Mary Kay Pivovarnik | Executive Director
Mary Kay joined CASA of Wyoming Valley 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.
Angelina Pacheco | Development and Communications Manager
Angelina joined CASA of Wyoming Valley in January 2024. Before moving to NEPA, she relocated to Maui, Hawaii, from San Diego, California, in 2019. During her time in Maui, she gained over four years of nonprofit and fundraising experience, serving as a Development Assistant at the Maui Health Foundation and as an Events Coordinator Assistant at the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association.
From a young age, Angelina aspired to be an event planner and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in her community. She firmly believes that every child deserves a voice and the opportunity to thrive. By investing time and energy in our youth, we not only help them grow but also strengthen our entire community.
In her free time, Angelina enjoys traveling, visiting amusement parks, and spending quality moments with her husband and their two huskies.
She graduated from the University of Hawaii - West Oahu with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, specializing in Hospitality and Tourism.
Amanda Thomas | Recruitment coordinator
Amanda’s Bio is coming soon…
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.
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.
Legna Sweeney | advocate coordinator
Legna Sweeney holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and brings a unique blend of communication skills, and social service experience to her role as Advocate Coordinator. Her career has been shaped by roles supporting vulnerable populations, including unaccompanied minors and families in crisis. She has served as a Caseworker and Social Service Coordinator where she provided direct care, case management, and emotional support to youth navigating complex and often traumatic circumstances.
Motivated by a strong desire to give back to her community, Legna made a purposeful shift from the private sector to social services. Originally beginning her career in the communications field, Legna felt a deep calling to make a greater impact in her community. That sense of purpose led her to transition into social services, where she could use her strengths: empathy, communication, and leadership to advocate for those whose voices often go unheard.
She is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, ensuring they are heard, protected, and empowered.
In her current role, Legna oversees and supports volunteer advocates, helping them carry out their mission of standing up for the best interests of those they serve.
