Erica has served as Executive Director since the organization's founding in 2007. Prior to joining CASA, Erica had built both professional and personal experience in child welfare, adoption, program management, and child advocacy. She holds a B.A. from Drew University and an M.A. in Child Advocacy from Montclair State University. Erica currently sits on a variety of local and national boards and committees. Erica is a recipient of the Congressional Angels in Adoption Award, the NJBiz 40 under 40 Award,and Rotary International’s Paul Harris Award. As a lifelong resident of Passaic County, Erica has been dedicated to the growth of the organization and is pleased to be able to work for her own community.

Gretchen came to CASA after a journalism career that included managing editor of a newsmagazine and copy editor for a weekly newspaper, both for the Garden State legal profession. As a freelance writer, former blogger and columnist on open adoption and first-time motherhood – both Gretchen’s daughter and husband were adopted – her writing has often focused on adoption’s myriad complexities. She's published related articles in the United States and overseas, and an essay relating her journey to motherhood is widely distributed by agencies serving prospective adoptive parents. An advocate for those without voice or choice, Gretchen regularly speaks at Montclair State University on open vs. closed adoptions and national trends in open-records laws. Prior to joining staff in 2013, she trained as a CASA volunteer alongside her mother, and advocated for a young girl until family reunification. Whether grant proposals, press releases, web content or fundraising campaigns, she uses writing – her love language – to increase awareness of youth in the child welfare system and the ongoing need for advocates and financial support to fuel CASA's work. In 2017, after several terrifying days with her daughter in intensive care and diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Type 1 Diabetes, Gretchen donned another advocacy cap, this time for the more than 1.6 million T1D Americans who each day must act as their own pancreas, calculating and self-administering insulin to survive. She is a proponent of T1D awareness, empowerment, and affordable and sustainable access to insulin for all.

Sarah joined the CASA staff as a Case Supervisor in May of 2014 and transitioned to the role of State Coordinator for the Safe Babies Court Team in October 2020. In May 2024, Sarah took on the role of Program Manager for CASA work in Union County. Prior to working at CASA, Sarah had a diverse professional background, including experience as an attorney for a large law firm, conducting child welfare policy research, providing pro bono legal work in domestic violence and guardianship law, and working with women struggling with substance use. She has a B.S. in Psychology and Social Sciences from Michigan State University and a J.D. from William and Mary Law School. In addition to serving as a CASA, she also volunteered in a peer-to-peer support program for women experiencing medical crises during pregnancy.

Through community collaboration, education and empowerment, Tori’s (Victoria) passion lies in advocating for people in need so their communities feel like their own. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish Language and Literature from Binghamton University, and is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. Prior to joining CASA, Tori served at AmeriCorps where, charged with developing a mobile food pantry program, she secured a grant to expand pantry access to three Garden State counties. During COVID-19, Tori developed and implemented a case management program that provided wraparound care for pantry clients, addressing the myriad factors contributing to, and perpetuated by, food insecurity. Tori is proud to be part of #TeamCASA, working to ensure Union County’s most vulnerable children will enjoy a future full of equity, mobility, and pride.

Prior to joining staff as an Advocacy Supervisor, Chelsea was a paralegal at several North Jersey law firms, focused on the litigation of asbestos/talc and insurance matters, as well as employment and gaming law. She holds a B.A. in English Literature with minors in Political Science and French from Drew University, and a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies from the Washington University in St. Louis Law School. Chelsea first learned about CASA and its mission years ago while in high school, and knew one day she would make it part of her life. She trained several years ago as an advocate with CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, where she continues to work her case as a volunteer.

Gina joined the CASA staff in February 2009 with a background in child sexual abuse prosecution. Prior to her work with CASA, Gina was a Child Abuse Prosecutor with the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office in Pennsylvania. She holds a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and a J.D. from Widener University School of Law. Gina is eager to engage the community in CASA's mission in all areas, from volunteering as an advocate to attending the annual Tricky Tray where she can be seen as our annual "caller."

Courtney joined the CASA team in September 2019 as the Director of Development. Before joining CASA, Courtney worked for ten years as Executive Director of Employer and Alumni Relations within the Center for Career Education at Columbia University. In this role, Courtney was responsible for cultivating relationships with corporate and non-profit organizations and the Columbia alumni community in an effort to create and promote job opportunities for students. She has supported various volunteer organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Alzheimer's Association and is proud to promote and participate in the amazing work of Passaic County CASA. Courtney holds a B.S. in Economics and a M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham University.

Susan joined the CASA staff as an Advocacy Supervisor in October 2023. She holds a B.A. in Communications from LaSalle University and a J.D. from Touro Law School. Previously, Susan has worked in Domestic Violence Clinics as well as Legal Aid. She has years of volunteering experience in various community organizations. Susan is a full trustee with Mahwah Schools Foundation where she works on the Corporate Development team and other committees. Susan is passionate about ensuring all children receive the help and services they need.

