1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
I love to help people. And when I heard about CASA and the wonderful work they do, I felt that this was something I was meant to do.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I have had many different jobs since I was 17. Each one taught me something different, but they all taught me how to work with people. I am now a 911 dispatcher and I love what I do! I get to help people every day.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
You have to be able to stay committed. These kids count on you to be there while they are going through a very difficult time in their lives. As a CASA, you will be one of the most consistent people in the lives of the kids you help.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
Learning about all the things these children have gone through is heartbreaking. A child should never have to endure these situations but unfortunately it happens.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
Being able to witness the improvements in my CASA kid’s life over the last year has been very rewarding. I have seen them gain confidence and develop strong relationships with the people in their lives. I have seen the parents improve their situation and work their services. It has been great being able to help reunite a family.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
Really this entire year has been special. When I first met my CASA kid, they were shy and it took time to build trust and to show them they could rely on me to be there for them. With each visit they became more and more comfortable around me. Seeing improvement in my CASA kid’s confidence every time I saw them was amazing and it allowed me to help them even more.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
My work as a CASA Volunteer has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. If you have the heart for this kind of work then go for it! There is such a need for CASA volunteers and these kids need people who will be there for them.
CAS Megan Edge says, “Caitlin is an awesome advocate! She is so genuine, and has made herself an integral part of her case. Caitlin has good relationships with all the parties on her case, including the parents and their attorneys. As her case progressed, Caitlin never missed a month of visits and always observed at least one parent child visit every month for the past nine months. Through her interactions and observations, Caitlin made tough decisions, smart/balanced recommendations, and helped advocate strongly for her CASA kid. She is awesome to work with! I know that without Caitlin, and her perseverance, the case could have turned out differently.”