State Executive Board
State Director's Message
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
Welcome to the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare & Attendance (CASCWA). It is my honor to serve a community deeply committed to supporting California’s students, especially those facing the greatest challenges. At CASCWA, we believe that attendance, engagement, and student well-being are the foundation for success. Through collaboration, advocacy, and profession-driven learning, we equip our members with practical tools, timely guidance, and a strong professional network to meet the evolving needs of students and families.
Our work is rooted in action, whether advancing effective attendance strategies, supporting vulnerable youth, or shaping policies that impact our schools statewide. Together, we are building systems that ensure every student is seen, supported, and able to thrive. Thank you for being part of this important work. I encourage you to explore our resources, engage in our learning opportunities, and connect with colleagues across the state.
Your leadership makes a difference.
Warm regards,
Erica Peterson
State Director
2026/2027
Casva State Executive Board Members
Sharma Uma
State President
Stanisiaus CEO
Sharma Uma
State President
Stanisiaus CEO
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Dr. Don English, Ed.D.
Immediate Past President
Director, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Don English, Ed.D.
Immediate Past President
Director, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Rick Riegel
State Treasurer
Consultant, Orange COE
Rick Riegel
State Treasurer
Consultant, Orange COE
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Michelle Sapanara
State Secretary
Assistant Superintendent, Springs Charter School
Michelle Sapanara
State Secretary
Assistant Superintendent, Springs Charter School
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Jarrett Dooley
Bay Section President
Exec. Director,Sequoia UHSD
Jarrett Dooley
Bay Section President
Exec. Director,Sequoia UHSD
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Maisie Young
San Joaquin President
Director, Central USD
Maisie Young
San Joaquin President
Director, Central USD
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Leslie Hansen
Southern Section President
Director, Anaheim ESD
Leslie Hansen
Southern Section President
Director, Anaheim ESD
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Sherman Garnett
Legislation Advocate
Trustee, Upland USD
Sherman Garnett
Legislation Advocate
Trustee, Upland USD
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Lisa Sanchez
Membership Chair
Office Coordinator, Woodland JUSD
Lisa Sanchez
Membership Chair
Office Coordinator, Woodland JUSD
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Jenifer Gomeztrejo
State SARB Rep.
Student Support Services Solutions
Jenifer Gomeztrejo
State SARB Rep.
Student Support Services Solutions
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Dr. Jennifer Kottke
Member-at- Large
Director, Los Angeles COE
Dr. Jennifer Kottke
Member-at- Large
Director, Los Angeles COE
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Dan Sackheim
Member-at-Large
Education Programs Consultant, CA Dept. of Education
Dan Sackheim
Member-at-Large
Education Programs Consultant, CA Dept. of Education
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.
Dr. Kevin Torosian, J.D.
Member-at-Large
Central USD, Retired
Dr. Kevin Torosian, J.D.
Member-at-Large
Central USD, Retired
CASCWA State President, Sharma Uma, is a Fijian-born leader who immigrated to the United States in 1989 and has dedicated her career to supporting at-risk youth and improving student attendance outcomes. As County SARB Coordinator with the Stanislaus County Office of Education, she leads collaborative, multi-agency efforts to address chronic absenteeism and strengthen pathways to student success. A longtime advocate for community partnership, she also serves in leadership roles with CASCWA and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Justice Commission, advancing opportunities for youth both in and beyond the school system.