Meet Our Staff
Email: connie@casagalveston.org
Connie’s CASA journey started when Connie and her husband Dennis witnessed firsthand the impact that a CASA volunteer had on the life and outcome of her youngest daughter’s CPS case. Proud parents to three children adopted from Child Protective Services in Grayson County, Texas, Connie and Dennis served as foster parents for over ten years. After closing their home to foster children, Connie became a CASA Volunteer for Collin County CASA knowing that she would provide a “voice” for the children she would serve. Connie went on to serve as a Board Member for Collin County CASA and as a member of staff. Her CASA journey continued at Essex County CASA of Massachusetts for 7.5 years as a Program Director and then led her to CASA of Galveston County in October 2015.
Connie’s passion for the prevention and awareness of abused and neglected children has been recognized in many high-profile awards including the Children’s Champion of the Merrimack Valley (2015), the Liberty Bell award from the Galveston Bar Association, and in her nomination for The Galveston Daily News Citizen of the Year award in 2020. In addition, Connie has served her Texas CASA region as the Regional Representative to the Texas CASA Board (2019 – 2022), the Children’s Justice Task Force in Texas from 2018 – 2021 and is a certified Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner and has achieved the Non-Profit Leadership Certification from the Texas A&M University Center for Philanthropic Leadership Institute. In 2025, Connie was named as one of 10 Women of Influence by the Galveston Daily news for her accomplishments and leadership.
Connie believes that CASA volunteers are extraordinary in their service to children who have experienced abuse and neglect, and she is fully committed to seeing that all the children in Galveston County that need a CASA will have one appointed. Outside the office, Connie enjoys spending time with family (ask her about her grandson!), enjoying the outdoors and listening to a good book.
Email: devin@casagalveston.org
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas San Antonio, Devin worked for Seton Home, a shelter for teen mothers and their children who were in the foster care. While there, she heard numerous stories of the children in care and knew she wanted to do more. Devin moved to Child Protective Services as a Family Based Services Specialist in Bexar and Harris counties and then joined the CASA team with her ultimate goal to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Born into a military family, Devin grew up oversees but Texas has always been her home. Devin enjoys spending quality time with her three children, various arts and crafts and her faith is central to her.
Email: joanna@casagalveston.org
Joanna is a first-generation University of Houston graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations. She started her advertising career in the print media industry and continued on to the County of Galveston where she worked with over 230 volunteers. Her CASA journey began in 2021 as a CASA volunteer. Joanna also serves as our Legislative Advocacy Team Lead. She is passionate about law and public policy and believes it to be imperative for legislators to be well informed in order to establish new policies and improve the child welfare system.
In her spare time, Joanna is a self-proclaimed rockhound who collects rocks and minerals from all over the world, enjoys attending rock shows, solo hiking, and spending time with her adventurous pet bunnies. Joanna loves connecting with the community and appreciates every connection she makes along the way.
Email: corina@casagalveston.org
Corina has been with CASA for over six years, previously serving as a Supervisor for Matagorda and Wharton Counties. Prior to joining CASA, Corina was a Program Director for the Boys & Girls Club in Bay City, TX, where she developed a passion for working with children and families. Corina feels blessed to continue that passion through CASA by advocating for children in the foster care system and making sure their voices are heard. Earlier in her career, she spent 12 years in retail management, where she gained valuable leadership and management experience.
Corina is a lifelong resident of Matagorda County. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family. She has an amazing husband/best friend, Joe, four adult children, and five beautiful grandchildren. Corina loves to travel, whether it’s hopping on a plane to Cabo or hitting the road in their RV.
Email: allison@casagalveston.org
Alli was born and raised in Dickinson, experiencing events that derailed their childhood. These events are what influenced their desire to start a career in supporting children. They graduated from College of the Mainland with an Associate of Arts in General Studies and plans on eventually getting a Bachelor’s degree to support their passions. Alli is very grateful for what CASA does and is happy to be on the staff.
