Our Staff
Paulding County CASA Staff and Volunteers provide advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.
Jean Dudley
Executive Director
Jean has worked with children and youth for over thirty years. Originally from South Georgia, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia Southern University, then added Education and a teaching certificate to her credentials. Her passion for serving and mentoring children has taken many forms, including programming at the YMCA, chaperoning church youth trips, and volunteering as a youth Sunday School teacher. Always an advocate for children in marginalized communities, Jean left the classroom to start a non-profit tutoring program for underserved children in the Cartersville City School System. She brings 21 years of experience in grant writing and non-profit management to CASA Paulding, where she is excited to expand the work and mission of speaking for the best interest of the child. Jean and her fur babies reside in Cartersville.
Angela Zenus
Lead Advocacy Coordinator I
I am originally from Athens, GA, but Paulding county has been my home for the last 18 years. I obtained my Master's in Human Services from Liberty University in September 2023. I have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a concentration in social work from the State University of West Georgia. I have 4 kids who keep me very busy. I love football and baseball and can always be found watching a UGA, Falcons, and Atlanta Braves game when they play. I first learned about CASA from another volunteer that spoke to our church one morning. I was very intrigued at that time and then an opportunity presented itself for me to become a CASA volunteer. While I was a volunteer, my passion for the organization grew immensely through the work I saw done for not only the kids I worked with, but also for other kids in the foster system. It was during this time that I knew I wanted to devote myself full-time to continuing the mission of CASA. I feel so fortunate that I am actually paid for doing something I truly love and believe in!
Justin Laura
Lead Advocacy Coordinator II
Justin’s passion for his two children and his desire to serve led him to volunteer with CASA of Paulding County in 2016. As a member of the Paulding community since 2005, he embraced the opportunity to finally give back by advocating for abused and neglected children in the community. The chance to make a difference by giving those very same children a voice inspires him every day. The opportunity to join the CASA of Paulding team presented itself shortly thereafter. Following his heart, Justin transitioned from the corporate world to begin a new season in his life. He is humbled and excited to work with a dedicated team that embraces relationships with people that share the same values and goals in advocating for children that deserve so much more.
Angel Gemeleva
Advocacy Coordinator
Angel has spent most of her life in Paulding County where she met her husband, Viktor, and graduated from East Paulding High School. She was accepted to Kennesaw State University as an Honors Research Scholar and received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in Social Engagement and Advocacy, along with a Child Advocacy Studies Training (CAST) certification. Angel also received her Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance while working towards her degree. She has a passion for wanting to give back and making sure that every child is afforded an opportunity for a life full of love. Angel has had an impact on changing the lives of children in need with her experience as a foster care case manager at Paulding County DFCS, and an AmeriCorps VISTA with Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Serving (YELLS), Inc. Angel is confident that she can use the knowledge and experience she has, to assist volunteers in advocating for the best interest of Paulding County’s children
Amy Hill
Community Outreach Coordinator
Amy is a proud native of Cobb County and a graduate of the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a focus on public relations. With a deep passion for service and community, Amy has dedicated her career to various roles, from lobbying the General Assembly to serving as the Development Director for her local homeless shelter and advocating for seniors.
Beyond her professional life, Amy is an active volunteer and enjoys spending time with her 22-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son. She loves attending festivals, exploring outdoors, and contributing to causes that matter. Amy's diverse experiences and commitment to giving back shape the way she connects with others to make a positive impact in her community.