Board of Directors

The Board of Directors meet as a whole six times per year, and each member also works regularly on a board committee in order to expand the number of abused and neglected children helped by CASA. Board members ensure the CASA mission is fulfilled, participate in the development of long-range plans, set and approve policies and financial management, assume primary responsibility for fundraising projects, and personally participate in and contribute to CASA events and projects.

Board terms are three years, with the possibility of an additional three-year term. Individuals interested in serving on the Board of Directors will be interviewed and approved by the Board, and should contact the Executive Director, Patty Sabin at 616.632.5112.

Officers

Sigrid Valk-Feeney

President

Current Employment: Turnaround Manager – Self Employed
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Sigrid is an operations executive with 25 year experience creating, implementing, maintaining, and training staff in low and high level business policies and procedures. She finds it especially rewarding to work with business owners of small to medium sized companies to incorporate all aspects of their business functions, including finance, human resources, information technology and international relations with technical competence in plastics engineering. In addition to her service as CASA's Board Vice President and Chair of the Policy Committee, she is also a Guild Member of D.A. Blodgett Children Services. Sigrid has lived in Grand Rapid for over 14 years and is committed to making Kent County safe for children.

"I believe that our most valuable assets are our children and being a part of CASA allows me to give the most vulnerable children in our community a voice. Children can fall through the cracks in a very crowded and complicated legal system. I believe that if we invest in these kids today they will have a better opportunity in succeeding in life and will make better choices in their future."
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Damian W. Lockhart

Vice President

Current Employment: Financial Advisor, Waddell & Reed
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Damian has been in the Financial Services industry for the last 5 years with a business focus on Wealth Accumulation and Distribution for individuals, families, and businesses. He assists clients on all aspects of their financial lives including retirement planning (accumulation phase), cash management and borrowing needs, and retirement income strategies (wealth distribution). He has been a Kent County resident for 10 years since graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2001. Damian has also been on the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Children's Museum for the last 2 years, and loves to dedicate his time to causes that improve children's lives.

"I feel that any community's future lies in the children of that community and I think that it benefits all if we give our children the most opportunities to have a stable and enriching environment when they are developing. I think the CASA organization's main goal is to not let any children slip through the cracks and to try to do everything in our capabilities to be voice for children when they don't have one. If we have productive children then we will have productive adults and thriving community at the local level and all the way to a global level."
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Terri Gray

Secretary

Current Employment: Vice President/Retail Lender, Mercantile Bank of Michigan ...Read More

Terri Gray is a Retail Lender for Mercantile Bank of Michigan, working out of both the Grand Rapids and Holland markets. She has over 20 years of banking experience in both the Retail and Commericial Loan areas. In addition to her service as CASA's Board Secretary and Chair of the Communications & Public Relations Committee, she also facilitates financial literacy classes for organizations such as Guiding Light Mission and Catholic Secondary Schools.

Terri has lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 20 years, currently residing in Grandville with her husband and two children. Her kids keep her extrememly busy as her daughter is involved in competitive dance and her son is an avid golfer. She is originally from Frankenmuth, so of course loves Christmas and chicken!

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Richard L. Chrisman

Treasurer

Current Employment: CPA, Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols, & Carter PC ...Read More

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Members

Susan Brasic

Current Employment: Business Development Manager, Opportunity Concepts & Lawson Insurance Services ...Read More

Susan Brasic is the Business Development Manager for Opportunity Concepts and Lawson Insurance Services located downtown in the McKay Tower. She has been in the life insurance industry since 1993. Lawson Insurance Services is a brokerage company supplying products to agents across Michigan. Opportunity Concepts operates as the only fee-based life insurance consulting firm in the area providing objective information driving informed decisions.

Susan is a member of INFORUM, a member of Downtown Rotary , NAIFA, WMAIA, Economic Club, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and actively involved in Junior Achievement. She is a member of St Mark's Episcopal Church where she volunteers serving breakfast to over 100 downtown residents. Susan also serves on the board of Widowed Persons Services.

Susan enjoys running and competes in half marathons, biking tours, golfing, traveling, theatre and reading mystery novels. She lives with her husband, Bud and cat, Max on the city's northwest side. There they enjoy a breath-taking view of the city skyline where they both love entertaining and hosting parties!

"I joined the CASA board shortly after learning about the organization and its mission. I previously volunteered in City elementary schools through the former JUMP (juvenile mentoring program) and SIS (sisters in support). It was through these programs that I learned the importance and effectiveness one-on-one work has on an at risk child or teenager. The opportunity CASA has to make a difference in a child's life is tremendous."

