CASA OF TULARE COUNTY
BOARD of DIRECTORS
The faces behind the support, the people who on a daily basis, give their heart and spirit to the efforts of supporting Tulare County's foster children
Meet The Team
President, Executive Board
Enrique Benavides
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Vice Presidenet, Executive Board
Carolina Evangelo
I am a communications, marketing, and PR professional focusing on the agriculture and non-profit sectors. I serve on CASA of Tulare County’s Executive Board as Vice President and Co-Chairs of the Fund Development Committee and Once Upon a Dream Gala. A lifelong San Joaquin Valley resident, I grew up on my family’s dairy farm in Merced, California. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science and a minor in Agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with local non-profits, baking, traveling, and spending time with my family in the North Valley. My husband, Tony, and I, reside in Visalia, California.
Treasurer, Executive Board
Francie Langley
I became a board member of CASA in 2003 because they needed a board treasurer, and I wanted to give back to the community. I have stayed involved with CASA because I appreciate the work CASA does for children, and I am comfortable interpreting financial information, which many people are not. What can I say… I like being useful!
Secretary, Executive Board
Sarah Perry
I was inspired to become a board member for CASA of Tulare County because of my passion for supporting vulnerable children and giving them a voice. I’ve always thought that those who can serve should, and I wanted to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of local children. CASA's mission aligns perfectly with my belief in advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. By serving on the executive board, I hope to bring my skills and dedication to make a lasting impact in our community.
Immediate Past President, Executive Board
Brian Albertoni
I have been employed as an International Business Development Director at World Wide Sires for 36 years, a cattle genetics and management solutions farmer cooperative. My job has allowed me to work in over 60 countries, but it is always great to come back home to Tulare County, one of the richest agricultural pockets in the world. I was destined to get involved with CASA. When my husband and I were looking at options for starting a family, my natural inclination was to adopt an international child because I had become a citizen of the world. A good friend of mine was a CASA advocate, and she said, “You love Tulare County, and we have 1300 foster children in this county, so wouldn’t it make sense to give one of those children a chance for love and security?” This inspired us to become foster parents and eventually adopt our son. Our support of CASA is my way of giving back to the best thing that ever happened to me.
Member at Large
Curtis Daugherty
bio.
Board Member
Cathy Herbst
I was born and raised in Stockton, California, by my adoptive parents, Richard and Joanne Tibbedeaux, and I have lived in the San Joaquin Valley my whole life. I have been married to my husband Gary for 41 years, attended Fresno City College, and, after a brief career in banking, chose to be a stay-at-home mom with my twins, Kevin and Kelly. I have been active in my community, supporting the Visalia Unified School District PTA, the Boys and Girls Club of the Sequoias, the Kaweah Health Hospital Foundation, and CASA.
I wanted to give the same love and support to our community's less fortunate children as I did to my kids. Two of my very close friends were CASA Board members, so I didn't hesitate to say yes when invited to the CASA Board. I always say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am so grateful to be part of an organization that gives a powerful voice to the unheard.
Board Member
Danka Vukovic Daniels
There are many reasons why I have joined CASA. My journey began six years ago as an advocate, and it has been both rewarding and enlightening to understand our foster care system and find ways to help children in need. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, providing critical support, and ensuring that children receive the necessary services. My involvement can positively influence the broader community by fostering healthier environments for vulnerable children.
Working with CASA allows me to develop advocacy skills and connect with like-minded individuals who share my commitment to supporting child welfare and creating a solid support network. This experience is personally fulfilling, as I can see the direct impact of my efforts on a child’s life.
Baord Member
Jesus Morales-Grace
bio.
Baord Member
Nicholas Ruiz
I was born and raised in Visalia. I graduated from Mt. Whitney High School and College of the Sequoias before continuing my education at California State University of Fresno. I received a Bachelor of Science in Criminology focusing on Forensic Behavioral Science. I received my Juris Doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where I graduated near the top of my class. I began practicing law in San Francisco with the Cartwright Law Firm before returning to Visalia and joining Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett LLP (now Williams, Brodersen, Pritchett & Ruiz LLP). ​I married my wife, Stephanie Ruiz, in 2019, and we now have two children together. I come from a hardworking middle-class family that instilled a passion for helping people.
Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of attending several of CASA's Galas, where I became aware of the remarkable efforts CASA makes to help children in dependency succeed in life, despite facing significant hardships. This experience sparked my desire to get involved in this cause, supporting less fortunate children in achieving success and avoiding the dangers, pitfalls, and temptations that surround them, such as gang involvement, violence, and crime.
Baord Member
Tulsi Gupta
I was inspired to become a board member for CASA of Tulare County because I believe every child deserves a stable and loving home. CASA's mission aligns with my passion for ensuring that children have a voice in the court system and access the resources they need to thrive. Serving on the executive board allows me to help shape the future of these children and make a meaningful difference in their lives and our community.