Denise A. Swink, Knox County Director, dswink@knoxcounty.in.gov
Born and raised in southern Knox County, Denise Swink grew up on a family farm where she learned the values of hard work, compassion, and community. Since 2017, Denise has dedicated herself to Knox County CASA, helping ensure every child in the system has a voice.
Her leadership extends beyond the county, serving on state and national CASA committees, including the Indiana GAL/CASA Conference and Training Committee, Certification/Standards Committee, Public Relations and Legislative Committee, and both the National CASA/GAL Leadership Council and Rural Leadership Council.
Denise’s professional journey spans education, interior design, and tutoring, reflecting her creativity, resilience, and passion for helping others. She is the proud mother of two daughters and a “glam-glam” to one grandchild, with another on the way. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Angie Halter, Volunteer Case Coordinator, ahalter@knoxcounty.in.gov
Angie was born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana and graduated from Vincennes University with an AS in Law Enforcement. From there she attended Indiana State University with a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Angie has 11 years’ experience working for IDOC in correctional counseling and case management and is excited to return to her hometown for employment and to be a part of the CASA team. Angie is married with 3 children two of which are serving our country and one who is currently working for Duke in the environmental field. Hobbies include refurbishing furniture, kickboxing, or any type of exercise, listening to live music, and spending time with her family and 2 dogs.
Cheryl Hugunin, Case Coordinator, chugunin@knoxcounty.in.gov
Cheryl lives in Bicknell, Indiana. She has two adult daughters and four grandchildren. She has an associate’s degree in business administration and has worked as an administrator in long term care. Cheryl likes attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and working in her yard.
Cathy Beaman, Staff Advocate, cbeaman@knoxcounty.in.gov
Cathy Beaman was born and raised in Knox County. She grew up the youngest of five children on her family’s small farm. She graduated from North Knox and has lived in Knox County her entire life. She is the proud mother of nine children. Her eight grandchildren (hopefully many more to come in the future) are her pride and joy. Cathy is devoted to her family and has helped take care of several extended family members. After working as a Registered Nurse for 23 years, Cathy decided she was ready for a change. She worked as a classroom aide in an elementary school as well as a preschool. She discovered working with children was her true passion. She had become a CASA volunteer in 2018, and when her youngest son started school, Cathy became a CASA staff advocate beginning in November 2020. Getting to know the children, advocating for them, and being their voice is a role that Cathy proudly holds. She is delighted to make a difference in the lives of the children she serves.
Holly Hillenbrand, Volunteer Coordinator, hhillenbrand@knoxcounty.in.gov
Holly Hillenbrand has been a Knox County resident for the last 27 years. She graduated from Indiana State University with a major in Health and Safety Management. Her role is to recruit, train, and empower volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. With a deep passion for connection and a desire for engaging with others, she strives to ensure each volunteer feels supported and confident in their vital role. After nearly a decade away, her return to CASA was guided by her life motto: “Life leads you where it wants you to go, you just have to listen.” Her journey reflects an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children who need it most.
Trin Schaeffer, Administrative Assistant, tschaeffer@knoxcounty.in.gov
Trin has lived in Knox County since the age of 2. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 2019, they moved to Evansville and attended the University of Southern Indiana and obtained their bachelor’s in English literature in December of 2023. They have a passion for politics, philosophy, writing, and drawing, and they hope to combine them one day by making their own graphic novel. For 4 years, Trin ran their own business in the esports industry and hosted events around the east coast on top of providing artistic services such as broadcasting, video editing, and graphic design, and they hope to use these skills to help this organization grow. Trin is proud to be a public servant and admires the work done by their co-workers here at CASA.
Jan Dotson, Staff Advocate, jdotson@knoxcounty.in.gov
Jan recently retired from the Indiana Department of Child Services after more than 25 years of dedicated service. Throughout her career, Jan worked as an Family Case Manager where she conducted countless investigations into child abuse and neglect, served as a Family Case manager Supervisor where she managed up to 12 staff, served as the Local Office Director in Gibson County, and ultimately held the position of State Director for the Indiana Adoption Program. Jan also worked at Children and Family Services where she served as the Community Based Services Director managing 4 separate programs including the CASA program. Jan’s lifelong passion for supporting children and families during challenging times continues to inspire her work.
Outside of her professional life, Jan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, cheering on the Colts, gardening, and exploring a variety of crafts. She shares her home with her beloved dog, Scarlett, and her cat, Gus.
Jan is thrilled to join the CASA team, where she looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Julie Bailey, Staff Advocate, jbailey@knoxcounty.in.gov
Julie Bailey is a Staff Advocate, dedicated to supporting and empowering the children of Knox County. A proud mother of four and bonus mother of three, she also cherishes her twelve grandchildren. Julie brings compassion, commitment, and a deep sense of purpose to her role, striving each day to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families.