MICHIGAN CASA STAFF
Patty Sabin
President/CEO
Patty@michigancasa.org
Patty Sabin was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in 2002 in Kent County, MI. She took on five cases, and shepherded 13 abused and neglected children through the time they were wards of the court. In the process, she became a fervent believer in the CASA mission. When she is asked, "How can you do this work?," her reply has always been "How can I not". In 2007, Sabin was named Executive Director of CASA of Kent County where she created what is now known as the “gold standard” for CASA programing. In July 2015, Sabin took up the charge for establishing and leading Michigan CASA, headquartered in the Grand Rapids area. Michigan CASA former Board Chair Daniel Babin said, "Patty's proven, passionate leadership is allowing us to reach more of the abused and neglected children in our state, both through the further development of existing programs and the start-up of new county programs”. Patty and her husband John have two wonderful children, Keith and Julia, one grand puppy Cookie and enjoy anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Carolyn Frank
Director of Operations
Carolyn@michigancasa.org
Carolyn Frank brings a rich non-profit work history to Michigan CASA. Much of her experience has been in fund development and administrative support with organizations such as The Ferris Foundation, Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. With a heart for mission and desire to make a lasting impact, Carolyn is excited to support Michigan CASA growing the reach throughout the state to help the most children! Carolyn and her husband, Dan, have two adult children and live in Cannon Township where she can often be found riding and hiking the local trails and parks.
Janice Fonger
Director of Training
Janice@michigancasa.org
Janice Fonger has enjoyed a long and inspiring career in the nonprofit arena. She has been a front-line service provider; a coordinator of philanthropic activities; a relationship and community builder, a coach, facilitator, and trainer; a manager of organizational operations; an executive director; and a board member and leader. Janice’s first introduction to CASA came in the early 2000s as Executive Director at Adoptive Family Support Network. In 2017, Janice was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Kent County. Janice was a fierce advocate and loyal and passionate voice on behalf of her first two cases, a teen, and an infant. These were more than just cases, as Janice remains in contact with both girls/families. Janice and her husband Lindsay are blessed to have a beautiful daughter Celia and new son-in-law Nick.
Sarah Laman-Davis
Director of Marketing & Communications
Sarah@michigancasa.org
Sarah Laman-Davis is a strong advocate for a more just and equitable community. Over the last decade, she has served in various marketing, communications, and development roles across the areas of environmental sustainability, workforce development, early childhood support, and public health technology.
Sarah is attending Grand Valley State University to complete a Master’s of Public Administration. She is also the co-founder of a B-Corp certified coffee roastery called Last Mile Cafe. She and her husband have two children and enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with family.
Joane Van Luven
Human Resource Consultant
Jonae@michigancasa.org
Joane Van Luven is a Human Resources Leader and Michigan attorney with over 40 years experience partnering with Businesses to develop Organizational Effectiveness strategy, as well as leading organizations in all aspects of Human Resources including, Talent Acquisition and Retention, Employee Relations, Total Rewards, HRIS, Training and Development and Communication that results in strong and trusting relationships.
Joane feels passionately about helping the next generation achieve their full potential. She is a trained CASA volunteer, experienced foster parent, as well as the mother to two, rather amazing, adult, adopted daughters.
Joane holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as her Juris Doctor in Law from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in Detroit, Michigan.