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. 

Dee grew up in Northern California but has been living in Alaska for more than 27 years. She has 25 years of experience working with multiple Social Services programs, including the Santa Clara County Housing Authority and Division of Public Assistance.  For the last 12 years she was the Provider Payments Manager and Independent Living Program Coordinator at the Office of Children’s Services. She also worked with the Department of Labor in Workforce Investment Youth Programs in both Nevada and Alaska.

 

Dee studied Social Work at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

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Robin was born in Dallas, Texas but grew up in Palmer, Alaska. As a passionate advocate for marginalized and at-risk communities, she has both personal and professional knowledge of the continued strain on children in adverse conditions. She graduated Dean’s List from Charter College with a Certificate of Paralegal Studies and has previously worked at The Seldovia Village Tribe in Seldovia, Alaska as their lead Marketing associate. Robin came to Valley CASA after working at the Palmer Courthouse as a Courtroom Judicial Assistant. From her experience in the Alaska Court System, she is familiar with CINA and other complex courtroom rules and procedures. 

 

Robin and her husband have four children, two dogs, a cat, a turtle, and big open hearts to champion for systemic equity and community engagement.