Amy Epstein Named New CASA Head

She has big shoes to fill but Amy Epstein has already shown that she has no problem jumping into an organization that focuses on youth and the hurdles they face.

Epstein, a native of Swampscott, who has spent several years working with youth in the Amherst and Holyoke areas, has been hired as the new coa

lition director, for CASA (Community Against Substance Abuse). Epstein takes over for Patricia Milano, the original director who retired and moved to Florida.

Epstein said she is busy settling in to CASA’s new home at 19 Bartlett St. She added that there will be a grand re-opening late in July. There will also be monthly coalition meetings and an updated website.

CASA board member Judy Vankooiman said Epstein is passionate about coming to CASA.

“She is ready to jump in with both feet and get going right away,” Vankooiman said.

“She’s very bubbly and outgoing.”

Epstein holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UMass-Amherst. She has coordinated and managed a community coalition which included 150 people. She implemented the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey in Holyoke in collaboration with the public school system.