Meet 2025 Volunteer of the Year Nominees!

CASA volunteers are everyday people with a special heart to serve the best interests of children experiencing foster care. In Georgia, thousands of amazing CASA volunteers serve children and families in crisis every day. One way we honor and acknowledge this exceptional work is through our annual Awards of Excellence. Volunteers are nominated by local CASA programs for our annual Karen N. Sibley CASA Volunteer of Year Award and the recipient is honored at the Annual Conference Luncheon every August. Let’s meet this year’s nominees for Volunteer of the Year!

DeAnne Akin, CASA of Polk & Haralson, Inc.

DeAnne Akin has been a committed CASA volunteer for 19 years, advocating for over 100 children throughout her long career. A former educator, she combines her knowledge and compassion to support children and families, often providing tutoring and educational guidance alongside her advocacy. DeAnne is known for her strong courtroom presence, timely reporting, and relentless dedication, including traveling extensively to maintain regular visits.

Her deep relationships with families, especially one multi-generational case involving reunifications, adoptions, and loss, highlight her unwavering support and trustworthiness. Considered part of the families she serves, DeAnne’s lifelong commitment makes her an invaluable asset to CASA and the community.

Patti Ann Allen, CASA of Forsyth County, Inc.

Patti Ann Allen brings her experience as a teacher and school counselor to her role as a CASA volunteer, where she has advocated for six children across four complex cases over four years. Known for her compassion, persistence, and strong communication, she builds trusting relationships with children, families, and professionals alike.

Patti Ann’s dedication shines in challenging situations, from supporting parents struggling with substance use to stepping in personally to ensure access to vital treatment. A respected community leader and retired administrator, Patti Ann embodies CASA’s mission and inspires those around her with her unwavering commitment.

Michelle Barnes, Juvenile Court of Cobb County/CASA

Michelle Barnes, a CASA volunteer since 2019 with Juvenile Court of Cobb County/CASA, is known for her unwavering commitment and creative advocacy. She has served her current CASA child, a 17-year-old boy, since 2022, staying by his side through 10 placements and driving over eight hours round trip monthly to visit him when placed far from home.

Michelle’s dedication shows in the trust she’s built and the support she’s secured, including therapy, college prep, and a mentor. She created a regular “Something Good” call to help her CASA child focus on his strengths and feel seen. With over 3,000 miles and 128 hours logged this year alone, Michelle continues to inspire others through training panels, education events, and everyday advocacy.

Jessica Bankston, Chattahoochee CASA

Since 2021, Jessica Bankston has been a fierce and dedicated advocate, serving six children across two cases. She’s known for her persistence, compassion, and deep commitment, volunteering for over 900 hours and driving more than 4,500 miles to ensure her CASA children receive the support they need.

Jessica has helped guide multiple children to adoption and continues advocating tirelessly for those still awaiting permanency. Her collaborative approach and refusal to take “no” for an answer make her a trusted voice in court and a steady presence in the lives of the children she serves.

Carol Chumley, CASA of Troup County, Inc.

Over the past 25 years, Carol has dedicated thousands of hours and traveled extensively across Georgia to visit and support children in foster care.

Carol is known for consistently showing up—not only for the children she serves but for everyone involved in their care. Her spirit of collaboration creates trust and meaningful connections with attorneys, case workers, CASA staff, and families alike.

She has traveled from the mountains to the coast to ensure her CASA children feel seen and heard. Even after retiring from full-time work, Carol remains deeply committed to her volunteer work, balancing family life while continuing to advocate passionately.

Jill Davis, DeKalb County CASA Program

Jill Davis has been a dedicated DeKalb County CASA volunteer since 2019, advocating for six children across three cases. Currently, she supports five children in two active cases with unwavering commitment and professionalism.

Known for her thorough investigations and clear, compassionate court reports, Jill consistently helps the court understand each child’s needs. She skillfully balances empathy with sound judgment and maintains strong relationships with children, families, and professionals. Jill’s advocacy has ensured siblings stay connected despite separate placements and helped secure stable kinship care and essential services like tutoring and therapy. Beyond her casework, Jill inspires fellow volunteers through training sessions, outreach events, and her role on the DeKalb County CASA Board.

Jeff Demmon, CASA Ogeechee

For eight years, Jeff has been a devoted CASA volunteer, advocating for 14 children and helping 10 achieve permanency, eight through adoption and two through guardianship.

