Lisa Melvin
I would describe myself as someone who has a business mind and a nonprofit heart. My core values are integrity, courage, and service to others. I began with CASA in 2016 as a volunteer advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect.
Attributes: My leadership strengths are collection, connection, and ideation.
Personal Quote: “The leader for today and the future will be focused on how to be – how to develop quality, character, mindset, values, principles, and courage.” – Francis Hesselbein
Arlene Grover
I joined CASA in 2007 and have a background in education, child development and nonprofits, my focus has always been on children and families. My love of teaching is a perfect fit when it comes to training new CASAs.
Attributes: Devoted, organized, and insightful
Personal Quote: “To love what you do and feel that it matters—how could anything be more fun?” – Katherine Graham
Heather Baker
As the daughter of Sue Baker, the founder of Chelan-Douglas CASA, I have been involved with the program since I was a teenager. In 2010 I joined the CASA team full-time after completing two years with Intermountain AmeriCorps.
Attributes: Creative, friendly, compassionate, good listener, and patient.
Personal Quote: “Think BIG! You are capable of more than you know.”
Melissa Perez
Melissa is passionate about helping others overcome adversity and helping spread awareness of community needs. She has experience working in various community agencies, such as community health, juvenile detention, and juvenile rehabilitation, and was most recently a social worker with child welfare. Melissa believes every job has been an opportunity for growth, knowledge, and personal and professional advancement. Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in social services and a minor in psychology from Central Washington University. Melissa prides herself on being a first-generation college graduate.
Attributes: Resilient, Driven, Humble
Favorite Quote: “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Lu Ann Price
Originally from a small, rural town in Ohio, Lu Ann moved with her family to Arizona where her father had better employment prospects. After moving to different locations within Arizona and attending four different high schools, her family settled in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Lu Ann received a B.A. from Arizona State University with a major in Sociology. She worked as a juvenile probation officer at the county detention center and home detention. She eventually married and had a daughter. One summer of 120-degree temps for a few days was the catalyst for her and her family to move to Washington state; a location she had always been interested in because of its beauty and four seasons. While living on the west side of the state, her experience encompassed working with all ages of students for school district special services; project management and customer service for a computer maintenance company and two construction companies. In addition, she played bluegrass music for years with different bands, performing at many entertainment venues, festivals and farmer’s markets. She and her husband play mandolin, guitar and stand-up bass and have regular jam sessions with each other.
After her husband retired, they moved to Wenatchee where they have enjoyed hiking, kayaking, dog walking and taking drives to experience the sights and sounds of central and eastern Washington.
Lu Ann is excited to be working within the CASA organization. Helping abused and disadvantaged children is close to her heart and she appreciates the work the volunteer court-appointed advocates do to support them. She is looking forward to assisting the advocates and staff, hopefully making their work a little easier as a result.
Attributes: Detail-oriented, focused, friendly, compassionate
Favorite Quote: “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” ~ Maya Angelou