Denise A. Swink, Knox County Director, dswink@knoxcounty.in.gov
Denise was born in Southern Knox County, Indiana and grew up on a farm with her parents and two sisters. She recently moved back from the Chicago area to her home in Knox County, Indiana. Denise is passionate about children and helping those less fortunate. She is the mother of two teenage daughters who help her maintain focus on family when the rapid pace of life seems overwhelming. Denise was the director of a Preschool for a local church and was a substitute school teacher at her alma mater, South Knox High School. She is also passionate about interior design and studied design in Joliet, Illinois and ran her own design business. She was also a tutor at the local community college, Vincennes University, where she obtained her Associate of Science degree in Education. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana in Elementary Education. Denise enjoys home decorating, caning chairs, and working out in her spare time, including walking, running, and bowling
Angie Halter, 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. She is currently working toward her MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Social Work. 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 3 dogs.
Cheryl Hugunin, Case Coordinator, chugunin@knoxcounty.in.gov
Cheryl lives in Bicknell, Indiana. She has two adult daughters and three 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.
Haleigh Kixmiller, Staff Advocate, hkixmiller@knoxcounty.in.gov
Haleigh was born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana. Haleigh graduated from Lincoln High School in 2015. She then pursued her interest in social work by obtaining an associate degree from Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, IL in May of 2023. She is currently furthering her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work online at Western New Mexico University, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. She previously worked at Colonial Assisted Living for 2.5 years. She is a proud mother to one child. Haleigh is excited to start this new chapter in her life and looks forward to positively impacting the lives of those she helps.
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 married and is the proud mother of nine children. Her five grandchildren (soon to be six…and 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.