Our Board of Directors

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  • Julie Jensen-Kelley is the Deputy Director of Whitley County Community Corrections. She has been employed in Whitley County for more than 30 years. Julie graduated from Tri-State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. Julie lives in Columbia City with her husband, Dave and two German Shorthair Pointers, Grace and Ava. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing pickleball. Julie believes that every child should be given the opportunity to thrive. A child who feels supported and cared for is more inclined to develop trust, empathy, and have a positive self-image.

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  • Lisa has been a school counselor for more than twenty years in Northeast Indiana. She currently works at East Noble Middle School. She grew up in Noble County, graduated from East Noble High School, received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Purdue University and her master’s in Education School Counseling from Indiana University. Lisa has served on the CASA board since 2006. She lives in Avilla with her husband and 4 daughters. She loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, and running. Lisa knows every child deserves hope, health and strength in their lives, and CASA works hard to let a child’s voice be heard to make this a reality.

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  • Member since 2021

    I joined the CASA board to make a difference in the lives of children and families in my community. I love the work that the CASA staff and volunteers do to support kiddos through an incredibly difficult time. I am a wife and mother to three beautiful children ages 20, 18, and 13. I have been a Noble County resident since 2013, with previous residence in DeKalb County. I serve on the Women’s Ministry Leadership team at my church, Fairview Fellowship Church. I am passionate about the health and overall well-being of those in my community. Professionally, I have been a nurse since 2003 and currently manage the nursing education team at Parkview Health. I hold a master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management and I am board certified in Nursing Professional Development.

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  • Ryan has worked for Whitley County Community Corrections since 2011. A Hoosier native, Ryan moved to Whitley county after serving five years in the United States Army as a military police officer. Over the years, Ryan has helped with several CASA fundraisers and is honored to serve as a board member. The impact CASA advocates have on the children they serve is life changing. Ryan knows a life spent in the service of others is a life well lived. Ryan enjoys kayaking at Chain O' Lakes State Park, traveling, and supporting his favorite soccer clubs.

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  • Nichole is the Vice President and Marketing Director of Farmers State Bank, based out of LaGrange, Indiana. She has been in banking for over 30 years. She graduated from IPFW with an associate’s degree in business administration from Indiana University. Nichole lives in Steuben County with her husband, Mark, and they have two children. Nichole joined the CASA board in January 2026 and is excited to help carry out CASA’s mission of advocacy and making a difference in the lives of children who experience abuse or neglect. Every child deserves a voice and an advocate who will be in their corner and will always have their best interests in mind.