About

committed to the children in our community

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to advocate for a safe and permanent home for abused and neglected children in Yellowstone County. Our vision is to provide a highly trained volunteer Advocate for every abused and neglected child in the Yellowstone County court and foster care systems.

Core Values

Boldness

We are committed to being an innovative, proactive, tenacious, professional champion of change for children.

Cultural Awareness

We embrace the power of diversity and actively seek opportunities to foster cultural competence throughout the CASA organization.

Engagement

We expect committed individuals to give their best efforts, actively participate and invest themselves in CASA and its mission.

Professionalism

We present ourselves in a way that earns the trust and respect of the community at all levels of the CASA organization.

Teamwork/Collaboration

We are members of a larger team where thoughts and creativity are encouraged and shared in a positive, enjoyable environment.

Transparency

We openly share information, as permitted by CASA confidentiality policies, in a manner that demonstrates accountability and good stewardship of resources.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement

Stay updated on current CASA Events!

2024 Annual Report

Learn about CASA of Yellowstone County’s activities and impact in the community in the past year. Join our mailing list to receive future reports and newsletters.

View Report

Meet Our Team

Our Staff

Drew MacLeod

Executive Director

Drew MacLeod

Executive Director

Drew MacLeod has a deep background working with at risk youth and adventure programming. Originally from Minnesota he came to Montana after working with Native American youth in South Dakota. Drew worked for many years in outdoor experiential programs in Montana, South Carolina and Colorado. Drew and his wife, Kat, a Montana native, moved back to Billings in 2011. He joined CASA of Yellowstone County in 2013 as Program Coordinator, eventually becoming the Program Director. Along the way he served two youth as a volunteer CASA. Drew & Kat have been married for over 22 years and enjoy all Montana has to offer. Drew earned his degree at Minnesota State University -Mankato not far from his hometown, Grand Meadow.

Shayla Fox Brown

Program Director

Shayla Fox Brown

Program Director

Shayla Fox Brown oversees the CASA Program team, volunteer Peer Coordinators, and volunteer Advocates in her role as Program Director. She was born and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated from CSU San Marcos with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and has a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. She was previously employed at Rocky Mountain College as the Experiential Education Coordinator, where she managed the Office of Community Engagement. She wanted to join CASA to bring her experience in volunteer management and passion for serving vulnerable populations.

Emily Gaudreau

Development Director

Emily Gaudreau

Development Director

Emily Gaudreau oversees the fundraising and volunteer recruitment for the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Science in History from the University of Mary in North Dakota. Emily’s passion for building strong communities and serving vulnerable populations led her to become involved with CASA. Before joining CASA, she worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA in the Billings community and with the Moss Mansion Museum.

Carrie Porter

Program Manager

Carrie Porter

Program Manager

Carrie Porter is a dedicated Program Manager and Intake Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the human services field. She oversees a team of advocates, acts as staff liaison with DPHHS, and manages special projects within the organization, ensuring that every aspect of her work contributes to the betterment of the community she serves.

Carrie received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Southern Colorado. Her extensive background and passion for strengthening families and improving outcomes for children led her to join CASA, where she utilizes her expertise to make a lasting impact.

Sherri Carlson

Training Coordinator

Sherri Carlson

Training Coordinator

Sherri Carlson coordinates the training for our new volunteer advocates and ongoing training opportunities for our current volunteer advocates. Sherri received a Bachelor of Science in Education (double major in Special Education and Elementary Education) from Eastern Montana College, and a Master of Education with a focus on School Counseling and Elementary Curriculum from Montana State University –Billings. Sherri has recently concluded a thirty plus year career as a special education teacher

Jennifer Smith

Program Coordinator

Jennifer Smith

Program Coordinator

Jennifer Smith recently retired after serving for 8 years as an Executive Director for Billings Public Schools overseeing the Indian Education, Multilanguage Learners, and Suicide Prevention programs. Before that, Jennifer served as principal and superintendent at Ashland Public School in Ashland, Montana, and as an Indian Education for All Curriculum Coach and elementary school teacher in both Billings and Crow Agency. Jennifer serves on the Billings Public Library Board, Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, Yellowstone County Foster Care Review Committee, and First Interstate Bank’s Centennial Youth Foundation committee. Prior to her retirement, she served as a representative on Hon. Judge Souza’s ICWA Family Recovery Court. She was a Yellowstone CASA BBoard member for 6 years until she termed out in September. Jennifer is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band Cherokee tribe in NC (paternal) and a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in ND (maternal). She spends her free time outdoors with her 3 dogs, with friends and family, and traveling to Mexico for scuba diving.

Tyra Klein

Program Coordinator, ICWA Focus

Tyra Klein

Program Coordinator, ICWA Focus

Tyra Klein works with volunteer advocates and peer coordinators as a program coordinator with an ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) focus. She was born and raised in Billings, Montana. She graduated from Rocky Mountain College with a Bachelor of Science double major in Sociology and English Literature. During her time at Rocky Mountain College, she was a peer mentor, student ambassador, and an English teacher’s assistant. She is thrilled to be able to support the Montana community through CASA.

Mary Rose Swan

Program Coordinator

Mary Rose Swan

Program Coordinator

Mary Rose Swan joined the CASA staff as a Program Coordinator to support Peer Coordinators and Advocates. Mary Rose has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) since March 2018 and assumed the role of Peer Coordinator in November 2022. Mary Rose’s heart belongs to the theater, where she finds joy in performances and community productions. A book lover, avid volunteer, and coffee enthusiast, she embraces life with passion and purpose. Mary Rose has 2 teens, Elora and Colter and she loves supporting them in their activities. She has been married to her husband, Thad, since 2003, and recently celebrated 20 years of marriage with a trip to New York City.

Laura Molodecki

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Laura Molodecki

Marketing & Events Coordinator

Laura Molodecki oversees event planning for CASA, handles marketing initiatives, and engages with the local community and volunteers. Originally from Missoula, Laura moved to Billings to attend Rocky Mountain College where she earned a BA in Fine Art and a Minor in Writing. After working in Yellowstone National Park for three summers Laura returned to Billings and worked in a variety of things including events, art galleries, and the Yellowstone Art Museum. Wanting to do more for the community and children, Laura joined CASA to help those children in need.

Patty Muir

Operations Coordinator

Patty Muir

Operations Coordinator

Patty Muir joined the CASA office as the part-time Operations Coordinator. She has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education/Special Education, and a Masters of Education in Multidisciplinary Studies from MSU-Billings. Patty taught over 30 years and spent 8 years at the Office of Public Instruction in both Special Education and Accreditation divisions. Her passion and commitment to working on behalf of Montana children led her to CASA.

Sheri Hanson-Smith

Recruitment Coordinator

Sheri Hanson-Smith

Recruitment Coordinator

Sheri Hanson-Smith is the Recruitment Coordinator at CASA of Yellowstone County. A lifelong Billings resident, Sheri brings nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, graphic design, and event coordination. She is deeply committed to serving her community, with a strong passion for supporting local nonprofits and outreach programs. Over the past decade, Sheri has worked with a variety of organizations, focusing on initiatives that benefit children and families. She also serves on the board of The Worthy Ranch, a transitional care program for trafficked women, and is an active member of the leadership team for Relay For Life. Sheri’s dedication to making a positive impact in her community fuels her work with CASA and its mission to advocate for children in the court system.