Meet Our Team

CASA by the Lakes is comprised of five (5) full-time staff members. We currently serve Calloway, Marshall, and Christian Counties.

Hi, I am Jessica Foust, the Executive Director at CASA by the Lakes.

Jessica graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. A Marshall County native, she has called Murray home for the past 10 years. Her journey with CASA by the Lakes began during her time at Murray State. Over the years, she has served in multiple roles within the organization, ultimately becoming Executive Director in 2022! Jessica is passionate about supporting CASA’s mission and ensuring every child has a voice. Beyond CASA by the Lakes, Jessica is deeply involved in the community. She currently serves as the Secretary for the Murray Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is the current Chair of the Murray CUBS Steering Committee, and serves as a Local Program Representative on the Kentucky CASA Network Board of Directors. When she’s not working, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, traveling, trying new restaurants with friends, and watching sports.

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Jessica Foust, Executive Director

jessica@casabythelakes.org
(270)761-0164 ext. 100

I am Kelsie Watson, the Development Coordinator at CASA by the Lakes.

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Kelsie graduated from Murray State University with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communication Media. She was born and raised in Pleasureville, KY. Kelsie was drawn to CASA due to the program’s diligent efforts to help abused and neglected children. When she is not working she loves to spend time playing video games, fishing, and with friends and family.

Kelsie Watson, Development Coordinator

kelsie@casabythelakes.org
(270)761-0164 ext. 101

I am Katie Exum, an Advocate Supervisor at CASA by the Lakes.

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Katie is originally from Jackson, Tennessee and attended college at Murray State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. Katie was introduced to CASA while working at a different nonprofit organization that dealt with child advocacy. Soon after learning about the mission of CASA, she began training and became a volunteer. Before becoming an Advocate Supervisor, Katie was able to serve as a volunteer for almost four years. She loves advocating for kids so much and strives to help her volunteers thrive in their role! In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outside, watching football, reading, and relaxing with her cat, Colby Jack.

Katie Exum, Advocate Supervisor

katie@casabythelakes.org
(270)761-0164 ext. 102

I am Davonni Santiago, an Advocate Supervisor at CASA by the Lakes.

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Davonni earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University and has called Western Kentucky home for the past 10 years after relocating from Arizona. Davonni is passionate about supporting and equipping volunteers through a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, recognizing that well-supported advocates are better able to provide consistent, child-centered advocacy and amplify children’s voices within the court system. In her free time, Davonni enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, working out, and enjoying time on Kentucky Lake.

Davonni Santiago, Advocate Supervisor

davonni@casabythelakes.org
(270)761-0164 ext. 103

I am Nancy Carter, the Christian County Advocate Supervisor at CASA by the Lakes.

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Nancy holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Bethel University and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Union University. A Hopkinsville resident for nearly 30 years, she was drawn to CASA’s mission of advocacy and helping children thrive. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and is inspired by the quote, “One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.”

Nancy Carter, Advocate Supervisor

nancy@casabythelakes.org
(270)761-0164 ext. 104