We’re proud to introduce our team, each person’s respective role and some information about him or her. Meet our Board of Directors and our staff.

Victoria Benge-Romero, Executive Director

Victoria was named as the 2022 National CASA/GAL Association Kappa Alpha Theta Director of the Year. This is out of around 1,000 directors across the US.

Victoria grew up in Colorado, but lived most of her adult life in England. However, she now calls Kentucky home. Victoria is dedicated to ensuring that those most vulnerable have someone advocating for them.

Victoria received her undergraduate degree in History from the University of Essex in England. After graduation, she worked as a History teacher for 16-18 year old's and was Head of the Department. Compelled to support and lift up the most vulnerable individuals, Victoria obtained her MSc in Gender and Women’s Studies from the London School of Economics. Victoria is committed to challenging biases to help abused and neglected children find permanent and safe homes.

In 2019, Victoria was awarded the Rising Star Award by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce for her dedication to helping and improving the community.

In her free time, Victoria enjoys traveling, reading, trying new things, going to the gym and spending time with her family. Contact Victoria

Stephanie Diaj, Program Manager

Stephanie Collinsworth Diaj received her BA in Psychology from Transylvania University and has a background in sales management, event planning/promotion and Social Media.

Stephanie grew up in Powell County and was previously a CASA volunteer with another program. She has 2 sons and 4 dogs.

Her favorite things are spending time with family, watching Marvel movies and eating chicken wings. Contact Stephanie

Madelynne Brooks, Volunteer Coordinator

Madelynne Brooks received her M.A.Ed. in School Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. She has experience working with K-12 students in Kentucky public schools, focusing on behavior support, and individual and group counseling. She also has experience working in higher education, serving students as an Education and Client Services Specialist for an on-campus food pantry.

Madelynne grew up and continues to live in Madison County, Kentucky. Driven to support and advocate for vulnerable populations in her community, she served as a CASA of the Wilderness Trail volunteer for 6 years. Her approach to service is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and respect. She finds great meaning in advocating for children and helping families feel safe, capable, and connected so they can grow and thrive.

In her free time, Madelynne enjoys spending time with her family, baking, being outdoors, and trying new coffee shops. Contact Madelynne

Lynde Moores, Volunteer Coordinator

Lynde was born and raised in southeast Indiana in the small town of Milan. She is a graduate of Purdue University, where she studied communications with a concentration in journalism, and a minor in English. She moved to Madison County in 2003, and has called Berea home since 2004. She has three children, who keep her on her toes and a smile on her face.

Prior to joining CASA, Lynde spent the last eight years as a deputy clerk at the Madison County District Court. Before her time with the court system, Lynde worked with children as a teacher at Richmond Child Care Center for seven years, and before that worked in the printing industry with OfficeMax.

Lynde has an enthusiasm for helping others, volunteering, and trying to make a difference in the community. She has spent time volunteering for her children's schools in organizations, such as PTO, and other similar counsels, and for their athletic boosters. She also served as Service Club leader with the Madison County 4-H for three years. When possible, she likes kayaking, reading, going for walks, and spending time with family and friends. Contact Lynde

Christopher Tipton, Volunteer Coordinator

Chris Tipton received his BS in Psychology and his Master of Arts in Teaching from University of the Cumberlands with emphasis in Elementary Education for grades
Kindergarten through Fifth.

Chris grew up and currently lives in Winchester, where he previously worked in the Clark County School System. Chris is also a middle school cheerleading coach and is an At-Large member on the KAPOS State Cheerleading Board.

His favorite things are traveling, spending time with his family and friends, taking his dog Dallas on walks, unplanned road trips, trying new foods, attending live music, and sporting events. Contact Chris

Board of Directors

Megan Bloomer

VP of Sustainability,
Cheesecake Factory

Owner of The Stone House at Silver Creek
Tabitha Chapuran

Senior Vice President
SpringHealth and Integrated Care
Kathina Conley

Yonder Behavioral Health
Tami Dobbins

Interior Designer
KPC Architectural Products
Greg Gerard

President, Baptist Health Richmond
Nanci House

Partner
White, McCann & Stewart, PLLC
Lora King

Executive Director, Specialty Services
Baptist Health Richmond
Raymond Lauk

Associate Professor, Eastern Kentucky University
Darius Lepp

Manager of Residential Service at LGE & KU
Chris Moorehead

Director of Revenue Growth
Flooring by Design, LLC
Joseph Mras

Owner of J.M. Business Partners, LLC
Andrew Russell

Business Analyst
Administrative Office of the Courts
Colleen Spencer

President,
Richmond Chamber of Commerce
Director of Strategic Development,
Spencer Land Surveying
Dennis Tucker

Director of Transformational Programs at Frito-Lay

Our board and staff members are committed to the mission and vision of our organization.

Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA) are community volunteers, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help abused and neglected children.

Our CASA program partners every child in the court system because of instances of abuse or neglect with a personal advocate to serve their best interests.