Welcoming Sarah Berndt as Executive Director

Canopy Center is pleased to announce that Sarah Berndt has been named the organization's next Executive Director.

Since joining Canopy Center in 2023 as our Development Director, Sarah has helped strengthen fundraising efforts, expand community partnerships, and grow support for children and families impacted by abuse and neglect.

She brings more than 15 years of leadership experience, including building cross-cultural partnerships, and navigating complex challenges. Alongside her professional experience, Sarah's six years as a licensed foster parent also provided firsthand insight into the child welfare system and the experiences of children and families who need support.

"I'm honored to lead Canopy Center into its next chapter," Sarah shared. "One of the things I admire most about Canopy Center is that children and families have a voice in shaping the support they receive. Our services are accessible, compassionate, and centered on each child and family's unique needs."

Board President Maggie Huston shared, “Our Board has full confidence in Sarah, and we’re looking forward to working together to continue to serve children and families in our community.”

Honoring Kevin Palmersheim

• More than 20 years of service: Attorney Kevin Palmersheim quietly donated his legal expertise to help Canopy Center navigate complex issues and strengthen our organization.
• Protecting children's privacy: Learn how Kevin's advocacy helped safeguard a young client's confidential mental health records when they were requested for a court proceeding.
• A lasting impact: From supporting our staff to providing trusted legal guidance, Kevin's behind-the-scenes contributions continue to make a difference for the children and families we serve.

Helping A Family Remain Safely Housed

• A family at a critical turning point: A child in our CASA program was placed with a grandparent after both parents entered treatment for substance use. Stepping in to provide a safe, stable home meant reduced work hours and unexpected financial strain.
• Keeping a family safely housed: Funding from the Joseph Martin Nunn Family Support & Reunification Fund will help the them remain housed while the child's parents focus on recovery, reducing one more barrier to reunification.
• Supporting recovery and reunification: The fund provides direct financial assistance to families working to overcome substance use challenges, helping prevent additional trauma for children and supporting safe, lasting stability.
• A national investment with local impact: Named in memory of Joseph Martin Nunn, the fund partners with CASA programs across the country to ensure 100% of awarded dollars directly benefit children, families, and caregivers navigating the child welfare system.

CASA volunteers walk alongside children and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. CASA Volunteer Support Groups provide active volunteers with a confidential place to discuss their experiences, learn from one another, and receive peer support.

Each meeting will include a mindfulness exercise, case discussion, consultation, and peer support.

August Opportunities

August 5, 2026
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Canopy Center

August 9, 2026
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Zoom

August 20, 2026
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Zoom

August 26, 2026
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Canopy Center

Canopy Center Address: 2445 Darwin Rd., Suite 15, Madison, WI 53704

Interested CASA volunteers should contact Case Coordinator Clara Landucci at: claral@casadanecolumbia.org.

Upcoming Events 🎉

Canopy Center Open House

Join us for a special Open House celebrating Dean Health Plan by Medica’s generous support of Canopy Center’s Oasis program and the children and families we serve.

This is a chance to meet the people behind our work and see how healing happens every day. Tour our space, connect with staff and volunteers, and see how play therapy helps children process trauma in ways that are safe, engaging, and even joyful.

Tuesday, August 11

11 a.m.–12 p.m.
📍 Canopy Center
2445 Darwin Road, Suite 15 (Lower Level)
Madison, Wisconsin

Whether you have volunteered, donated, partnered with us, or simply care about helping children heal, we'd love to welcome you!

Mad Hatter’s Bingo!

Step through the looking glass and join us for a wonderfully mad evening of bingo, raffles, surprises, and Wonderland-inspired fun supporting CASA of Dane & Columbia Counties.

Thursday, September 17
Doors open: 5 p.m. | Bingo starts: 6 p.m.
📍 Rock ’N Wool Winery
W7817 Drake Road
Poynette, Wisconsin

Your $30 registration includes three bingo cards for 10 games. Guests will also have chances to win through a bucket raffle, 50/50 raffle, and a few unexpected surprises!

Every dollar raised helps CASA serve children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

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