Honoring Social Workers: A Spotlight on CASA's Eleonor De Jesus and Natalie Alfrandre

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of social workers across the country. At CASA of Tarrant County, our social workers play a crucial role in advocating for children in the foster care system, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. This month, we’re proud to highlight two of our dedicated social workers, Eleonor De Jesus and Natalie Alfandre, LMSW, whose passion and commitment make a lasting impact on the children and families they serve.

Eleonor De Jesus: A Journey Rooted in Advocacy and Compassion

Eleonor’s path to social work began in a hospital setting, where she worked alongside transplant social workers. At the same time, she was a guardian ad litem volunteer, which exposed her to the broad impact social workers have in various industries. After moving to Texas and spending time as a special education teacher, she found her way to CASA, where she has been making a difference for nearly two years. Currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW), Eleonor is excited to deepen her understanding and application of social work principles.

For Eleonor, the most fulfilling aspect of her work is being a light for children and families during difficult times. “Helping others selflessly and doing work that is ‘behind the scenes’ is humbling yet extremely rewarding,” she shares. One case that reaffirmed her passion involved advocating for a relative caregiver responsible for eight children. Despite many obstacles, CASA’s support ensured that the children remained in a stable, loving home with their family, making the hard work worthwhile.

Natalie Alfandre, LMSW: A Passion for Trauma-Informed Advocacy

Natalie always knew she wanted to work with children, and her interest in social work was sparked by a college conference presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Learning about the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the power of resilience inspired her to pursue a career in social work. She is now deeply committed to walking alongside children and families during some of their most challenging moments.

Natalie finds fulfillment in the relationships she builds, recognizing that resilience and healing come through connection. One case that solidified her dedication involved a young boy who had been in foster care for almost his entire life. After extensive research and outreach, Natalie helped locate a distant relative who ultimately moved back to Texas to adopt him. “Knowing that this child gets to be with family makes it all worth it,” she says. “It reminds me to not give up and that the little details matter.”

The Role of CASA Social Workers

Every day as a social worker at CASA of Tarrant County looks different, but key responsibilities include documentation, information gathering, resource sharing, and collaborating with advocates, attorneys, and caseworkers. Eleonor and Natalie emphasize the importance of meeting children and families where they are, approaching their work with an open mind and compassionate heart.

Building trust is at the core of their work. “Trust doesn’t come easy for families in the system,” Natalie explains. “We can’t just talk about service plans and behavior problems—we need to understand who they are outside of this moment in time.” By fostering genuine relationships, CASA’s social workers ensure that children’s voices are heard and respected in the court system and beyond.

A Lasting Impact

Both Eleonor and Natalie agree that social work has changed them personally and professionally. Eleonor has learned the importance of balancing compassion with boundaries to avoid burnout, while Natalie has grown as an advocate for equitable practices. “Being a social worker doesn’t require grand gestures,” Natalie says. “It requires small acts of courage every day.”

As we celebrate National Social Work Month, we honor Eleonor, Natalie, and all social workers who dedicate their lives to making a difference. Their work is not always visible, but its impact is profound. Thank you to all the social workers who stand up for children, families, and communities—your dedication and heart do not go unnoticed.

Meet Community Engagement Specialist Suzanne C. Yowell, CVA

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I like to think it was fate that brought me to CASA. With nearly 30 years of experience in community engagement and nonprofit work, I had no doubt that working with the community and volunteers was the field I belonged in. After experiencing a string of personal losses within a few short months, including the passing of my husband, I found myself craving a new energy, a new mission focus, and subsequently-a path to healing. CASA felt like the perfect place to bring my experience and passion for community engagement, while also finding the renewal and purpose I was seeking. I knew after my first meeting with the staff, I had found my people, my home.

 What is your professional and educational background? I studied Nonprofit Management, Business Finance and Project Management at TCU and later obtained my CVA-Certified Volunteer Administrator credential. But it was my field training with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy, closely followed by Asset Based Community Development training with the faculty from DePaul University, that really shined a light on the magic of relationship building, identifying people’s gifts and community resources, and understanding how to bring them all together to make our communities strong.

