Kristi Filkins is the Executive Director of CASA Upstate SC, Inc. A resident of Easley, SC, since July 2021, Kristi moved with her family from Watertown, New York. She is a dedicated mother to her adult son Kris, daughter-in-law Kylee, and five grandchildren, as well as two adult adopted special needs children, one residing with her and the other in Miami, Florida. Motivated by personal experience, Kristi founded CASA non-profit to address the critical need for long-term assisted living for special needs adults who cannot live independently. With a diverse background spanning multiple careers, including human resources, payroll, foster care, and education, Kristi brings a wealth of skills to her role. Her journey as a foster parent to over 60 children, combined with obtaining her bachelor's degree in Human Services, uniquely positions her to lead this initiative. Kristi's passion for advocacy stems from her son's challenges in accessing necessary services, inspiring her to create CASA in November 2023. She is committed to supporting parents and caregivers facing similar struggles, ensuring their loved ones receive the care and assistance they deserve.

Caz Collins s a highly qualified professional with a Master's Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Industrial Psychology. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked extensively in the field, including developing life skills programs for visually impaired children and managing a preschool for blind and partially sighted children.In addition to running her own practice specializing in behavioral therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caz has trained teachers, school staff, and caregivers on integrating children with ASD into mainstream classrooms. She is also the founder of Spectrum ConNEXTions, a social skills support group for young adults with ASD, and served as the chairperson and founder of the Blue and You Autism awareness nonprofit organization, which raised funds for therapy for children from low-income families. As a mother of three, including a young adult with ASD, Caz brings firsthand experience and deep empathy to her work. She has been a guest speaker at numerous Autism functions throughout South Africa, sharing her expertise and strategies for meaningful developmental gain.

Kylee Monroe made the move to South Carolina in 2021 alongside her husband and four children, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in public education. With certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Level ELA, as well as elementary and secondary principalship, and superintendent certifications, Kylee is well-versed in educational leadership and pedagogy. Previously serving as a Director of Special Education in New York, Kylee has a deep understanding of the unique needs of special populations. Her decade-long experience as a foster parent further underscores her commitment to supporting families and fostering community connections. With her wealth of expertise in education and her compassionate approach to community support, Kylee brings invaluable insight and dedication to our mission at CASA. We're fortunate to have her on our team as we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of special needs adults and their families.

Melissa McGaha, representing Anderson and Abbeville counties for CASA, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our board. A resident of Abbeville County, Melissa has deep roots in the community, having been born and raised in Donalds, SC, before settling in Honea Path with her husband, Paul. With 30 years in the healthcare industry, Melissa's transition to real estate reflects her commitment to spending more time with her special needs daughter, Lauran, who is 23 years old and faces multiple disabilities. As a dedicated parent navigating the challenges of caring for a special needs child, Melissa understands firsthand the complexities of this journey. She is passionate about providing support and guidance to other parents facing similar challenges, believing in the importance of community and mutual assistance. Melissa is available to offer a listening ear, share her experiences, and collaborate in finding solutions. Together, we can navigate this journey with compassion and support!

Ellie Cadavid, a passionate advocate and valued member of our CASA nonprofit team! Originally from Colombia, Ellie made Greenville her home in 2003. After dedicating eight years to a successful career in dentistry, Ellie bravely ventured into entrepreneurship, currently thriving in the financial services industry. Ellie's love for community building and fostering connections shines through in everything she does. With a heart dedicated to making a positive impact, Ellie is committed to raising awareness about the special needs community. Her passion for bringing people together and sparking meaningful conversations drives her mission to make a difference. As a compassionate and driven individual, Ellie embodies the spirit of our organization. We're honored to have her on board as we work together to support and advocate for special needs adults and their families.