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.
Donna is a seasoned advocate for community empowerment and family well-being, leveraging her expertise in advocacy, family support, and resource allocation. As the Executive Director of CASA since January 2024, she spearheads initiatives that enlist neighbors as drivers of positive social change, fostering nurturing environments and enhancing the quality of life in neighborhoods. With a BA in Communication from California State University, San Marcos, and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, Donna embodies integrity, compassion, and resilience in her leadership, guiding CASA towards its mission of transforming communities and empowering families.
Donna Colbert, MA
Executive Director
Rebecca Branstetter
Public Health Advocate
Rebecca Branstetter
rbranstetter@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727 ext. 109
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.
Jean Duffy
Public Health Advocate
Tammy Tran
Public Health Advocate
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.
Michelle Tan
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocate
Samantha Cruz,MS
scruz@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727
Samantha Cruz
Samantha Cruz brings a wealth of experience in tobacco research and policy advocacy to CASA. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, East Bay, and recently earned her Master’s in Kinesiology with a public health emphasis from California State University, San Marcos. At CASA, Samantha oversees tobacco retail licensing initiatives, collaborating with local and city officials to combat illegal tobacco sales to minors in San Diego.
Angie Rodriguez (She/Her) works as a public health advocate focused on youth engagement. She curates and organizes youth led events and advocates for youth community involvement. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Grossmont College. She comes to CASA with early knowledge in youth work as a former Youth Development Clerk at the San Diego County Office of Education under Friday Night Live.
Angie Rodriguez
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocate
Kate Duffy
kduffy@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727
Kate Duffy
As a youth-focused Public Health Advocate, Kate works with CASA’s youth-based organizations to help young people across East County become leaders in their community and get involved with alcohol and tobacco control initiatives. She has over five years of experience working with children and teenagers and is passionate about cultivating youth leadership to enact local and state-wide change. She also brings to CASA experience in the journalism field, having received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University in May 2024.
El Cajon Collaborative Coordinator
Carol Lewis
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.