"CASA of Kent County quietly and effectively helps the children who have found their fate resting in the the family court due to abuse or neglect. We need your support to insure these children will continue to receive the guidance and advocacy from our highly trained volunteers. After all what's more important than providing a child an opportunity to grow into a contributing member of our society?"
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Brandon Finnie

Current Employment: Manager, Adamy Valuation Advisors
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Brandon assists closely held businesses with the valuation and advisory services within mergers & acquisition, divorce, ESPOs, business litigation, management succession planning, and corporate strategic planning.

Brandon's background in providing litigation support and economic damages analysis proves beneficial when helping attorneys and their clients. Brandon has extensive experience in document review, financial analysis, and preparing expert reports. He lends his insight to answering discovery requests, as well as deposition and trial preparation.

"My mission as a board member is to ensure that the neglected children of our community have a voice in family court by providing support and encouragement to the wonderful people who serve as CASA volunteers."
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Barbara Granger

Current Employment: On hiatus from the practice of law
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Barbara graduated with a BA in 1989 from the Pennsylvania State University, as well as from the University of Baltimore School of Law in June 1994. She was employed as an attorney with Black, Rogers & Ruth PA, concentrating in family law until 2000. Barbara moved to Grand Rapids, MI in 2006. She is currently licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and Michigan.

Since moving to Grand Rapids, Barbara has volunteered as a reading tutor at the Martin Luther King Academy and at Thornapple Elementary School.

"CASA is an important program because there are so many children out there who need someone looking out solely for their interests."
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Tony Grossa

Current Employment: Graves & Company
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Tony is an Employee Benefit Consultant for Graves & Company located in Grand Rapids. He has over 14 years of experience in providing employee benefit consulting services to the business community. Built upon a tradition of integrity, industry leadership and excellence, he is committed to delivering tailored benfit solutions with thoughtful strategic planning, valuable professional services, and technology-based solutions. Specialties are: Insured and self-funded medical plans, group life insurance, dental and vision plans, 401(k), 403(b), pension and profit sharing, voluntary benefits, short and long term disability plans.

Tony is also active in the American Heart Association, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Tony enjoys running and working out, golfing, traveling and spending time with his family.

“I joined CASA soon after learning about their mission. Having two children of my own, I understand the importance of guidance in regards to leading our young children. Abuse and neglect is an unfortunate common practice in our own community. These children deserve much better, they need assistance, a voice heard in our courts; therefore I have dedicated my time to make a difference.”
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Nick Koster

Current Employment: Referee, 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division
Board Position: Board Member, Program and Policy Committee
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Nick Koster has worked in Child Welfare Services in Kent County since 1973, having worked in both direct services and administration at Bethany Christian Services, St. John’s Home, and D. A. Blodgett. He is currently on the boards of the Christian Counseling Center, Western Michigan University M. S. W. Program, and United Way. Having served as a Big Brother Volunteer, a foster parent, a Little League Coach, a Sunday School teacher, and in several other community capacities, Nick currently acts as a court referee, conducting hearings for neglected and abused children in which CASA volunteers are involved.
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Brian Lassiter

Current Employment: Davenport University
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Brian has been apart of the Grand Rapids Community for nine years. His educational background is in the field of human resources with an emphasis in training and development and holds an advanced degree in public administration. Brian was employed with Bethany Christian Service for six years and Kent County for two years. Brian continues to work and advocate for the importance of young adults being prepared and ready for the workforce. As a life long learner, Brian has transitioned in the area of higher education and is with Davenport University as a Career Service Coordinator.

“CASA of Kent County is important because it allow children a sense of connection through its advocacy. As a former employee of Bethany Christian Services, I have witnessed how CASA has impacted our children and client's lives. Children who are traumatized emotionally and physically benefit from the volunteerism of CASA workers who are often willing to provide structure, support and a sense of belonging for the well being of the children.”
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Michelle McCloud

Current Employment: Senior Grant Accountant, Grand Valley State University
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Michelle is a university accountant that has worked in public service for over 10 years. She worked for the State of Michigan in the Department of Community Health for over 8 years before joining Grand Valley State University's Business of Finance Office of staff in 2006. Michelle has also worked in the private sector for a small CPA firm, and prior to that worked as a licensed cosmetologist while attending college. She is a native of Lansing, Michigan and moved to the Grand Rapids area in 2006.

