Board of Directors
CASA of Mideast Missouri Board of Directors work both behind the scenes and throughout the community ensuring CASA has the resources to continue to be a credible and stable organization.
Meet Our Board of Directors
President:
Tom Jacquin
During the day, Tom is the Outside Sales Manager at Carquest in the surrounding areas of Hermann, Montgomery City and Warrenton. He has been with Carquest for 21 years. In the evenings, Tom runs a family sporting goods business that his uncle started back in 1985. When his uncle passed away from cancer in 2000, Tom took the business under his wing to keep it going.
Tom is no stranger to volunteerism and giving back to the community. His connection with the sporting goods business provided him a great avenue to help others. Over the years, Tom has been a part of various nonprofit organizations in the area. His passion is fundraising; finding new and fun ways to engage the community and raise money for organizations is what keeps him motivated.
Tom resides in Hermann with his wife, Randi, and his two stepchildren Malerie and Braden. In his free time, he loves to take his bird dogs pheasant hunting and going camping with his family.
Term began: December 2022
Profession: Outside Sales Manager for Carquest & DC Sporting Goods Manager
Affiliations: Previously served on the Community Foundation Board of Hermann and the Long Range Planning Board at St. George Church. He has also assisted with various community fundraising events.
Lives in: Hermann, MO
Contact: dcsportinggoods78@hotmail.com
Vice president:
Julie Purschke
Julie first became interested in CASA approximately 10 years ago during a conversation she had with Rich Sandoval. Her personal experiences as an educator, adoptive parent, and special needs parent greatly helps here role as a CASA board member. Julie states, “At this point in my life, I now have the time to help further CASA’s mission.”
Julie graduated from Webster University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and taught 5th grade at Sullivan Elementary for seven years. After several years as a stay-at-home mom of three kids, with a business partner, I owned and operated Leap Ahead Learning Center from 2011 to 2021.
For fun, Julie enjoys crafting, reading, doing DIY projects with her parents, and taking Jeep rides with her husband and children.
Term began: October 2022
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: juliepurschke@yahoo.com
secretary:
Sandy Wunderlich
Sandy is a former Franklin County CASA Volunteer who has been active in many area churches & organizations. As a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Washington, she served the Parish Counsel as both School Board Secretary and President. In addition, she was the SFBHS Dinner Auction Chair.
Professionally, she’s held several chairs including the Missouri Bar, Intellectual Property Committee Chair, Defense Research Institute’s Women in the Law Committee Chair and The Intellectual Property Owner’s Association, Leadership Development Committee Vice Chair.
Term began: January 2023
Profession: Attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP
Affiliations: Member of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Washington, Missouri Bar, International Association of Defense Counsel
Lives in: Union/Washington, MO Area
Contact: sandra.wunderlich@tuckerellis.com
treasurer:
Robin Kluesner
Robin has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Missouri State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Washington University. She also holds a CPA license through the State of Missouri. She is currently the Director of Accounting for the School District of Washington. She also owns and operates her small business, Robin Kluesner, CPA serving small businesses and individuals with their tax preparation needs.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing games, visiting and excursions like axe throwing, escape rooms, etc. In her quiet time, you can find her watching movies or reading a good book.
Term began: Dec 2023
Profession: Director of Accounting / Owner of Robin Kluesner, CPA
Affiliations: Optimist Board Member, Missouri Association of School Business Officials, Spring Conference Co-Chair
Lives in: Washington
Contact: robinkcpa@gmail.com
member:
John Viviano
John is no stranger to CASA as he was an active CASA volunteer for over 7 years working with numerous children. John then served on the Strategic Planning Committee for CASA and is now in a new role as member of the Board.
Professionally John is the co-founder and partner of Evidentia Learning, which is an e-Learning company serving thousands of medical professionals around the world who serve vulnerable populations such as victims of child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. When he’s not working John loves spending time with his family hiking, kayaking, or anything else in the great outdoors. We are very fortunate John has chosen to continue working with CASA in now a new role.
