 For as long as I can remember, my heart has been drawn to children—especially those who need an advocate. I’ve spent a large portion of my career in child welfare, working with children and families to protect and uplift them in their most vulnerable moments. I've worked within the systems designed to protect them, but I've also seen firsthand the limitations, the heartbreak, and the gaps that often leave kids feeling invisible. And for the past 5½ years, that commitment has continued through my work as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Becoming a CASA allowed me to stay connected to the mission that has shaped my life: being a voice for children who might otherwise go unheard. But recently, something beautiful happened that gave all this even more profound meaning. I recently became a grandmother to twins, and the first time I held them, I felt an overwhelming sense of love. I want to ensure their world is safe, nurturing, and filled with love and opportunity. Holding them reminded me so clearly why advocacy matters. Every child deserves to feel secure, cherished, loved, and supported as they grow. They need someone who will fight for their best interests and believe in their potential, especially when life gets complicated. As a CASA, I’ve walked alongside children and youth who have faced enormous challenges that no child should ever face: abuse, neglect, instability, and uncertainty. Many have been moved from home to home and don’t have a consistent adult presence to guide and support them. Becoming a CASA is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact as you stand in the gap. You don’t need a special degree or years of experience; just a big heart and the willingness to show up for a child who needs you. Being a grandmother has deepened that sense of purpose in ways I didn’t expect. I look at my grandchildren and think about everything I hope they’ll have—stability, love, opportunity, support, and much more. I know these are the same things every child deserves, regardless of their circumstances.
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