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.
_JPG.jpg)
Donna Colbert, MA
Executive Director
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.
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
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.
​As coordinator of CASA's youth programs — STAAND, Connect 4 Change, and Be the Change —Kate helps students across East County become leaders in their community and enact regional and statewide change. A longtime East County resident (and Granite Hills alumna), she is passionate about showing local youth the power of their voices. She received her B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University in May 2024 and brings many years of writing experience to CASA, serving as the agency's Grant Assistant.
Public Health Advocate
Kate Duffy
kduffy@casaneighborhoods.org
T. 619.442.2727
Kate Duffy
Corie Schneider, MSW
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Corie Schneider holds a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University, where she focused on macro social work, asset-based community development, advocacy, and policy. She brings experience in homelessness services, community outreach, program development, and cross-sector collaboration. Driven by a commitment to advancing housing equity, Corie is passionate about strengthening communities and expanding access to affordable, stable housing throughout San Diego. Outside of her work, she enjoys surfing and sailing.
Junella Pinzon is our co-coordinator of CASA’s youth programs, primarily focusing on Connect 4 Change and STAAND. As a southeast San Diego local, she has been involved in different types of community work through access and community building. She is passionate about higher education and strives to ensure high school students have equitable access to resources. Junella received her B.S. in Global Health while minoring in General Biology at UC San Diego and is currently in her master’s program at the University of San Diego studying Health Care Informatics.
Junella Pinzon
Public Health Advocate
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.
Follow CASA Neighborhoods
More CASA Social Accounts
CASA Neighborhoods
CASA Neighborhoods advances healthy, safe, and connected communities through education,
prevention, and advocacy.
CASA Newsletters