Prior to joining the CASA team, I was blessed to serve as the state director of a national nonprofit for many years, working to build the capacity of numerous faith groups and nonprofits statewide. I also served as the Coordinator of Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement with Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? The most rewarding part of being on the CASA team is, of course, knowing the positive impact the organization has on the lives of children. I’m also in awe daily of the “can do” spirit of the staff. No matter what obstacle or challenge is placed in front of them, the resolve to rise to the occasion time and time again is genuine and powerful. We are on this mission together, for the children!

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. I’ve had many special moments with volunteers but one volunteer that inspires me so much is our most senior CASA-Mr. Heard Floor. Heard is in his 80’s and is adamant that regardless of age, a person can give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others, one way or another. And he has done just that by being a tireless advocate for children. He is such a great role model for others-young and older alike!

What would you say to a potential supporter? I would say to someone considering financial support of the organization, the return on your investment in CASA goes far beyond today, this month, or even this year. The value of changing a child’s life is immeasurable-it is an impact that can ripple through future generations, helping break cycles of neglect and abuse, and create a brighter future not only for that child but for the broader community as well. We need your support to help every child have a voice and a chance to thrive and eventually contribute to society in a meaningful, positive way. That’s a significant return on your investment.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? The outcome for these children will influence all of us, positive or negative. Together, with support from the community, we can make it positive! The quote “it takes a village to raise a child” could not be truer. It takes a whole community to support a child with positive interactions and encouragement to ensure he or she has room to grow strong in a healthy and safe manner. These children are the future for our community. Everyone can play a vital role. Volunteer to be a voice for a child, make a financial contribution, or simply help us share our message with others.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers?  Thank you for the selfless gift of time and kindness and perseverance. You are giving these children a fighting chance at a positive path forward. I think what you are doing is one of the most courageous and impactful acts of volunteerism and we are beyond grateful to you for your service.

National Social Work Month: Meet Tabi

May is National Social Work Month! We are featuring a licensed social worker and staff member Tabi Conner.

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I’ve been aware of CASA since I was a kid, and have always loved the idea of working with kids in foster care. I know several people that had CASA advocates and were thankful for their involvement and advocacy. When I learned there was an opening at the same time I was searching for a job, it felt like the perfect opportunity!

What is your professional and educational background? I have a master’s degree in social work, with a focus in community and administrative practice. I’ve previously worked with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, participated in research about services for children with severe emotional disturbances, and interned with United Way to help people access rental assistance programs.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I think the mission of CASA is really important. We get to play a role in making sure the most vulnerable people in society have a voice and don’t get left behind. Advocates have the unique role of supporting kids in some of the hardest, scariest moments of their lives. That’s an incredible thing to be a part of.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Getting to see small steps of progress in cases, from a child opening up about their experiences to helping connect a child to a family member keeps me motivated. Getting to support advocates as they work to make sure the children on their cases are supported is very rewarding.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? The most rewarding part has been working with the volunteers on my team. I think the people that volunteer with CASA are some of the most selfless and dedicated individuals. They selflessly give their time and energy week after week to make sure kids are taken care of, making visits, writing reports, and going to court. It’s an honor to get to support them and process what’s happening in their cases.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. A really sweet moment was attending an adoption for two sisters with an advocate. They had been in foster care for several years, so seeing them be adopted was very exciting. Getting to see how excited they were to see their advocate and hear how the advocate had been able to be there for them was so fun.

What would you say to a potential supporter? I would say that this is a worthy cause to invest in. The kids we work with are worth every bit of time, energy, and donation that we can give to them. At CASA, we get to be a steady presence during what are likely the scariest moments for kids, and we get to fight beside them and for them to make sure they’re heard.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I think children get looked over often because they don’t have as much power as adults, but what happens to them impacts our communities. Children are raised within communities and go on to have huge impacts. Not only is it important to support children now and help them be set up for success, but it also helps communities flourish for years to come. If we can be part of ending cycles of abuse and neglect now, communities will be safer and more successful.

What is a nugget of wisdom you would offer the community with your knowledge and experience within the foster care system? It’s important to approach those involved in the child welfare system with compassion and an open mind. There’s no one reason that causes abuse and neglect, and there’s not one easy solution. Abuse and neglect happen across every cross-section of society. It’s important to approach each situation with curiosity to learn how we can best support and advocate for each child within their family, culture, and worldview.

