/MFA
Joe has over fifteen years of experience working in higher education and non-profit finance and operations. He has an MFA in Film which he earned during his eleven years working at Columbia University. He is eager to help maximize the potential of CASA NYC.
Director of Advocacy
Meaghan Ford, LMSW
Meaghan Ford is the Director of Advocacy at CASA-NYC, where she leads the organization’s court-based advocacy team in providing high-quality, individualized support to children, youth, and families. With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Skidmore College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, Meg brings over 10 years of experience in the social work field. She has worked with a diverse range of populations, but is especially passionate about working with parents and young children. Meg is committed to the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Development Associate
Maria Fuqua, BA
Maria joined CASA-NYC in December 2023 after completing her development internship at CASA of Tarrant County in Fort Worth, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Texas Christian University in May 2023, where she focused her studies on Marketing and Management. Maria thoroughly enjoyed her time working at a previous CASA, and is excited to assist with fundraising efforts that support CASA’s mission in New York City.
Brooklyn Advocate Supervisor
Kaleigh Galvin, LMSW
Kaleigh joined CASA-NYC in February, 2022 as an advocate supervisor in Brooklyn. In this role she coordinates with volunteers to provide direct services to children and youth in foster care. Kaleigh graduated from Columbia School of Social Work in 2021 and became a LMSW in 2021 as well. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Kaleigh worked at New York Lawyer's for the Public Interest (NYLPI) as the social worker on the Health and Immigration Justice team. Kaleigh also spent a year interning at NYLPI, and prior to that interned at Family Centers Inc. in Connecticut. Before beginning her social work career, Kaleigh graduated from St. Lawrence University with a major in Environmental Sociology.
Manhattan/Staten Island Borough Coordinator & Policy Coordinator
Colin Gilland, Esq.
Colin has served as advocate supervisor in CASA's Manhattan & Staten Island program since January 2019, and in 2021 took on the additional role of policy coordinator. In January 2022 he was promoted to borough coordinator for Manhattan and Staten Island. Colin received his JD from Brooklyn law school in 2013 and while in law school interned in the Legal Aid Society's criminal defense and juvenile rights practices. Prior to joining CASA he served as an advocate and mentor for at-risk youth with Friends of the Children New York, and as a legal fellow at the Center for Family Representation.
Volunteer Coordinator
Katrina Greene, MS
Katrina received her Master of Science in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Project Management from Northeastern University in 2018. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Katrina worked at the Young Adult Institute (YAI) as the assistant supervisor at one of the supportive apartments providing direct care to individuals with mild to severe Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. She enjoys learning and experiencing new cultures and has a strong passion for advocating for families and individuals whose voices have been minimized or not heard.
Advocate Supervisor
Shikeem Hayle, MA
Shikeem is originally from Boston, MA and has worked in the social work field aiding youth and families for the past eight years. She comes to CASA-NYC after serving as an Advocate Supervisor at CASA Los Angeles since 2022. Shikeem has a Masters degree in Psychology and began her career in social work at a group home in San Diego, later transitioning to a Foster Family Agency in Los Angeles where she worked as a Case Manager. Shikeem has trained countless foster families in foster parent best practices and trauma-informed care. Shikeem has also worked as a professor of Psychology and enjoys teaching, guiding, and being a support for others.
Bronx Advocate Supervisor
Melanie Heredia, MSW
Melanie joined CASA-NYC as a Bronx advocate supervisor in July of 2023 with over 3 years of experience working with children in foster care. Melanie received a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University in 2021 and BS in Social Work from CUNY York College in 2019. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Melanie worked at Catholic Guardian Services as a social work supervisor and prior to that was in the role of therapeutic foster care case planner. Melanie has joined CASA-NYC to continue providing advocacy and support for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Advocate Supervisor
Kimberly Hernandez, BA
Kimberly joined CASA-NYC in January 2023 with 10 years of relevant work experience in social services. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Kimberly was a senior case planner, group leader, and a program aide with Good Shepherd Services. She also worked as a substitute Pre-K lead teacher with special needs children. Kimberly received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the City College of New York. Kimberly specializes in working with low income families and providing them the best resources available for reunification. She plans to continue advocating for youths and families in care.
Advocate Supervisor
Pamela Howard, Esq.
Pamela has many years of experience practicing law in New York State Family Courts. Her areas of expertise include child welfare and intimate partner violence. She has a B.A. in history and psychology from Macalester College and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center.
Development and Communication Coordinator
Joshua Luke Johnson, BA
Joshua is an editorial and content strategy professional living in New York City. His writing and design work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Scholastic Press Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press. Joshua holds a BA in Journalism and is pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Print and Digital Media Publishing from The George Washington University. He has served as a director at Uptown Stories, a nonprofit based in Washington Heights that offers creative writing and storytelling workshops to low-income children. Prior to this, Joshua worked for Creatd, Inc, a then-Nasdaq technology company, where he served as Head of Content for Vocal, a multimedia digital publishing platform serving more than one million creators.
