CASA Spotlight- Leigh Ann Nicas

This week we are excited to announce Leigh Ann Nicas as our CASA spotlight of the week. Leigh Ann has gone above and beyond on each of her cases, making an amazing impact on everybody involved! We are so lucky to have Leigh Ann as a volunteer and cannot thank her enough for all the hard work she has done for this organization. Thank you Leigh Ann for everything you have and continue to do!

Here is what Leigh Ann had to say about her experience as a CASA:

- Why did you become a CASA?

A partner in the law firm where I managed the public relations was a CASA and introduced me to the program.  After hearing how he stayed in the life of a young man who grew up in foster care, I knew that I would be a CASA one day when I could devote the time.  I remain a CASA because I feel strongly that these kids need a voice as they move through the system and they need someone telling them that they matter and have purpose.

- How long have you been a CASA for?

I became a CASA in 2011.

- How many cases have you taken?

I am on my third case because my first lasted several years.  Each case has had multiple siblings, and they are all unique.

- Favorite CASA story or moment?

There have been so many.  My first case was my most difficult.  The younger sibling was placed in a home where he now has a shot at having a productive life full of family involvement.  Seeing a life restored is very rewarding.  The older sibling’s story has not turned out as well yet, but I’m hopeful.  Before my first CASA gal who was about to turn 16 ran from placement, I was able to tell her how much I felt she has a future, that she matters and has a purpose.  I was able to tell her that she is loved.  Even though she ran away and the courts eventually closed her case, I know she heard words of hope that expressed her value.  I trust someday she’ll remember that.

- Favorite quote?

Bumper sticker: “Miracles Happen.”

- Who is the most influential person in your life?

Besides my faith in Christ, my husband is the one who I turn to the most.  He’s hugely influential in my life.

- Favorite Children’s book?

The children’s book I kept (and still have) is a short book called The Hole which was loved mostly because my dad gave it to me specifically – not for all of my siblings – just me.  It’s loved because it was gift from loving dad.

- When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Originally I wanted to be an artist, writer and actress.  I got to do all three in my career in public relations!

Thank you for everything you have done for Advocates for Children. We are so grateful to have you. Thank you Leigh Ann for all your hard work!

CASA Spotlight: Kevin Gedeon

We are excited to announce that Kevin Gedeon is our CASA spotlight of the week. We asked Kevin a little bit about his experience as a CASA and also asked a couple questions that let us get to know a little more about him. Kevin has truly been a wonderful asset to our organization and we are so lucky to have him. Thank you Kevin for everything you continue to do for CASA!

Here is what Kevin had to say:

- Why did you become a CASA?

I have volunteered for years, but I researched CASA and thought that it would be a good way to really make a difference in a kid’s life.  At the time I reached out to CASA, the Penn State scandal was just breaking and I was tired of hearing about all the horrible and stupid things that men do, so I looked into it and liked what I discovered. 

- How long have you been a CASA for?

It will be three years this spring

- How many cases have you taken?

I have taken two involving a total of three boys

- Favorite CASA story or moment?

Probably when my most recent boy, who is 5, said casually as I was leaving his house, "I love you Mr. Kevin." 

- Favorite quote?

"When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wrote down 'happy'.  They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life."   John Lennon

- Who is the most influential person in your life?

My daughter, Quinn, who is 7

- Favorite Children’s book?

A Fly Went By

- When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A player for the Detroit Tigers baseball team

Thank you for everything you have done for Advocates for Children. We are so grateful to have you. Thank you Kevin for all your hard work!

CASA Spotlight: Sally Mattix

We are excited to announce that Sally Mattix is our CASA spotlight of the week. We asked Sally a little bit about her experience as a CASA and also asked a couple questions that let us get to know a little more about her. Sally continues to have an impact on each of her cases, making each of her relationships a memorable one. Sally has done an outstanding job for Advocates for Children, and we have been so grateful to have her. We would just like to thank Sally for all the hard work she has done for our organization. Thank you Sally for all your hard work!

1.      Why did you become a CASA?

I had been impressed with this program for years, but lacked the time. My daughter never spoke, so I had to be her advocate. After she had died in 2008, I had a longing to help other kids who could speak, but had no voice in their unfortunate circumstances.

2.      How long have you been a CASA? How many cases have you taken?

I have been a CASA for 3 years. I have had two cases. My first case had 7 siblings on it and my last case had two brothers.

3.      Favorite CASA story or moment?

My favorite CASA moment was when the two boys on my last case had asked me how long I would be their CASA and if I would be their CASA even after they were out of foster care. I then asked them how long they wanted a CASA? Their answer was forever. They were reunited with their mom this summer. Mom is a true success story, and I'm still their CASA.

4.      Favorite quote?

“We are not defined by our problems --everyone has problems. We are defined by our solutions.”

- (A thought I live by, but don't know who first articulated this)

5.      Who is the most influential person in your life?

My daughter was and still is the most influential person in my life. My daughter had a unique view of what was important in life, all the priceless things.

