With a background and education in Business Management, Kim Colby Davis began volunteering for CASA of Santa Barbara County in 2006, first as an advocate for children, and then helping with events and publicity. In 2009 Kim accepted the position of Executive Director for CASA of Santa Barbara County. With a team of 11 CASA staff, together they lead a volunteer force of more than 300 community volunteers. Under her leadership, CASA has grown from serving 150 children each year to over 500 children each year, and she remains focused on ensuring that every child in need has a volunteer to advocate for them to ensure their safety.

Kim has served on the Board of Directors for the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum and Leading from Within in Santa Barbara County, and is on the founding board of Wally’s Retirement Ranch. She is a Leadership Santa Barbara County and Courage to Lead Alumni member and served on the Santa Barbara County Blue Ribbon Commission on Foster Care, and the Child Abuse Prevention Council. In 2014 Kim was honored with the “Woman of Excellence” award in the category of “Women of Spirit.” Currently, Kim serves on the National CASA Association Suburban Leadership Council as co-chair, and on the National CASA Association National Leadership Council as representative to the National CASA board of directors.

In her spare time, Kim is a writer and also enjoys traveling with her husband, gardening, art, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Background & Education: Chantel is a Santa Barbara local whose first love was social justice work. Volunteering and training extensively with Anti-Defamation League and Just Communities, Chantel was committed to combating bullying and prejudice on her high school campus and in the community. Chantel was fortunate to be the first one in her family to attend college, obtaining a BA from Smith College with a double major in Religion and Jewish Studies. After graduating, she began her career in Jewish Communal Service work as the Volunteer Coordinator and Events Specialist at Jewish Family Service and also worked for various nonprofits throughout Santa Barbara.

Clubs, Committees, or Social Groups:  Chantel is highly involved with the Israel Committee of Santa Barbara, sitting on their planning committee and working as their Event Coordinator for the Annual Teach-In on Israel. She also volunteers with local Jewish organizations, such as the Avi Schaefer Fund.

A few words that best describe Chantel: Energetic, Passionate, Affable, Loyal, and Jovial

Hobbies & Interests: Chantel loves to create art, mostly using watercolor and inks. She also enjoys dancing, watching movies, traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with her puppy, Big Sur.

Why CASA is important to Chantel: “CASA is important to me because I know firsthand how terrifying, traumatic, and turbulent it can be for children who are in abusive environments.”  

Background & Education:  Coco joined the CASA team in 2006. Prior to her employment at CASA she worked with children ages 3 through 18 as a mental health case worker. Coco has a degree is in psychology with an emphasis in counseling from Christian Heritage College in San Diego.

A few words that best describe Coco: Loyal and compassionate

Hobbies & Interests: Coco's life revolves around her children. She enjoys walking, playing, singing and reading. In her spare time she spends a lot of time cleaning up after them.

Why CASA is important to Coco: "CASA’s provide a safe haven for their child even if it's just an hour from life's stressors."

Background & Education: Latika earned her Associate’s Degree in Child Psychology from Allan Hancock College, and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology from Antioch University. Latika previously worked with the Boys and Girls Club of Lompoc as the Teen Director and was a CASA volunteer for 4 years. Latika continues to serve as a Program Coordinator and USA Liaison for an orphanage and school in India, the Sankalp Foundation, serving over 250 children.

A few words that best describe Latika: Adventurous, compassionate, and grateful

Hobbies & Interests: Latika loves to travel throughout the states and internationally and learn new languages. She is able to speak and translate the native Indian language, Hindi.

Why CASA is important to Latika: “I first heard about CASA at 13, and counted down the days until I was 21. I even applied to volunteer on my 21st birthday! CASA volunteers have always been important to me. They represent the child and give individual support with a deeper connection.”