Director of Youth Services
Sussana Justo, LMSW, MSCJ
Sussana has over 10 years of experience in engaging and supporting families in crisis. She joined CASA-NYC in March 2020 after working as a Supervisor in the Therapeutic Family Foster Care department at Good Shepherd Services. Prior to that, she held an internship position as a correctional counselor for the Department of Corrections and she worked at a women's shelter operated by Help USA. Sussana holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Social Work, having obtained her LMSW in 2023. She is also SIFI certified. At CASA-NYC, she began as an advocate supervisor, was promoted to Bronx Borough Coordinator in 2021, and became the Director of Youth Services in June 2023.
Advocate Supervisor
Suweba Kabiru, MSW
Suweba joined CASA-NYC in March 2022 with 14 years of experience in the fields of child welfare, domestic violence, youth and family services. Prior to joining CASA, Suweba worked at Cardinal McCloskey Community Services as a health care integrator supervisor for 9 years, at Rising Ground as a case planner supervisor, and at St. Dominic's Home as a case planner. Suweba also worked with domestic violence victims and survivors within Muslim Community at Turning Point for Women and Family. Suweba received her MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College 2007 and B.A in Social Work from Lehman College in 2006.
administrative assistant and Staten Island outreach coordinator
Jacqueline Medina
Jacqueline comes to CASA-NYC with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining CASA-NYC in January 2018, she was at the Children's Aid Society for 10 years as the executive assistant to the CEO and to the Director of the Juvenile Justice Department. Earlier, Jacqueline spent more than 15 years with the Children's Tumor Foundation, where she was the executive assistant to the CEO and Director of Administration. She enjoys organizing and her passion is to continue working with youth, whom she previously has mentored to successful paths.
advocate supervisor/mental health care access coordinator
Alexa Montenegro, LCSW
Alexa joined CASA-NYC in May 2021 as an advocate supervisor in the Bronx. She began serving as our Mental Health Care Access Coordinator in Manhattan in May 2022. Prior to CASA-NYC, Alexa provided outpatient mental health services to youth and families at Northside Center for Child Development, with a special focus on attachment-focused therapy for young children and the adults in their lives. She has nearly 10 years of experience in providing behavioral therapy, anti-trafficking support, and mental health services to NYC families. Alexa received her BA in Human Development from Sonoma State University and her MSW from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work.
Brooklyn borough coordinator
Hilary Neher, LMSW
Hilary joined CASA in 2019 as an advocate supervisor in the Brooklyn Family Court, and was promoted to Brooklyn Borough Coordinator in January 2022. Hilary received a BSW from Rutgers University and an MSW from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2013. Since then, she has worked with many different populations including youth and families and those involved in the child welfare and criminal justice systems. Most of Hilary’s experience in social work has been on holistic defense teams, both in the criminal and family court sphere. She advocated for parents in abuse and neglect proceedings in family court and most recently, she served as a forensic social worker in the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice supporting clients in Kings County Criminal Court and Supreme Court.
advocate supervisor
Caroline Richardson, BS
Caroline received a B.S. in Psychology at the College of Charleston in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Masters in Youth Studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies. Prior to joining CASA-NYC in April 2023, Caroline worked as a foster care case planner at JCCA before moving into the role of program quality specialist for the Foster Care and Residential Programs at JCCA and Preventive Program at Vibrant Emotional Health.
Queens borough coordinator
Raymeri Sanchez, LMSW
Raymeri joined CASA-NYC in November of 2022 with over 6 years of experience in child welfare. Prior to joining CASA-NYC, Raymeri was a social work supervisor, kinship navigator and case planner with Good Shepherd Services. Raymeri received her bachelor's degree from Hunter College and MSW from Fordham University in 2020. Raymeri became a LMSW in 2021. Raymeri's continuing passion in working with children and families aligns with the mission of ensuring children and youth have their needs met and rights protected while in foster care.
training coordinator
Alyssa Sanclemente, BA
Alyssa joined CASA-NYC in July 2023, bringing nearly 7 years of experience working in child welfare. Alyssa began her career as a case planner, working to help families reunify, and was eventually promoted to become a trainer of evidence based models. Alyssa has excelled in facilitating parenting skills groups and foster parent support groups as well as training staff in becoming group facilitators. A first generation college graduate, Alyssa received her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University in 2014. Alyssa hopes to continue cultivating engaging and exciting training experiences for staff and volunteers.
chief development officer
Adine Schuman, MPA
Adine brings expertise gained over a long career in which she served local, national, and global mission-driven nonprofits. Among the organizations she has been affiliated with are: United Way, NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, EngenderHealth, Storefront Academy Harlem, Getting Out and Staying Out, among others.
Staten Island Advocate Supervisor
Xiomara Shoukry, MSW
With over 17 years of experience in social work, Xiomara has made significant contributions across diverse, high-impact areas. Beginning in Child Protective Services, she developed a strong foundation in safeguarding vulnerable children, advocating for their safety and well-being while navigating complex family dynamics. As a supervisor for a shelter focused on reunification, she worked tirelessly to support undocumented children, helping them reconnect with families and ensuring they receive essential care. Xiomara's work has also extended to defending the rights of individuals with special needs, ensuring they receive proper support and representation. Additionally, her role as an immigration paralegal has allowed her to advocate for immigrants, guiding them through intricate legal processes and helping them secure brighter futures. Through these roles, Xiomara has displayed unwavering commitment to social justice, empathy, and expertise in advocating for the most vulnerable members of society.