In addition to her service as a CASA board member, Michelle also serves as the President of the National Association of Black Accountants-Greater Lansing Chapter, as a life skills mentor for Bethany Christian Services, as a hospice volunteer until late 2009, and served as a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer for many years.

"I find great pleasure in working with the public and serving people. I never intended on being a part of the CASA board, as I signed up to participate with the program as a volunteer. I was recruited to the CASA board a week before I finished CASA volunteer training. I was honored to serve such a vital role in an organization that I believe is providing essential support to those that need it most.

As a product of the foster system, I was a child that had no voice. Many times children's voices go unheard because the courts, the authorities and even some parents refuse to hear them. When voices go unheard, injustice seeks refuge. CASA volunteers not only provide voices to children, but they serve as the constant in the ever changing world of the family court system. I understand the importance of CASA services and I'm proud to be a part of this wonderful organization."
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Geralyn Pasi

Current Employment: Indepedent Trustee, Varnum Riddering
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Geralyn earned her BBA with a major in Finance from Grand Valley State University, as well as a Certificate in Financial Planning. She has also completed Personal Trust Administration at Cannon Financial Institute.

Geralyn has been in trust administration for over 25 years with both large and small banking institutions, and has served the last ten years and as Independent Trustee. Her professional affiliates include the Western Michigan Estate Planning Group and the West Michigan Planned Giving Group.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Geralyn moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1987 with her husband Allan. They now live in Lowell Township, and do not have any children but their house is home to five cats: Mittens, Munchkin, Minnie, Mollie and Mandy.

Geralyn has served on the Board as well as President of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids East; she was a member of the Endowment Committee for then Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails. She currently serves as a Shelter Volunteer at Crash's Landing, Cat Rescue and Placement Center (so she can care for stray cats without taking them home).
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Andy Rent

Current Employment: The River 100.5
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Starting out as a TV host and weatherman for WOOD TV8 in the 70's, Andy Rent probably is the most recognized personality in the West Michigan area having been on radio and television for more than three decades. Originally from Muncie, Indiana, Andy attended Burris High School and Ball State University, and always wanted to have a broadcasting career. He was a speech and broadcast major along with music as a minor. When school was finished, he began working in radio and television in Richmond and Muncie, Indiana before an offer came from Grand Rapids.

Andy has been waking up Grand Rapids on morning radio for the past 31 years. He was anchor of the number one radio team on WCUZ-FM for many years. After leaving WCUZ and WOOD FM in 1999, he joined WTRV to begin a new Morning Show on The River 100.5. Andy is in his eleventh year on The River hosting one of the most popular adult morning radio shows in West Michigan.

Andy has always been involved in the community, volunteering and raising money for many non-profits including Easter Seals Michigan, Gilda’s Club, YMCA, Mel Trotter, and many more. In addition, he has served on the board of directors for Easter Seals Michigan, Visiting Nurse Association, the Metropolitan YMCA, and currently CASA.

Andy and his wife Kathy are the proud parents of 7 children and proud grandparents of 11 grand children.
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Gretchen Ross

Current Employment: Latent Print Examiner, Grand Rapids Police Department
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Gretchen has worked with the Grand Rapids Police Forensic Services Unit as a Crime Scene Technician and a Latent Print Examiner. Gretchen has been a board member since December 2009.

"In my capacity as a Crime Scene Technician with GRPD, I often thought that removing a child from a home was important when children were neglected or abused. Removing a child is only the first step in a long process of deciding what is best for a child. CASA of Kent County provides highly effective advocates that sometimes, are the only people that remain constant during a court procedure in determining what is best for a child. I am proud to be involved in an organization that may be the ONLY constant in a child’s life."
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Tim Sheridan

Current Employment: Attorney, Plunkett & Cooney
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Profile coming soon.
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Suanne Watt-Stay

Current Employment: Attorney, Law, Weathers, & Richardson, P.C.
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Suanne specializes in Personal Service and Litigation Practice. She concentrates her practice in litigation, with a focus on domestic relations and public sector litigation. Prior to joining Law, Weathers & Richardson, P.C. Suanne worked with the Michigan Attorney General's office, Natural Resources Division, the Michigan State Police, and the Michigan, Department of Labor. Her practice specialization includes Domestic Relations, Public Sector Litigation and Civil/Commercial Litigation.

Suanne grew up in the Grand Rapids area and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University and her law degree from Indiana School of Law at Bloomington. She is a member of the Family Law section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan. Suanne also serves as a board member of the Women Lawyers Section of the Grand Rapids Bar and is a board member of the YMCA Child Care Committee.
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