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Vision

The vision for CASA of the 2nd Judicial District is to change a child’s story. Our goal is to ensure every abused and neglected child has a voice in court, a friend by their side, and give them the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.

Mission

Our mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteers who serve as advocates for children that have been placed in foster care, due to abuse or neglect. Our volunteers will continue advocating for these children until they have reached safe and permanent homes.

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History

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA of the 2nd Judicial District is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves abused and neglected children in Craighead, Greene, Clay, Poinsett, and Mississippi counties. 

CASA of the 2nd Judicial District was founded in 1995. We are governed by a diverse board of directors made of up of professionals from all across Northeast Arkansas. The organization is a member in good standing of the National CASA Association. Our goal is to provide quality advocacy services that make a positive, long-term impact on the lives of every child in foster care in Northeast Arkansas. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, please call us TODAY at 870-215-2926. We Need More Volunteers Just Like You!!!!

There are currently over 930 CASA programs nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children. Since the inception of CASA advocacy, volunteers have helped well over 1,000,000 children find safe, permanent homes in which they can thrive. Just last year, 93,300 advocates provided a voice to more than 271,000 children in foster care.

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2371
Volunteer hours this year
112
CASA Volunteers
301
Children served by CASA Volunteers
25
Volunteers needed to serve every child

Staff

Angie Tate

Executive Director

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Angie Tate

Executive Director


As Executive Director, my goals for our CASA program are to enhance fundraising strategies, grow program effectiveness by strengthening relationships with community partners and to bring greater awareness to child abuse and neglect in our local communities. By strengthening community partners CASA will be better able to serve children and families involved in the child welfare system using a team concept and providing diverse resources essential to healing families in crisis.

Michael Graham

Advocate Coordinator for Poinsett County

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Michael Graham

Advocate Coordinator for Poinsett County


After 38 years as a mortgage workout executive, Michael brings his collaboration and communication skills to CASA. First as a volunteer, and beginning in 2014, as an advocate coordinator. He decided to become more involved with the organization because he wanted to do something challenging that would benefit others. His favorite thing to do in Northeast Arkansas is winning Wednesday night trivia and he’s really good at it too.

Jeremy Irvin

Advocate Coordinator for Greene and Clay Counties

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Jeremy Irvin

Advocate Coordinator for Greene and Clay Counties


Jeremy brings an amazing life story to CASA and also brings experience as a business manager and a cross-fit coach of adults and at-risk youth. Jeremy is a huge foodie and seeks out unique local restaurants in the community. He enjoys spending time on his motorcycle on the weekends and taking in the beautiful scenery of Arkansas. Jeremy keeps busy weighing his dietary intake and is on a quest to find a business jacket that will fit.

Angie McBride

Advocate Coordinator

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Angie McBride

Advocate Coordinator


My name is Angela McBride. I was born and raised in Paragould, AR. I am married to Stacey McBride of 27 years. We have two boys, Sam (21) and Simon (19). We also have two dogs, Stella and Mabel. I enjoy running, reading, music, being with family and friends and traveling. I graduated from Arkansas State University and worked at First National Bank in Paragould. After having children I decided to stay home with them. While home I volunteered for many different organizations and was very busy in all of their school activities and hobbies. I began working for CASA in June 2022. Everyday I am learning more and more about this organization and the work it is doing for the children in our communities. And with each day, I am getting more excited about the impact we have and can make. I am so excited to be given this opportunity.

Connie Lindley

Advocate Coordinator for Craighead County

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Connie Lindley

Advocate Coordinator for Craighead County


Connie joined the CASA staff in October 2017 after serving as a volunteer advocate for many years. Connie has a huge heart for kids and enjoys being able to make a difference in the lives of many children.

Tami Dodd

Advocate Coordinator for Craighead and Poinsett County

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Tami Dodd

Advocate Coordinator for Craighead and Poinsett County


I’m Tami Dodd, an advocate coordinator with a long background in the juvenile justice system, spanning more than 15 years. Armed with a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Criminology, I am committed to continuous learning and self-improvement. My life outside work is filled with the joy of exploring the great outdoors and cherishing moments with my family, finding balance through my love for hiking and camping. My guiding principle is to always aim for excellence and embrace every opportunity for personal growth.

BOARD MEMBERS

    • Allison McDaniel, President, VP, Business Development, Signature Bank
    • Sarah McDaniel, Owner, Lost Pizza Company
    • Thomas Haynes, Vice-President, Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, City of Jonesboro
    • Meredith Cook, Secretary, Sure Ascension Healthcare, Talent Market Campaign Specialist
    • Clara Barnes, Marketing/Patient Education, Pain Treatment Centers of America
    • Paige Pickering, President, Director of Marketing, Life Strategies Counseling, Inc.
    • Shamal Carter, Regional Lead Representative, Crowley's Ridge Development Council
    • Alexandra Bowen, Treasurer, Senior VP Trust Officer, Simmons Bank
    • Tobye McClanahan, Owner, Mailboxes and Beyond
    • Selena Barber, Marketing Specialist, Arvest Bank
    • Evette Allen, Founder, ELA Education Services, LLC
    • Lindsey Wingo, Glen Sain
    • Steven Brad Crawley, Director of Media and Technology, Central Baptist Church
    • Lisette Brown, Talent Acquisition Manager, St. Bernard's Healthcare
    • Kylee Jordan, Business Development Officer, Centennial Bank
    • Ryan Vaughan, Chief Meteorologist, KAIT8 Gray Media
    • Luke Lovins, Superintendent, Bay School District
    • Abby Husband, President, Clayton Properties