How should we support children in foster care? There are so many ways we can support them, from volunteering time, to monetary donations, and providing services. I think a big goal would be to make children in foster care feel as “normal” as possible. We can be part of that by making sure they have a support system, and they have access to things they are accustomed to like clothing, food, and hair care.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? You are rock stars! I’m consistently impressed by your willingness to show up for these kids week after week. You make such a difference and your time, energy, and dedication are so appreciated. Thank you for caring about kids in foster care and doing what you can to help.

Meet Administrative Coordinator Maggie Martinez

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I joined CASA because of my new-found love for local nonprofits. I felt this position at CASA would be a perfect fit, so I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to making a positive impact in my community and the community where my children are being raised.

What is your professional and educational background? My professional background consists of various administration support roles within the mortgage servicing, federal government contracting and nonprofit industries. I’ve worn many hats such as an Accounting Assistant, a Human Resources Specialist and even an Assistant Facility Security Officer where I held a Secret government clearance at one point.

After taking a two-year break in 2021 to focus on raising my family, I decided it was time to jump back into the corporate world. But I knew that if I was going to dedicate time away from my husband and children, it could only be for a role within an industry that was truly making a difference in my own community. This is where my passion for local nonprofits began! I had the pleasure of joining Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County, where I contributed to the Volunteer Services Department.

After I felt it was time to transition to a new experience yet still wanting to have a hand in helping change my community, I was blessed to be offered my current role here at CASA of Tarrant County.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? As soon as I learned about CASA’s mission and core values, I knew it was an agency I wanted to be a part of. As a mother, I couldn’t help but feel a tug at my heartstrings learning how CASA provides a voice to Tarrant County’s abused and neglected children. These kids are facing some of the most difficult and challenging situations and CASA is there supporting them, so they never have to feel like they’re alone. The mom part of my heart always feels this instinct to look out for and help kids, even if they aren’t my own. What better way to “follow my heart” than to join an organization who is dedicated to doing just that?

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Our amazing CASA staff and volunteers! It is honestly so inspiring to see how passionate everyone is about their role within our organization. Their passion and love for the mission and the children we serve has been very contagious!

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA?
Knowing that I’m a small piece of a huge puzzle that is doing wonderful and life-changing things for children in Tarrant County.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters.
When I first joined CASA, the office was filled with various donations that CASA had received during the holiday season from our supporters throughout DFW. One of my first “big” tasks was to help inventory and organize these toys, games, diapers, etc. As I sorted through everything, I remember catching myself thinking “My boys would really enjoy this toy!” and I even saw toys that my kids currently have. Thinking about how these items bring joy to my own kids’ lives every day, I imagined how much joy they would also bring to the children that CASA has dedicated to support.

It was really a “lightbulb” moment for me, getting this tangible example of one of the many ways CASA is involved in helping these children. I was in awe to witness how our community came together to support CASA and to provide a bit of happiness to these kids when they need it the most!

What would you say to a potential supporter? No form of support is considered too small to our cause. Whether you’re able to donate financially, donate physical items, sign up for one of CASA’s awesome events throughout the year or even just spread the word about CASA’s mission with you friends, family, neighbors and coworkers. All support is of great value to us and truly appreciated!

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do?
Supporting CASA sends a powerful message to children in Tarrant County’s foster care system that they are valued and deserving of love despite their current circumstances. These kids are facing so many changes, challenges and unknowns and they may not know or understand how to navigate their feelings or emotions. Our advocates provide them with a consistent, caring adult presence when they need it the most. They provide a voice to them in these moments when they might feel like they have absolutely no one in their corner. This stability, guidance and encouragement during these dark times can make an amazing difference in their lives, helping break the cycle of abuse and neglect within themselves and ultimately within our community. 

By providing kids with the resources and support they need to heal and thrive, we help avoid future generations from having to endure similar trauma. Healthy, well-adjusted children are more likely to grow into successful, contributing members of society which leads to a positive impact throughout Tarrant County for years to come. CASA is not just about helping individual children in need but also about investing in our community’s future.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our agency! We are so very grateful for those who dedicate their time to support CASA, our mission and most importantly, some of Tarrant County’s most vulnerable population. We truly could not do what we do without you all. The CASA staff and your fellow volunteers are here to guide and mentor you along the way as you advocate for these abused and neglected children. THANK YOU for your selfless commitment and for bringing light into these children’s lives!

