Board of Directors

Dr. Daniel Lee is the dean of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education at the University of Montana. He has been a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. Dan was previously the president of the Katahdin Area Boy Scout Council in Maine and has served on the board for Missoula Catholic Schools.

Marti joined CASA of Missoula's Board of Directors in January 2024, after serving as a volunteer advocate from October 2018 to September 2025.

Born and raised in Missoula, Marti graduated from the University of Montana’s Davidson Honors College with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science. She went on to earn both her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Montana School of Law and College of Business, respectively. Following law school, Marti practiced with a private law firm in Missoula for two years before joining the State Attorney's Office.

Why did you join?

I began as a volunteer advocate because I wanted to learn about and contribute to our family court system and the resources available to those involved. I found the work and the people involved—at every phase—incredibly compelling. As a board member, I hope to strengthen the connection between our community and CASA's mission.

TJ is a Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at First Security Bank of Missoula where he puts his 15 years of banking experience to work helping the small businesses and entrepreneurs that make our community so vibrant. TJ first came to Missoula for his undergraduate degree in business finance and found that he loved it so much he'd stick around for another year and finish his MBA. Career opportunities pulled TJ and his future wife Emily away to Phoenix for two years before a door was opened back to Missoula once again in 2008. Since then, TJ has called Missoula home and is proud to raise his two kids in such a wonderful community. When not chasing around his two children at their various sports activities, TJ enjoys spending time at home with Emily or on a river with some trout.

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
"In my life and career, I've come to love the word 'opportunity'. It defines my primary role at work where I help clients turn opportunities into reality, and also at home where we strive to provide the best opportunities to our own children. I support CASA because it helps provide the opportunity for growth, stability, safety and well-being for children who are in difficult circumstances that are not of their own making. These are the building blocks for a successful and happy life that every child deserves, and I believe CASA is best positioned to provide and preserve opportunities for the most vulnerable in our community."

Bill St John is a long time Montana resident. He graduated from Big Sky High School in Missoula and the University of Montana with a BA in Political Science and an Associates Degree in History. Upon graduating college, he went directly in banking and has been there for the past 25 years. Currently he is the Senior Vice President of Consumer Banking at Clearwater Credit Union. In Bill’s personal time he enjoys shooting sports, competitive darts, and nurturing four senior dogs.

Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"In the past I have have served on boards for Missoula Sunrise Rotary and the United Way of Missoula County. In my work with Missoula Sunrise Rotary, our focus was on children in Missoula's youth homes. I have seen the hardships that many children have suffered. The work of CASA is of vital importance for these children and our community. I can think of no better way to help these children than by giving them a voice and having someone who is there to help them through the court system. I believe the work CASAs perform is extremely hard and this is a way I can help them."

Originally from Laurel, Montana, Forrest is a lawyer at Boone Karlberg, P.C. where he represents various businesses and individuals in a variety of civil litigation matters. He also dedicates a portion of his practice to guardianship and conservatorship matters and has had the opportunity to assist multiple Missoula families with adoptions. In his free time, Forrest enjoys traveling and exploring Montana with his wife and two springer spaniels. Forrest has also been a CASA volunteer since 2020.

Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"Having been a CASA volunteer for the last five years and working with six different children during that time, I have had the opportunity to observe the impact this program has on the lives of the at-risk youth in our community firsthand. This program, and the people who dedicate so much time and effort to it, is invaluable to Missoula and it is critical that we continue to provide the support necessary to ensure long term success. When the opportunity arose to take on a larger role at CASA Missoula as a Board Member, I couldn't say no."

Emily served as a CASA volunteer prior to starting her career in the legal profession. She graduated with a joint Masters in Public Administration and JD from the University of Montana in May 2021. She currently works as an associate for Browning, Kaleczyc, Berry & Hoven, P.C.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, rafting, and hanging out with her husband and their two dogs. She is excited to transition into a new role working with CASA and furthering this important organization's mission.

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
I decided to transition into a Board member role from a volunteer role in order to help CASA with their mission. CASA shaped a big part of my life as a volunteer and personally, and it even led me to seek a career in the legal profession. I look forward to furthering this organization's cause in a new role.

Erika is a fourth-generation Montanan, mother of five (and grandma of two), and the principal of Missoula-based advertising agency, Windfall. She loves yoga, traveling, cooking, and all the adventures that come with having a large, close-knit family. It doesn’t matter if she’s playing board games with her family at home or brainstorming a new campaign at work—Erika is all heart, and she meets every adventure with unmatched optimism.

