Program Staff

Joy has been involved with CASA since 2003. After earning her BA in Sociology at Vanguard University, she became a CASA volunteer with Orange County CASA in Santa Ana, CA.

During her seven years as a CASA volunteer, she worked as an event planner, program coordinator, and academic advisor at her alma mater.

In 2012, Joy relocated to Alaska and became the local program coordinator for Kenai Peninsula CASA, a partnership program between the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Alaska CASA. Joy subsequently served as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), advocating for children and youth in the Kenai court system. In 2018, Joy became the State Director of Alaska CASA. Her vision as a State Director is to see more children and youth served throughout Alaska by a CASA volunteer.

Danielle is a dedicated child welfare professional and proud Yup'ik Alaska Native from Nome, Alaska. With years of experience providing services across several regions of the state, she brings deep cultural understanding and a strong commitment to supporting families and improving outcomes for Alaska's youth.

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Danielle brings more than 16 years of experience in child welfare to her role, including eight years as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in the Anchorage office. During that time, she worked closely with CASA volunteers and contributed to preservice training, helping prepare new volunteers. Her background also includes serving as an ICWA Specialist, Child and Family Services Program Director, and Foster Parent Recruiter and Caseworker. In addition to her professional experience, Daneille has been a foster and adoptive parent herself, adding meaningful depth and perspective to her advocacy.

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Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending quality time with her family, savoring good coffee, and keeping up with the world of pro wrestling.

Kendra has worked with youth and families in Alaska for nearly 15 years both professionally, as a Positive Youth Development professional with the Cooperative Extension at UAF, and also with Blossom House, a nonprofit that provides trauma-informed wellness and arts-based programming to adults and youth in correctional and residential facilities in Fairbanks. She is a lifelong student of trauma theory and works to understand trauma and trauma recovery and the integration of these teachings into everyday life.

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She is thrilled to join the Alaska CASA team and endeavors to support CASA volunteers and the youth they represent.

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Kendra is originally from California and has been living in Fairbanks since 2000. She likes spending quality time with family and friends, walking/hiking/lounging in beautiful places and playing music with pals. 

This position is currently being covered by Joy Rigby.

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This position is currently being coverd by Joy Rigby.