Board of Directors
Franklin County CASA Board of Directors work both behind the scenes and throughout the community ensuring CASA has the resources to continue to be a credible and stable organization.
Meet Our Board of Directors
President:
Matt Rufkahr
Matt graduated with a B.S., from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Consumer and Family Economics with an emphasis in Personal Financial Management in 2000.
In addition to his work at GenFinity Wealth Management and board member at Franklin County CASA, Matt spends volunteer time as a member of the Finance Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, as well as a past school board member of Lourdes Catholic School and sits on the Four Rivers Area YMCA Endowment committee.
Matt resides in Washington with his wife Carrie and their daughters, Faith and Grace. His hobbies include hunting, golfing, skiing, running, Mizzou athletics, STL sports and spending time with family.
Term began: September 2018
Profession: Financial Planner at GenFinity Wealth Management
Affiliations: Member of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Washington, Finance Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Advisory Board Member of YMCA
Lives in: Washington, MO
Contact: Matt.rufkahr@lpl.com
Vice President: Wayne Dierker
After earning his doctorate degree, Wayne knew he wanted to get more involved in his community so that’s exactly what he did!
We are very happy Donna introduced us to Wayne after she completed her maximum of 6 yrs. on the CASA board so CASA could be one of Wayne’s community projects. Wayne’s experience in the education system helps him understand the mission first hand. He has seen many children in need and has experienced the positive results when youth receive one on one attention from a caring adult.
Wayne was born and raised in the St. Clair area where he and his family believe in supporting efforts to keep the community great. Wayne has jumped right in as a CASA board member and has already educated many new supporters to the CASA mission.
Term began: November 2020
Profession: Principal of Rock Creek Elementary
Affiliations: Member of St.Clair Elks, St.Clair Kiwanis, Chairman of St.Clair Planning and Zoning, Member of SCMAESP and MAESP
Lives in: St. Clair, MO
Contact: wdierker@fz.k12.mo.us
Treasurer:
Eileen Spratt
Eileen’s first exposure to CASA was as a guest at one of our Justice is Served Fundraising events. She was so inspired with the presentations and mission that she knew she had to get involved, but needed to find the right time and opportunity. Eileen joined the CASA board passionate about the mission and while offering to bring a lot of skillsets to the table. Her sense of detail has been profound. Eileen contributes a lot to the discussion regarding CASA’s finances and options for us to continue to be a solid agency financially. She has many friends and family who have now become CASA supporters and believers.
Term began: November 2019
Profession: Vice President of Retail Banking at the Bank of Washington.
Affiliations: Make a Wish Foundation, Washington Chamber of Commerce, and Meals on Wheels
Lives in: Eureka, MO
Contact: espratt@bankofwashington.com
member: Tyann Marcink Hammond
Tyann is a Franklin County native, specializes in vacation rentals and marketing, and is a successful photographer. She owns/manages vacation rental properties and has a line of custom hand painted children’s room decor.
She is also the Community Ambassador for Touch Stay, speaks at industry conferences, and teaches vacation rental owner workflow, hospitality, guest experience, and marketing.
Term began: November 2017
Profession: Owner of Missouri Haus and Branson Family Retreats. Entrepreneur, Teacher, Marketer, Artist, Author
Affiliations: Member of the Union and Marthasville Chambers, Jubilee Church of Washington
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: hello@tyannmarcink.com
Member:
Diana Hall
Diana attended Ola’s Beauty College after high school and then raised her four daughters. She was a volunteer for Phoenix Place homeless shelter in Washington for about 5 years, leading their fundraising efforts.
Diana has been an office volunteer for Franklin County CASA for 10 years. She has helped with fundraising and has been a part of several planning committees for the Gala and Justice is Served Breakfast. She also out sold everyone for the Optimist Club of Washington Raffle!
Term began: October 2018
Affiliations: Member of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Washington, Four Rivers YMCA, and Franklin County Country Club
Lives in: Washington, MO
Contact: bhall001@charter.net
Member:
Steve Myers
Steve’s professional experience is in the Outdoor Advertising Industry as President of Myers Sign Service since 1998. He was appointed as Alderman in Pacific in 2013 and was reelected twice before being elected as the Mayor of Pacific in April of 2018 where he lives with his wife Lori.
Lori and Steve have been married since 1992 and have two grown children: Their 24-year-old son who is an Army medic and 22-year-old daughter Lindsey who works in the banking industry.
Steve received his AA degree in Business Management / Marketing from East Central College and his BS degree in Business Administration / Marketing from Webster University.
Term began: January 2019
Profession: Owner and President of Myers Sign Service / Director of Community Development in Pacific
Affiliations: Former Mayor – City of Pacific, Missouri, Past President – New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Board Member – Meramec River Recreation Association. 2 year member Board of Directors for Franklin County C.A.S.A.. Member GCLASTL, NRA, Eagle Scout and B.S.A. Wood Badge Certification
Lives in: Pacific, MO
Contact: smyers@pacificmissouri.com
MEMBER:
John Viviano
John is no stranger to CASA as he was an active CASA volunteer for over 7 years working with numerous children. John then served on the Strategic Planning Committee for CASA and is now in a new role as member of the Board.
Professionally John is the co-founder and partner of Evidentia Learning, which is an e-Learning company serving thousands of medical professionals around the world who serve vulnerable populations such as victims of child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. When he’s not working John loves spending time with his family hiking, kayaking, or anything else in the great outdoors. We are very fortunate John has chosen to continue working with CASA in now a new role.
Term began: June 2020
Profession: Co-founder of Evidentia Learning and Adjunct Instructor at Washington University in St.Louis
Affiliations: : Member of Association of Child Protection Professionals
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: john@evidentialearning.com
Learn more: https://www.johnviviano.me
Member:
Elizabeth Bennett
Elizabeth got involved with CASA as an advocate about 8 years ago. She states, “When I was invited to join the board, I felt honored to join such a great group of people to help spread the growth of an organization that has helped so many and continues to have a positive impact on the community.”
Elizabeth was a Medical Lab Technician and High School Science Teacher in per professional years, but currently is a business owner and CEO/President of a non-profit, NorthStar Foundation, which she founded. She also owns NorthStar CoffeeHouse located in New Haven, MO. They are building programs that will train individuals with disabilities and provide advocacy within the community as they work to re-define the word “disabilities” into “different abilities.”
She is also involved in activities with her school-aged children and loves doing many things for fun depending on the time of the year; reading during rainy days, taking long walks during the Fall as the leaves change colors, kayaking during the summer months and watching movies when it’s snowy outside.
Term began: October 2022
Profession: CEO/President of the non-profit NorthStar Foundation and NorthStar CoffeeHouse located in New Haven, MO.
Affiliations: Chamber of Commerce, and various clubs and organizations in New Haven and Franklin County.
Lives in: New Haven, MO
Contact: isabelle65203@gmail.com
Member:
Julie Purschke
Julie first became interested in CASA approximately 10 years ago during a conversation she had with Rich Sandoval. Her personal experiences as an educator, adoptive parent, and special needs parent greatly helps here role as a CASA board member. Julie states, “At this point in my life, I now have the time to help further CASA’s mission.”
Julie graduated from Webster University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and taught 5th grade at Sullivan Elementary for seven years. After several years as a stay-at-home mom of three kids, with a business partner, I owned and operated Leap Ahead Learning Center from 2011 to 2021.
For fun, Julie enjoys crafting, reading, doing DIY projects with her parents, and taking Jeep rides with her husband and children.
Term began: October 2022
Lives in: Union, MO
Contact: juliepurschke@yahoo.com
Member:
Tom Jacquin
During the day, Tom is the Outside Sales Manager at Carquest in the surrounding areas of Hermann, Montgomery City and Warrenton. He has been with Carquest for 21 years. In the evenings, Tom runs a family sporting good business that his uncle started back in 1985. When his uncle passed away from cancer in 2000, Tom took the business under his wing to keep it going.
Tom is no stranger to volunteerism and giving back to the community. His connection with the sporting good business provided him a great avenue to help others. Over the years, Tom has been a part of various nonprofit organizations in the area. His passion is fundraising. Finding new and fun ways to engage the
community and raise money for organizations is what keeps him motivated.
Tom resides in Hermann with his wife, Randi, and his two stepchildren, Malerie and Braden. In his free time, he loves to take his bird dogs pheasant hunting and camping with the family.
Term began: December 2022
Profession: Outside Sales Manager, Carquest (Hermann, Warrenton Montgomery City), DC Sporting Goods Manager
Affiliations: Previously served on the Community Foundation Board of Hermann and the Long Range Planning Board at St. George Church. Has also assisted with various community fundraising events.
Lives in: Hermann, MO
Contact: dcsportinggoods78@hotmail.com
secretary:
Sandy Wunderlich
Sandy is a former Franklin County CASA Volunteer who has been active in many area churches & organizations. As a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Washington, she served the Parish Counsel as both School Board Secretary and President. In addition, she was the SFBHS Dinner Auction Chair.
Professionally, she’s held several chairs including the Missouri Bar, Intellectual Property Committee Chair, Defense Research Institute’s Women in the Law Committee Chair and The Intellectual Property Owner’s Association, Leadership Development Committee Vice Chair.
Term began: January 2023
Profession: Attorney at Tucker Ellis LLP
Affiliations: Member of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Washington, Missouri Bar, International Association of Defense Counsel
Lives in: Union/Washington, MO Area
Contact: sandra.wunderlich@tuckerellis.com