Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your background?
I grew up in beautiful Wenatchee, WA with two amazing and intelligent older brothers and wonderful parents. I lived in the Spokane area for ten years until I relocated my family back home to the Wenatchee area three years ago. I have worked in the healthcare industry for the past 11 years, a bulk of that in leadership positions supporting a large health system on the West Coast and more recently the Central Washington area.
Why did you decide to become a CASA Volunteer?
I decided to become a CASA volunteer for a few reasons. First, I wanted to be able to utilize my skills in a way that gave back to the community and helped children. I discovered that CASA is a wonderful way to help children who are the most vulnerable within society and our communities. Second, I have encountered many individuals throughout my life who have been impacted by the work of CASA’s and I have also met individuals who would have benefited greatly from a voice and an advocate who could have spoken on their behalf and supported their best interests. And finally, I want to be a part of something that is bigger and greater than myself and believe that my life’s purpose is to help those in the most vulnerable state.
Why is your CASA work meaningful to you?
My CASA work is incredibly meaningful to me because I have the privilege of helping children who need it the most. Every life has meaning and deserves to be protected and I feel that through this work, I am able to protect children and their futures, subsequently changing their lives for the better.
Why is having a CASA Volunteer so important to foster youth?
Having a CASA Volunteer represent a child is powerful. You become their voice, their protector, and their advocate. You become that steady, reliable, and consistent person in their corner supporting their health, education, and overall well-being. And in many cases, you may become their guiding light that helps them through a difficult storm in their life.
Is there advice you would give someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Yes. My biggest recommendation is to remain objective and open-minded. Your role is not to judge others, but to support and advocate for your child(ren) as much as possible. Also, show empathy. We are not all cut from the same cloth. So, it is important to understand and respect where these children come from, their backgrounds, and what they have been through so you can better advocate for them.