Outside of work, Alli loves listening to music and podcasts, playing Scrabble with their family and friends, cooking (and mastering) vegan meals, and being a part of the non-profit organization, Higher Up Texas.
Email: jocelyn@casagalveston.org
Jocelyn is a first-generation student who earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and is currently pursuing a master’s degree. Her journey in education and advocacy has fueled her dedication to making a tangible difference in her community. Through her volunteer work with the Houston Food Bank and local women’s and children’s shelters, she has developed a deep passion for supporting those in need and advocating for vulnerable populations. She strives to create a meaningful change and contribute to initiatives that positively impact others.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jocelyn is an older sister who loves to spend quality time playing games and celebrating milestones with her family. Jocelyn also enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, and caring for animals. She is constantly seeking new opportunities for personal growth, seeing each new challenge as a side quest in her adventure through life. Whether it’s traveling to new places, exploring new cuisine or new experiences, she is always eager to learn and grow, and she believes in embracing every opportunity to expand her horizons.
Email: patti@casagalveston.org
Patti Foster has served as a Training and Volunteer Supervisor and Trainer for CASA since 2018, where she is dedicated to preparing and supporting volunteers who advocate for children in foster care. She is passionate about equipping volunteers with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Before joining CASA, Patti enjoyed a successful 45-year career in the financial services industry as an Investment Counselor, working with several financial institutions. She earned licenses in Insurance and Securities Series 6 and 63, helping clients navigate important financial decisions throughout her career. Patti has also served on the Sweeny Community Hospital Board since 2014 where she serves as Secretary of the Board.
Patti is a graduate of Langevin Learning University, where she earned her Master Trainers designation, and she also holds a Public Speaking Certificate.
Outside of work, Patti and her husband Robert look forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She treasures time with her six granddaughters and one grandson.
Email: ayleen@casagalveston.org
Ayleen is a lifelong resident of Galveston County, where she developed a deep connection to both the community and the natural beauty of the area. With a heart for animals, Ayleen has dedicated much of their life to rescuing and caring for animals in need. She shares her space with three rescue animals; a dog and two cats, all of whom hold a special place in her heart.
Ayleen is a strong advocate for kindness and compassion. She believes in treating others with respect, offering support where it’s needed, and always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor or standing up for those without a voice, Ayleen is committed to creating a more compassionate world. Ayleen spends most of her time at the park walking with her dog or at the Higher Up Texas office where she loves to help out.
Email: kate@casagalveston.org
Kate’s passion for kids in need started in the 6th grade when she received a PAL – a mentor and someone that truly cared and was a consistent person in her life. Along with her PAL, she also had a guardian with a huge heart! These special role models helped shape Kate to be the kind of person who wanted to do the same for others and led her to CASA. At CASA, Kate quickly knew this was the path she was meant to walk and that she would help kids realize their potential and to instill faith in themselves no matter their circumstances. Kate strongly believes that every child deserves to have someone in their corner who can help ensure their voice is heard.
Kate is a native to Galveston County, growing up in Santa Fe, Texas. When she has free time, Kate is a momma to 2 and enjoys spoiling her 2 dogs. Kate considers her friends to be family and they are a huge part of her life!
Email: phillip@casagalveston.org
Phillip D. Palmer brings experience in student support, community engagement, and connecting families with resources. Before joining CASA of Galveston County, he worked with Communities in Schools of Galveston County and the College of the Mainland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Houston–Clear Lake and plans to begin graduate school there in January 2027.
Phillip’s commitment to supporting families is personal. He and his wife became parents to twins through the foster-to-adopt program in Harris County in 2018. That experience gives him a firsthand understanding of the importance of family connections and compassionate support. He is excited to serve families he can relate to in his role as Collaborative Family Engagement Coordinator.
Outside of work, Phillip enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, cooking, and fishing. A lesser-known fact: he is also a semi-professional bowler.
