
Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"Having two small children myself, CASA's mission is dear to my heart. Serving children in a most difficult time in their young lives is very worthwhile and necessary work. The fact that CASA volunteers roll up their sleeves to advocate for children in the community is inspiring and helps motivate me to do my share to fulfill CASA's mission to provide consistent, long-term advocacy until every child resides in a safe, permanent home."

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."

In the past, he has done board work with Zootown Arts Community Center, committee work with United Way of Missoula County, and volunteered in a variety of roles. Matt believes that good communities don't happen on accident and they don't happen without hard work.
Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"I decided to join the CASA organization because good communities take a lot of work. Investing in the future of Missoula is important to me and I believe that providing resources to people in need can lift entire communities. CASA does a wonderful job of advocating for children in positions of great need. By showing children that we care about them and their future, CASA can help to provide hope. That hope can, in turn, provide children with a reason to invest in themselves and their futures."

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."

In her own words, Meghan states, "I am blessed to have three children in my life and a husband, who also sees the challenges children face in his law practice. When we are not busy with all that life throws at you, we try to escape to the outdoors for a nice camping trip or hit the open road for a good old American road-trip."
Why did you join the CASA Board of Directors?:
"As a health care professional and an attorney, I have witnessed and worked directly with children caught in the middle of impossible situations and challenges. They are truly the most innocent of victims. CASA provides a voice to these children and can help them navigate through the system and their world, and turn seemingly impossible barriers into something that is surmountable. The resiliency of children is amazing, but the children CASA supports need every possible resource we can give them. I am also always amazed at the generosity and caring nature of our community members who volunteer and being part of the CASA Board of Directors reminds me to do the same. Spread love and kindness."

As an intern Jacob’s career began in 2005 at OZ Architects where his most memorable project was the Missoula Readiness Center for the Montana National Guard. In 2013 he obtained his professional license and shortly after he and Kasey were blessed with their twins Abby and Gus. Two years later he transitioned to MMW Architects where he is now a Principal Architect. Here, Jacob has continued his passion for sustainable design which has lead to an emphasis in mass timber construction. Presently he is using mass timber on a project for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
When not at work Jacob and his family are continually exploring the outdoors and enjoying life. This last year has included their annual trips to the Oregon Coast, Eastern Oregon, and Sandpoint for the 4th, but they were also lucky enough to go on their first Smith River trip. Now with kids in first grade they are busy with gymnastics, ninja training, scouts and the occasional hunting trips on the weekend.
Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"CASA's mission ensures children live in healthy environments were they can thrive. This is why I am thrilled to be board member for this outstanding organization. Life experiences define who we are, and spending two months with our kids in the NICU has been a huge part of what has defined my life. Thankfully everything worked out for us, but during our stay, we saw firsthand how some of these very vulnerable infants did not have the support of a loving family. The doctors and nurses were amazing and did everything they could to support these infants and advocate for their welfare, but this only lasted while in their care. We do not know what happened to these babies. Hopefully, with a little luck, they are happy little six-year-olds like ours. In some cases, I am sure CASA advocates have touched their lives, giving a voice and protecting their best interests. This is what motivated me to join CASA and do everything I can as a board member to support this wonderful cause."

Reid graduated from The University of Montana Law School (J.D. with Honors), and is admitted to practice in the State of Montana, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Reid has been recognized on numerous peer-reviewed lists, including ASLA – Recognized Top 100 Litigation Attorneys®, Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers.
Why did you join CASA's Board of Directors?:
"I previously served on the board of Child Start, Inc., which is the local Head Start. I served as a board member for Head Start for a number of years, but no longer sit on that board. By virtue of that experience, I recognize the need for organizations like CASA. As an attorney, I have also attended many hearings in which I have witnessed the impact that drug and/or alcohol addiction can have on children as their parents are going through the court system. I have also seen many dependent neglect cases. CASA of Missoula helps those kids, who are some of our most vulnerable children. In addition, CASA may make the difference between those kids following in their parent's footsteps or learning a different way to live in society. That is a noble cause that should be supported by everyone."


Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
"I decided to join the CASA board because I support CASA's mission and would like to be an advocate for youth in Missoula."

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."

Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
"I joined the CASA of Missoula Board of Directors because I believe strongly in the mission of the organization. I hope my past board experience and knowledge in accounting and finance will provide a meaningful contribution to the CASA of Missoula board which will help contribute to the sustained success of the organization."

Heather and her husband Matt raised three children. Megan is a 4th grade teacher here in Missoula. Cole and Macy currently attend Montana State University, but Heather and Matt remain dedicated GRIZ fans! Their fourth child - as they call him - is their soon to be son-in-law, Seamus. He is a petroleum engineer. They are also currently raising a very energetic (and still destructive) Golden Labradoodle named Mando.
Why did you decide to join CASA's Board of Directors?
"I believe that as public educators we must prepare our students for a future we cannot truly imagine and jobs that we cannot conceptualize. I have an unfaltering belief that each child can and will achieve academically, whatever it takes and that it is our responsibility to ensure that they do. Before students can engage and learn in school, basic needs of shelter and safety must be met. CASA is an organization dedicated to meeting these basic needs of children in the home environment, and I'm honored to serve with a dedicated group of volunteers to meet this mission for the betterment of our community."

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."