Janice Erzmoneit assumed the staff role of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer after serving as a member and officer of the Board of Trustees for 10 years. She is a CPA and holds an M.B.A. from Pace University Lubin School of Business as well as a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from William Paterson University. She also currently serves as a Board Treasurer for City Green, a nonprofit that works to further environmental stewardship, equitable access to healthy food, and the development of ecologically sustainable communities. She started her career as an auditor with KPMG in New York City, serving clients in the Not-for-Profit and Commercial sectors. She has held various financial executive positions at organizations in the food service, transportation and logistics, and apparel industries where her accomplishments helped to take those organizations to the next level of financial and operational effectiveness. Janice served as Vice President of Finance, Executive Staff member, and Staff Liaison to the Finance, Audit, and Facilities Committee of the Board of Trustees of Liberty Science Center, a nonprofit museum of science and technology for children and children-at-heart in Jersey City, NJ. With CASA, Janice focuses her expertise on helping continue to grow its impact on the most vulnerable in New Jersey. Janice was born and raised in Passaic County, and lives in North Haledon with her husband and son.

Marian joined CASA after a 20-year career as a school psychologist in Passaic County. Raised in Brooklyn, Marian is a product of New York’s public schools; she holds a B.A. from SUNY Buffalo and her Ph.D in Psychology from CUNY Graduate Center. CASA’s mission blends perfectly with Marian’s efforts in her own community, where she appreciates working to “repair of the world” locally, one step at a time.

Keisha first joined Passaic County CASA as an intern in 2017. After receiving her B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University, she officially joined the team as a Case Supervisor Assistant before transitioning into the role of Bilingual Case Supervisor. In 2020, Keisha moved to the mountains of North Carolina, but not before making one final transition into the role of remote Data Analyst. Keisha enjoys advocating for families and children in her small rural community, participating in local committees and coalitions, and encouraging others to look into their local CASA/GAL programs. Although several states away, Keisha is grateful and proud to continue working with CASA.

Ed joined the CASA staff in March 2018. Most recently, he was the Assistant Dean for Student Services at Seton Hall Law School and a trainer with the New Jersey Child Welfare Training Partnership. In a career spanning five decades, Ed worked as an Investigator, Staff Attorney, and Managing Attorney with the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Law Guardian. He began his career in child welfare as a Family Service Specialist with the Division of Youth and Family Services. Ed holds a B.A. in Political Science from Gettysburg College and a J.D. from Seton Hall Law School.

Julie McGraw began as a CASA volunteer in 2018, led by her passion to help underprivileged children and their families. Five years later, She joined staff as an Advocacy Supervisor, and now supports and oversees her own team of volunteer advocates. Julie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and English Literature, and a Master’s Degree in Multiculturalistic Education. She has taught in various underserved areas within New York and New Jersey. In addition, Julie is a freelance photographer, which fuels her desire to be part of others' lives through a different, yet also impactful, lens.

Tiffany joined CASA in November of 2020. From a young age, she was always interested in human services, psychology, and law. She holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University. Prior to joining CASA, Tiffany held positions as a Criminal Justice Coordinator and Case Manager Supervisor for a large nonprofit organization in NYC, assisting the homeless population secure permanent housing. Tiffany has also worked for Bergen County Special Services as a substitute paraprofessional, assisting teachers in the classroom with students with special needs.

Drawn to CASA by both its mission to serve vulnerable children and her steadfast commitment to volunteerism, Wendy first became involved by training as a volunteer advocate, working with two siblings on that case. She later joined staff as a Bilingual Advocacy Supervisor, and continues to work that CASA case. The depth and breadth of Wendy’s passion for and commitment to children is evident by nearly a decade spent tutoring, teaching Sunday school, leading a youth group at her church, and providing private child care. Additional volunteer work includes serving as church secretary and treasurer. Prior to joining CASA staff, Wendy was a legal assistant focused on immigration law. She holds a B.A. in English from Montclair State University.

Laura joined CASA in September of 2019. Laura recently moved back to New Jersey after many years living in Louisiana. While living in Louisiana, Laura worked as a Law Guardian, representing children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. She also worked in the area of Bankruptcy Law having clerked for a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge and worked for a large firm. Laura enjoyed being involved in the community, volunteering and/or serving on the board of directors for an array of organizations. Laura graduated from Rutgers University and Temple University School of Law. After moving back to New Jersey, she wanted to continue working with children and became a CASA volunteer.

Jill joined the staff as a Case Supervisor in May 2018 and was promoted to the role of Senior Advocacy Supervisor in the spring of 2022. She holds a B.A. in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego. Prior to her work at CASA, Jill was a Social Services Case Manager in the State of Georgia, a Family Team Conference Facilitator in New York, and a Child Protective Specialist for the City of New York. She is passionate about child safety, ensuring children’s voices are heard, and supporting her volunteer advocates.

