Kansas CASA Association Staff
Kansas CASA Association staff provide an array of services to local programs.
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State Director
Deena Gage serves as the State Director of the Kansas CASA Association, bringing nearly 22 years of leadership experience. Deena's expertise has consistently driven performance optimization and revenue maximization, and her dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has resulted in engaged and motivated teams.
A Kansas native, originally from Macksville, Deena has a profound appreciation for the state's community. Her commitment to the well-being of Kansas's children and families drives her dedication to serving with integrity. As State Director, Deena leverages her experience to empower local programs and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, ensuring every child in Kansas has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
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State Trainer
Kristin Hines has worked as the Executive Director of CASA-Children Worth Saving, Inc. since December 2006. Kristin strategically grew agency capacity through a commitment to integrity and building relationships. The program has flourished under her leadership. Kristin is proud of her participation on the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program Implementation Plan Committee for federal victims’ service grants through 2020 and 2021.
Kristin believes CASA volunteers play a vital role in helping children achieve safe, permanent, and loving homes. Her personal goal as the new Kansas CASA Training Coordinator is to encourage and support local programs as they grow and strengthen their direct service capacity.
Kristin graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2005 with a bachelor's in Business Administration and Fort Hays State University with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), emphasis in Human Resources Management, in 2016. As part of her MBA, Kristin completed national testing and scored in the top 10% on national MBA competency skills. Kristin is skilled at analyzing and building nonprofits using successful business strategies. She is an advocate for how the “3rd Sector’ builds resilient and innovative communities.
In her spare time, Kristin enjoys reading books, baking, and spending time with her husband and children.
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Marketing & Program Support Specialist
Samantha Nickelson is a passionate professional who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. She lives in rural south-central Kansas with her husband and daughter, where they actively participate in their family farm and enjoy showing performance horses. Samantha holds a Master’s degree from Fort Hays State University and has over 10 years of experience in digital marketing. Her impressive career includes serving as KCA’s Outreach Coordinator and as the Marketing Director for Orion Education.
Samantha’s connection to CASA runs deep—her journey began as a CASA Advocate in 2014, a role she held for four years. Now, she’s eager to use her skills to raise awareness and support for CASA programs across the state.
Board of Directors
The Kansas CASA Association has a Nominating Committee that recruits, vets, and onboards potential KCA Board Members. If you are interested in serving on the Kansas CASA Association Board of director please email, statedirector@kansascasa.org or view our board packet HERE.
The Kansas CASA Association, seeks passionate, strategic, and visionary members to serve on its board of directors. Kansas CASA Board members serve as stewards of KCA's mission, create new and innovative strategies for growth, elevate the profile and presence of KCA in the state, promote active participation and growth of the membership and donor base, and ensure overall benefit to KCA and its membership.
The purpose of a Kansas CASA board member is to determine policies, procedures and regulations for the conduct of the agency, to raise funds to finance the organization and its programs, and to monitor organizational performance.
