LACASA Center bids farewell to Polly Mallory, the agency’s Chief Operating Officer, and welcomes Caryn Michalak as the new COO. Mallory retired in February, 2020.
Mallory has been with the agency for the last seven years in a variety of capacities. Originating from the Livingston County based organization, Family Resource Center, she served as its Executive Director for three years. In 2012, when LACASA Center acquired the Family Resource Center as part of its programming expansion, Mallory came with and initially served as LACASA’s Director of Family Prevention Services.
In 2015, Mallory became LACASA’s first Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all clinical programs and services.
Caryn Michalak comes to LACASA with an expansive background in program and policy development. She served as an analyst with the State of Michigan for the Department of Health of Human Services (MDHHS), as well as many other positions for MDHHS. Most recently, Michalak served as a Family Court Administrator for Tuscola County Courts.
Michalak recalls her time as a Family Court Administrator, “By bringing in program development, grants and assessment tools, during my time there, we were able to foster some of the lowest recidivism rates in the state and develop a multitude of programs for families while maximizing resources and budgetary funds.”
LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt said, “We are experiencing a changing of the guard. With change, comes new opportunities,” said Schrandt. “We are excited to welcome Caryn as our new COO. She brings an advanced level of programming expertise that will enhance our work with victims and survivors.
“The agency is grateful for Polly’s commitment to the underserved throughout her career,” said Schrandt. “She has done an enormous amount to implement programs at LACASA that help support parents and prevent child abuse in our community.
LACASA Center enthusiastically welcomes Caryn Michalak to its team and offers many well wishes for the retirement of Polly Mallory.
Since LACASA was established in 1981, it has tripled in size to meet community need. The agency employs more than 70 staff members and provides over 30 programs and services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. This independently-based organization also spearheads county-wide classes, seminars and workshops to increase community awareness and help prevent abuse.