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The CASA Mission
CASA of the Continental Divide guides volunteer advocates who ensure a child’s safety, best interest and well-being are at the forefront of legal proceedings.
Our Staff
Cathy Hyde
Co-Executive Director of Operations
Cathy Hyde started her journey with CASACD as an Administrative Assistant on January 24, 2017. She was promoted to Development and Events Coordinator on July 1, 2019 and served as the Operations Director starting July 2021. In May of 2022 she moved into the role of CO-Executive Director of Operations alongside Janine Mariani. Cathy received her Baccalaureate of Arts with dual majors in History and Library Science and Media, and her Masters’ Degree in Education with a concentration in Library Science and Media. Both degrees focused on curriculum building for differentiated instruction and problem solving.
Cathy describes herself as a tea drinking, book reading, chocolate eating (dark please!), mountain girl that somehow found herself in the Midwest. She recently left our beautiful mountains to live in Lincoln Nebraska and has continued her work with CASA remotely. Her most recent accomplishment is “keeping my rose bush alive despite my notoriously black thumb.”
Cathy describes herself as a tea drinking, book reading, chocolate eating (dark please!), mountain girl that somehow found herself in the Midwest. She recently left our beautiful mountains to live in Lincoln Nebraska and has continued her work with CASA remotely. Her most recent accomplishment is “keeping my rose bush alive despite my notoriously black thumb.”
Contact Cathy
Email: Cathy.Hyde@mtncasa.org
Janine Mariani
Co-Executive Director of Programs
Janine Mariani was hired as Program Coordinator in September 2020, promoted to Program Director in November 2021 and has recently transitioned into Co-Executive Director of Programs as of May 2022. She received her Master of Laws (LLM) in Health, Law and Society from the University of Bristol in February 2020. She spent several years prior traveling and living abroad in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. In the past, Janine has worked in areas such as domestic violence, mental health and education. In her free time she enjoys traveling and spending time in the outdoors.
Janine enjoys traveling as much as she can, spending time with family and friends and being outside whether that is at the beach or in the great outdoors. If she's at home you can find her eating pizza and hanging out with her husband, Dylan and cat, Beauregard.
Janine enjoys traveling as much as she can, spending time with family and friends and being outside whether that is at the beach or in the great outdoors. If she's at home you can find her eating pizza and hanging out with her husband, Dylan and cat, Beauregard.
Contact Janine
Email: Janine.Mariani@mtncasa.org
Siri Lewis
Program Coordinator
Siri Lewis is a resident of Clear Creek County and is honored to support her community as a Program Coordinator with CASA of the Continental Divide. Siri graduated from Fort Lewis College and then went on to Lesley University to earn her MA in Education. She loves the outdoors and spends much of her time on trails, off-piste, and exploring the Continental Divide. Her explorations of the mountains are not limited to the summer months as she grew up on the Colorado slopes and tromping through the beautiful terrain on snow shoes. Siri recently began exploring waterways and has loved paddle boarding and canoeing.
Siri describes herself as an outdoor adventurer...as long as it doesn't involve heights! She loves chocolate, coffee, and salty snacks. Her next planned adventure will be traversing the Pyrenees Mountains on foot; pictures will be coming this Autumn.
Siri describes herself as an outdoor adventurer...as long as it doesn't involve heights! She loves chocolate, coffee, and salty snacks. Her next planned adventure will be traversing the Pyrenees Mountains on foot; pictures will be coming this Autumn.
Contact Siri
Email: Siri.Lewis@mtncasa.org
Rachel Pleimann
Program Coordinator - Recruitment & Training
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Rachel moved to Breckenridge back in 2014, after obtaining her undergraduate degree. She has a Master’s in Business Administration, from Colorado Technical University. A majority of her employment has been focused in the field of healthcare, working with providers in the Summit County region. She is thrilled, and honored, to serve as a Program Coordinator with CASACD, in continuing to provide services and support to our mountain communities.
Rachel is a tea enthusiast, enjoys BBC mysteries, puzzle fanatic, audiobook/podcast obsessed, and is always craving Mediterranean food. Free time is typically shared adventuring with her husband and three children.
Rachel is a tea enthusiast, enjoys BBC mysteries, puzzle fanatic, audiobook/podcast obsessed, and is always craving Mediterranean food. Free time is typically shared adventuring with her husband and three children.
