Meet the CASA Staff

A team of dedicated individuals whose mission is to advance critical analysis and community partnerships around the most pressing issues in the Inland Empire.

The CASA orange wall with CASA PITZER at the top.

About Us

Critical Action & Social Advocacy (CASA) Pitzer advances critical analysis and community partnerships around the most pressing issues in the Inland Empire. 

The CASA Pitzer space brings local residents, organizers, activists, artists, and nonprofits together with Pitzer College faculty and students to build community and enact change. 

The CASA Pitzer academic program facilitates student research fellowships and community-based participatory research on issues of regional equity and justice pertaining to incarceration, immigration, education, environment, labor, art, culture, and health.

CASA Pitzer Staff

Tessa Hicks Peterson

Tessa Hicks Peterson

  • Director of Critical Action+ Social Advocacy (CASA); Interim Director of the Justice Education Center
  • Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement
  • Professor of Urban Studies
Jenessa Flores Parker

Jenessa Flores Parker

  • Assistant Director of Critical Action + Social Advocacy (CASA); Pitzer Preschool Pals Program Director
No profile image for Paula Venegas Alvarez

Paula Venegas Alvarez

  • CASA Administrative Assistant