After years of dedicated service and leadership, Michelle Sudduth, Executive Director of CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, will be retiring in June 2026. Michelle’s commitment to advocating for children and strengthening families has left a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve. Her passion, vision, and steady leadership have helped CASA-EP grow and better serve some of our most vulnerable children.


The CASA-EP Board of Directors has been working diligently to ensure a smooth and thoughtful leadership transition, maintaining continuity and stability for our staff, volunteers, and the children we support.


Please join us in congratulating Michelle on an incredible career and wishing her all the best in a well-deserved retirement. Her legacy will continue to be felt in every child whose voice was heard because of CASA.

As CASA-EP prepares for 2026, we are grateful for the service of our outgoing Board members Rosa Clark, Dr. Mary Alvaro, and Brad Snowden, and we extend special thanks to Rev. G.T. Schramm for his impactful leadership as Board President. Rev. Schramm will stay on as a Board member on the Executive Committee.

We are excited to welcome new Board members Patty Bain Bachner, Morgan Hayslette, Jenna Kesecker, Chris Luttrell, and Kakie McMillan, and to announce our 2026 officers: Kim Himes (President), Alison Cox (Vice President), Sara Cohick (Secretary), and Amy Enterline (Treasurer).

Welcome Our Newest Board Members!

Morgan Hayslette – CFO, Harvest Homes

Chris Luttrell – Attorney, Conrad Luttrell LLP

Kathrine “Kakie” McMillan

CASA-EP is excited to share an update on a new education and workforce development partnership for our Fostering Futures Forward youth. In collaboration with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, CASA will offer a one-credit, pass/fail college course designed specifically to help high school students explore college life in a safe, supportive environment.


This course focuses on building essential college and life skills, introducing students to a variety of career paths, and helping participants discover their strengths and interests through guided assessments and guest speakers. CASA is proud to cover the cost of participation and provide ongoing staff support to ensure students feel confident and supported throughout the experience.


We’re thrilled by the strong interest from our youth and look forward to seeing how this opportunity helps them build confidence, explore possibilities, and take meaningful steps toward their future.

Kim and Tyler Tummolo remind us that volunteering doesn’t have to be a solo act. As a married couple serving together as Court Appointed Special Advocates, they’ve turned their shared values into meaningful action—standing up for children who need a voice and a trusted adult by their side. Their story is a powerful reminder that whether you volunteer alone or with someone you love, showing up can change a child’s life.

As we reflect on the past year, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our donors and sponsors who supported CASA of the Eastern Panhandle throughout 2025. Your generosity made it possible for our volunteers, staff, and programs to show up for children and families during some of their most difficult moments. Because of you, more children had a consistent voice, greater stability, and access to the support they needed to move forward. We are deeply thankful for your partnership and belief in CASA’s mission, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.