Term began: June 2020
Profession: Co-founder of Evidentia Learning and Adjunct Instructor at Washington University in St. Louis
Affiliations: : Member of Association of Child Protection Professionals
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: john@evidentialearning.com
Learn more: https://www.johnviviano.me
Member:
Steve Myers
Steve’s professional experience is in the Outdoor Advertising Industry as President of Myers Sign Service since 1998. He was appointed as Alderman in Pacific in 2013 and was reelected twice before being elected as the Mayor of Pacific in April of 2018 where he lives with his wife Lori.
Lori and Steve have been married since 1992 and have two grown children: Their 24-year-old son who is an Army medic and 22-year-old daughter Lindsey who works in the banking industry.
Steve received his AA degree in Business Management / Marketing from East Central College and his BS degree in Business Administration / Marketing from Webster University.
Term began: January 2019
Profession: Owner and President of Myers Sign Service / Director of Community Development in Pacific
Affiliations: Former Mayor – City of Pacific, Missouri, Past President – New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Board Member – Meramec River Recreation Association. 2 year member Board of Directors for Franklin County CASA. Member GCLASTL, NRA, Eagle Scout and B.S.A. Wood Badge Certification
Lives in: Pacific, MO
Contact: steve@myerssignservice.com
Member:
Mark Noelke
Mark graduated from Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with a degree in gemology , Gem City College with a degree in Horology and attended East Central College for business.
Mark resides in Washington with his wife Lisa and has two grown daughters. When he is not working, Mark is an avid cyclist, cycling 1000’s of miles a year, floating, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and woodworking.
Term began: November 2023
Profession: President/Owner/Gemologist at Altemueller Jewelry (122 year old family business)
Affiliations: Community Council Board at the Bank of Franklin County, Retail Jewelers Organization (RJO), Member of St. Francis Borgia Church, Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, Washington Historical Society, past member of the Washington Jaycees and past adult leader of Explorer Scout Troop
Lives in: Washington, MO
Contact: mark@AJinc.net
member:
Kasi Meyer
Kasi is starting her 25th year as a certified educator, currently as the Assistant Superintendent in St. Clair. Prior to that she was the New Haven Principal for 15 years. She started her career as a teacher at St. Clair Elementary and Beaufort Elementary School. She loves every educational position whether it’s in the classroom or as an administrator. She’s happy to be back home as a Bulldog!
Kasi and her husband Tim have been married 23 years. They keep very busy with their son Mitchell and daughter Aubri. They can usually be found cheering on the sidelines of a volleyball or basketball court or helping in the concession stand or running a field event at a track meet.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outside exploring and learning about native flora and fauna. She gets excited each month for The Missouri Conservationist to show up in her mailbox! She enjoys all genres of music, reading, exercising with friends, and cuddling with her dog, Oliver.
Term began: September 2023
Profession: St. Clair Assistant Superintendent
Affiliations: St. Clair R-XIII School District, Missouri Association of School Administrators, Girls on the Run
Lives in: New Haven, MO
Contact: kmeyer@stcmo.org
member:
Tricia Ridder
Tricia Ridder has been an educator in the Gasconade County R-2 School District for 17 years. Upon graduation from Gasconade Co. R-2 she attended the University of Missouri-Rolla and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Elementary Education. Her graduate work includes a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri and a Specialist degree from Missouri Baptist University in the areas of Educational Leadership. Mrs. Ridder spent 2.5 years as a behavior consultant at the South Central RPDC where she worked with 85 school districts throughout south central Missouri. During her tenure at the Gasconade Co. R-2 school district Tricia has served in the capacities of a second-grade teacher, assistant principal and currently is the head principal at Owensville Elementary School.
Tricia is married to her husband Dustin and live together with family in Hermann and they run a cow/calf production operation known as Ridder Farms. Tricia and Dustin are the proud parents of Trace and Trigg who keep them very busy being active in baseball, basketball, and showing livestock.
In her spare time, Tricia enjoys being on the sidelines supporting her boys in their activities. She also loves to travel and experience new places with her husband and boys. Tricia is an avid reader and enjoys exercising and being outdoors.
Term began: March 2024
Profession: Principal, Owensville Elementary School, Gasconade Co. R-2 School District
Affiliations: Member of Zion-St. Paul UCC in Bay, Member of Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals, Gasconade Co. R-2 School District.