Email: amelia@casagalveston.org
Originally from Alabama, Amelia moved to Texas from the Alabama, Florida, and Georgia line in 2012. As a former foster child, Amelia’s lifelong desire to work with children in the foster system was formed early – seeing the ups and downs of being a foster child lit a fire in her to do something to make a positive change in as many lives of children and families as possible.
Amelia’s goal is to help the children and families not become a statistic and to help them break the cycle. Prior to moving to Texas, Amelia was a GAL for the Jackson County, Florida for six years. Outside the office, Ameila is married to Brent and is a mother, grandmother (the lights of her life!) and a pet mom to 3 dogs, a cat and 7 chickens.
Email: sitinna@casagalveston.org
Sitinna moved from the East Coast to Houston, Texas in 2021 with her husband to pursue her passion of working in social services. Before becoming a CASA, she was working with domestic violence survivors and finding them safe shelters to get away from their abusers. Sitinna is excited to do all that she can within her role as a CASA to speak up for the children and advocate for them as they are the future of our world.
Outside of work, Sitinna enjoys going on excursions/adventures with her husband, getting Boba tea with friends, and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. She also enjoys traveling and trying new foods from around the world.
Email: jennifer@casagalveston.org
Jennifer is a lifelong Galveston County resident who spent more than 20 years working in the insurance industry. After taking time off to be a stay-at-home mom, she felt a strong pull to give back and was drawn to CASA, a mission that had always been close to her heart.
For nearly five years, Jennifer has been part of CASA as both a volunteer and an employee, advocating passionately for children and making sure their voices are heard during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She believes every child deserves to feel supported, valued, and protected.
When she’s not advocating for kids, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cheering on the New Orleans Saints, playing bingo, and learning the art of sourdough bread making. She is married, has two daughters—one in high school and one who is an elementary school teacher—and shares her home with two dogs and two cats.
Email: alicia@casagalveston.org
Alicia is a dedicated Child Advocate Supervisor who is passionate about making sure every child has a voice and, most importantly, that they are truly heard. She believes that every child deserves to feel supported, valued, and understood, especially during difficult times. Her work allows her to advocate for children, support families, and help ensure that each child’s needs and best interests are being considered.
Born and raised in Texas, family has always been an important part of her life. She is happily married and a proud mother, and her own experiences with family have helped shape the compassion and understanding she brings to her work. She enjoys connecting with others, building relationships, and being someone children and families can feel comfortable turning to for support.
Outside of work, she enjoys shopping, cooking out, and spending quality time with her husband and children. She loves making memories with her family and believes in finding a balance between doing meaningful work and enjoying the people and moments that matter most. She is proud to be in a career where she can make a difference and be an advocate for children who deserve to have their voices heard.
Email: victoria@casagalveston.org
Victoria is passionate about advocating for children and making sure their voices are heard. She strives to be a consistent, supportive presence for children who may be facing difficult circumstances, while helping ensure their best interests remain at the center of every decision.
Victoria loves working with CASA because it gives her the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, speak up for children who need an advocate, and be someone they can count on. Victoria believes that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and supported, and she is honored to be part of that journey.
Email: cecily@casagalveston.org
Cecily Reece is a passionate advocate for children and families and believes that every child deserves to feel safe, loved, heard, and supported. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University. Her background in education has given her the opportunity to work closely with children from diverse backgrounds and with a variety of needs. Cecily has taught 2nd grade in the Texas City Independent School District, and supported K-5th grade students with learning differences in the Clear Creek Independent School District. These experiences have deepened her compassion and commitment to helping children thrive.
Cecily’s heart for children is what led her to CASA. She understands that having one consistent and caring person in a child’s corner can make a lasting difference. She is honored to be part of an organization that advocates for children during some of the most difficult seasons of their lives and is committed to making sure their voices are heard.
Outside of work, Cecily is a wife and bonus mom. She enjoys spending time with family, shopping, binge watching tv shows, and planning events for friends and family.