6.      Favorite Children’s book?

My favorite Children’s book is Winnie the Pooh by: A.A. Milne. The original book is so clever and beautiful. 

7.      When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Since the time I was in 5^th grade, I always wanted to be a writer. As a print journalist I was able to live that dream.

We are lucky to be able to add Sally to our long list of amazing and life-changing CASA volunteers! Thanks for all that you have done for so many people, Sally, and we know that your list of those you help will just keep getting longer!

CASA Spotlight- María Elena Thomas

Today’s spotlight of the week is fitting for the CASA we are presenting. Today this CASA witnessed the successful close of her first case, with the kiddo being adopted by his grandparents. This week we are thrilled to present Maria Elena Thomas as our CASA spotlight of the week. Maria Elena has been a huge support to Advocates for Children, and we cannot thank her enough for all the hard work she does for this organization. Thank you so much Maria Elena for all your hard work and time that you have dedicated to Advocates for Children. We are so lucky to have you! Also Congratulations on the successful close of your first case!

   1.)  Why did you become a CASA?

When I first became a school administrator, 11 years ago, I remember CASAs coming to my school to speak with children.  After talking with them I learned that they really enjoyed their volunteer work and I also learned how important that work is on behalf of the children.  Additionally, because of my experience working with children and families and my language abilities, I thought I could contribute to youth and families in a meaningful way.

   2.)  How long have you been a CASA for?

I was appointed as a CASA by Magistrate Janski in May of 2013.  I was assigned my first case shortly thereafter.

   3.)  How many cases have you taken?

I have taken two cases so far.  The first case had a positive ending for the infant in a short amount of time.  He was adopted by his grandparents.  I found the couple to love this child!  He has a nice future ahead of him.  I took my second case in February of this year.  This one is very complicated and it involves three children.  I could easily spend 20 hours each week with this family!  I think this case will last a long time.

4.)   Favorite CASA story or moment?

It’s funny.  I was so excited to have been called for my first case.  I had been trained and I had made it clear to the case coordinators that I have tons of experience working with immigrant families, that I am fluent in Spanish and that I knew how to work with at-risk youth.  I was expecting to be assigned to a Spanish speaking family with school-aged children.  So when Andrea presented the case that had been assigned to me, I thought they had made a mistake.  The child was an infant, three months old, red-headed, white as could be and from an only English speaking family. The total opposite of what I was expecting!  I was so shocked that I asked Andrea to verify that this was the case for me.  She even offered that I turn it down if I didn’t feel comfortable with the case.  At that moment I realized that I was already committed to this child.  I couldn’t turn him down.  He needed me and for whatever reason I was the person to help him.  In hindsight, I know this was the right case for me.  I feel that my advocacy for him was important and meaningful to his future.

5.)   Favorite quote?

“Don't prepare the path for the child; prepare the child for the path.”  ~Anonymous

I have always liked this quote.  The most important work that families can do with children is to instill in them values – values that can be accessed anytime in their future.  People go through ups and downs.  They may have periods of time when they lack basic needs and even when they have nothing, the one thing that nobody can take away from them is their values.  These are deeply rooted in their beings and can be accessed at anytime.

The most important way to prepare children for the path of their lives is to inculcate strong values in them: integrity, the importance of education, unconditional love, honesty, justice, determination, and generosity of spirit.  With these, through thick and thin, children will pull through and have a productive future.

When I think about the families that we serve, I wonder about this.  I separate the material goods that they may or may not have from the long-lasting values that are being taught and modeled in the family.  This gave me an idea of whether the child will be okay in the future or not.

6.)  Who is the most influential person in your life?

Every person that I meet is influential in my life.  I can’t say that there is one more influential than the other because I will not be the same person I was before meeting the next one!  I make it a point to be present for the people that I meet.  I want to listen to their stories and seek to understand their points of view.  This attitude strengthens me so that I can be a better person for others.

7.)  Favorite Children’s book?

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Even though Max misbehaved and he is punished to his room, his mom still loves him!  And he knows it.  Children will misbehave.  Parents must set limits and issue consequences.  Unconditional love keeps them together.

8.)  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals.  Then, in college, I found out that science was hard for me.   However, I really enjoyed studying French and public relations, so I quickly changed my major.

We are lucky to be able to add Maria Elena to our long list of amazing and life-changing CASA volunteers! Thanks for all that you have done for so many people, Maria Elena, and we know that you will continue to make a positive influence on many more individuals!

CASA Spotlight- Judy Kaplan

I hope you all are having a wonderful Friday. What better way to end your Friday than with a CASA Spotlight of the week! This week we get the pleasure of announcing our wonderful CASA Judy Kaplan. Judy has been a huge asset to this organization and we are so grateful for all the work she continues to do for us! Thank you Judy for all the hard work you have done for Advocates for Children, we are so lucky to have you!