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
"I graduated from the University of Montana with my Bachelor’s in Education and taught elementary school prior to my life in advertising. That time in the classroom made me abundantly aware of the struggles students face every day, and the impact an unstable home can have on a child’s friendships, learning, development and overall quality of life. On the other end, it also showed me how life-altering it can be when a caring individual steps up, and acts as a positive force in a child’s life. I’m incredibly proud to play my part at CASA and help match those caring individuals with the children who need them."

Chris is an architect and associate at MMW Architects who focuses on community and sustainably minded projects. He believes the built environment should help create strong, healthy communities that serve all people holistically. Prior to becoming an architect, Chris had diverse experiences including construction and woodworking. He still loves getting his hands dirty through the occasional house project and various volunteer activities.
Along with his wife Bridget and their dogs, Chris moved to Missoula in 2016 to enjoy life in the mountains and on the rivers. They have found Missoula a welcoming home and enjoy being a part of the diverse community. Along the way they became parents to a wonderfully adventurous son and are humbled by the experience of being “Mommy and Daddy”. In his now limited spare time you may find Chris on the river or out on two wheels enjoying our great wealth of mountain bike trails.

Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
Having been exposed to CASA for years through colleagues and friends, I believe strongly in the mission of CASA and have a high level of compassion for both the volunteers and the children being served by this organization. All children deserve a safe and stable environment to grow and thrive. I have great respect for the CASA’s who give their time to advocate and support these children. We must do all we can to serve every child in need. Knowing the need is great, I look forward to contributing all I can to continue and strengthen our efforts.

My professional experience was in accounting and finance.
I am grateful to be a wife and a mother and a daughter and a sister.
I love any outdoor activity and all creatures great and small.

Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
I hoped to aide families who were facing challenging circumstances.
I hoped to grow as a human being in perspective and usefulness.

Brenda is a Montana native and Managing Shareholder at JCCS, where she leads a talented team in the accounting and advisory department. With more than 25 years of experience, she enjoys partnering with organizations, especially in healthcare and the nonprofit sector, to bring clarity and confidence to their financials. Brenda enjoys working with leadership teams to identify challenges, set future goals, and implement streamlined solutions that foster financial stability and growth. She is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, recognized for her expertise in financial reporting, payroll, and internal controls. When she’s not working with clients, Brenda enjoys time with her family exploring alpine lakes, camping, and fishing, as well as relaxing at home with a good book or in the kitchen trying a new recipe.

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
Brenda previously served on the board of Mountain Home, where she witnessed firsthand how many young mothers and children face the challenges of navigating the court system with limited support. Through that experience, she came to deeply value the role of advocates who stand alongside children in difficult circumstances. When the opportunity arose to join CASA of Missoula, Brenda was eager to dedicate her time and efforts to an organization she knew was making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

Audrey has been involved with CASA for almost a decade. She started as a volunteer in Los Angeles, where she worked with two TAY youths for four years each - until they aged out with the support they needed to succeed in adulthood. In 2019, Audrey was elected to the CASA of Los Angeles Board of Directors and - shortly afterwards - executive committee. She served as the chair of the Legislative Advocacy committee and Secretary of the Board. When Audrey relocated to Montana, she trained to be a CASA volunteer in Missoula and was sworn-in December 2024. She has been advocating for a curious and joyful 2 y/o for the past year.

In her professional career, Audrey is an architect, senior project manager, designer, and leader with over 20 years of experience on projects ranging from higher ed to retail to hospitality to performing arts to residential. Her strengths lie in being an inclusive leader, maintaining strong client and colleague relationships, and creating dynamic and relevant designs that are conscious of their impact on many scales - from the end user to the community to the environment. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional results through strategic planning, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving. She is a Montana and California licensed architect and LEED BD+C accredited. Audrey is passionate about mentorship and community engagement and is focused on work that will positively impact her community.

On her free time, you'll find Audrey hiking, running, reading, XC skiing, curling, rock climbing, and saying yes to every possible social engagement. She is also passionate about civic leadership, having been on the Board of Coro of Southern California. In Missoula, Audrey is often engaged with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, Midtown Association, Missoula Economic Partnership, and City Planning Commission.

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
CASA strikes a unique mix of support/advocacy for youth and very measurable action. I was drawn to it because it gives me the opportunity to work with youth and also have a very clear list of action items with the youth's team and the courts. I love the balance of qualitative and quantitative impact.