About Us | CASA OF MARATHON CTY

MEET THE TEAM

The people behind the advocacy, support, and impact of CASA.

Volunteer Supervisor

Goldzong Moua

Goldzong Moua, the Volunteer Supervisor for CASA of Marathon County, recently returned to the Wausau area after spending nine years away. Originally from the region, Goldzong brings a diverse background in healthcare, public health, and administration to the team. Known for her strong interpersonal skills and dedication to serving others, she is eager to make a positive impact in the community. Goldzong looks forward to supporting and empowering the CASA volunteers, helping them to advocate effectively for children in need. With a passion for community service, she is excited to contribute to CASA's mission and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families.

gmoua@casaofmarathoncounty.org

Executive Director

Christy Keele, JD

Christy Keele, JD graduated from law school at University of Missouri - Kansas City in 2004. She was a staff attorney supervising 30+ CASA advocates at Voices for Children in St. Louis, Missouri, where she represented children placed in the foster care system from 2004-2010. Keele started her own law practice in Wausau, Wisconsin in 2010, taking Guardian ad litem appointments. She has served on many local and state boards, including: Wisconsin CASA Association, Marathon County Social Services, Rise Up Central Wisconsin and United Way of Marathon County. Keele is excited to bring this great child-service agency to her community as the Executive Director of CASA of Marathon County.

ckeele@casaofmarathoncounty.org

Volunteer Recruiter
Administrative Coordinator

Kim Dennee

Kim Dennee, a lifelong resident of Marathon County has joined the CASA of Marathon County team as the Volunteer Recruiter. Her background lies in human resource management and volunteering with youth, which positioned her well for the role of recruiting Volunteer Advocates.

kdennee@casaofmarathoncounty.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Community leaders providing governance, guidance, and oversight in support of CASA’s mission.

Lee Shipway, MSW
President

Lee is a co-founder and former Executive Director of Peaceful Solutions Counseling in Wausau, WI. where she provided clinical supervision for a staff of 11 therapists. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis on Families and Treatment from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She began her career at Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin in Wausau as a treatment foster care worker where she recruited and licensed foster parents, supervised the placements of foster children and provided counseling to the children and their families in an effort to reunite the families. After three years, CSSW opened an outpatient. psychotherapy clinic in Wausau and she accepted a position as a mental health therapist.

As a licensed mental health therapist, she provided individual, couples, family and group therapy for 35 years before retiring in 2021; specializing in childhood sexual abuse victimization and domestic violence issues. The last 15 years of her career were at Peaceful Solutions Counseling. She co-facilitated domestic abusers’ treatment groups for the SAFE (Stopping Abuse For Everyone) program for 33 years. Lee also provided expert witness testimony throughout the state on the subjects of delayed reporting of child sexual abuse, the dynamics of domestic violence, and recantation/delayed reporting by victims of domestic violence.

She is a past recipient of the Governor's Award for excellence in domestic violence services (1999) and one of the 2008 Women of Vision award winners of the YWCA of Wausau. Lee has served on the board of directors for the United Way of Marathon County and currently for Mosaic of Northcentral Wisconsin and CASA of Marathon County along with numerous advisory committees for multiple non-profit agencies in the Wausau area.

Kasey Greenheck
Vice President

Kasey Greenheck is a creative entrepreneur, event and floral designer, and community advocate based in Marathon County, Wisconsin. With a background in fashion marketing, Kasey brings a people-centered approach to leadership that blends creativity, organization, and connection.She is the founder of Kase Styles, an experience-driven event planning and floral design studio known for creating thoughtful, immersive environments rooted in storytelling and purpose. I

I addition to her professional work, Kasey is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. She serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for CASA of Marathon County and is the Chair of the Blueprint of Hope Committee, where she focuses on fundraising, storytelling, brand development, and community outreach in support of children involved in the foster care system.

Kasey has served on and collaborated with a number of local boards, nonprofits, and cultural institutions, bringing clear, thoughtful leadership and creative vision to community engagement. She is passionate about protecting children, supporting families, and helping build systems that allow advocates to feel supported, seen, and effective. She is honored to serve CASA of Marathon County and advance its mission to ensure every child has a voice, stability, and hope.

Dr. Ernest Wayde
Treasurer

Dr. Ernest Wayde is a licensed clinical psychologist and AI strategist with training and experience in technology, leadership, and organizational systems. He serves as BoardMember (2024–2025) and Treasurer (2025–Present) for CASA, where he supports financial oversight and responsible governance. His background in psychology and information systems and AI informs his approach to accountability, data-informed decision-making, and long-term sustainability. Dr. Wayde values careful stewardship of resources and thoughtful leadership in service of the organization’s mission. He is committed to supporting CASA’s work advocating for children.

Theresa B. Laughlin
Secretary

Patty Zemke

Patty Zemke, a CASA Board Member, and school health educator. Patty began teaching in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1996, after attending University of Wisconsin LaCrosse to earn a degree in Health Education. Patty holds a Masters in Education from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In 2016, she was named Wisconsin Health Teacher of the Year. In 2018, she became Nationally Board Certified in Health Education. In 2022, Patty was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. Throughout the years, Patty has been a dedicated advocate for the importance of health education and its role in building meaningful connections among students, the classroom, and the broader community. She has developed numerous projects that empower youth by giving them a platform to advocate for their overall health and well-being. Becoming a CASA Board Member is a natural next step in her journey to create supportive spaces where young people can grow and become the best versions of themselves.

Erika Van De Yacht

Erika Van De Yacht is the Vice President of Human Resources at Weinbrenner Shoe Company, where she leads people strategy, workforce planning, policy development, and organizational effectiveness. She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources Management & Employment Relations from Penn State University, and brings more than 20 years of human resources experience, including expertise in organizational design and employment policy and practice, to the CASA of Marathon County Board.

Erika is deeply committed to community leadership and child advocacy. She supports CASA of Marathon County because she believes every child deserves a safe, stable, and supportive environment—and that strong advocacy can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Erika also serves on the boards of Healthfirst Network, Inc., Mosaic of North Central Wisconsin, and the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area, and continues to support United Way of Marathon County through various leadership and volunteer roles.