You Can Make A Difference

Colonial CASA Staff

Chantelle Richardson

Program Director, Child Advocacy

Chantelle Richardson joined Colonial CASA in May of 2023 as the Program Director for Child Advocacy. She has spent the last 20 years in the field of Sleep Medicine; which includes 9 years of civil service with the Army, and 4 years working with pediatrics at CHKD. Chantelle recently married her husband Chadd. They have a blended family of four children, ages 2 – 12, and currently reside in Yorktown.

Chantelle is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others, empowering women to pursue and achieve their goals, supporting mental health acceptance, and generally leaving the world a better place than when she found it.

She intrepidly approaches this new chapter in her life and looks forward to learning and growing alongside the staff and volunteers of Colonial CASA.

Melissa Degaraff

Program Director, Youth Mentoring

[email protected]
757-229-3306

Melissa joined the staff in November 2021 to develop and implement the youth mentoring program at colonial CASA. Before joining CASA, Melissa served over twenty years in higher education with focus in admissions, academic advising, educational and career planning, training, and assessment. Melissa looks forward to recruiting and training volunteer mentors as well as supporting youth to make progress toward their academic, career, and life goals.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Education. Melissa’s special interests include equitable access to education and training and the positive impact of a meaningful career on life satisfaction.

Victoria L. Canady, Ph.D

Executive Director

[email protected]
757-229-3306

Victoria Canady, Executive Director, began her journey with CASA as a volunteer in 2006. In 2007 she joined the program as a part-time staff member but soon became full-time with CASA’s expansion into York County Courts. Over the 14 years of dedicated service, Victoria has served in every CASA capacity, including Program Director, Volunteer Services Coordinator, and trainer.

Victoria holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling and a Ph.D. in Mental Health Policy and Practice. In addition to her commitment to mental and emotional health, Victoria is a passionate advocate for children’s educational rights, emphasizing children with special needs.

Victoria met her husband of 34 years in the Marine Corps (Semper Fi). Together, they have two sons, Kenaan, and Kyle and a grandson Max.