Meet The Team
Dr. David G. Handy
Interim Executive Director
Dr. Handy comes to CASA with over 35 years of experience working with young people and their families, and he has more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofit organizations focused on youth who were considered at risk. Before coming to CASA, Dave served as the Director of Program Implementation for AARP Foundation Experience Corps (EC), where he managed a team that supported over 24 programs operating across 14 states. Dave earned his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy (Florida State University) and has logged over 2,000 clinical hours.
Julie Johnson
Interim Chief of Staff
Julie is serving as CASA DC's Chief of Staff and operational leader. Julie has a Masters in Public Administration and is a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Senior Certified Professional. She spent over a decade at DC Public Schools, improving behind the scenes systems. Julie began her career teaching fifth grade and was inspired by her students to dedicate her career to ensuring all youth receive high quality supports from their schools and community.
Maddlyn Sivilli
Director Programs
Maddlyn has a BA from Davidson College and Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins School of Education. She has worked as a teacher and education consultant and is a Teach for America Hawai'i and Fulbright Spain alumna. Maddlyn specializes in culturally responsive education with experience in the humanities, STEM, special education, and English language learning. She is looking forward to engaging and supporting the local community.
Sophia Baron
Program Supervisor, BRIDGES
Sophia first started as an intern for our PYA program in 2023, and now she is back as a full-time member of our team. She graduated from The University of Maryland with a double major in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice and is passionate about advocacy and community support. She is excited to see how her professional and educational experiences support her in this position!
Kayla Davies
BRIDGES Program Manager
Kayla first started as an intern for our BRIDGES program, and now she has transitioned to the full-time staff team! She is continuing her work with case management, specializing in unmatched cases with the BRIDGES program. Kayla also recently received her Masters in Forensic Psychology at George Washington University.
James Fleming Jr.
Program Manager, Family Treatment Court (FTC)
James Fleming, MS has an extensive background working with youth and substance-abusing caretakers. He has spent over 20 years advocating, mentoring, and educating a generation of children from marginalized communities as a general education teacher and youth mentor.
Alyssa Newman
EMPOWER Program Manager
Alyssa has a Bachelors in Child Development and Psychology, a Masters in Human Development and Family Studies, and recently completed her Masters in Social Work. She previously worked as a Program Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan for several years, and is passionate about supporting the well-being of all youth in the DMV. Alyssa was an EMPOWER and clinical department intern before joining the team, and she looks forward to continuing her work with CASA DC.
Idell Sampson
Manager, Transition Initiatives
Idell has a passion for working with youth and providing them with life affirming resources and tools to help propel them in a positive direction for success, and she is a huge advocate for youth and their overall quality of life. In addition to her passion she brings to the team uniquely curated skills of connecting with youth in the inner city, a passion for providing guidance, and a heart for youth advancement as a whole. Idell is excited to be joining the CASA DC team and working with the youth of DC.
Zoe Smith
Volunteer Manager
Zoe is a trained volunteer trainer who has their BA in Justice and Law from American University. They spent their senior year interning with CASA and the BRIDGES program. She is excited to support volunteers and serve her community!
Kyla Woods
CASA Supervisor
Kyla is a youth justice practitioner, policy advisor, advocate, and organizer based in Washington, DC. With over eight years of experience leading and managing policy and human service initiatives, including programming to prevent and respond to commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), mental health access, juvenile justice, and housing justice disparities.
Sandra Zuro
CASA Supervisor
Sandra's career background has been with youth involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. She is excited to bring her expertise here and advocate for DC youth!