Julie joined the Passaic County CASA team in February 2020, after working for many years in adoption and family services. Julie holds a degree in Business Administration from Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. She has a passion for children and is proud to share the amazing work of CASA with all those in the community.

Diego joined CASA in May of 2023 as the Database and Development Associate. Before that Diego worked with another local non-profit in Prospect Park as a Program Coordinator for several years. He also volunteers as a youth leader for a youth group, and enjoys being involved in the community. Diego holds a Bachelors of Science in Management, with a minor in Business Analytics from Ramapo College of New Jersey

Pamela joined the CASA staff after 20 years as a paralegal and administrator of a law firm. A lifelong Passaic County resident, Pamela has been involved in several community nonprofit organizations supporting the special needs community and volunteered at a therapeutic riding stable in Mahwah. She holds a B.A. degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and an Associate degree from Berkeley College in Woodland Park.

Michelle joined the CASA staff in September 2017 as a Case Supervisor and has now expanded her role as Passaic County CASA's Director of Strategy and Impact. Prior to her work with CASA, Michelle was a Director in the Corporate Finance Consulting practice at Duff & Phelps, LLC, focused on valuation of intellectual property and on strategic finance for companies in the Pharmaceutical and Life Science industry for over twelve years. She graduated from New Jersey Institute of Technology with a dual B.S./M.S. in Applied Mathematics. Michelle has balanced her professional career with many volunteering opportunities through the years, and she was intrigued by CASA when she first learned of it in 2014. Michelle became a CASA volunteer in September 2014, and while on staff, she continues to volunteer as an advocate for children in foster care in Passaic County. Michelle currently represents Passaic County CASA as a member of the National CASA Performance Measurement and Data Governance Committee.

Annie joined the CASA staff in 2024 as Program Analyst, conducting volunteer background checks, coordinating advocate training, maintaining compliance records, and assisting with outreach. Formerly of St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, most recently serving as the Director of Mission and Ministry. She also has served as assistant director for North Central Jersey Association of Realtors, where she created a government affairs department, liaising between elected officials and Realtor members on legislative issues; streamlining data management; and coordinating events. Annie is passionate about supporting those who volunteer their time, as well as ensuring her own robust volunteerism continues, which includes work with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, service trips to assist in New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina and in Keansburg post-Hurricane Sandy, as well as stints at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia and Nazareth Farm in West Virginia.

Sharon joined Passaic County CASA in March 2022. With a diverse professional background, she worked for 11 years as a private child care provider for children ranging in age from newborn to 11 years old, carrying out her duties with love, moral guidance and sincerity. She has several years of work experience as a Bookkeeper, and held various positions in Human Resources. Sharon has an associate degree in executive administration from Bergen Community College. Music has been a big part of her life since she was a child, and she continued that trend by spending decades volunteering in her church choir. Sharon has always had a special place in her heart for children, and is honored and proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.

Sara joined the CASA staff as Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator in 2024. She has served various organizations advocating for such underrepresented populations as children in foster care, single mothers, and undocumented individuals. Sara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and Community Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a former juvenile delinquency intern with the Office the Attorney General in Washington, D.C. She currently leads a young adults group for her church, and each year volunteers at Champ Life Foster Care Summer Program in Michigan for children in the foster system. Sara is working toward opening a camp for foster children in New Jersey and the surrounding area.

Robert joined Child Focus in 2024 following a 30-plus year career with the New Jersey Judiciary. Most recently, Robert was Passaic County Trial Court administrator, leading the pilot county in New Jersey’s transformational Criminal Justice Reform initiative. He spearheaded the Passaic County Advisory Board for the Reduction of Gun Violence and represented the Judiciary on the NJ State Advisory Group’s Safe Babies Court Team. A former Superior Court Civil Division Manager for Morris and Sussex Counties, he currently serves as Treasurer for Transition Professionals, a non-profit that provides support and services for individuals transitioning from prison back into society. Robert has dedicated his career to public service, criminal justice reform, child advocacy, and working with stakeholders to make a positive impact in the community.

Mike joined the Passaic County CASA team in January 2023. Mike has worked in various creative industries from advertising to television and publishing. Mike holds a B.A. Hons from Exeter in Art and Design.

Aileen was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Bethlehem, PA. She has crisscrossed the country working as a broadcast journalist. Beginning in 2015, she started volunteering with CASA helping with communications planning and later, the 2017 Voices for Children Gala. In 2018, Aileen enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to join the Board to help CASA expand its reach and support even more children in Passaic County. Aileen currently works at ADP in Roseland, NJ, where she leads Executive Communications. She lives in Wayne, NJ with her husband and son.

