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

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.

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Janine Mariani

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.

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Siri Lewis

Siri Lewis

Program Coordinator - Clear Creek County

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.

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Lenora Myers

Lenora Myers

Program Coordinator - Lake & Summit Counties

Lenora has recently moved from Seattle, WA to settle back into the beautiful Colorado mountains. She grew up in the vast Adirondack mountains in upstate New York, hiking and canoeing. In her free time, she can be found off-trail hiking with her dogs and exploring nature. She has spent the past 30 years working with families in a variety of roles from Youth Director to Family Services Coordinator to fostering children in her home. She has had the privilege of working with domestic violence survivors, teen pregnancy programs and as a Behavioral Tech for an abused, abandoned and neglected boys group home. Lenora is excited to join CASA and the Colorado community in the role of program coordinator.

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Saudy Solis

Saudy Solis

Program Coordinator - Eagle County

Originating from the Vail Valley, my upbringing instilled in me a profound appreciation for the outdoors. I enjoy traveling, reading and having game nights. I am committed to lifelong learning and eagerly anticipate acquiring new knowledge and skills during my time at CASACD. I'm deeply passionate about the Human Services field, driven by my commitment to advocating for people and providing essential support and resources. I am thrilled to collaborate with CASACD and its incredible volunteers, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of children through our collective efforts.

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Lori Engels

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.

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Reilly Selinger

Reilly Selinger

Development Coordinator

After spending time in television news and doing technology and marketing work for public libraries, Reilly has found herself with CASA of the Continental Divide as the Development Coordinator. As a lifelong lover of reading, writing, and meeting new people, Reilly looks forward to spending more time in the Rocky Mountain communities and sharing CASA’s story. A Colorado native, Reilly graduated from Western Colorado University with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, and a minor in Business Administration. In her free time, you can find her exploring the mountains with her camera and her dog Penny or searching for the best Italian food in the area!

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Katherine Ruark

Katherine Ruark

SEPT Coordinator

Kate has been building experience in the nonprofit sector through her career path since 2016. She was awarded a competitive position with the Winter Burgess Leadership Fellows in the SeriousFun Children’s Network, where she worked with a small cohort in professional development focused on leadership. This inspired Kate to pursue structured professional learning in her life and she is graduating with a Masters in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Kate was born and raised in Colorado. Several opportunities have brought her all over the west but her heart is in the Rocky Mountains. On the weekends you can find Kate enjoying wildflowers and dirt roads with her camera and dog Gordie Howe.

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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 Hammond

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."

Advisors

Robert Tate

Advisor