1.  Why did you become a CASA?

I became a CASA because I truly wanted to make a difference in a child's life.  After a long career in education, I also missed the daily interactions that I had with my students.  Becoming a CASA seemed to be a great way to fill that void.  Not only does my CASA position do that for me, but hopefully, along the way, I have been able to help and support my CASA children, as they encounter the complicated foster care and court systems. 

2.  How long have you been a CASA?

I have been a CASA for a year and a half. 

3.  How many cases have you taken?

I have had only one case.  I started with a 16 year old girl and about half way through the case, I became CASA to her 12 year old brother. 

4.  Favorite CASA story or moment?

My favorite moment was when my case closed and the children's grandmother was given permanent custody of the children!  It was my happiest moment in court and the satisfaction that came from finally seeing closure to a long and complicated case was overwhelming. 

5.  Favorite quote:

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."    

-Steve Prefontaine

6.  Who is the most influential person in your life?

My father was the most influential person in my life. 

7.   Favorite children's book:

My favorite book as a child was "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

My favorite children's book now is "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch. 

8.  When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a teacher!

We are lucky to be able to add Judy to our long list of amazing and life-changing CASA volunteers! Thanks for all that you have done for so many people, Judy, and we know that you will continue to make a positive influence on many more individuals!

CASA Spotlight- Lynn Harper

We are excited to announce that Lynn Harper is our CASA spotlight of the week. We asked Lynn a little bit about her experience as a CASA and also asked a couple questions that let us get to know a little more about her. Lynn has truly been a wonderful asset to our organization and we are so lucky to have her. Thank you Lynn for everything you continue to do for CASA!

 1.  Why did you become a CASA?

After I was laid off (for the last time), I was looking for something totally different from Corporate America.  My sister recommended that I look into being a CASA. She was a CASA in California and talked about the work she did to change a teen's life and I was looking for just that.  How could I impact someone else's life for the better. So I signed up for CASA training and here I am. I love it!

2.   How long have you been a CASA for?

I finished my training in 2011. So I would say 3 years.

3.   How many cases have you taken?

I am working on my second case, since I became a CASA volunteer

4.   Favorite CASA story or moment?

Once, when I took all the kids to the park and they were running around and having a good time, Draden (who didn't have a belt on his pants) was running and his pants fell down and we all started laughing (including Draden). We all laughed for the next few minutes.

5.   Favorite quote?

 "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change".

6.   Who is the most influential person in your life?

The most influential person in my life was my father.  My father always made sure his children were raised with love and respect for ourselves and others and no matter what happened, his family always came first.  He was very old school.

7.   Favorite Children’s book?

All of Dr. Seuss's book (my first book was "The cat in the hat")

8.   When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I didn't have big aspirations when I was a child, but I guess I wanted to be a secretary.

We are lucky to be able to add Lynn to our long list of amazing and life-changing CASA volunteers! Thanks for all that you have done for so many people, Lynn, and we know that you will continue to make a positive influence on many more individuals!

 

CASA Spotlight- Bryan Blakely

We are excited to announce that Bryan Blakely is our CASA spotlight of the week. We asked Bryan a little bit about his experience as a CASA and a few questions that let us get to know a little more about him. Here is what Bryan had to say:

Why did you become a CASA?

I became a CASA because I have two young daughters of my own and love them more than anything in the world. I love children and cannot believe the horrible things some children have to go through. Once my girls got to be 6 and 8, I figured I finally had some time to help less fortunate children. I had heard of the organization because my mother was a CASA up in Larimer County.

How long have you been a CASA for?  How many cases have you taken?

I have been a CASA since February 2013. I am on my second case. The first had three kids, 6, 7, 9 (two boys and a girl). Now I have one 16 year old boy.

Favorite CASA story or moment?

My favorite CASA story... So many great times and hilarious adventures. Losing happy meal toys onto roof tops, rescuing stuffed animals from major streets (quite safely), skate tricks at the skate park, basketball at the swimming pool, etc... But I guess what sticks out most, because it's how we closed out all of our visits with my first 3 kiddos, I would say. On the way home, in my truck, music turned way up, singing along to Run-DMC or Grand Master Flash - or some other old school hip-hop over and over and over again. It was wild fun and plus they got a little 'history of hip-hop' lesson!

Favorite quote?

"We see what we want to believe"

Who is the most influential person in your life?  

My wife

Favorite Children’s book?

Favorite Children's Book... As a kid I loved anything by Shel Silverstein or Mercer Mayer, especially "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "Professor Wormbog in Search for the Zipperump-a-zoo." As a parent, I have especially loved reading to my girls my favorites plus all the Mo Willems books, the Chronicles of Narnia; The Harry Potter Series... the list goes on.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, when I grew up I wanted to be an undersea explorer. Actually, I really wanted to be Jaque Cousteau. As in literally BE him. I was pretty obsessed with his National Geographic show. Eventually I realized that I needed to tone down my ambition a bit and not try to literally be him, but maybe just be an explorer.  

We are lucky to be able to add Bryan to our long list of amazing and life-changing CASA volunteers! Thanks for all that you have done for so many people, Bryan, and we know that your list of those you help will just keep getting longer!