Our Staff
Whitney Roberts, Executive Director
Whitney first came to Voices for Children of Jefferson and Ripley Counties, as a CASA volunteer in February of 2016. Since that time, she became a part-time bookkeeper for the program and then moved into the role of full-time Volunteer Coordinator for Jefferson County in 2017. Whitney was promoted to her role as Program Manager in October of 2018 where she served as the person who directly oversaw all cases in both Jefferson and Ripley counties and the field staff. In February 2022 she stepped into the role of Executive Director for CASA of Jefferson County.
Whitney is a respected committee member with the Indiana State office of GAL/CASA Advisory Commission for Best Practices, Ethics, and Standards. She is on the Jefferson County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Jefferson County Board, Attend and Engage Program Team, the Jefferson County Child Protection Team as well as Jefferson County Substance Abuse Team with HCI and Resilient Jefferson County. Whitney is also a member of the Safe Place network, the steering committee for the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI), and a Trainer for the Handle with Care Program in Jefferson County.
As a Madison native, Whitney was drawn to the organization by her interest in helping children in need in our community. She previously volunteered in several Missionary Programs in the Southern States focusing on children and families in poverty. Whitney studied Paralegal Studies and Accounting at Ivy Tech Community College and a BA in in Psychology - Forensic Psychology at Southern NH University.
Brenda Holbrook, Program Coordinator
Brenda joined Voices for Children as the full-time Program Coordinator in June of 2018. Brenda now serves as part of the management team at CASA of Jefferson County and supervises some of the back end functions of our offices and our program.
Brenda has Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts from Hanover College, where she also studied education, and later earned her Transition to Teaching Certificate from Goshen College. She has always been driven by a desire to help children and has over 15 years of experience in education and youth development as well as an extensive background in small business.
Brenda is a member of the advisory committee for the Human Services and Psychology Programs at Ivy Tech-Madison and is on the Jefferson County Substance Abuse Team with HCI and Resilient Jefferson County . She is also a member of the Safe Place Network. Brenda volunteers with the MadHop Music Festival and other major festivals throughout the year. She is a member of the Ohio Valley Celtic Society and is a supporting member of the Friends of Clifty Falls State Park group.
Jessica Brawner, Volunteer Coordinator
Jessica joined CASA of Jefferson County as a full-time Volunteer Coordinator in 2024 and is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. She and her husband have always been advocates for children. He has taught 6th grade for 31 years. Jessica had her own child care in their home, worked as a teaching assistant, and worked at the Hanover College Infant/Toddler Care Center. She moved through these positions as their own two sons grew.
Jessica has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development. She was a CASA volunteer for Voices for Children of Jefferson and Ripley Counties from 2010 - 2013.
Michelle Zimmermann, Volunteer Coordinator
Michelle joined CASA of Jefferson County serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors from 2022-2024. She also served briefly on the Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse. In January 2024 Michelle became a Volunteer Coordinator for CASA so she may have a more active role in supporting the CASA volunteers and children in Jefferson County.
Michelle has been a Jefferson County resident since 1994, and has worked in management serving in the food service industry and banking industry for over 25 years. Michelle has a passion for CASA model and helping children in need. She’s volunteered previously as a Choir and Band mom at Southwestern High School. Michelle also serves on the Art with the Pieces Committee for CASA.