Contact Our Team

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

Soon Benham
sbenham@casaessex.org
Program Trainer

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

Jess Earl
jearl@casaessex.org
862-754-4681
Grants and Policy Analyst

Cheryl Kelesoglu
ckelesoglu@casaessex.org
Sr. Advocate Supervisor & Court Liaison

Deborah Lasher
dlasher@casaessex.org
Data Manager

Jasmine Pender
jpender@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

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

Alexis Pugliese
apugliese@casaessex.org
Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator

Julmarie Rodriguez
jrodriguez@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

Leslie Sena
lsena@casaessex.org
Advocate Supervisor

We've moved! CASA Essex is excited to begin a new chapter in our 40th anniversary year with a brand-new office space! While our address has changed, our mission remains the same: advocating for children in foster care across Essex County so they can
On this #SuicidePreventionDay, let's shine a light on youth—who face mental health challenges at disproportionately high rates. New Jersey-Specific Insights: - Youth suicide rate (NJ, ages 10–24): ~5.3 per 100,000 in 2022 - Leading cause
Did you know? That nationwide roughly 1 million grandchildren being cared for by grandparents alone, meaning no parent is present. Many children in foster care are cared for by their grandparents. Grandparents provide love, consistency, and a safe h
What is Kinship Care? Kinship care means children who cannot live with their parents are cared for by relatives or close family friends. It keeps kids connected to their culture, community, and sense of belonging. Kids in kinship care often experi
July information sessions are here! Are you or someone you know looking for new ways to get involved in your community? Join an information session to learn more about CASA Essex’s mission, and how we work toward accomplishing it. Feel free t
Hey, Essex County—summer’s just about done… ready to take the volunteer plunge? CASA Essex needs more dedicated volunteers to walk alongside children in foster care, making sure they have support, resources, and a steady adult voi