Meet Child Advocacy Specialist Eleonor De Jesus

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I had been in the school system for a couple years when I decided to get back to what I truly love – serving kids and families experiencing difficult circumstances. I served as a Guardian ad Litem in Florida for 4 years and after moving to Texas, I researched local programs and soon became the administrative coordinator for CASA of Tarrant County. Six months later, I am delighted to be a Child Advocacy Specialist and help our volunteers be the best advocates for our families!

What is your professional and educational background? I have a bachelor’s in behavioral healthcare from the University of South Florida. I’ve worked in various administrative roles within the past 10 years including at the Tampa General Hospital transplant department, with my most recent role being a special education teacher.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? Upon graduating college, I felt a call in my heart to serve children from hard places and soon became a Guardian Ad Litem. It was extremely rewarding being able to work directly with the children and help them have a sense of normalcy during a chaotic time in their life. Even when presented with tremendous challenges, it was gratifying to see a case come to close and help a child be reunited with their family or be adopted.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Understanding that not every child has a blessed life and does not yet have the tools to advocate for themselves. I believe I’ve been gifted with the courage to serve the vulnerable with boldness, compassion and a touch of joy, whether writing a simple birthday card or advocating throughout a complex plan of family reunification.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? Working with extraordinarily passionate people with a myriad of talents and variety of backgrounds, all coming together for one cause – to advocate for Tarrant County’s abused and neglected children. We could not do what we do without a strong, supportive team!

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. Back in the spring, I worked with a CASA specialist and her advocate to purchase a LeapFrog reader for a teenager who was hospitalized and very behind academically. The advocate was visiting the child at the hospital regularly and read to her during the visit. A couple months later, I had the pleasure of meeting the advocate in-person and it was so rewarding to find out that the gift was a blessing to the child!

What would you say to a potential supporter? Whether you are interested in becoming an advocate or supporting by means of donation, don’t be afraid to help a cause that is usually kept in the dark. With your support, you not only help our program continue to operate, but you also shed a light and educate our community about the very real problem of child abuse and neglect.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Unfortunately, Tarrant County is ranked 3rd in the state for child abuse and neglect cases, but it is important to know that children with advocates have better outcomes throughout their case and later in life. By supporting CASA, you are helping each child overcome obstacles that would be impossible for them to face alone in the intimidating and overburdened child welfare system.  

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? THANK YOU for being the light in the life of a child facing tremendous darkness.

Meet Child Advocacy Specialist Gabrielle

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I have worked in child welfare in Tarrant County for a few years and have always partnered closely with CASA. Their commitment to advocating for a child’s best interest and supporting children and families is apparent and something that I wanted to be a part of.

What is your professional and educational background? I have both my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. I also have a Minor in Diversity Studies.  I have experience working in Child Placing Agencies with both the foster care and adoption units and with Our Community Our Kids as a Permanency Specialist.  I also completed a wonderful internship with Alliance for Children. However- one of my first experiences with the child welfare system was working as a nanny for a family of what grew to be 10 children as they journeyed through adopting a sibling group of 7.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? My advocates make up a wonderful team! They are compassionate, creative and dedicated to the children on their cases, and I show up every month to make sure they feel heard and supported so that they can continue improving the lives of children and families in our community.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? The most rewarding part of my job is when an advocate experiences a “break through moment” with their kids. A moment of connection, and support where all of their hard work seems to pay off at once. Its rewarding for my advocates and a great feeling to know they have created a safe space and a healthy relationship for a child in foster care.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. One of the amazing advocates on my team handles a case with a sibling group of 5 who are in 4 different placements. The oldest child had not seen her siblings in a long time and struggled with her decision to come to visits or not. The advocate scheduled sibling visits with consistency and coordinated between all 4 homes. She made sure the oldest child knew about these and knew that she was always welcomed. After many months of her not attending visits, the oldest child finally attended one and had a wonderful time seeing her siblings- all thanks to the ongoing dedication of one special advocate.

What would you say to a potential supporter? Thank you for considering supporting CASA. Your support can change lives right here in Tarrant County in many ways. Your support will help us meet the goal of ensuring that every child has a dedicated advocate who will fight for their rights and best interests.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? With community support,  CASA of Tarrant County can ensure that children in foster care receive the support they need to heal from trauma and thrive in their daily lives.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Your dedication to advocating for the best interest of children in the foster care system is truly inspiring. Your time and commitment is invaluable and appreciated! Your work as a CASA volunteer is changing lives and making a real difference in the world. Thank you!