Nancy has a forty-plus year career working in shopping malls in New Jersey, and most recently held the position of Senior General Manager of Willowbrook Mall in Wayne before her retirement. Nancy first learned about CASA in 2008 through the Mall’s partnership with the Jessica Gelok Foundation, a regular benefactor of Passaic County CASA. In 2020, Nancy enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to join the Passaic County CASA Board of Trustees and looks forward to growing the partnership between Passaic County CASA and Willowbrook Mall.

Lindsay was born and raised in Northern Passaic County, and now resides in Riverdale, NJ with her husband and son. A member of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bars since 2008, Lindsay has her own law practice in Pompton Lakes, NJ, where she primarily focuses on real estate. Lindsay has been a member of CASA of Passaic County since 2013. In addition to CASA, Lindsay is also a Pompton Lakes Rotarian, a member of the League of Women Voters and a member of the Pompton Lakes BID. Lindsay received her Bachelors Degree from American University and her JD from Widener University School of Law.

Kelly practices family law and is the principal at the Law Offices of Kelly Berton Rocco where she is blessed to work every day with her daughter, Brittany Rocco Rowley, who is a certified paralegal. While Kelly only joined the Passaic County CASA board this year, she has been volunteering with CASA for the past several years and her firm sponsored the Holiday Wish Drive in 2018 for CASA. Prior to her work with CASA, Kelly served on the Board of the Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters) and in 2010, she was honored to receive the Humanitarian Award from the Center for Hope and Safety for her dedication to assisting the women and children the Center serves. Kelly continues to assist women and children impacted by domestic violence by financially and actively supporting a number of domestic violence organizations as well as supporting the Angel Tree Ministry which ensures every child in the Bergen County foster care system receives something from their Christmas wish list. Kelly served on the Consistory at the First Reformed Church of the Palisades both as a deacon and an elder. She loves the outdoors, cooking and traveling with family and friends.

Jonathan is a Senior Risk & Marketing Executive at the Scirocco Insurance Group in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Born in New York City and raised in Parsippany, NJ, he is a graduate of the University of Hartford with a BS in Insurance. Jon specializes in designing insurance programs that best protect his clients’ business and personal financial assets. He is a Past President of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Monmouth County and a Co-Founder of the DFM Foundation. Jon served on the Passaic County CASA Board of Trustees for 10 years, and now has the role of Gala Chairperson. Jon lives in Wayne, NJ with his family and enjoys golfing in his spare time.

Dr. Costa was the founding director of the Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental and is a Professor in the Department of Family Sciences and Human Development at Montclair State University. He has served as a consultant to the national organization, ZERO TO THREE for the past 20+ years and is one of the first 16 “Expert Faculty” selected by ZERO TO THREE in the new DC: 0-5 (2016) Classification system. Since 2018 he has served as the Coordinator of the Northeast Regional Terrorism and Disaster Coalition. Most recently, Dr. Costa served as the Principal Investigator of the New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance (NJIETA) project, an $8 Million, 5-½ year project advancing full inclusion in New Jersey Public Schools.

Al owns the New Jersey based production company Kahwaty Media, has spent a large part of his career producing long-form television news at shows such as 60 Minutes and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and produced the Passaic County CASA 2022 Storybook Gala video. Al has also served many years as a Little Falls Council member and as the chairman of the Passaic County Film Commission.

Montclair resident Lisa Ingersoll has spent more than 35 years in marketing, including two-plus decades in healthcare advertising. Upon leaving agency work in New York City, the avid film-lover began volunteering her marketing skills with the Montclair Film Festival. As the festival grew and her work evolved into a staff position as co-director of marketing, the longtime believer in the importance of volunteerism sought a new way to continue her commitment to serving others, and this time honed in on children in need. Moved by CASA’s mission, Lisa quickly found herself completing the training to become a child advocate, where she advocated for several children over six years. Now, as a member of the Board of Trustees, Lisa continues her work for vulnerable children in a new way. In addition to film and her volunteer work, Lisa enjoys pickleball, cooking, and traveling.

Joe, a Human Resources executive focused on optimizing Human Resources operations, processes, and workflows, serves as Director, HR Operations at New Jersey Resources in Wall. Prior posts include strategy development, implementation, and maintenance of legal operations at PSEG, and multiple roles at General Electric Company, including oversight of information systems and global data quality, as well as coaching executives on leadership development, best practices, and compliance requirements. The Riverdale resident holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Human Resource Management from Pace University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Berkeley College.

Anthony Tavormina was born and raised in New York City. In addition to holding degrees in both civil engineering and law, he has worked in various capacities as an engineer and attorney throughout New York and New Jersey. Anthony is currently General Counsel at Railroad Construction Company, Inc. where he co-chairs its Charity Committee. As a member of the Child Focus Board of Trustees, Anthony strives to advance its overall mission in prioritizing the safety and well-being of infants, children, and teens in the child welfare system.