09/26/2026
Missouri CASA is so excited to welcome CASA of North Central Missouri to the Network!
Our Origins and Advisory Committee:
The idea for establishing CASA of North Central Missouri started with a family conversation in September 2025 about helping local kids who have experienced child abuse and neglect, as well as the related complexities of the foster care, guardianship, and adoption processes. Appreciating the proven track record of the Court Appointed Special Advocates model, they reached out to the Missouri CASA Association (MOCASA) about bringing CASA to this area.
During these conversations, they discovered that a close family friend had recently joined the MOCASA board of directors and also wanted to see the program come to the area. Together, they engaged with leaders from the local court and family services and received strong support for the idea of CASA. In February 2026, the growing group held a community meeting to recruit others with similar interests, out of which a Steering Committee developed to guide the formation of this new nonprofit.
Some of the original Steering Committee members joined the Board of Directors when CASA of North Central Missouri was established, while others continue to serve as our Advisory Committee that supports and counsels the organization.
Steering/Advisory Committee Members:
- Angie Smith Wallace, Board Member for MOCASA
- Shaunna Stallo*, Chief Juvenile Officer, Steering Committee Chair
- November Carmical*, Children’s Division Circuit Manager
- Jim Elliott*
- Jenn Elliott***
- Jaime Elliott Freidrichs*
- Monica Baker***
- Wendy Morris***
- Tristan Lovenduski***
- Karla Clubine
- Kathy Spencer
*Denotes Members from the Original Steering Committee
**Denotes Steering Committee Members Who Now Serve on the Board
Past Steering Committee Members who supported the journey:
- Brenda Hueffmeier
- Jessica Gillilan - Juvenile Office
- Courtney Perkins - Former Children’s Div. Circuit Court Manager
- Amber Severa - Current CASA of NCM Executive Director
- John Wiggans - Pastor of the First Christian Church, where the CASA of NCM office is located
Timeline of Milestones:
- Sep 13, 2025 - Initial Conversation
- Sep-Dec, 2025 - Discussions with MOCASA, 9th Circuit Court, Juvenile Office, Children’s Division
- Dec 30, 2025 - Presiding Judge Terry Tschannen provides a letter of support.
- A significant milestone for creating a CASA nonprofit in the 9th Circuit
- Feb 10, 2026 - Community Outreach Meeting at the Vine in Brookfield
- Thank you to Raspberry's BBQ for providing the space!
- Mar 13, 2026 - First Steering Committee meeting.
- Thank you to First Christian Church for providing the space!
- Apr 10, 2026 - Application for membership submitted to National CASA/GAL Association
- Apr 29, 2026 - Beginning of the approval process with National CASA
- Jun 01, 2026 - Incorporated as Court Appointed Special Advocates of North Central Missouri
- Jun 23, 2026 - Formation and first meeting of the Board of Directors
- Sep 02, 2026 - CASA of NCM membership approved by National CASA/GAL Association and Missouri CASA Association