Meet Admissions Specialist Brianna Williams

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I wanted to do something where I felt like I was making an impact and joining CASA made me realize that I’m a part of shaping a child’s future for the better. I couldn’t think of a better reason to wake up in the morning.

What is your professional and educational background? I went to Stephen F. Austin State University and have a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Professionally I have only worked in the corporate world in HR.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? The mission of CASA really inspired me. Being a mom, I can’t even imagine what these families are experiencing, so anything I could do to help bring peace in such a scary situation is truly motivating.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? The people I get to talk to! My role is to interview incoming volunteers and hearing their stories and their histories is such an honor.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? The education and the information. I could not believe how little I knew about the world of social work, but the number of families effected by this system is so vast, that I couldn’t believe how I didn’t know. It’s rewarding because I have been able to open my eyes and understand the community I live in, even though it’s not pretty and can be truly devastating. But just by knowing, I’m able to invest in my community for the better and keep pouring into it however I can.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. All of my special moments go back to when I’m in an interview with our incoming volunteers and we get to the root of why they are here. Why you want to be a volunteer is such a personal and beautiful story and the fact that I get to have candid conversations every day as to why these people are making the jump to join the organization is truly so special.

What would you say to a potential supporter? Do not take this consideration lightly. What our CASAs do is emotionally trying. Taking on the trauma of a child is so hard and it’s not something to do on a whim. You have so much support from our team, but understanding that this being a CASA is a role where you change someone’s life should be taken with the utmost consideration.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? No one is better or exempt for falling into this life. It touches everyone on every socioeconomic or racial spectrum and is deeply rooted in this community. I think once the community knows about how much is happening right under their noses, there is no way to turn away and pretend it’s not.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? We live in a world where we need to see immediate change and have immediate results. You might become a CASA and not see that right away and think “why am I here”, “why doesn’t this kid talk to me”, “why aren’t these people doing their jobs”, but just remembering that (as cliché as it sounds), just by being consistent and showing up every time, you are truly making a LIFE LONG impact in a child’s life that could be changing the trajectory for the better. Live in that mindset and lean on your CASA staff for support and you’ll see that change!

Meet Child Advocacy Specialist Quincy Thompson

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I had previously worked and volunteered with CASA in Alabama and realized there was a need for more to raise awareness and advocate for children in care. And although it can be challenging at times, it was a rewarding experience, and I had the chance to met some amazing people. So when I moved to Texas, it seemed fitting that CASA would be a good choice.

What is your professional and educational background? I have a Master's Degree in Social Work.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? After working in the medical field for several years and I wanted a change. A friend encouraged me to apply for a position with CASA and I received a job offer and accepted it.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? As a CASA employee, we hear so many heart wrenching stories and situations of families who are or have experienced some type of abuse, exploitation, or neglect. I have seen first-hand the difference CASA makes by encouraging children and showing up to advocate for their best interest.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? I would have to say seeing children in care find their forever home, with relatives or an adoptive family. Participating in National Adoption Day this year really gave me a fresh awareness of why we do what we do.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. We value our volunteers and recognize that each one of them brings a unique set of knowledge and skills with them, whether it’s a background in computer science, ministry experience, or a degree in education. They motivate us to do more and explore new avenues to reach more families in need as they give selflessly of their time, energy, and talents.

What would you say to a potential supporter? There is always a need to be filled with the children and families that we serve. Whether it's building a positive relationship with a child, helping with community events, or donating funds so that CASA can serve more child in need. They are all essential to making a difference in a child's life.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I have learned that sometimes we may not always truly understand or even see the impact that we may have on communities we serve, but we do have an opportunity to plant a seed each time we encounter a child and a family in need by showing kindness and help remind them that they are seen, cared for, and heard.

Never underestimate the power of showing up or lending a listening ear because it speaks volumes to a child or anyone whose whole world has capsized.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? I have seen and heard countless stories about why children are removed from the care of their parents, and my prayer is that someday the stories about how families have been reunited and rebuilt with love and support will out number the former.

Meet Training Specialist Sharon Young

Meet Sharon! She’s our Training Specialist here at CASA!

