Alcovy CASA
Staff and Volunteers
I Am CASA - Ask Me Why
“Love on Children
that Need It the Most”
“What I wanted to do was love on the children that needed it the most. Being a CASA Volunteer I get to show them as much love as I can.”
- Delisser Blackshear-Dardy, CASA Volunteer
“Every Child is Important
to the World.”
“I just want every child out there to know that they are important to the world, that they are loved, and that their future, their decisions, their STORY is not going to be defined by their circumstances today. I want to help them change their stories.”
- Caroline Williamson, CASA Volunteer
The Heart Behind Alcovy CASA
Hear from our Alcovy CASA Volunteers and Board Members about their experiences.
Alcovy CASA Staff
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Lindsay Dycus
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nature Enthusiast, Coffee Fiend
Every child deserves safety, stability, and a voice that’s heard. Every day at Alcovy CASA reminds me that our work truly changes lives. I believe every child deserves someone in their corner: someone who listens, advocates, and cares deeply. I am thankful to have had supportive adults in my life that made this impact for me.
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![A woman with shoulder-length curly hair smiling outdoors, wearing a light-colored blouse and gray cardigan, with green foliage in the background.]()
Sharon Gustafson
ADVOCACY COORDINATOR,
Newton CountyMother, Grandmother, Gardening Enthusiast
A positive adult had a pivotal impact on my childhood experience, for which I am grateful. CASA gives me the opportunity to make that same difference in a child's life by supporting our amazing CASA volunteers as they impact our community's most vulnerable children.
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![A smiling woman with long black hair, glasses, and a pearl necklace standing in front of a brick wall.]()
Kathy Suber
ADVOCACY COORDINATOR,
Walton CountyWife, Mother, Entrepreneur
I’ve always believed that every child deserves to feel safe and valued. That belief guides me every day in my role as Volunteer Coordinator at Alcovy CASA, Inc., where I have the privilege of working alongside dedicated community members who step up to advocate for children in foster care.
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Ashlyn Branan
ADVOCACY COORDINATOR,
Newton CountyWife, Mother, Crafter
I served as a CASA for three different cases over four years before I came onto staff. Supporting our volunteers with as they advocate for children in our community is my favorite part of my job. I am so honored to see the differences that can be made through their advocacy.
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![Close-up portrait of a young woman with long dark brown hair, smiling, outdoors with green foliage in the background.]()
Melanie Mainor
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Avid Reader, Content Creator, Mother
I serve because all children deserve love and stability in their lives. CASA helps to provide both of those things! I love sharing the voices of our volunteers by turning them into stories that inspire our community to take action.
Alcovy CASA Volunteers
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Dwane Forrester
CASA VOLUNTEER
Dad, Author
When the Judges explained how important the volunteer role was, and the need for volunteers, I thought, “Why not?” If you can help fulfill needs for families and children, there is an opportunity to make a difference.
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![A woman with short black hair wearing a denim jacket over a white shirt, smiling outdoors with greenery in the background.]()
Kim Geter
CASA VOLUNTEER
Senior Underwriting Specialist
Being a CASA Volunteer is very rewarding. My desire is to make a difference. I am so grateful to be able to advocate for children in foster care and their families in the court system.
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Tammy van Dongen
CASA VOLUNTEER
Mom, Grandmother
It is an amazing feeling to be able to make a positive difference in the life of a foster child and those who care for them. I have found that the Walton County community has other like-minded people and together we can change a child’s story.
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Rebecca Bratton
CASA VOLUNTEER
Mom, Business Owner
I have always felt a spiritual call to the foster care arena. Finding Alcovy CASA was what I call a “God-nudge,” a beautiful story of God’s alignment.
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![A smiling middle-aged man wearing a black baseball cap with an 'A' embroidered on it and a yellow shirt, standing outdoors with green foliage and a brick wall in the background.]()
Gary Stevenson
CASA VOLUNTEER
Military Veteran, Mentor
Why Not? If I do not volunteer for the CASA kids, what will happen to them?
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Angela Spencer
CASA VOLUNTEER
Mom, Auntie
I want to help children in any way I can and CASA provides me with the opportunity to help children and make a difference in my community.
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Heather Hartmann
CASA VOLUNTEER
Mom, Wife, Church Member
Every young person deserves to be heard and seen. CASA is the vehicle for children who need extra support.
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![CASA Volunteer Mike Ulrich]()
Mike Ulrich
CASA VOLUNTEER
Parent, Husband, Director of Information Security
There are children in my community living in tough situations and I want to be a voice to help make sure they are heard.
VOLUNTEERING
CASA volunteers are community members who desire to be a voice for children. Being a CASA volunteer does not require a special background or a particular degree. All training and screening is provided by our office, free of charge.