Young Professional Philanthropists

The CASA First Young Professional Philanthropists (“YPP”) is a cohort of
compassionate young professionals, ages 22 to 40-ish, who support CASA First’s mission
to ensure local children who have experienced trauma are safe and supported.

YPP Membership Application

Are you between the ages of 22 and 40-ish, and living in Northern New Mexico?

YPP may be for you if you want to:

Become acquainted with our community’s challenges and needs, especially within the child and family welfare system
Help gather resources to help improve the lives of children and youth in your community
Help host yearly fundraisers, toy/supply drives, and other events
Form long-lasting community and network in Santa Fe + greater Northern New Mexico region
Engage in space where business partnerships, connections & cooperative projects may emerge
Have fun, grow together, and create a more compassionate, visible, and impactful community of young professionals
Develop strong leadership skills and experience
Create alliances with other frontline social service professionals

Above all, you will be helping to make a difference in the lives of trauma-impacted children and youth.

Become a YPP

Meet the YPP Founders

Elizabeth Eppley

Executive Assistant
(CASA First)

I am a passionate advocate for all youth to have the supports they need to survive and thrive. I believe that storytelling is how we heal and I love helping youth tell theirs. I coordinate a group of young volunteers for CASA First called the Youth Ambassadors, ages 8-21. I am inspired by the ways in which our regional non-profits, businesses, philanthropies, grassroots organizations, activists, and leaders weave together and amplify each other’s voices so we can build a lasting threshold of support. I am excited to see how members of YPP can support creative solutions for our community of children and families.

Haley Tafoya

Master’s in Social Work Intern (CASA First)

I am passionate about social justice and uplifting the voices of folks in vulnerable situations. I am pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Disaster Resilience Leadership from Tulane University while interning with CASA First. I work at Youth Shelters and Family Services and volunteer with Santa Fe Dreamers Project and Interfaith Shelter at Pete’s Place. I enjoy volunteering, as it allows me to foster a strong relationship with the community and its members as I aim to honor their voices in my work.

Jessica Henderson

Volunteer Coordinator
(CASA First)

Being a person who has experienced trauma as a youth, it is of particular interest to me to discuss innovative ways to impact the lives of youth in our community. I think YPP provides an opportunity for me to grow as a person, and share thoughts, ideas, and plans for the future. I am originally from West Virginia where I worked in Victim Assistance, Family Court, and The Women’s Empowerment and Addiction Recovery Program. I moved to New Mexico in 2018 and am excited to get to know more people who are a part of my new community, especially other young people trying to make positive changes.

Quinn H. Gallagher

Investment Management

I wanted to be a part of something that helps vulnerable children and the community. CASA First Young Professional Philanthropists was my first choice.

Veronica Krupnick

Foster Youth Advocacy Program Coordinator
(CASA First)

Veronica is social work graduate student, an advocate for youth in care, specifically in tribal communities, and is the M.A.P.S Program Coordinator with CASA First.

Ryan T. Gallagher

Investment Management

I’ve always wanted to be a part of something in the Santa Fe community that makes an impact. Becoming a CASA as well as joining the YPP has been a great experience for me.

Past Events

CASA First Wish List

We are asking for gift donations for children in care. New and unused items only please. Some gift ideas are listed below:

toys for infants (ages 0-3)
self care items
makeup and toiletries
warm coats
hats
school supplies
Legos
coloring books and colored pencils
art supplies
new baby books
giftcards (movie theaters, bowling alley, Children’s Museum, ice cream, etc.)
gift bags

Items can be dropped off by appointment Fridays 10am-2pm

Email elizabeth@casafirst.org