“Hi, I’m Sharon. I became interested in joining CASA when a colleague spoke to me about the mission of CASA. Safety, Permanency, and Healing. This is what we all need, but especially as a child. I have essentially worked with children my entire life. I began my professional career as a pediatric nurse. After returning to college, I graduated from SMU with a master’s degree in Anthropology. I continued to work with families and children through refugee resettlement programs and then as a case manager and life skills specialist with the International Foster Care program at Catholic Charities. I began CASA of Tarrant County as a Child Advocacy Specialist and became the Training Specialist in 2019.

At CASA I have witnessed the impact that a committed, compassionate adult can have in the life of a child from a hard place. It is very rewarding when a CASA shares how they have made a meaningful connection with a child, advocated for expanded services for a child or their family, or impacted the outcome of the legal case, all in pursuit of the best interest of a child.  I get to see through their eyes the importance of the work they do and the pride they feel in the knowledge that they made a difference in the life of a hurting child.

To our wonderful CASA volunteers, I say “Thank You!!!” CASA of Tarrant County was built upon your passion and hard work. We know we ask so much of you, and you continuously come forward to give of yourselves to this simple, yet monumental effort: that each child in foster care gets their best chance of reaching their potential.”

Meet Assistant Program Director Stephanie Dickinson

Why did you decide to come work for CASA?  I wanted to help children from hard places and be able to have a good work life balance for my own family.

What is your professional and educational background? I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Texas in 2013, where I majored in Political Science and minored in Social Sciences.  I was an investigator at Child Protective Services for almost two years.  In 2015,  I came to CASA as a Child Advocacy Specialist.  After that, I was promoted to a Child Advocacy Supervisor and was in that role for 5 years.  Recently, I was promoted to Assistant Program Director at CASA of Tarrant County.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA?  Prior to CASA, I was an investigator with Child Protective Services.  At that time, I was a single mother with two elementary school aged children.  Being an investigator was demanding on my time, and my work/life balance was basically non-existent.  One night, my oldest son looked at me and said, “why do other kids matter more than us?”  I put my two week notice in shortly after that.  I began researching how to still help children while also prioritizing time for my own children.  That is where CASA came in.  It’s been over six years and I still get to help children and families, and be present with my own children and family.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA?  Absolutely the non-profit paycheck, hands down.  Just kidding.  I would have to say that the work we do, although hard, is rewarding.  Seeing parents get a second chance in life to grow and learn from their mistakes, and then have the opportunity to get their children back when it’s safe is extremely rewarding.  Everyone is worthy of redemption.  Seeing families step in to provide care and connection to these children during a horrific time for all involved inspires me to be better to my own family.  Seeing volunteers and staff take on a burden no one forced them to do while they help to absorb the shock of the system for the children on their cases leaves me humbled.  I come back because the work is worth it, the relationships are worth it, and above all, the children and families are worth it.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA?  The constant reminder of how much good there is in this world even in the midst of the bad.  Our volunteers, my co-workers, families, and partnering agencies that I get to work with daily gives me the brightest silver lining in this work.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters.  Honestly, this is difficult.  After 6 plus years, there are way too many to count.  Every time that a volunteer invests in the lives of a parent or a relative is a special moment.  Our volunteers have offered so much support and encouragement to these families, and in doing so, they’ve made that child’s life better.  Children deserve to be with their family when it is safe and loving.  The most special memories I have at CASA are the cases where these volunteers have invested in the family.

What would you say to a potential supporter? Don’t wait. Everyone can support CASA of Tarrant County in one way or another.  If you have the calling and the time to work with these children,  become an advocate.  If you have the finances that allows you to donate to help the children and families secure an advocate for their case, please donate.  If you can’t do either at this time, please tell everyone you know about our agency and what we do. Maybe you simply sharing with others about our organization can help enlist others to support us in the ways mentioned above. 

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do?  We could not do this work without our local community.  Our volunteers are the heart of this agency, and their life experiences, backgrounds, diversity, and different perspectives are necessary in this work.  They provide guidance and love to those who are in desperate need of it, and our community as a whole benefits when this occurs.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers?  The impact that you have on the children’s and families’ lives will not always be known or seen during the time that we work our cases.  You are planting seeds of love, value, and esteem.  Sometimes we forget that the greatest impact in our case isn’t the outcome, but that our consistency in showing up for a child teaches them that they are worth someone showing up for.

