Working to establish free safe alternatives for youth since 1997

Who we are

In collaboration with community partners, CASA offers no-cost, safe, inclusive programming with opportunities to build resiliency, foster social emotional learning skills, and address mental health needs for youth and families. Through outreach and initiatives, we aim to empower youth to actively engage in their communities and to reach their full potential.

CASA Board

Mary Lou Osborne

Assistant Director, Winthrop Public Library

Noah Shuster

Graduate Student pursuing Masters in Education (Ed.M.)

Meredith Hurley, RN, MPH

Director, Winthrop Department of Public Health & Clinical Service

Stephen Ruggiero

Vice President, Fair and Responsible Banking, Eastern Bank

Ricky Baez

Director of Curriculum & Educational Advancement, Metro North YMCA

Rubin Rubiera

Student, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Jacquelyn Lamont

Forensic Interviewer/Director of Youth Safety, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office

Peter Christopher

Assistant City Solicitor, City of Chelsea

Meet the staff!

Amy Epstein

Executive Director
Amy has been working in the fields of prevention and public health for over 20 years. Her passion for increasing protective factors for youth has stemmed from years of working with young people in diverse environments ranging from children’s museums to school settings. Amy’s extensive experience working in youth development has helped establish her as a leader in the field of youth prevention. Amy uses coalition-building within the communities she serves to promote an enivornment less conducive to risk.
Jen Reth

Youthworks Program Director
Jen has been in the Afterschool and Out-Of-School Time field since 1993 working in various positions with youth. She is currently the Director of Youthworks, the Soft Skills Career Readiness Program for youth in Winthrop with Winthrop Public Schools and CASA. She serves on the Community Action for Safe Alternatives board and is a Massachusetts Ambassador for the National Afterschool Alliance. Jen is a program support specialist at Mass Afterschool Partnership and has supported many afterschool and out of school time educators in various roles throughout her career.
Paige Caballero

Youth Program Coordinator
Paige has a strong background in working with youth. She started as a part-time Youth Worker at the Greater Beverly YMCA's McPherson Youth Center and progressed through various roles over six years, including Teen Experience Coordinator, Teen Camp Director, Student Coordinator of the Positive Alternatives to Suspension Program, and adult coordinator of the Regional Youth Prevention Network for Beverly. She became a respected leader in this network and organized an annual regional Teen Mental Health Day for young adults in Beverly and surrounding towns. Now, she has taken on a new position as Youth Program Coordinator at CASA, where she oversees the youth staff and programming. In her free time, Paige enjoys playing with her beagle Winnie, spending time in nature, and working out!
LeighAnn Eruzione

Diversion Program Director
LeighAnn Eruzione, has been affiliated with CASA Inc. in various capacities since 2006. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW), LeighAnn provides clinical oversight to call CASA youth initiatives. She provided a vast array of knowledge on adolescent development, addiction, and trauma. Currently, LeighAnn is the Director of CASA's Community Diversion and Intervention (CDI) Program and sits as a member of CASA's Board of Directors.
Jake

Assistant Youth Program Coordinator
Jake, a dedicated individual with a background in working with kids, recognized the need for improved mental health awareness and its impact on daily life in Winthrop. Currently pursuing a health science major and public health minor, Jake has taken on the role of assistant youth program coordinator at CASA to support and maintain the already great work that our staff have put in to sponsor social, emotional, and physical wellness in the community. In his free time, Jake is a gym rat and loves to play guitar.