The world needs more Jonathans. He is the definition of someone who is engaged — engaged in his DEI career at a tech company. Engaged in being a great pet parent. Partner. Traveler. Friend. And, standout CASA volunteer.
Jonathan's CASA volunteer journey started in New York City. As he wrapped up his second year at CASA-NYC, he moved to Austin. Here, he remotely closed his final case with CASA-NYC and then immediately applied with CASA of Travis County. Because the nature of his previous CASA volunteer role was fully remote, Jonathan noticed when volunteering with CASA of Travis County that there is a unique emotional toll upon getting to meet the child he was serving.
"I would say that CASA is by far the most eye-opening, rewarding, and developmental experience I've had in my life. Helping to impact change in a child's life is worth more than anything the world can provide," he said.
"At CASA of Travis County, you're fighting for someone you really care about and advocating for someone you really know as an individual. That removes the barrier of them being a number versus a human being," he said.
Jonathan is also committed to creating more culturally competent spaces. As the first Director of DEI at the company Stats Perform, he helps build an equitable mindset into their approach and policies and advises the company's leadership team on how their decisions can impact diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Outside of work and serving as a CASA volunteer ambassador, Jonathan enjoys traveling. He has traveled to 26 countries and 37 states. Most recently, he went to Israel. He also enjoys sand volleyball and parenting Polo, his 2-year-old Aussiedoodle.
Jonathan identifies as Latino and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. His lived experiences have made his advocacy especially meaningful for children who come from marginalized groups.
"I think being someone who is a gay male and having the opportunity to work with youth has made a big difference in the representation needed to help these youths," Jonathan said. "The more people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals that can volunteer with CASA, the more representation we'll have for those individuals who need a CASA."
His volunteer experience in Travis County has involved persistent advocacy for a teen with a long-fought mental health struggle. As one of the longest-serving individuals on the case, Jonathan has built a relationship that has made frequent changes in caseworkers and placements less difficult for the child. When he receives a new caseworker, for example, Jonathan fills the individual in about the child's history, his personality, and how to best communicate with him so the child isn't confronted with lots of questions over and over. This helps avoid re-traumatizing him.
"Doing things like that has really helped even though he might not see it," Jonathan said.
Attuned to the child's behaviors, Jonathan also advocated for a new medical provider when he observed the current one was not serving his best interest. The CPS worker and judge agreed, and months into his care with a new medical provider, the child voiced that he was starting to feel a lot better.
Jonathan has built stability for the child by being present, knowledgeable, and speaking up for his needs. A few years into the case, he says, the child now has a strong team around him.
"The more people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals that can volunteer with CASA, the more representation we'll have for those individuals who need a CASA."
"He has this incredible team and that is amazing. I don't think he could have a better lawyer. I've gotten lucky that there is such a good team around him — they've been difference-makers," Jonathan said.
Jonathan brings integrity to his CASA volunteer role. He doesn't sugarcoat things. There have been deep setbacks in the case that have made it necessary for Jonathan to be transparent with the child about the reality he is facing. Jonathan knows he is one of the only stable adults in the child's life, and he feels a responsibility to help prepare him for his future.
"I've helped him understand what privilege is, how it can affect certain situations, and how some individuals with certain identities and backgrounds are not afforded the same privileges," Jonathan said. As he tries to prepare the child to age out of the system in the coming years, he knows the child will be faced with situations and decisions that could have permanent impacts on his life. He tries to give the child advice so that when he is faced with those situations in the future, Jonathan said, "I hope my voice will echo in the back of his head."
Jonathan’s Child Advocacy Supervisor, Ashley, said Jonathan takes a well-rounded approach and perspective to his volunteer work. “Jonathan takes into account the unique circumstances of the youth's identity, background, and needs to be sure that the youth feels supported,” she said. “When he is working with his youth, he gracefully balances the need to discuss hard topics honestly with his ability to build and maintain rapport.”
As impactful as having a CASA is for a child, Jonathan said he has experienced a huge amount of personal development and growth.
"I never realized the amount of impact CASA would have on me. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think this experience will stick with me and shape my opinions of things for the rest of my life — there's not doubt about that."
"I never realized the amount of impact CASA would have on me. I know it sounds cheesy, but I think this experience will stick with me and shape my opinions of things for the rest of my life — there's no doubt about that."
His work with CASA has also ignited a deeper appreciation for the causes he hopes to support for a long time, like social and economic justice.
"I would say that CASA is by far the most eye-opening, rewarding, and developmental experience I've had in my life. Helping to impact change in a child's life is worth more than anything the world can provide," he said.
For anyone who is thinking about becoming a CASA volunteer, he said, "Go to an Info Session. Talk to current volunteers. Be open and honest with your supervisor about your bandwidth," he said. "And know you will grow in some way or another through your experience with CASA."
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