Meet Development Administrator Kate Snow

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I had recently raised money in the arts and science fields and really wanted my work to profit the social services sector. CASA’s mission and service goals are important to me. The opportunity at CASA was part-time and flexible, so I don’t have to miss my kids’ many activities!

What is your professional and educational background? I have a B.A. in History/Anthropology from TCU and an M.A. from University College London, Institute of Archaeology. I worked in the archaeology “field” for a couple of years after grad school. I was introduced to non-profit development through friends and have worked on and off in development for the past 23 years. I have worked with United Way of Tarrant County, Dallas Historical Society, American Red Cross, Snowball Express, Key School, The Ladder Alliance, and Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? I like that I play a small (very small!) part in fulfilling CASA’s mission. Being of service is important to me and I’m happy I can help support those that have larger more direct rolls in helping children in my community.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters.  I’m still meeting people! I started work in April of 2020… the beginning of COVID… so when people come back to the office, I introduce myself in person!

What would you say to a potential supporter? As a donor or a volunteer, you can feel confident in donating your time or talents to CASA! We are very good stewards of our donors’ money and we value our amazing volunteers!

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Caring for the most vulnerable in our community is the most important thing we can do. I feel good that I can support those that are improving the lives of children and families.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? CASA volunteers are the life-blood of this organization! I’m so impressed with their dedication. THANK YOU!

Meet Administrative Assistant Teresa Jackson

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? Prior to coming to CASA, I worked behind the scenes in the Legal Unit of Child Protective Services, processing court documentation. I decided to make the switch to CASA knowing that I would be able to have more of a hands-on approach in impacting the lives of the children currently in foster care.

What is your professional and educational background? I worked for Child Protective Services- Legal Unit for 12 years. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I had some knowledge of CASA from working at Child Protective Services. I realized that this organization plays a vital role in the lives of foster children, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Hearing the mission moments that my coworkers share every month regarding the wonderful outcomes of their cases, shows that this work is not done in vain. There are many cases that may not have started off well, but once an advocate was assigned, the case turned around for the children, who now have a voice thanks to their advocate.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? I am often overwhelmed by the support and generosity by members of our community, ensuring that each child has what they need, even in a time of uncertainty that we are facing due to the pandemic.

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. In the summer, we held a drive-thru pick up where the advocates could come and grab some items (toys/games, books, clothing, shoes) for their kiddos. One of the advocates was so excited to be able to get some things for a sibling group on the case that she was assigned to. She was almost in tears just knowing how happy the children would be upon receiving the items. Those are the moments that remind me of the good work that CASA is doing and the impact that it has on the lives of the children in care.

What would you say to a potential supporter?
Every child deserves a chance. These children were put in situations that they didn’t ask for and have no say in what happens to them or their siblings. They are voiceless. By supporting CASA, you are providing resources that will help give these kids a fighting chance to overcome these obstacles. Right now, their lives are anything but normal and because of this, CASA strives to provide the tools to help them with their educational needs as well as their personal needs. CASA has been able to provide birthday and Christmas gifts as well as school supplies annually. We have given gift cards to graduates and even purchased some household essentials for youth transition out of care, due to aging out of the system. We are only able to do this with YOUR support.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? It is important to have the support of the local community to ensure that the children in foster care are provided safety, stability and most importantly, provided a voice. They need to know that they have someone in their corner rooting for them and who will make sure that their needs are being met and their voices are heard.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in ensuring that these children are heard, safe and cared for. You play such a vital role as you are the only constant thing in their lives during this difficult time. You being involved is helping them in ways you may not be able to imagine. Thank you for having a heart to serve and to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Meet Child Advocacy Specialist Megan Edge

This month we are spotlighting a CASA staff member - Child Advocacy Specialist Megan Edge.

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? My first job was working as a school social worker. In my capacity at the school, teachers would send me kids who were "at-risk" to talk to.  This role meant I often was the person on campus to whom the children ended up disclosing abuse. As a result, I would have to call CPS.  I had one particular student that came to me often dealing with severe abuse in her home. CPS was involved, and eventually, when she came to school covered in bruises, they decided to remove her from her mom.  That day,  we waited together in the school's front office for the CPS worker to come and take her—to where neither I nor she knew. It was so scary waiting for the unknown, knowing I had nothing reassuring to say to her about what would happen because I did not know where she was going.  At that moment, I knew I didn’t want to be waiting in the unknown. I wanted to find a way to actively participate in the lives of kids who were removed from their parents.  A friend from church suggested I look into working for CASA, and I was so fortunate that they were hiring!

