1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
I had just retired and wanted to give back, to do something not for me for others. I really wanted a long term volunteer opportunity and my sister in law suggested CASA and here I am.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I was a CFO for an international company for last 19 years. Numbers always made sense to me.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
Just do it! You are doing more for these kids then you realize by just being there; coloring, doing a puzzle, reading a book. Your time is all they want when they see you.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
The most challenging I expect is when you’re done being their advocate, you will miss them, and you will think about them and pray they are doing well.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
The most rewarding part is the relationships you form with these kids, they are so fun to get to know. Also, the relationships I have formed with the foster parents—I have had the privilege of getting to know some amazing foster parents.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
I have had many special moments but one of the best was being invited to go the school awards ceremony at the end of the year where one of my kids received an unexpected award. The look on her face when she turned to all of us that were there for her and that smile was on her face was everything.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
My husband Tom and great friend Janelle both took the helping hearts training right after I was assigned my 1st case and it is so comforting knowing I can talk to them about the kids on my cases, all the ups and downs.
CAS Emily Beale says, “Christi Diamond is amazing. She has two cases and visits multiple times a month for each case. She has built great rapport and relationships with the family members and fictive kin on her cases, and they look at her as someone they can trust.”