Meet our team
CASA is proud to introduce our agents of change who lead community efforts to address the root causes of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illegal drug use and abuse using research-based prevention strategies.
Dana Stevens, Executive Director, has been a community organizer, policy advocate and champion for marginalized populations her entire adult life. Her passion for community begins with empowering local residents to amplify their voice for healthy, safe options to thrive. Dana has been with CASA since 2007 and has served as Executive Director since 2013. Dana earned a BA in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego, a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from University of San Diego and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University.
Rebecca Branstetter
rbranstetter@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727 ext. 109
Public Health Advocate
Rebecca comes to CASA with a background in child advocacy, public relations, and association management. Her public health advocacy focus at CASA includes monitoring local, state, and federal government decision-making to help ensure that elected and appointed officials keep safe and healthy neighborhoods front and center in their deliberations. A relative newcomer to the San Diego area, she is a graduate of Furman University and spent most of her career in the Southeast and New Jersey.
Jean was the Coordinator of Drug Free Julian Community Coalition for CASA for seven years. She comes to public health work with a strong background in community organizing and youth education. Jean is currently the coordinator of our Tobacco Control Program. She holds a BA in Education from San Diego State University.
Fadya Abdullah
Public Health Advocate
fabdullah@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727 ext. 111
Fadya is a public outreach and social media specialist who assists in marketing efforts to promote organizational events, efforts, and programs. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in Sociology with minors in Digital & Social Media Studies and Arabic & Islamic Studies, and an additional certificate demonstrating mastery of the Arabic Language.
Jillian is a strong advocate for healthy neighborhoods and assists on several projects including policy change initiatives and youth leadership development. She completed her bachelor's degree in Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her master's degree in Public Health from University College Cork in Cork, Ireland.
Tammy works as a public health advocate and legislation tracker. Additionally, she provides support to CASA's youth-led community groups and has experience working with youth as a mentor for various leadership programs. Tammy is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a specialization in Public Law at the University of California, San Diego.
Michelle is passionate for youth led change and limiting youth access to tobacco, alcohol and other substances. She specializes in youth development and has worked with young people across San Diego County since 2020 in tobacco and alcohol advocacy and prevention. She completed her University Studies of Humanities and Fine Arts certificate at Grossmont College and is currently pursuing a degree in Communications at the University of California, San Diego.
Carol coordinates the 80+ member El Cajon Collaborative (ECC). The ECC provides local connectivity to the San Diego Association of Government’s Regional Transportation Plan to increase local walkability, access to healthy food, and services for the region’s large refugee population. Carol also manages web-based resource network of health and human service programs and providers.