Kansas CASA Association Staff
Kansas CASA Association staff provide an array of services to local programs.
-
State Director
Deena Gage serves as the State Director of the Kansas CASA Association, bringing nearly 22 years of leadership experience. Deena's expertise has consistently driven performance optimization and revenue maximization, and her dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has resulted in engaged and motivated teams.
A Kansas native, originally from Macksville, Deena has a profound appreciation for the state's community. Her commitment to the well-being of Kansas's children and families drives her dedication to serving with integrity. As State Director, Deena leverages her experience to empower local programs and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, ensuring every child in Kansas has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
-
State Trainer
Kristin Hines has worked as the Executive Director of CASA-Children Worth Saving, Inc. since December 2006. Kristin strategically grew agency capacity through a commitment to integrity and building relationships. The program has flourished under her leadership. Kristin is proud of her participation on the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program Implementation Plan Committee for federal victims’ service grants through 2020 and 2021.
Kristin believes CASA volunteers play a vital role in helping children achieve safe, permanent, and loving homes. Her personal goal as the new Kansas CASA Training Coordinator is to encourage and support local programs as they grow and strengthen their direct service capacity.
Kristin graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2005 with a bachelor's in Business Administration and Fort Hays State University with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), emphasis in Human Resources Management, in 2016. As part of her MBA, Kristin completed national testing and scored in the top 10% on national MBA competency skills. Kristin is skilled at analyzing and building nonprofits using successful business strategies. She is an advocate for how the “3rd Sector’ builds resilient and innovative communities.
In her spare time, Kristin enjoys reading books, baking, and spending time with her husband and children.
-
Marketing & Program Support Specialist
Samantha Nickelson is a passionate professional who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She lives in rural south-central Kansas with her husband and daughter, where they actively participate in their family farm and enjoy showing performance horses. Samantha holds a Master’s degree from Fort Hays State University and has over 10 years of experience in digital marketing. Her impressive career includes serving as KCA’s Outreach Coordinator and as the Marketing Director for Orion Education.
Samantha’s connection to CASA runs deep—her journey began as a CASA Advocate in 2014, a role she held for four years. Now, she’s eager to use her skills to raise awareness and support for CASA programs across the state.
Board of Directors
Kansas CASA Association, Inc. has a Nominating Committee that recruits, vets, and onboards potential KCA Board Members. If you are interested in serving on Kansas CASA's Board of Directors please email, statedirector@kansascasa.org or view our board packet HERE.

Kansas CASA Association Inc. seeks passionate, strategic, and visionary members to serve on its Board of Sirectors. Kansas CASA Board members serve as stewards of KCA's mission, create new and innovative strategies for growth, elevate the profile and presence of KCA in the state, promote active participation and growth of the membership and donor base, and ensure overall benefit to KCA and its membership.
The purpose of a Kansas CASA board member is to determine policies, procedures and regulations for the conduct of the agency, to raise funds to finance the organization and its programs, and to monitor organizational performance.
-
President
Manhattan, KSCharles Claar
Retired Accountant
-
Treasurer
Garden City, KSAlicia Harp
Retired CPA
Board member since 2023
Reside 50/50 between Garden City and ManhattanPreviously CASA board member in Garden City for 10 years in early 2000’s serving as Treasurer and President CASA has been near and dear to my heart since that time and I was happy to serve on the State board.
-
Secretary
Topeka, KSJessalyn Hollenbeck
Director, Education Foundation
Kansas Chamber of Commerce -
President-Elect
Topeka, KSNatalie Haag
Capitol Federal
-
Topeka, KS
Todd Thornburg
Past President
Kansas Department of Labor
-
El Dorado, KS
Janett Jacobs
Tri County CASA Executive Director
-
Overland Park, KS
Natalie Julien
President & CEO
CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte CountiesNatalie Julien serves as the President and CEO of CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties, bringing over 25 years of experience in child welfare, nonprofit leadership, and youth services. Since joining CASA, she has strengthened the organization through her expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and community partnerships.Natalie, a California native, has served in various roles supporting children and families in crisis. Before joining CASA, she was Executive Director of Thomas House Family Shelter in Garden Grove, California, and held positions at Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Children’s Way Foster Family Agency, Olive Crest Group Homes, and the Department of Children and Family Services in Los Angeles.Natalie holds a BS in Social Science and graduate degrees in Social Work and Public Administration. She also serves on the National CASA Leadership Council and co-chairs the National CASA Urban Leadership Council as well as serves on the Kansas CASA Board of Directors.
-
Topeka, KS
Hon. Nancy Parrish
District Court Judge
-
Olathe , KS
Connie Keeling
GoodLife Innovations, Inc.
-
Lindsborg, KS
Erica Kruckenberg
Training Coordinator / Community Liaison
SFC Global Supply Chain, Inc. - Schwan's CompanyErica Kruckenberg, M.Ed., is a passionate and results-oriented educator, leader, and administrator with over 15 years of experience in K-12 and higher education. She is adept at leveraging current educational trends to develop efficient systems, address diverse learner needs, advocate for students, and support faculty development. She has a proven ability to build strong relationships and employ a decisive approach to operational challenges, ultimately enhancing student and institutional outcomes. Erica serves on the State of Kansas CASA board, KS Manufacturing Council and Salina Innovation Foundation board. She is active in the Salina Rotary chapter as well as supporting the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank. Erica is currently a Training Coordinator/Community Liaison at Schwan's Company in Salina, KS. Her responsibilities include writing work instructions for plant equipment, conducting training sessions for new and existing employees on safety, sanitation, and operation, maintaining employee training databases, and serving as a Community Liaison. Prior to this, she served as the Vice President of Student Services at Salina Area Technical College. In this role, she managed various aspects of student success, including recruiting, retention, admissions, student life, registration, financial aid, student information systems, student records, Title IX compliance, ADA/504, and Veteran Affairs. Erica served as the Director of Student Success at Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS. Her extensive responsibilities included student advocacy, advising, retention, faculty/staff/student liaison, academic probation, curriculum development, freshmen and parent orientation, course scheduling, Title IX, First-Year Experience, career services, tutoring, mental health support, and accreditation. Her earlier experience includes Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Bethany College, where she developed engagement strategies for young alumni, spearheaded fundraising efforts, managed alumni and faculty relations, and contributed to accreditation processes. While living in North Texas Erica served as a teacher and administrator with Prosper Independent School District, where she served as an administrator, Instructional Technology Specialist and taught in the classroom for grades K-3. Erica is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed. D: Higher Education Leadership) from Baker University. Her dissertation focuses on "Food Insecurity and College Success: Learning Impact". She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from Texas A&M - Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Global Studies from Bethany College. She holds several certifications from the State of Texas, including Principal Certification, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Self-Contained (Grades 1-8), and English as a Second Language (Grades PK-8), all valid until January 31, 2027. Erica most recently graduated from the KS Chamber of Commerce Leadership Kansas program and is a proud member of the Class of 2024 The Wolfpack. Additional affiliations include AHEAD, NASPA, KLC, NACADA, NACE, and Leadership Salina.