Jeff’s steadfast commitment shines through in his unwavering support, including a recent case where he successfully advocated for a teenager. The agency had planned to relocate the child to a different city and school, but Jeff stood firm, honoring her wishes to stay with the family she had bonded with. Because of Jeff’s relentless efforts, she not only remained in her home county but was ultimately adopted by the family. His influence reached beyond the child—her adoptive mother was so inspired by the experience that she became a CASA volunteer herself in April 2025.

Even when two children were moved out of the service area, Jeff drove four hours each way to remain involved, demonstrating exceptional loyalty and care. He has logged over 1,150 hours and driven more than 11,000 miles advocating for children’s best interests.

Debbie Fox, Hall-Dawson CASA Program, Inc.

Debbie Fox has been a committed CASA volunteer since 2020, advocating for nine children across five complex cases. With a background in healthcare, she brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach, especially in Family Treatment Court cases where trust and persistence are key.

Known for her warmth and reliability, Debbie has built strong, lasting bonds with children and families. Judges, supervisors, and DFCS staff alike praise her as a steady, compassionate presence and a fierce advocate. Whether navigating mental health systems or supporting reunification, Debbie’s dedication and heart have made a lasting difference in every life she touches.

Gene and Faye Gries, CASA of Houston County, Inc.

Gene Gries was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in April 2012, and his wife Faye joined in April 2017. Together, they have served 29 cases, advocating for 25 children, ten of those as a husband-and-wife team. They have donated over 4,370 hours and traveled more than 41,960 miles to support children in foster care.

Known for their thorough preparation and respected courtroom presence, Gene and Faye attend every hearing and are trusted by judges, DFCS staff, and attorneys. Gene’s dedication was evident in an eight-year case where he traveled extensively to maintain contact and successfully advocated to reverse a termination of parental rights and preserve a child’s connection with his mother. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Faye remained a steady, compassionate advocate, maintaining meaningful contact despite lockdown challenges.

Their case reports are detailed and insightful, providing a full picture of each child’s needs and progress. Beyond their cases, they serve as mentors to fellow volunteers and actively participate in training and conferences to continuously improve their skills. Gene and Faye’s unwavering commitment and impactful advocacy make them outstanding representatives of CASA’s mission and deserving nominees for this award.

Betsy Jones, CASA of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit

Since becoming a CASA volunteer in 2019, Betsy Jones has served 18 children across 13 cases with compassion, diligence, and professionalism. Drawing on her background as a 911 dispatcher, she brings sharp attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a calm, steady presence to each case.

Betsy often manages multiple cases at once and is known for going above and beyond—building strong relationships, meeting every deadline, and advocating fiercely for each child’s needs. Children light up when she visits, and her positive energy makes her a joy to work with. A devoted grandmother and active member of the Appalachian CASA community, Betsy continues to inspire with her tireless commitment and heart for service.

Vicki Lester, CASA of Northwest Georgia

Vicki Lester has served as a dedicated CASA volunteer with Bartow County since 2023, advocating for 10 children across 7 cases. She’s known for her compassion, strong communication, and tireless support for everyone involved: children, parents, foster families, school staff, and the courts.

Vicki is especially committed to reunification, often supporting families involved in substance abuse recovery through regular attendance at treatment courts, sometimes up to three times a month. Whether rocking infants, playing with toddlers, or volunteering in schools, Vicki builds meaningful connections and shows up consistently. Her detailed reports and positive presence make her a trusted and valued advocate throughout the community.

Dana McKinney, Towaliga CASA, Inc.

Though she’s been a CASA volunteer for just under two years, Dana McKinney has shown unmatched dedication while serving a case involving five siblings. Even while recovering from open heart surgery and undergoing monthly chemotherapy, Dana has remained a constant presence, missing only two months of visits and continuing to check in regularly during that time.

Dana’s case is one of the most severe her program has seen, yet she meets every challenge with care and tenacity. She’s built strong relationships with foster families, attends all appointments, and is now creating life books for each child following the termination of parental rights. Described as “the best” by a longtime foster parent, Dana brings passion, thoroughness, and a deep sense of commitment to her CASA work.

Betty Plagens, Northeast Georgia CASA

For six years, Betty Plagens has been a devoted CASA volunteer, advocating for over 20 children with heart, professionalism, and persistence. Known for her deep compassion and strong communication, she builds meaningful relationships with children, caregivers, and professionals, and is often requested by name by foster families who’ve seen the impact of her advocacy.

