What is your professional and educational background? I earned my BFA from UT Tyler in 2017, with a concentration in Ceramics and Sculpture. After graduating, I completed two terms of service with AmeriCorps, where I worked closely with Title I schools and supported children in foster care. That experience sparked a lasting passion for advocacy, which led me to roles in crisis centers focusing on sexual assault prevention and bystander intervention, particularly with young people. In addition to my work with other CASA organizations, I’ve stayed involved in community service through volunteer work with the SPCA of East Texas and several land conservation efforts across the state.
What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I first learned about the challenges of foster care while working with youth during my AmeriCorp service. I witnessed the gaps in support children often face, not just in resources, but in the lack of consistency. The role of a CASA volunteer deeply resonated with me because ensuring a child’s voice is heard is so deeply necessary. The combination of direct impact, social norm change, and collaborative nature pulled me in and has kept me invested ever since.
What keeps you coming back every month helping CASA? What keeps me coming back every month is the heart of CASA’s mission and the people behind it. I chose to work in the nonprofit sector because of its dynamic approach to problem-solving and CASA is a perfect example of that. The organization brings together people from all kinds of backgrounds to contribute towards a shared purpose. Every decision this organization makes truly references the needs and interests of the children and families that we serve.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA is working alongside our volunteers. I genuinely admire the heart and dedication they provide to our community.
Much like the children we serve, our advocates come from all walks of life, and their individual experiences shape how they connect and advocate. It’s inspiring to witness that level of selflessness and consistency. Supporting them in their journey is both an honor and a privilege.
Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. In the spirit of serving children well, we invest a lot of time and care into preparing our volunteers. From their initial interviews to training, to watching them take the oath and commit to their first case. Seeing them step into the courtroom, fully equipped and confident in their role, is a full-circle moment that never gets old.
What would you say to a potential supporter? If you’re interested in supporting CASA, we’d love to hear from you! We know that choosing to volunteer is a personal decision and sometimes the process can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to walk you through it, answer your questions, and help you decide if becoming a CASA advocate is a right fit for you.
Even if advocacy isn’t the path you choose, there are so many meaningful ways to support the children and families we serve. From making a donation, inviting us to speak at your workplace or community group, attending events, or simply helping us spread awareness. Every bit of support helps us move closer to ensuring every child has a voice.
Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I believe it’s important for every community to understand and support the incredible work our volunteers do. Foster care touches more lives than we often realize. You may cross paths with a child currently in care, a foster parent, or an adult who experienced the system, without even realizing.
By learning about CASA’s role and the children we serve, people open themselves to deeper awareness and more meaningful conversations. Support for CASA not only helps children feel seen and heard, but it also helps build a more informed, compassionate community.
Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Sometimes it is hard to imagine the impact you can make. In this role, success and disappointment can exist simultaneously. However, you continue to show up. Whether in courtrooms, mediations, or visits with children and families, you consistently stand in the gap to ensure every child has a voice. Your presence matters, your advocacy matters, and even on the hard days, the difference you’re making is real and lasting.