Lives in: Hermann, MO
Contact: tridder@dutchmen.us
Member:
Trisha Ely
Trisha Ely, an event planner at the Conservation Federation of Missouri, orchestrates gatherings that resonate with the heartbeat of the outdoors. Her work amplifies the voice of Missouri’s natural heritage. She is also the proud owner of Ely Manor Event Center, Trisha and her husband, Mike, create magical spaces for weddings, parties, and celebrations that blend rustic charm with heartfelt moments.
Beyond her professional roles, Trisha wears another hat: that of a dedicated 4-H Club Leader. In this role, she nurtures young minds, fostering curiosity and resilience. Trisha and Mike also actively engage with the junior high and high school youth at Capital City Christian Church. Their shared mission is to guide and inspire the next generation, helping them navigate life’s peaks and valleys.
And then there’s the annual pilgrimage—a tradition close to Trisha’s heart. Every summer, she and Mike lead a group of high school students to a mountain in Colorado. There, at Nationwide Youth Round-up (NYR), they worship under the vast sky, surrounded by rugged peaks.
Back home, Trisha’s energy knows no bounds. With three children—Devin, Brendan, and Andrew—the Ely household buzzes with activity. In her rare moments of solitude, Trisha tends her garden and finds joy in her feathered companions—the chickens.
Term began: March 2024
Profession: Owner of Ely Manor Event Center and Event planner at the Conservation Federation of Missouri
Affiliations: 4-H Club Leader, Member of Capital City Christian Church, Leader of Nationwide Youth Round-up (NYR).
Lives in: Linn, MO
Contact: trishaelyx3@hotmail.com
member:
Travis Mitchell
Travis Mitchell has been employed by State Technical College in Linn, MO for the past 20 years.
Complementing his professional commitment, Travis, alongside his wife Amy, has demonstrated profound compassion as foster parents over the past six years, providing nurturing homes for 16 children and extending their family through the adoption of three children. Throughout their fostering journey, they have experienced the invaluable support of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which has significantly contributed to the positive outcomes of their cases. Motivated by this positive experience and a desire to contribute further to the welfare of children, Travis is eager to serve on the board of CASA, aiming to uphold and enhance its track record of success.
Travis and Amy enjoy their 5 children, 2 foster children and 1 grandchild.
Term began: March 2024
Profession: Lead Custodian, State Technical College
Affiliations: Linn First Church
Lives in: Linn, MO
Contact: travis.mitchell@statetechmo.edu
member:
KATIE DALTON
Katie Dalton has been a dedicated employee of the Crime Victim Center since 2013. She worked as a victim advocate for three years before becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Advocacy in 2017. She left in 2019 to work as a Grant Administrator for St. Louis County, then returned in 2020 as the Executive Director of the Crime Victim Center.
Katie graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2013 and graduated from St. Louis University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2016. Katie earned her Licensed Clinical Worker certification in 2021.
Katie lives in Union with her husband John, daughter Lottie and dog Milo.
Term began: October 2024
Profession: Licensed Clinical Social Work, Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Affiliations: Member of IC Church in Union, National Professional Advocate of the National Advocate Credentialing Program
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: krlottmann21@gmail.com
Member:
chris eckelkamp
Chris graduated from SEMO in 2009 with a B.S. in Finance and Business Administration. After a short stint with a finance company in St. Louis, he was able to move back to Washington and took a job at the Bank of Washington, where he has been for the last 12 years, (10 years as a Commercial Lender). He is on the Finance Committee for St. Francis Borgia Parish, Board of Trustee for the Washington Historical Society, Downtown Washington, Inc. Board Member, and he is active in coaching youth sports.
Chris resides in Washington with his wife Kayla, and their three children, Leo, Hallie, and Noah.
Chris enjoys being in the outdoors with his family, golfing, playing basketball, and rooting on Mizzou and STL sports teams.
Term began: October 2024
Profession: Vice President of Commercial Lending, Bank of Washington
Affiliations: St. Francis Borgia Parish, Washington Historical Society, Downtown Washington, Inc., and active in coaching youth sports
Lives in: Washington, MO
Contact: CEckelkamp@bankofwashington.com