What is your professional and educational background? I have a bachelor's degree in social work from Baylor University and master's degrees in social work and public administration, both from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am a licensed master's social worker.  In addition to working previously as a school Social Worker, I worked seasonally at Walt Disney World for eight years, driving the Friendship Boats.

What keeps you coming back? I keep coming back every day because kids in foster care deserve someone who is committed to them. They deserve someone willing to get into the trenches with them and know that every day won’t be easy but that we aren't giving up on them.  I am also genuinely so excited to work with my CASA volunteers every day.  They are the heartbeat of CASA, and I love getting to work with such an incredible team each day.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? For me, the most rewarding part of being a staff at CASA is seeing the difference the volunteers are making. When I hear stories from attorneys and caregivers about the impact a CASA volunteer has made, it makes me so proud.  The staff at CASA are all working hard to help support those connections. When I hear about the relationships that are being made possible, it is the best feeling. I am currently on a case where a child had an incident report that stated she felt that no one cared about her except her mom and her CASA.  While we want her to have more supports and connections that she knows cares about her, I think it is enormous that her CASA could make that big of an impact and is showing her that she is listening and cares about her.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I think supporting CASA is crucial because often, foster care is a hidden issue. It's whispered about in communities.  There are hundreds of children in Tarrant County waiting for a CASA volunteer—they deserve more than whispers.  They deserve to know that they are valued. They are cared about. Being a CASA volunteer may not be suitable for you—but knowing what the volunteers do and why they do it is essential to the story of success.  Child abuse and neglect happen when we don’t rally around children and their families, and when we don’t see the needs.  Supporting CASA and being a part of the mission of speaking up for children benefits all children across Tarrant County.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Keep showing up! 2020 and the first half of 2021 have not been easy. But, you are doing a fantastic job, and we are thrilled to have you on the CASA team.  Stay connected to CASA through the Facebook group and your specialist.  We are here for you.   I am so proud that you have chosen such difficult, sometimes heartbreaking work to do as a volunteer.  The kids of Tarrant County deserve volunteers as wonderful and committed as you are!

Meet CFE Coordinator Melanie Navarro

Melanie Navarro, CFE Coordinator

Why did you decide to come work for CASA?

Before coming to work for CASA, I was a social worker at a local behavioral health organization. In this role, I saw first-hand the impact that trauma can have on people’s lives and I realized that it was my calling to work with trauma survivors and their families. I was passionate about CASA’s mission to stand up for kids who have experienced abuse or neglect. When I saw a position open up, I jumped at the opportunity to join the CASA team!

What is your professional and educational background?

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout my social work career, I have worked in criminal justice, behavioral health, and child welfare settings. I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training and certification in trauma-sensitive yoga.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA?

In my role as Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Coordinator at CASA, I get to work with many families. I love seeing these families come together to support the kids in their lives. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the kids we work with reunified with their parents or placed with loving family members.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA?

 I love seeing our CASA volunteers embrace the CFE model. We have volunteers who spend countless hours searching for family members, making cold calls to possible relatives, and really working to build a lifetime network of support around the kids on their cases. It’s all about building connections!

Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters.

I worked with one CASA volunteer who was a huge advocate for the mother on her case. We often think about kids needing advocates, but we sometimes forget that adults need support and connection too! This advocate was always checking in with the mother on her case and helping to ensure she had access to helpful resources. I have no doubt that this supportive relationship was one of the reasons these kids were able to successfully reunite with their mother.

What would you say to a potential supporter?

If you are looking for a place to give of your time or money, CASA is a wonderful option! Our volunteers are so dedicated to the work that they do. We work with some amazing children and families and your support could make a big difference in their lives.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do?

CASA plays a huge role in our community. Every child needs an advocate and CASA is here to provide just that.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers?

Thank you for all that you do to support the children on your cases! These cases may have ups and downs, but I know that you truly make a difference in the lives of the kids and families that you are advocating for!