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
Dr. Don English serves as Director of Children Deserve Success at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, where he leads initiatives supporting child welfare, attendance, and student well-being. With nearly three decades of experience in education, he has dedicated his career to advancing equity and improving outcomes for vulnerable students. He currently serves as Immediate Past President of the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare & Attendance (CASCWA), championing data-driven strategies and statewide collaboration to improve student attendance and success.
Rick Riegel
State Treasurer
Consultant, Orange COE
Rick Riegel
State Treasurer
Consultant, Orange COE
Rick Riegel currently serves as the CASCWA State Treasurer, bringing decades of leadership and expertise in student services, child welfare, and attendance. He previously served as CASCWA State President and has held key roles across Orange County, including McKinney-Vento Specialist and Student Services Administrator, supporting the success of thousands of students and families. With a career spanning over 40 years in counseling, education, and program leadership, Rick remains deeply committed to advancing equitable outcomes for all students.
Michelle Sapanara
State Secretary
Assistant Superintendent, Springs Charter School
Michelle Sapanara
State Secretary
Assistant Superintendent, Springs Charter School
Michelle Sapanara currently serves as the CASCWA State Secretary and as Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at Springs Charter Schools, where she leads initiatives focused on student engagement, attendance, and support services. She brings over two decades of educational leadership experience, including roles as a district coordinator, principal, assistant principal, and classroom teacher across multiple California school systems. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Cross-Cultural Education from National University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach.
Jarrett Dooley
Bay Section President
Exec. Director,Sequoia UHSD
Jarrett Dooley
Bay Section President
Exec. Director,Sequoia UHSD
Jarrett Dooley serves as President of the CASCWA Bay Section and as Executive Director of Student Services for the Sequoia Union High School District, where he leads with a strong commitment to equity, access, and student success. With more than 15 years of educational leadership experience, he has advanced systems of support that prioritize student well-being, including MTSS, PBIS, and SEL, while reducing exclusionary discipline and strengthening community partnerships. Jarrett is deeply dedicated to advocating for underserved students and families, championing policies and practices that promote belonging, opportunity, and hope.
Hector Molina
Delta Section President
Woodland JUSD, Retired
Jarrett Dooley
Delta Section President
Woodland JUSD, Retired
Hector Molina serves as President of the CASCWA Delta Sierra Section and is a retired Director of Child Welfare and Attendance from Woodland Joint Unified School District. As an interim school administrator, he continues to support schools in ensuring all students graduate prepared for college and career. Hector is widely respected for his ongoing commitment to student success and his leadership in advancing child welfare and attendance practices.
Maisie Young
San Joaquin President
Director, Central USD
Maisie Young
San Joaquin President
Director, Central USD
San Joaquin Section President, Maisie Young, serves as Director of Child Welfare and Attendance and Student Support Services at Central Unified School District, where she leads efforts to support foster, homeless, and at-risk youth. With over 15 years of experience in student services, she has held a variety of roles focused on intervention, advocacy, and comprehensive student support systems. Maisie is a passionate advocate for vulnerable students and is known for her dedication to ensuring every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Leslie Hansen
Southern Section President
Director, Anaheim ESD
Leslie Hansen
Southern Section President
Director, Anaheim ESD
Leslie Hansen serves as President of the CASCWA Southern Section and as Director of Pupil Services for the Anaheim Elementary School District, where she oversees programs supporting student behavior, wellness, and attendance. With more than 30 years in education, including experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader, she brings deep expertise in student support systems and educational leadership. Leslie is a dedicated advocate for whole-child approaches and is widely respected for her commitment to fostering safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments.
Sherman Garnett
Legislation Advocate
Trustee, Upland USD
Sherman Garnett
Legislation Advocate
Trustee, Upland USD
Sherman Garnett is a seasoned education leader with more than four decades of experience as a teacher, coach, principal, and district and county administrator, and currently serves on the Upland Unified School District Board of Education. A past CASCWA and ACSA Student Services Council President, he is also the founder of Sherman Garnett & Associates and a recognized expert in pupil services, student discipline, and attendance, contributing at both the state and national levels. Deeply committed to service and community, Sherman continues to advocate for students and families through his leadership, authorship, and ongoing work with organizations such as State SARB and the National Truancy Prevention Association.
Lisa Sanchez
Membership Chair
Office Coordinator, Woodland JUSD
Lisa Sanchez
Membership Chair
Office Coordinator, Woodland JUSD
Lisa Sanchez serves as the CASCWA State Membership Chair and as Office Coordinator at Cache Creek High School in Woodland Joint Unified School District. In her role, she supports school operations while fostering strong connections with students, families, and staff. Lisa is dedicated to strengthening CASCWA’s membership community and advancing engagement across the organization.
Jenifer Gomeztrejo
State SARB Rep.
Student Support Services Solutions
Jenifer Gomeztrejo
State SARB Rep.
Student Support Services Solutions
Jennifer Gomeztrejo brings extensive experience in student services, having served as a high school teacher, assistant principal, interim principal, and Consultant II in the Child Welfare and Attendance Unit at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. She has led the development of impactful programs supporting at-risk students, including creating the statewide School Attendance Review Board (SARB) training curriculum and delivering certification training for supervisors of attendance across California. Recognized as ACSA Region 14 Pupil Personnel Administrator of the Year and a recipient of CASCWA’s Lee Lundberg Outstanding Service Award, Jennifer continues to influence attendance practices through strong cross-agency partnerships and statewide leadership.
Dr. Jennifer Kottke
Member-at- Large
Director, Los Angeles COE
Dr. Jennifer Kottke
Member-at- Large
Director, Los Angeles COE
As Homeless Education Project Director at LACOE, Dr. Kottke supports over 80 districts and 300+ charter schools across LA County. With deep expertise in homeless education, school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and community resource building, she brings vital perspective on supporting students experiencing homelessness.
Dan Sackheim
Member-at-Large
Education Programs Consultant, CA Dept. of Education
Dan Sackheim
Member-at-Large
Education Programs Consultant, CA Dept. of Education
Dan Sackheim serves as a statewide program lead for the California Department of Education, supporting educational options and programs for at-risk and at-promise students, including continuation education, community day schools, and restorative approaches to behavior and attendance. A former teacher and experienced policy leader, he contributes to numerous state boards and professional organizations focused on youth development, mental health, workforce pathways, and equity. Dan is widely respected for elevating student voice and remains deeply committed to advancing inclusive, supportive systems for all students.
Dr. Kevin Torosian, J.D.
Member-at-Large
Central USD, Retired
Dr. Kevin Torosian, J.D.
Member-at-Large
Central USD, Retired
Dr. Kevin Torosian, J.D., is a respected leader in student services and a longtime contributor to CASCWA, having served as San Joaquin Section President, State Vice President (2021–22), and CASCWA State President (2022–23). Over the course of his distinguished career with the Central Unified School District, he was widely recognized for his commitment to students and families, as well as his impactful presentations and leadership at CASCWA conferences and events. Known for his deep belief in the power of relationships, mentorship, and service, Kevin continues to leave a lasting legacy on the organization and the field of child welfare and attendance.