Contact Our Team

Marla Higginbotham
marlah@casaessex.org
862-754-4622
Executive Director

Desirea Agosto
dagosto@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

Soon Benham
sbenham@casaessex.org
Program Trainer

Natalie Deo
ndeo@casaessex.org
862-754-2021
Program Director

Jamine Pender
jpender@casaessex.org
Advocate & Trauma Informed Supervisor

Stephanie Phelan
sphelan@casaessex.org
862-754-4600
Operations Manager

Julmarie Rodriguez
jrodriguez@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor/Education & Health Liaison

Leslie Sena
lsena@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

Ahab Chopra
achopra@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

Jessica Earl
jearl@casaessex.org
Grants & Policy Analyst

Deborah Lasher
dlasher@casaessex.org
Data Manager

Evenny Peralta
eperalta@casaessex.org
Outreach & Recruitment Manager

General Information

Phone:  (862) 754-4600
Email:  info@casaessex.org

CASA for Children of Essex County
350 University Avenue - Room 784
Newark, NJ  07102

🎄 Christmas in July at CASA Essex! 🎄 Christmas in July reminded us that the best gifts aren’t wrapped—they’re people who show up to make a difference. We’re thrilled to welcome three incredible members to the CASA Essex te
Marla Higginbotham Attachments 3:46 AM (7 hours ago) to me Happy CASA Anniversary! Today we're celebrating two incredible advocates whose dedication has made a lasting difference in the lives of children in foster care. Whether it's showing up for
ALARMING! Minority Mental Health Facts. July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to confront the disparities that too often go unspoken. At CASA Essex, we see how deeply mental health and wellbeing shape the lives of the chil
Today is National Be Someone Day. It takes just 10 seconds to decide to make a difference, but that decision can change a child’s life forever. For children in foster care, a CASA advocate is that one consistent adult who shows up, speaks up,
IT’S BACKPACK TIME! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Check out our Amazon Wishlist: https://bit.ly/4v4mYaS #CASAEssex #BackToSchool #SchoolSupplies #FosterCare #ChildAdvocacy SupportOurKids EssexCountyNJ
CASA Essex is featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Matters Magazine in an article by Amy Lynn-Cramer highlighting the work of CASA Essex and the life-changing impact of Court Appointed Special Advocates. Every day, our dedicated volunteers show up f
July information sessions are here! If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about CASA Essex, join us on one of our five sessions this upcoming month. We have sessions on June 5th, 9th, 17th, 25th, and the 30th. See you there! #CA

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