Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I came to CASA because I saw the difference an unbiased voice could make in the outcomes for children that are in the foster care system. At the time of my decision to join the CASA team, I was still working for CPS. I saw the limitations the agency had in providing for the needs of the children under their care. I saw in CASA a very unique opportunity to be the voice for those children that are going through such difficult circumstances and to be a resource that can bring stability in an unstable situation.
What is your professional and educational background? I hold a Masters Degree in Human Services with counseling, as well as a certification from the Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development as a TBRI Practitioner. My experience in child welfare includes several years working for Child Protective Services and the five years that I have been with CASA. I am also a 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force.
What keeps you coming back? CASA is a unique organization in that it is involved with the family courts at the request of the judges. It encourages me to continue this work because those who make life changing decisions regarding the children do want to hear our perspective. I continue to come back because I have seen the positive difference the advocates can make in the outcome of a child’s life, and I want to see it again.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? To me the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA is the interaction with have with our local community. As an organization we get to partner with many great organizations and people that are looking to better our community. As a staff member, I get the opportunity to connect with these different community innovators and link arms with them as we work together to impact the lives of children and families.
Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Children are our most precious national treasure. What CASA does in our community is on behalf of the wellbeing of our children, and few causes are as noble and important to the future of our nation. I believe it’s extremely important that our local community support CASA because what this organization does affects future generations of the community.
Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Do not give up! Sometimes things do not work out exactly as you envisioned them, yet the difference you are making in the child’s life cannot be measured in those terms. As an advocate you have the unique opportunity to help a child to be heard and seen in a system that is having a hard time hearing and seeing.