Meet our newest board members!

Please help us welcome our newest board members: Alesha Slaughter, Alexander Jackson, Cristina Peniche, Kevin Birnbaum, Mike Farnsworth, Nikki McVey, and Seth Mullen. Read more about each of them below:

Alesha Slaughter

Alesha is a Realtor with Divine Fog Realty Company. She graduated from Lynchburg College in 2012 with a degree in sociology. She says, “I have a love for children, all children. Children are our future and I realize that. I also realize that there are many children in horrible situations that they don’t have a voice in. I would love to be a voice for unheard children to help them improve their current situation as well as have an impact on their future.”

Alexander Jackson

Alexander is a financial representative with WoodmenLife. He holds a degree in English Literature from Hillsdale College in southern Michigan. He says, “CASA’s purpose resonates deeply with me. As the father of four young children, horror stories of parental neglect and abuse break my heart. My current phase of life prevents me from committing as an advocate, so I see CASA board membership as an opportunity to throw my weight behind the organization’s mission.”

Cristina Peniche

Cristina is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College in 2012 and her master’s degree from Liberty University in 2015. She says, “I care tremendously about our young girls who are without proper mentorship and at a disadvantage to the kind of development they need to become capable and confident women. I am currently a respite foster care parent and when I feel I am able, I plan to take a stronger role in providing mentorship to young people. I would like to have a voice in an organization that advocates for children whose safety and development are in jeopardy.”

Kevin Birnbaum

Kevin is the Director of Provider Compensation at Centra Health. He graduated from Liberty University in 2014 with a degree in business administration and finished up his MBA at the University of Lynchburg in 2020. He says, “I joined CASA as a volunteer advocate in the fall of 2020 with a desire to impact the lives of vulnerable children in our community. I wanted to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to potentially change the trajectory of a child's life. Life quickly "happened" soon after finishing the training program and I found myself spread thin with a new member of the family on the way. The opportunity to join this board will allow me to serve CASA in a different capacity that can still have a large impact for these children.”

Mike Farnsworth

Mike is a systems engineer with Scientia, LLC. He holds an undergraduate degree in physics and three master’s degrees in philosophy, tech communication and writing, and systems engineering. He also spent three years as a program director for another nonprofit. He says, “Since returning to Lynchburg, I have been interested in community engagement and finding ways to help others. I am an advocate for early childhood education and believe in its transformative ability for children in need. I believe CASA forwards that and other important ends as an effective means towards improving children's lives.”

Nikki McVey

Nikki is a financial specialist with Pinnacle Financial Partners. She has been in banking since 2012 in the Lynchburg/Forest community. She says, “I believe in the work that CASA is doing and want to be a part of creating a positive change in our community. As a mom with 3 kids,  I can relate to only wanting the best that life can bring to all children. By being a part of an organization like CASA, I hope to encourage and strengthen the very best for all children in our area to the best of my abilities.”  Prior to joining the board, Nikki was an annual volunteer with CASA during our Shoe Sale, Golf Events, and Superhero Run.

Seth Mullen

Seth is in business development with PROforma Think Ink. He earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Liberty University. He says, “I seek a position on this board because I believe in what CASA stands for and I feel that I can contribute to the board where needs may be. I have been part of the Down Syndrome Association of Roanoke since my youngest sister was born and I saw at a young age the need for advocates.”