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!
