Elizabeth Richards-Director:

Elizabeth Richards began her relationship with Douglass Community Services in the fall of 2009 as a Project Specialist with the Healthy Families Project and Children of Hope Mentoring. In 2011, she became the CASA Program Director. Prior to working a Douglass Community Services, Elizabeth was a long time employee of the Missouri Department of Corrections as an Activities Coordinator in which she supervised approximately 200 volunteers and multiple educational, parenting, and re-entry programs within the institution. Elizabeth is also a part-time employee with the University of Missouri Extension- Second Chance in Action (SCIA) Family Reunification Project as well as a volunteer with the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce and 4H-Rocky Point Club of Ralls County. She is also an outdoor enthusiast, gardener and above all, blessed with a beautiful family of four children and a supportive husband.

She holds her Master's Degree in Business Administration from William Woods University and her Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration from Hannibal LaGrange University.

Elizabeth feels that growing community awareness and support along with recruiting and training volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children is momentous. In addition to volunteer management, she is responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting new sources of financial support for CASA and maintaining relationships with existing funders. CASA of Marion, Monroe, and Ralls Counties' success relies on many partners, including a large network of dedicated community members, corporations and government funders.

Elizabeth is committed to devoting her career and efforts toward helping the underprivileged and underserved in Northeast Missouri and is honored to be part of CASA's team.

"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate."