CASA of the Sabine Neches Region Staff
Codie Vásquez
Executive Director
Codie grew up in Orange, Texas. After high school, she moved around the country but eventually settled back home with her family in 2001.
In 2002, Codie began working with non profits to promote access to services for those in need. She enjoys being involved in the community. She currently serves as Vice President for Orange Community Players, Vice President for the Service League of Orange and serves on the boards of the Southeast Texas Arts Council and Friends of the Orange Depot. She is a member of First United Methodist Church of Orange.
She is married to Alaniz (Al), the proud mother of Rico and adoring grandmother to Zelda and Ezran. She is grateful for the work CASA does to make positive changes in the lives of children everyday!
In 2002, Codie began working with non profits to promote access to services for those in need. She enjoys being involved in the community. She currently serves as Vice President for Orange Community Players, Vice President for the Service League of Orange and serves on the boards of the Southeast Texas Arts Council and Friends of the Orange Depot. She is a member of First United Methodist Church of Orange.
She is married to Alaniz (Al), the proud mother of Rico and adoring grandmother to Zelda and Ezran. She is grateful for the work CASA does to make positive changes in the lives of children everyday!
Kristie Veillon
Program Director
Kristie grew up in Orange, TX and graduated from West Orange-Stark High School. She has resided in Vidor, TX for the past 25 years. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design from Lamar University.
Kristie's family includes her steadfast husband Rick Veillon, their three talented children and five beloved grandchildren. In the past, she has worked as a stay at home mother, a substitute teacher at Vidor ISD and a K-12 library bookseller.
She proudly served as a Volunteer CASA for 15 months before joining the staff. She is eager to broaden her service and encourage others in the service of our community's children.
"A person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss
Kristie's family includes her steadfast husband Rick Veillon, their three talented children and five beloved grandchildren. In the past, she has worked as a stay at home mother, a substitute teacher at Vidor ISD and a K-12 library bookseller.
She proudly served as a Volunteer CASA for 15 months before joining the staff. She is eager to broaden her service and encourage others in the service of our community's children.
"A person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss
Lori McGee
Director of Advocate Service
Lori grew up traveling a lot, she attended and graduated from Terrell High School. She also attended Navarro College in Waxahachie Tx where she studied Emergency Medicine and received EMT certification. She worked on an ambulance is Dallas area, also studied Hyperbaric and was a Safety Director. Her family is from and most still live here in Southeast Texas. Back in 2017 her and her husband Tim moved back to the area. Together they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. She has a passion to help and serve.
"Be strong Be Brave Be Fearless you are never alone " Joshua 1:9
"Be strong Be Brave Be Fearless you are never alone " Joshua 1:9
Halee Watkins
Advocate Supervisor
Halee has lived in Vidor most of her life, she has three girls and loves them deeply. She is a people person, and loves being a part of the community and helping people in need! She is truly one of a kind person.
Samantha Browder
Advocate Supervisor
Samantha grew up in Livingston, Texas and graduated from Big Sandy ISD. Her passion and love for children started at a very young age due to her being adopted herself. She currently serves as the elementary children's leader at her church. Upon getting married and having two children, her family became a licensed foster home from 2016-2023 which led to the adoption of their youngest child. She also served as a CASA Advocate back in 2021.
-Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story. - Josh Shipp
-Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story. - Josh Shipp
Sheila McGarity
Recruitment and Retention Coordinator
Sheila was born and raised right here in the Lone Star State. Married to her High School Sweetheart Thomas. They are the proud parents of Becca, pursuing a career in Music Education.
In 2003, she and her family moved to Kountze from Houston. Where her husband serves as Pastor of Mid-Way Baptist Church. They’ve been in full time church ministry for over thirty years.
She has had the pleasure of working not only in churches but day cares, private and public schools along with years of management.
The Starfish Story
By: Loren Eiseley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.
Approaching the boy he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”
“Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die,” the boy replied.
The man laughed to himself and said, “Do you realize there are miles of miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference.”
After listening politely, the boy bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the surf. Then, he smiled at the man and said, “I made a difference to that one.”
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
In 2003, she and her family moved to Kountze from Houston. Where her husband serves as Pastor of Mid-Way Baptist Church. They’ve been in full time church ministry for over thirty years.
She has had the pleasure of working not only in churches but day cares, private and public schools along with years of management.
The Starfish Story
By: Loren Eiseley
One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed boy picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.
Approaching the boy he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”
“Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die,” the boy replied.
The man laughed to himself and said, “Do you realize there are miles of miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference.”
After listening politely, the boy bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the surf. Then, he smiled at the man and said, “I made a difference to that one.”
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Brandi Smith
Office Manager
Brandi has lived in Vidor all her life. She is a mother to two boys and a mom to two fur babies as well. They are her world. She loves being a sports mom and loves watching her son play games. She has always had a soft spot for children and animals. Prior to this, she has worked in daycare and the schools in Vidor as an individual aid for special education.