Betty goes beyond expectations, securing services and placements others might overlook and staying present in the lives of children through visits, games, and school support. A former board chair and active community member, she’s also known for organizing holiday gifts for all CASA kids each year. Betty’s leadership, service, and unwavering dedication make her a powerful force for children.

Lynn Shrader, CASA of the Augusta Judicial Circuit

Lynn Shrader, a retired educator and principal, has brought her lifelong dedication to children into her role as a CASA volunteer with Augusta CASA. Since joining in 2023, she’s taken on complex cases with care and tenacity, advocating for children’s educational, medical, and developmental needs with unmatched expertise and heart.

Whether pushing for critical services, organizing holiday gifts for every child on her caseload, or building trust with families and community partners, Lynn consistently goes above and beyond. Thanks to her advocacy, nine of the eleven children she’s served have been adopted. Lynn’s warmth, professionalism, and tireless commitment make her a shining example of what CASA stands for.

Sandra Smart, CASA of the Alapaha Judicial Circuit

Sandra Smart has been a dedicated CASA volunteer for nine years, advocating for 26 children across eight cases. Known for her kindness, thoroughness, and reliability, she actively participates in trainings, community events, and recruitment efforts, always going above and beyond to support the CASA program.

Sandra’s detailed court reports have made a critical difference, such as when she educated the judge about a child’s progressive eye disease that others did not fully understand. Her gentle approach puts children and caregivers at ease, and her encouragement and personal support inspire fellow volunteers.

Angela Spencer, Alcovy CASA

Angela Spencer has been a dedicated CASA volunteer for four years, advocating for two cases involving four children. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, thoroughness, and unwavering tenacity, delivering high-quality reports and advocating persistently for the best interests of her CASA children. Angela’s accounting background brings a methodical and careful approach to her advocacy, helping her build strong relationships with staff and children alike.

Angela’s long-term commitment to one case led to a successful adoption in April 2025, where she supported two girls through multiple placements and ensured critical services like play therapy were provided. Now advocating for two older children, Angela remains deeply involved, attentive to their needs and future goals. She also actively supports recruitment efforts, sharing her valuable experience as a parent to inspire others to serve.

Laura Stanga, Savannah/Chatham County CASA, Inc.

Laura Stanga has been a dedicated CASA volunteer for over three years, managing a demanding caseload that includes youth impacted by trafficking. In 2024 alone, she made 34 court appearances and devoted nearly 380 hours to her cases, alongside 129 hours of continuing education, demonstrating exceptional commitment and detailed advocacy.

Balancing her volunteer work with motherhood and academic pursuits, Laura also exceeded fundraising goals for a community event. Her collaborative spirit, perseverance, and deep compassion make her an inspiring advocate and a true embodiment of Savannah CASA’s mission.

Bonnie Tappen, Athens-Oconee CASA

Since joining Athens-Oconee CASA in 2016, Bonnie has advocated for 23 children and brings prior CASA experience from Indiana. She is compassionate, committed, and fiercely dedicated to her cases.

Bonnie’s advocacy has made a real difference, securing hearing aids for six siblings with genetic hearing loss and preventing a child’s expulsion by helping the school understand the child’s challenges. She visits her 12 CASA kids monthly across multiple placements and supports families through language barriers as the program’s sole Spanish-speaking volunteer.

Brittany Valley, Murray/Whitfield CASA Program

Brittany Valley has served 10 children across four cases since becoming a CASA volunteer in 2021. Known for her empathy, honesty, and tireless support, Brittany builds trust with both children and parents, helping guide three families to successful reunification.

In one especially complex case, Brittany supported a mother facing both Juvenile and criminal court, offering consistent encouragement while navigating difficult legal dynamics. Her steady advocacy and belief in the mother’s potential helped clear a path to reunification that might not have been possible otherwise. As a Kids Pastor and advocate, Brittany’s passion for supporting families shines through in everything she does.

Congrats to all the 2025 Karen N. Sibley CASA Volunteer of the Year nominees!

There are countless unique ways that a CASA volunteer can impact a child in foster care. By building a relationship with a child, representing their best interests, providing support and encouragement, providing feedback, and encouraging permanency, a CASA volunteer can make a real difference. Click here to learn more about the CASA mission and to connect with your local affiliate program.