Melanie Davis, Executive Director
Melanie Davis serves as the Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit.
Melanie has an extensive career in public service as a law enforcement professional and as a private business employee/owner where she developed a passion for the working with victims of crime and those less fortunate in her community. Melanie retired in 2011 from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida with 21 years of service. She spent the majority of her career investigating and supervising child sexual abuse and neglect cases. After retiring, she and her husband, David, created a successful bed and breakfast in Maine before moving to Ellijay with their daughter, Brooke in 2014.
In March of 2016, while still searching for an avenue to utilize her experience and knowledge of child abuse and neglect investigations, she learned about Appalachian CASA. She knew immediately that she was meant to join the organization. She served as the Advocacy and Training Manager until she became the Executive Director in January of 2018. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and an MBA from Saint Leo University. She is also a Certified Public Manager.
If you would like more information about becoming a CASA Volunteer or would like to schedule CASA to speak at your next event, contact please contact Melanie at (706) 276-2272 or director@appalachiancasa.com.
Cassie Stanley, Gilmer County Volunteer Coordinator
Cassie Stanley joined Appalachian CASA as a volunteer in 2019 after being a foster parent in Pickens County. She came on board as the Volunteer Supervisor for Gilmer County in 2021. She was a passionate volunteer but realized she could have a bigger impact nurturing the volunteers that are advocating for the children that need our voice!
You can contact Cassie at (706) 276-2272 or Cstanley@appalachiancasa.com
McKenzi Farris, Fannin County Volunteer Coordinator
McKenzi Farris joined CASA in November of 2018 as the Volunteer Supervisor for Fannin County. She became familiar with CASA during her previous work advocating for victims of sexual assault. McKenzi has her BS in Criminology and is working towards her MS in Psychology. She believes that being a CASA is one of the most unique volunteer opportunities due to the incredible impact CASAs have. McKenzi advocates tirelessly for the volunteers she supervises as they advocate for the children in foster care in Fannin County and their families.
You can contact Mckenzi at (706) 276-2272 or mfarris@appalachiancasa.com
Katherine Moyers, Pickens County Volunteer Supervisor
Katherine joined CASA in 2023 after being a foster and adoptive parent in Gilmer County since 2016. She is the CASA Volunteer Supervisor for Pickens County. Her heart is for the vulnerable in the community and desires each child to know they are valued and have worth.
Katherine knows first hand the vital role a CASA has in a child’s life as their advocate and voice to the judge. She desires to help equip and support volunteers in their efforts.
She is the co-founder and Director of Fostering Roots, a non-profit organization that exists to support foster children and families in the local community.
She received a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications with a minor in Psychology from Kennesaw State University.
You can contact Katherine at (706) 276-2272 or kmoyers@appalachiancasa.com
Jason Turner, Recruitment and Engagement Specialist
Jason has worked with community organizations for over 15 years and has a heart for seeing all people reach their fullest potential.
He joined CASA in November 2022 and loves connecting people to our organization, both physically and digitally.
Jason holds a BA in Religion from Liberty University and a Masters in Leadership from Liberty Theological Seminary.
To reach Jason email jturner@appalachiancasa.com or call 706-276-2272