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
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.
Gabrielle Gerhardt, Staff Advocate, ggerhardt@knoxcounty.in.gov
Gabrielle received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana State University, and her master’s degree in School Counseling from Indiana University. She has lived in Vincennes for ten years now, and has three young children, who keep her very busy. Gabrielle was a stay-at-home parent for many years, and worked in education, animal rescue, and a smattering of other jobs before landing with CASA. She had originally pursued a degree in school counseling because she wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. As a stay-at-home parent, Gabrielle shifted this career goal a bit, and focused her energy on raising three kids to be kind humans and good people. Now, Gabrielle has a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of the children on her caseload. She has enjoyed the couple of months that she has been employed at CASA thus far and has found it to be a real privilege to get to be the voice for the kids with whom she advocates for. In her free time, Gabrielle enjoys playing with her children, spending time with friends, painting, singing, attempting to play the guitar, pretending to be a runner, and rescuing and caring for animals. She also works at Southgate Vet Clinic, and she has five dogs of her own… and a clowder of cats… 😉 Gabrielle is super excited to be a part of the Knox County CASA team and is looking forward to having the opportunity to serve as many children as she possibly can.
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 .
Jeanne Porter, Case Coordinator, jporter@knoxcounty.in.gov
Jeanne is a Southern Floridan born and raised, having moved to Indiana when she was 23. She is a mother of two beautiful daughters, one 18 and one 22, and wife to an amazing husband, Andrew Porter. She has a BA degree in Elementary Education and used that to teach 2nd Grade and coached archery for five years. From there, she tackled the hard-working world of Department of Child Services before deciding to become a foster parent and stay-at-home mom. In her free time, Jeanne likes to ride horses, go kayaking, run (or pretend to), go fishing, decorate anything and everything (she’s been told she has a mini Hobby Lobby), spend time with friends and family, or really do whatever she can outdoors. Jeanne is very excited to be a part of this wonderful Knox County CASA team. She looks forward to working with as many children as she can and making a lot of new friends!
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.
Wendi Provines, Case Coordinator, wprovines@knoxcounty.in.gov
Wendi Provines was born in Knox County and spent most of her childhood growing up there. She has two young children that she now also raises in Knox County. She attended and graduated from North Knox High School and then began studying at Vincennes University. She originally studied interior design and went on to finish custom cabinetry. Wendi has worked alongside children through church and her employment as a daycare worker/ preschool assistant. Through her interaction with these children, she realized how much she cares for the well being for kids and believes their voices should always be heard. Wendi is now studying at Vincennes university and will obtain her Associates in Social Work, in May of 2023. She will then continue her studies to achieve her BSW. In her spare time, she enjoys playing board games, hiking, and spending time with her family. Wendi is now a Case Coordinator at CASA and is looking forward to working for a great company that positively impacts the lives of so many children.
Brian Taylor, Administrative Assistant, btaylor@knoxcounty.in.gov
Brian Taylor was born in Blue Island, Illinois, yet spent most of his childhood growing up in Sumner, Illinois. He has two children, two rabbits, two guinea pigs, and the most selfless, awesome, caring wife (Joanna Taylor). He graduated from Red Hill High School, and studied Information Technology at Vincennes University. Brian loves music, whether it be playing it, or listening to it, playing games with his kids, traveling, exercising, hanging out with his best friend (his wife), and spending time with his pets. Brian is Knox County CASA’s Administrative Assistant, and looks forward to helping as many people as he can.
Kaitlyn Hale, Volunteer Coordinator, khale@knoxcounty.in.gov
Kaitlyn was born and raised in Princeton, Indiana. She has an associate’s degree in Elementary Education and an associate’s degree in health information management. She has two bonus kids, three nieces and one nephew. She strives to help others in any way that she possibly can. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and traveling.