CASA NYC

Peggy Grauwiler, LCSW-R, PhD, Executive Director. Dr. Grauwiler rejoined CASA in October 2008 (having served as Deputy Director from 2001-2003), as part of CASA’s succession planning strategy. Prior to her return, she was part of the founding team responsible for creating New York University’s Center on Violence and Recovery, where she served as Director of Center Projects from 2003-2008. Earlier work focused on the development of domestic violence courts and programs within the criminal justice and child welfare systems in New York City. In 1996, in partnership with New York State Chief Justice Judith Kaye, the Center for Court Innovation and Safe Horizons, she directed the first felony-level dedicated domestic violence court in Kings County. This pilot program’s success led to the creation of the New York Domestic Violence Court Model, which was replicated statewide and received a Ford Foundation Innovations in American Government Award in 1998. She has provided individual and group treatment to abused women, youth and children, clinical supervision to social workers, and provided domestic violence training nationally for judges, court personnel, clinicians and victim advocates. Her written work has appeared in the Children and Youth Services Review, Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, and Public Health Reports. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from New York University, an M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Art History from Hunter College.

Abigail Janco, LMSW, Director of Volunteer Operations. Ms. Janco is responsible for volunteer recruitment and training. Abigail joined CASA after interning during the 2005/2006 academic year. In 2006 she received her M.S.W. from Columbia University.  She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from Skidmore College.

Michelle Netzler, JD, LMSW, Director of Borough Operations. Ms. Netzler is responsible for program operations city-wide. Michelle joined CASA in June 2008. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota, a J.D. from CUNY Law School at Queens College, and an M.S.W. from Hunter College of Social Work in New York City. Michelle has over ten years experience working with foster children and youth.

Lakeisha Capois, LMSW, Bronx Advocate Supervisor. Lakeisha joined CASA in August 2011. She received her M.S.W. from Lehman College in 2009, and also holds a B.S.W. in Social Work from Lehman College. She was a student intern with CASA during the 2008/2009 academic year and has also interned at Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx, New York.

Young-In Cho, LMSW, Brooklyn Advocate Supervisor. Young-In joined the full-time CASA staff after graduating from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work in May of 2010. She interned at CASA for the 2008/2009 academic year, and has worked as a part-time staff member. Prior to CASA, Young-in interned in elementary education and worked with young children in a day treatment center. She also holds a B.A. in Health and Society from the University of Rochester.

Dorina Link, LMSW, Brooklyn Advocate Supervisor. Dorina joined the CASA staff in 2011. She is a graduate of Columbia University’s School of Social Work. Dorina was an advocate volunteer at CASA from 2007 until September 2011 when she joined the staff. She also holds an M. B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.S. from Carnegie-Mellon University.

Liz Maiorino, LMSW, Brooklyn Advocate Supervisor. Liz received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2004. She spent several years working with children and adults with varying disabilities before going on to pursue her M.S.W. at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work in May 2007. Liz worked as a caseworker for families with medically fragile children before joining CASA in 2010.

Michaela McIlnay, LCSW, Bronx/Queens, Advocate Supervisor. Michaela received her M.S.W. from Columbia University in May 2004, and B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to joining CASA in June 2011, Michaela’s professional work focused on substance abuse and recovery. As a graduate student she interned at the Manhattan Treatment Family Court and James Lenox House in New York City.