Staff Directory 2024
East Texas CASA Board of Directors 2024
Main Office: (903) 753-8093 • Fax: (903) 753-4841
East Texas CASA 2024 staff
Michelle Cobern
Executive Director
Michelle started with CASA as a Supervisor in Sulphur Springs almost 11 years ago. She then became an integral part of starting the 71st CASA program in Texas, CASA of Titus, Camp and Morris Counties. Michelle served as the Executive Director in Mt. Pleasant for 7+ years when she was offered the opportunity to work with Texas CASA performing Quality Assurance Reviews for programs in the Northern part of Texas.
Michelle joined East Texas CASA in October 2022 and thoroughly enjoys working with the gifted men and women, Advocates, Board and Staff, that share the same passion of serving EVERY child in the foster care system in Gregg, Rusk, and Upshur Counties!
Michelle was born and raised in the New Orleans area. She loves working with children, rescuing animals and eating Cajun food.
Sue Todd
Associate Director
Sue served East Texas CASA as a Board Member beginning in 2015, serving two consecutive terms and one term as advisory Director. During part of her initial Board membership, she served as Treasurer and as an advisory Director was assigned to the Executive Committee. In September 2022, Sue began a second term on the Board as Treasurer but in March 2023, she exited the Board and became a part-time employee of CASA with primarily bookkeeping duties. On March 1, 2024, Sue joined the staff of East Texas CASA full-time as Associate Director. During her tenure with CASA, Sue has also been involved with the Getting Together Safely (GTS) program as a monitor and now as support for the GTS Director as well as support for the Development Director.
Sue graduated from Mississippi University of Women and has lived in Longview since 1983. She is the daughter of Bill & Jean Adler and has three adult children. She previously worked at Texas Bank and Trust and Mountain Supply & Service before joining the CASA staff. She is also an active member of St Anthony Catholic Church. This is a new venture for Sue, but she is looking forward to the opportunity to provide support to those who help the children and families in the foster care system of Gregg, Rusk, and Upshur counties.
Jackie Fulmer
Program Director
Jackie began working for CASA in 2021. With a strong passion for youth in foster care, Jackie firmly believes the impact that CASA Volunteers can have on the lives of children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Residing just outside of Hallsville, Texas, Jackie enjoys spending quality time with her three children. Some of her favorite activities include camping, reading, and spending time outdoors with her family. Throughout her tenure at CASA, Jackie has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the well-being and success of foster children. She has been actively involved in advocating for their needs, providing guidance and support to CASA Volunteers. She is a true advocate for positive change, and we are thrilled to have her as the Program Director.
Chris Derrick
Development Director
Chris has a rich background in insurance and business development, Chris has honed his skills in helping businesses grow from their inception. His exceptional interpersonal skills make him a natural communicator, with the ability to make anyone feel like they’ve known him for years. Chris’s commitment to his community is unwavering. He is deeply involved in serving and giving back in any way he can. His heart lies with CASA, where he hopes to raise awareness about the organization’s crucial work with children and families navigating the foster care system. Outside of his professional life, Chris is an avid researcher and enjoys spending quality time kayaking with his wife and son. He also takes pride in working on his small homestead. His diverse interests and dedication to service make him a valuable asset to East Texas CASA and his community.
Ryah Post
Getting Together Safely Director
Ryah has a passion, kindness and empathy for those who are in need. She also has a background in mentoring teenage girls who struggle with their mental health.
Ryah loves spending time with her husband, family, friends and pets, and traveling around the world.
She hopes that by spreading love and kindness to everyone around her, she can positively impact the community, one individual at a time.
Jennifer Goodson
Advocate Supervisor
Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M- Texarkana. She was employed with Child Protective Services from 2007-2018. She has experience with casework, investigations, Family Based Safety Services, as well as supervisory experience. Jennifer has a tremendous passion in helping others, especially children.
She currently lives in a small East Texas town of Hughes Springs, where she grew up. She is married to her husband, Jimmy. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. They Love to camp, garden, and attend all of the grandchildren’s events.
Angelica Higueros
Advocate Supervisor
Angelica (Ange) has been with CASA for over 5 years. She adopted her son from foster care, so she has been on both sides of the table in the foster care system.
She became a CASA because her son had different caseworkers and placements, but his CASA remained the same throughout his time in foster care.
Ange is bilingual. She likes to shop and collects really nice shoes and purses.
Randi Davis
Advocate Supervisor
Randi worked for a consulting company for nearly 20 years. She felt like God was calling her to do more. After lots of prayer, she ran across a CASA flyer. She became one of East Texas CASA’s volunteers for nearly 2 years. Randi recently joined the East Texas CASA Staff as an Advocate Supervisor.
Randi lives in a small East Texas town where she is a member of a local church that she attends with her children. She has 2 boys. Randi enjoys reading, spending time with her children, and enjoys discovering new DIY projects.
Japhia Parsons
Advocate Supervisor
Japhia Parsons is a significant addition to East Texas CASA, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. Having previously worked at the Department of Family and Protective Services, Japhia has a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by children in the foster care system.
With over 6 years of experience in the field of education, Japhia is well-equipped to advocate for the educational needs of children under CASA’s care. Her dedication to empowering children and ensuring their voices are heard is evident in her tireless efforts to further the CASA Mission.
Outside of her professional life, Japhia cherishes the time she spends with her loving husband and children. She is also a proud grandmother, doting on her new grandbaby with adoration. This love and devotion extend beyond her own family, as Japhia’s commitment to working with children is fueled by her belief in their inherent potential and the importance of providing them with a safe and nurturing environment.
