Working to establish free safe alternatives for youth since 1997

Who we are

In collaboration with community partners, CASA offers no-cost, safe, inclusive programming with opportunities to build resiliency, foster social emotional learning skills, and address mental health needs for youth and families. Through outreach and initiatives, we aim to empower youth to actively engage in their communities and to reach their full potential.

CASA Board

Board Member

Mary Lou Osborne

Assistant Director of the Winthrop Public Library, and dedicated board member, committed to community enrichment and advocacy.

Vice President

Aaron Williams

Board member of the Commission for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Relations, is a loving father, business owner and active community member. He is dedicated to fostering positive change.

Board Member

Meredith Hurley, RN, MPH

Director of the Winthrop Department of Public Health & Clinical Services. She is passionate about ensuring the well-being and health of the community.

Board Member

Stephen Ruggiero

Fair and Responsible Banking specialist at Eastern Bank and an active CASA board member. A former CASA alumnus, he is passionate about giving back to the community and advocating for financial equity and responsibility.

Treasurer

Ricky Baez

Director of Curriculum & Educational Advancement at the Metro North YMCA. He’s dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and fostering growth and development in the community.

President

Rubin Rubiera

Former CASA alumni, is a dedicated community member known for her kindness, warmth, and leadership. Shaped by CASA’s impact on her life, she is committed to giving back and helping others grow in the same way.

Board Secretary

Jacquelyn Lamont

Director of Youth Safety and Forensic Interviewer at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. With her expertise in child protection and legal processes, she is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of youth in the community.

Board Member

Ernesto Moreno

Board Member and Community Development Advocate, is dedicated to supporting CASA’s PR efforts and actively engaging in community activities. A loving father and hardworking individual, striving for the best for his family and the community.

Meet the staff!

  • Amy Epstein

    Executive Director

    Amy has been working in the fields of prevention and public health for over 20 years. Her passion for increasing protective factors for youth has stemmed from years of working with young people in diverse environments ranging from children’s museums to school settings. Amy’s extensive experience working in youth development has helped establish her as a leader in the field of youth prevention. Amy uses coalition-building within the communities she serves to promote an enivornment less conducive to risk.

  • Jen Reth

    Director of Curriculum & School Partnerships

    Jen has been in the Afterschool and Out-Of-School Time field since 1993 working in various positions with youth. She is currently the Director of Youthworks, the Soft Skills Career Readiness Program for youth in Winthrop with Winthrop Public Schools and CASA. She serves on the Community Action for Safe Alternatives board and is a Massachusetts Ambassador for the National Afterschool Alliance. Jen is a program support specialist at Mass Afterschool Partnership and has supported many afterschool and out of school time educators in various roles throughout her career.

  • Paige Caballero

    Youth Program Coordinator

    Paige has a strong background in working with youth. She started as a part-time Youth Worker at the Greater Beverly YMCA's McPherson Youth Center and progressed through various roles over six years, including Teen Experience Coordinator, Teen Camp Director, Student Coordinator of the Positive Alternatives to Suspension Program, and adult coordinator of the Regional Youth Prevention Network for Beverly. She became a respected leader in this network and organized an annual regional Teen Mental Health Day for young adults in Beverly and surrounding towns. Now, she has taken on a new position as Youth Program Coordinator at CASA, where she oversees the youth staff and programming. In her free time, Paige enjoys playing with her beagle Winnie, spending time in nature, and working out!

  • LeighAnn Eruzione

    Diversion Program Director

    LeighAnn Eruzione, has been affiliated with CASA Inc. in various capacities since 2006. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW), LeighAnn provides clinical oversight to call CASA youth initiatives. She provided a vast array of knowledge on adolescent development, addiction, and trauma. Currently, LeighAnn is the Director of CASA's Community Diversion and Intervention (CDI) Program.

Empowering Winthrop:

Inside Casa's Impact

Join Judy, Paige, and Jake in this insightful interview. Paige shares her journey of working with kids, from the YMCA to Casa, while Jake delves into Casa's founding mission in 1997.

Casa's dedicated commitment to community empowerment through providing inclusive programming for youth and families offers a range of initiatives like drop-ins, clubs, mentorship programs, and wellness fairs.

Discover their impactful support groups, fundraising efforts, and upcoming events. Watch the full video to explore Casa's invaluable contributions to Winthrop.

 

Find Us At

45 Pauline Street
Winthrop, MA 02152

617-784-8920