Melissa is a native to South Jersey and has recently come back to the area after living in Los Angeles, Calif. She has extensive experience with nonprofit development and has started or been a founding member of several nonprofit organizations, including the Youth Investment Project and Champions of Hope. Melissa received her undergraduate degree at American University and graduated from the University of Denver College of Law in 2001. There she studied at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center serving as an attorney for abused and neglected children in court. Melissa is passionate about empowering young people and is excited to bring her experience and vision to CASA of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties.

Jennifer Henderson, a former desk editor of The South Jersey Times, is a graduate of Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in labor and employment relations and an associate's degree in legal studies. Jennifer is an advocate for breaking the cycle of domestic violence and promoting positive child welfare. Her priorities are ensuring the CASA volunteers are appreciated and adequately prepared to provide quality advocacy for the abused and neglected children CASA serves. She enjoys empowering individuals to not only advocate for children, but, to learn to advocate for themselves as well. Working for CASA has allowed her to work hands-on with community members to build a brighter future for children and their families.

Wife, mother, animal lover.  Loves to be active and spend time with family and friends.

​

“The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away.” - William Shakespeare

Boy mom, wife, lover of all things that sparkle, dance, exercise, cupcakes, coffee, and autism and special education crusader.

​

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

- Bob Kerry

Loves taking a moment in time and freezing it--photography is her hobby. Dog mom, old soul, and can survive off of buffalo wings and french fries.  Lover of adventures and laughter. 

Driven advocate and a proud mother of three who homeschooled her children until the 8th grade! During her spare time, if she is not knee-deep in her garden, you will find her engrossed in a book.

Stewarding CASA's relationship with the public while overseeing social media and other external communications for the organization.

​

"There might not be angels, but there are people who might as well be angels."