You are their source.

we know that abused and neglected foster children will thrive, given the chance.

Our mission is to give them the chance they need.

Day in and day out we dedicate ourselves to helping abused and neglected foster children be seen and be heard. Our mission is to recruit, train, and support community volunteers to serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in the Luzerne County court system so that these children will be safe, secure, and given the opportunity to thrive.  

CASA of Luzerne County is a non-profit 501(c)3 child advocacy organization which was established in 2013. We are part of the National CASA Association and we continue to grow and develop with the help and guidance of this robust organization. There are currently over 1,000 CASA/GAL programs in 49 states recruiting, training, and supporting a network of volunteers to represent the best interests of children in their respective communities. 

Our vision is amplify each and every young voice.

When children are given an opportunity to thrive, they will. We envision a community in which every abused and neglected child in Luzerne County has a safe, permanent, loving home and the support to become a healthy, empowered adult. We know that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer are half as likely to re-enter foster care. We know that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster care. And we know that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer perform better in school. Since 2013, 198 children in Luzerne County have been matched with a CASA volunteer. 

Our goal is to enlist your help.

Qualified, compassionate Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) offer abused and neglected foster children the one thing they don't have: the undivided attention of a caring adult.  

A CASA is a trained community volunteer, appointed by a judge, to represent the best interests of an abused and neglected child (or sibling group) in court. Volunteer advocates independently assess each child's situation and dedicate themselves to learning all they can about a child’s unique history and experiences. They then make informed recommendations to the Luzerne County Dependency Judges as to: 1) what permanent placement would be best for that particular child, and 2) what immediate services the child needs, whether it be educational, social, mental health, physical health, or cultural.

Are you willing to help?

there is a child that needs you.

Mary Kay Pivovarnik | Executive Director

Mary Kay joined CASA of Luzerne County in November 2021. She previously worked for the Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services for 11 years. Mary Kay worked as a caseworker, supervisor and an administrator before moving from child abuse investigation to advocacy.

Mary Kay has seen hundreds of children go through the child welfare system and understands that each child has an individual story to tell. Their abuse is only part of their story- ultimately they are children who need to experience a childhood and be given an opportunity to be survivors.

Mary Kay is also an adjunct professor at Marywood University in the MSW program.

She has a BA in Elementary Education from King’s College and a MSW from Marywood University.

Jade Levi | Program Director

Jade joined us as an Advocate Coordinator in 2020 after working as a paralegal/HIPAA compliance officer at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the CASA team and believes her personal and professional experience will benefit her in this role. Jade was promoted to Program Director in 2023 and uses her leadership skills to guide her team.

Jade grew up in the Luzerne County foster care system and understands how foster children can thrive when given the chance. She knows how essential it is for a child to have a voice and the impact of having a person who genuinely cares.

In her free time, Jade enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, Avery, hiking, kayaking, and going to the beach.

Jade is a graduate of Misericordia University and the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Government, Law, and National Security. Jade is currently pursuing an MSW from Widener University.

Patty Rogers | Advocate Coordinator

Patty joined us in June 2022 after working as a caseworker for Children and Youth in Northumberland County for 5 years. Patty is excited to use her knowledge and experience as a caseworker to continue to advocate for children in the Luzerne County dependency court system.

Patty believes that children often find it hard to speak up for themselves, especially in a courtroom. She is eager to continue to advocate for these children to help them to not only be heard, feel supported and to know that what they want or need matters.

Patty enjoys reading, going for walks and traveling back to New York to see her family.

Patty is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a BS in Human Services, Child and Family Welfare.

Jeannie Zaykowski | advocate coordinator

Jeannie joined CASA in January 2023 after working as a care coordinator for a home health agency. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

She believes that the stability and voice our advocates give to children both inside and outside the courtroom makes a lasting positive impact on their lives. Every abused and neglected child deserves a dependable and well informed adult advocating for their best interest.

Jeannie is a proud parent of two children. She enjoys enjoys spending time with them and hearing about their daily lives, accomplishments and adventures. She also enjoys hiking, biking, skiing and a wide range of other outdoor activities. Jeannie has given her time and talent volunteering at many other organizations.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from West Chester University and a certificate in information technology from Penn State University.

Rebecca rigle | advocate Coordinator

Rebecca joined CASA in September 2023. She has experience working as both a case manager and truancy caseworker at Children’s Service Center and Catholic Social Services. Rebecca also worked in community health for three years at SAM Inc. prior to her joining the CASA team.

She has worked with numerous children and families and knows how important it is for a child’s voice to be heard and advocated for, especially from working in PASS (Parent and Student Success Program) where truancy has reached the court system. Rebecca is eager to continue to advocate for children in need.

Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family and friends, listening to podcasts, and outdoor activities.

She is a graduate from Wilkes University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Board of Directors

Executive Officers

Board Members