Laci Melancon, Executive Director
Laci began her journey with CASA of Terrebonne in January 2011 when she became a board member. She quickly realized the importance of her involvement with the organization, and her passion for helping children. Laci was the board member who attended the National CASA conference in March 2011; therefore, she was able to learn more about CASA on a national level. Laci became Executive Director of CASA of Terrebonne in June 2011.
Laci holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Houston-Clear Lake and an Associate's degree in psychology from San Jacinto Community College in Texas. Laci's interest and involvement with CASA of Terrebonne stems from her educational background in psychology and her passion for wanting to make a difference in her community. Laci is the wife of Ricky Melancon, and mother of two beautiful daughters, Harli and Addison. When Laci is not at work, she loves spending time with her family and she loves to fish.
Prior to working for CASA of Terrebonne, Laci worked at Fletcher Technical Community College. In January 2005, her first position at Fletcher was Academic/Career Advisor and soon thereafter she was promoted to Fletcher's first Director of Admissions. Laci was and is an adjunct instructor for Fletcher teaching both Introduction and Lifespan Developmental Psychology courses in the evenings. Laci is a 2007 graduate of the Louisiana Technical and Community College System Leadership Development Institute, and she was Fletcher's 2006 Outstanding Professional Staff member of the year. Prior to working at Fletcher, Laci worked for St. Mary Parish Juvenile Drug Court as a Counselor in Training, where she counseled teens in the drug court program.
Darcus Landry, Trainer/Recruiter
I have been married to Shawn Landry for 20 years, and have lived in the Houma/Terrebonne area most of my life. I attended and graduated high school at H.L. Bourgeois, and also studied at Nicholls State University. The majority of my professional background has been in sales. My personal faith is very much a part of who I am. In fact, it was my personal faith that inspired me to volunteer with CASA.
I started out with CASA of Lafourche as a volunteer in 2008, and recently saw my second case, as a volunteer, to adoption. It was during that time that I got to know the staff of CASA of Terrebonne, and was then offered a newly created position of Trainer/Recruiter. I have happily been an employee of CASA of Terrebonne since January 2010. I truly believe that being a part of CASA has been one of the most significant things in my life.
I believe in CASA! So, I hope the inspiration that I carry within myself will translate to everyone around me, and cause people to do something to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.
Nicole Wesley, Lead Advocate Supervisor
My name is Nicole Wesley. I became a member of the CASA of Terrebonne family on February 21, 2008, when I was sworn in as a volunteer advocate. My love for CASA arrived immediately and continued to grow as I accepted my first case and later became a staff member in September, 2008. Currently, I serve in the position of Lead Advocate Supervisor. I have the pleasure of assisting and supervising many of the program’s tenacious and effective advocates, as they strive to promote for safe and stable homes on behalf of our kids.
I state often to anyone who listens that “CASA flows through my blood,” and how true this is. My love and commitment for the national, state, and local program’s missions and visions are parallel to my personal values and beliefs about serving children and meeting them at their point of need. CASA and I are one in the same and shall be forever more. For the opportunity to be a part of CASA of Terrebonne, I am grateful and better because of it. I encourage others to take the challenge and join us in changing the lives of children by becoming a CASA volunteer.
Jenny Sapia, Advocate Supervisor
My name is Jenny Lynn Sapia. I received my B.S. in FACS-Child, Family and Social Services at Nicholls State University. Since graduating in December 2006, I have worked in many fields including support coordination, teaching, and sales. I am very excited to learn and experience new things with my new friends here at CASA of Terrebonne. My faith is very strong and I believe with all my heart that I was put in this position for a reason. It was not by chance that I am here.
My love has always been helping people but especially children. The look on a child's face when you do something for them that no one has taken the time to do or hasn't been able to accomplish is priceless. The true appreciation in their eyes, even if they cannot verbally express it, is what makes me keep pushing, even in tough situations. I know that there will be days filled with tears and anger but it will be worth it knowing that a child is out of harm's way because of what we do.
Sulma Reyes, Advocate Supervisor
My name is Sulma Reyes. I am married to a wonderful husband, and we have two handsome boys who mean the world to us. I graduated from National University in Psychology with a minor in Addictive Disorders. I have worked for Madera Superior Court as a Legal Clerk and Community Action Partnership of Medera County-Victim Services for over 9 years as an Advocate for Victims of Rape/Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Victim Witness. In those 9 years I have learned and seen things that have happened to people who didn't deserve such treatment regardless of their actions. The stories that I carry with me from previous clients encourages me to fight harder to keep children safe-to assure that their voice is heard loud and clear. I cannot describe the amazing feeling that one feels when you see a child smile after they have been through a traumatic event. Children are our future, and we need to guide them and encourage them to succeed in life. Although I am new to Louisiana, my love for the people here grows every day. I am honored to work for CASA of Terrebonne. I have encountered remarkable people here at CASA, people who hearts are made of gold. I encourage everyone to take the time and become a CASA advocate. It will forever change your life. WE make a difference, one child at a time.
Jeri Thompson, Office Manager
I am called daughter, sister, wife, and mother but for 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, I am the Office Manager for CASA of Terrebonne. And may I be the first to say, “I love my job.”
In 2003, my husband and I decided that I needed to return to the work force after my youngest child prepared to graduate from high school and begin his journey through college. A friend of mine suggested I apply at CASA of Terrebonne as they were looking for a receptionist. I had never heard of CASA. I applied for the job and to my delight, I got it!
The people who walk through the doors of CASA of Terrebonne are the best people in the world. They come here not wanting to get something for themselves but to give of themselves to some of the most needy children; the neglected and abused children of Terrebonne Parish. These children have done nothing wrong but find themselves wards of the courts and in need of someone to speak up for them in court, be there for them and to love them when no others would. There are tears shed but there are brilliant smiles as well. When a child is reunified with their family or when an adoption is final, those are the best days to be at CASA. There are so many triumphs to be proud of and I am proud to be a part of the CASA of Terrebonne family. Did I say, “I love my job”!
I have been married to Mitch Thompson for 38 years and we have raised three beautiful children, Michelle, Ben and Patrick.