Contact Rachel
Email: Rachel.Pleimann@mtncasa.org
Lori Engels
Operations Coordinator
Born and raised in Kansas. Lori moved to Summit County, Colorado in 2014 to be able to explore the beautiful high country and adventure the surrounding areas. She likes to be in nature, with easy access to hiking and snowboarding. Lori also enjoys putting her artistic creativity in any and every aspect of her time. She has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sustainability Studies from Colorado Mountain College. Her favorite sustainability goal is Social Equity; putting the people and especially the children in our community first while guiding them with the resources they need, which she believes is the most important step overall in sustainable development. Lori is excited to assist CASAcd along the way and be the best support system for the success of the organization.
Lori enjoys traveling and experiencing new places. She expresses her creativity through painting, drawing and crocheting with inspirations from nature. More recently she became intrigued with the idea of riding motorcycles, so she went through a course to obtain her license and purchased a new bike to explore around in the high country.
Lori enjoys traveling and experiencing new places. She expresses her creativity through painting, drawing and crocheting with inspirations from nature. More recently she became intrigued with the idea of riding motorcycles, so she went through a course to obtain her license and purchased a new bike to explore around in the high country.
Contact Lori
Email: Lori.Engels@mtncasa.org
Karla Leal
Safe Exchange & Parenting Time Coordinator
Hi, my name is Karla Leal. I’m the SEPT (Safe Exchange and Parenting Time) coordinator. I was born and raised in Eagle County. I have many passions like traveling, riding horses, anything nails or cosmetics, learning new languages, reading, and more! I enjoy working with children and young adults. I currently have an associate's degree in psychology, and I’m working on furthering my education. I’m excited to begin my journey with CASA and bring more help to a community that needs it.
Contact Karla
Email: Karla.Leal@mtncasa.org
Mary Ann Leake
Peer Coordinator
Trained and started volunteering in the fall of 2013.
Started mentoring new volunteers on their first case in the spring of 2016.
Temporarily hired as a Program Coordinator from July 2018 thru October 2018.
Earned a Bachelors Degree in Special and Elementary Education, and a Masters Degree in Computers in Education.
Work experience includes: CASA Volunteer, Teacher of elementary and middle school aged children, Teacher of Special Needs children and adults, Elementary Reading Teacher
Personal interests include: reading, walking/hiking, camping, tennis and pickleball, spending time with our two daughters, and spending time with our first grandson!
Our Board of Directors
Karmen Serbinski
Chair
"The mission of CASACD and the vital roles they play in a vulnerable child’s life are the reasons I’m compelled to engage in this incredible organization. CASACD gives a voice to children when they need it most. This work is critical and provides pathways to safety and stability.”
Micayla Bellamy
Treasurer
"I was a recipient of CASA services. As a youth "in the system," it's challenging to feel like you have a voice in the things that happen to you. My CASAs helped me feel heard. I want to play a part in supporting other youth like me.“
Laurie Cruz
Secretary
"As a pediatrician, I am an advocate for children. Those who have been harmed are at risk for physical as well as emotional problems. Having regular contact with a supportive adult can lessen the long-term effects of these traumas. I am thrilled to be on the board of CASACD to help provide well-trained adult volunteers to serve this crucial role.”
Paloma Gethzemani Grajales Dominguez
Board Member
"When I heard about CASA and its essential work, I knew I wanted to be involved in any capacity with this organization, mainly because of my childhood experience. So many of us, as volunteers or board members, do this type of work, and we will continue to do this work because our biggest reward is safeguarding the kids we work with and ensuring they no longer have to go through abuse or neglect. Last year, I worked with a single mom and her five kids. I saw my mom in her, and I understood what most Latinx parents have to endure to provide for their families. It is not easy, and most of the time is heartbreaking. Due to CASA’s mission and outstanding volunteers, many families remain together and learn tools that benefit the children’s well-being. For example, we connected the family with local resources to help with rent and food. Still, the success is knowing that the children are safe and cared for and that they live with a mother who loves them unconditionally. CASA is about this, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Leslie Hoffman
Board Member
"I am very happy and proud to be part of the CASA volunteer program. By joining the board, I hope to expand my contribution to the kids and the communities we serve."
Dacia Kelly
Board Member
"Children need to have a trusted adult in their lives. CASA helps connect the children in our communities with a trusted adult at times when they might need it most. I'm grateful to be able to support the work that allows these connections to happen."
Megan Mountford
Board Member
"As a former CASA volunteer, I know how vital and important the work of a CASA is to the welfare and success of families and children. During my time as a volunteer, I learned to better understand the justice system and the critical roles of all of the people who dedicate their time advocating for the ultimate wellbeing of a child. I am excited to continue this work as a board member and look forward to continuing to grow and learn alongside the inspiring CASA organization."