1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
It was actually a co-worker that told me about CASA. We attended the information meeting together.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I volunteered with Big Brother's Big Sister's many years ago. Other than that I have volunteered at Salvation Army and Mission Arlington most recently.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
My experience has been extremely rewarding, but the advice I would give is to enter with an open mind and an open heart as each experience is different.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
The time management has been the most challenging part. This is not because CASA is extremely time consuming, but more because I tend to overbook...work in progress.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
The most rewarding part of being a CASA has been meeting so many people in one accord, wanting what's best for the children.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
I have 2 CASA kids and they are model kids. My special moment would probably be attending one of the girls’ recital because she seemed pleasantly surprised to see me. My special moment with the other girl has just been watching her grow from a baby into a toddler moving all over the place.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
My daughter just turned 21 and finished college. She is looking forward to attending an information session as she is considering being a CASA volunteer in some compacity. That makes me proud!
Child Advocacy Specialist, Lisa Craig says, “Trina has been an advocate for seven months. Her first case was a sibling group and part of the Recovery Support Program (RPS) through Tarrant County Drug Court. Working an RSP case has an added element of attending court staffings each month, as well as the visits, and court hearings that are scheduled. Trina has exceeded expectations for her case and has not missed one court setting or staffing. Trina has worked to build a relationship with all the professionals, the foster parents and the parent of the children. Trina works full time, and devotes the time needed to exceed the expectations of being a wonderful CASA Advocate.”