Staff

The California Association of School Counselors is lead by the Executive Board (Board of Directors) and managed by its Executive Director and staff.
 

	Loretta Whitson, Ed.D. Executive Director  Email Dr. Whitson is responsible for CASC operations and has devoted her life’s work to advancing the school counseling profession. She works closely with state leaders, legislators and journalists, clarifying complex educational issues and champions policies and practices to support school counselors in California.  For over twenty years Dr. Whitson was Director of Student Support Services in Monrovia USD where she oversaw the school counseling program, as well as several district-level operations. Between 2015-2017 Dr. Whitson served as an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Educational Counseling Program for the University of La Verne and was a visiting professor for 10 years at California State University Northridge.
	Dr. Jami Parsons Deputy Executive Director  Email
	Patty Taylor Assistant Executive Director  Email Patty retired from the San Bernardino City USD after 34 years as a school counselor. She has a passion for both teacher union work and advocacy for school counseling. She has served in many leadership roles in the San Bernardino Teachers Association, the California Teachers Association (CTC) and the National Education Association including SBTA President and NEA Board of Directors.Though retired, she continues to work tirelessly to ensure that school counselors are advocated for and supported within the union. She was a founding member of CASC and served as President from 2012-2013. Patty is a devoted CASC staff member and supports CASC by serving on the Executive Council and on various committees in Sacramento. She lives in Highland with her husband and her two canine children and enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her grandsons in Virginia.
	Nicole Lanfranco Creative Projects Director  Email Nicole is responsible for all graphic design and marketing for the association. With us since 2018, she has a background in sales, marketing, and social media. She has also successfully produced events from conception through completion and has a strong passion for teamwork, working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines and communication. Nicole lives in Glendora with her husband Jorge and daughter Emma and thrives by traveling and spending time with her family.
	Denise DeMoss Senior Executive Assistant  Email Denise joined us in 2024 and is the executive assistant to Drs. Whitson and Parsons. She is also responsible for planning various events for the organization. Denise came to us from a metal frame manufacturing company where she served as a office and communications manager for 20 years. Denise loves to cook and has written a cookbook. She also enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with her family.