About Us
Staff
Carlton Mason
Chief Executive Officer
Carlton Mason joined CASA January of 2013 and brings 26 years of experience in successful small business development. The businesses have been both retail and service-related ventures serving clients in an economic range from near poverty to the wealthiest 1%. During these years Carlton spent a significant amount of time organizing volunteer groups to address needs in under-served areas of Colorado, New Mexico, and Mexico. Carlton has demonstrated an ability to mitigate organizational threats and identify opportunities for growth and sustainability.
Shannon Castrodale
Chief Financial Officer
Shannon Castrodale joined CASA in March of 2025. She has over 25 years of general and governmental accounting experience as well as experience in the financial industry. She has extensive experience working in local government both locally and on the Front Range where she and her husband moved from in 2006. Shannon uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others and has a passion for helping people. Shannon is inspired daily by her husband and enjoys being outdoors in her free time.
Karin Slater
Grant Manager
Karin joined CASA February of 2017. She has over 40 years' experience as an accountant, including over 20 years' experience as operations manager. Karin has a B.S. in Accounting, and a Masters in Business Administration. She has experience working with governmental and private grants, budget management, audit oversight, financial statement preparation and analysis, and all full-charge bookkeeping duties. In March 2025, Karin retired from the Chief Financial Officer position to the part-time Grant Manager position.
Mercedes Wright
Senior Program Manager
Youth Services & Family Time
Mercedes joined CASA joined October of 2015. Mercedes is bi-lingual and a sworn CASA Advocate. She has a B.A. in Sociology with an emphasis in criminal justice. She has a solid background working both in administrative positions and as a Case Manager for a foster placement agency and has brought valued skills to the organization. She has completed training in Parenting Classes as an instructor as well as Parent Coaching. Mercedes moved into the Senior Program Manager position in 2024.
Stasia Allyn
Senior Program Manager
Supportive Housing & CASA Advocacy
Stasia joined CASA July of 2021. Stasia has a B.A. in Business Administration and completed a graduate program at the University of MN, Carlson School of Management, to obtain her license as a Nursing Home Administrator. Stasia has been in healthcare for 29 years. Stasia was Family Time Program Manager until 2024, when she moved into Senior Program Manager position.
Alison Huskie
CASA Program Manager
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Stacy Harbaugh
CASA Supervisor (Gunnison)
Stacy Harbaugh joined CASA in 2019. She has 20 years experience as a special education teacher. Stacy has her Colorado teaching license in elementary and special education and a Master's degree in School Counseling. She has experience working with youth in both academic and behavioral support needs. Stacy supervises the CASA volunteers in the Gunnison Valley and works cooperatively with the Montrose CASA office to support families with the various program's offered locally and through the Montrose office.
Chantel Martinez
Youth Services Navigator
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Kylie Garcia
Housing Navigator / Lead Case Manager
Hello, I am Kylie Garcia the housing coordinator at Casa of the 7th judicial district! My role is to walk alongside the tenants that live in the supportive housing that Casa offers. I support and assist everyone in their journey; good times and bad times. I do this with grace, no judgement, a light heart and my team’s support. I too have found myself struggling and needing help. I truly do this job for the youth 18-25 years old. You will never have to doubt my intentions I am here for you! Always reach out with any questions or information.
Paige Woodrow
Youth Services Navigator
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Board of Directors
Larry Dupper
President
Larry is a father, grandfather, husband and gentleman rancher who lives in Olathe, CO.
Larry is retired from 42 years of service in healthcare administration. He is a Fellow in the Healthcare
Financial Management Association. He currently serves on four boards, and has held positions such
Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer in numerous non-profit organizations throughout his career.
Don Varey
Vice President
Don and his wife Diana moved to Montrose in 2016 after spending 26 years raising their family on the Front Range of Colorado. Don has a passion for the Western Slope Community, is an active community member and is a dedicated advocate for assisting those who need a little help or have been marginalized. Don is currently the IT Director at Montrose County. He is active in various low income and affordable housing related initiatives in Montrose County and serves as a board member on the Montrose County Housing Authority. Don and Diana have been married 42 years and enjoy the many outdoor activities that living on the Western Slope offer such as jeeping, camping and fly fishing.
Jim Haugsness
Treasurer
Jim has served as both President and as a member of the Finance Committee, and has been an integral part of CASA’s expanding mission. Since moving to Montrose in 2009 with his wife, Trudy, Jim has been involved in numerous boards and commissions -- always with the goal of improving the safety and the security of the community. Jim really enjoys his time with CASA!
Mary Gnandt
Secretary
Mary has lived on the West Slopes since 2005. After a long career in the field of mental health, she retired in 2017. Her time is spent enjoying time in the mountains, hiking in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Exploring archtypal concepts through her artwork is another passion. Throughout her retirement, Mary has continued to volunteer her time with organizations that promote mental health in her community.
Gail McFarlane-Sosa
Member
My career has been dedicated to the care of children, mainly traumatized children. I have experience in a medical environment, working as a Child Life Specialist, interacting with children suffering with cancer, heart surgeries, and critical illnesses, at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. I was the first Director of the Edmund D. Edelman Children's Court, Shelter Care, in Los Angeles County, designed to be child and family friendly, giving the Judges an opportunity to see the children and parents face-to-face. Families need help beyond the reports. Later, I was the departmental advocate for the educational rights of foster children and those needing special educational support from the public educational system. During this time, I was made aware of the severe reading and writing deficits of youth in the Juvenile Justice System of Los Angeles County Probation. I directed the Operation READ program, managed staff, and connected capable youth to the community college system (through video) for the youth to achieve college credits before release.
CASA was located in the Children's Court and we mutually supported each other's programs to assist the youth to articulate and achieve their goals, improve family relationships, and provide emotional support. I am honored to serve on CASA of the 7th Judicial District's Board of Directors.
Sue Schreier
Sue and her husband moved to the Western Slope of Colorado in 2017, coming from the Midwest. Sue is a retired RN, and worked in health care administration for the last 30 years of her career. She has served on non-profit boards for over 25 years and is pleased to now be on the CASA board. Sue enjoys the many activities of Colorado, especially hiking, biking and skiing.
Phoebe Benziger
Phoebe Benziger was born and raised in Farmington, New Mexico. Moving to Montrose in 1981 was one of the best decisions ever made. Married to Mike, a retired forensic pathologist, she has two children and two grandchildren. After retiring as an office nurse for 25 years, she started her second career in giving back to the community that she loves. In her spare time, she loves to road bike, golf and spending time with her family and friends and of course doting on her precious granddaughters. She considers it an honor to serve on the CASA Board.
Edgar Quiroz
Edgar Quiroz, professionally known as EQ is a 27 year old Mexican American songwriter, producer, artist and CEO of La Familia Music Group as well as being the Executive Director at LFMG Music Academy. EQ has been executive producing music for over a decade but more recently shifted his focus to building community equity in Western Colorado. His mission is to inspire youth through music by providing them with the tools and resources needed.
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