Meet the Volunteers

Meet Volunteer Advocate June

Having personally experienced the foster care system and adoption, this month's featured CASA volunteer, June, brings a special perspective to her advocacy.

"It only takes one adult to change a child's life for the better. I want to be that for a child. Don't you?

Meet Volunteer Advocate Mike Lapp

“In situations where there is no structure, and kids can’t rely on anyone else, I always want to make sure I do what I say I will, because I know I might be the only one in their life that does," Mike said.

Meet Volunteer Advocate Senthil Nathan

“I told him, ‘I’m going to be here until you get adopted.’ He’s been in several foster homes. I’m not going to abandon him. I’m the only one he has history with, one of the only constants in his life.”

Meet Volunteer Advocate Garrett Oliveira

"Being a constant presence in the kids' lives is so important."

Meet Volunteer Advocate Julie Long

“CASA is hope! I thought that I was volunteering to help someone else, and I am doing that. But I’ve gained just as much, if not more, than the child that I’m advocating for. CASA has had such an impact on the way I choose to view life, what success and happiness mean to me, and the belief that every moment is an opportunity. I’m becoming a better version of myself! Volunteering with CASA is absolutely the best thing I’ve done. It is worth every second of the time.” Meet Volunteer Advocate Julie Long!

Meet Volunteer Advocate Scott Glenn

“The thing that drew me to CASA was that you can’t just show up, do it, and leave,” says volunteer Scott Glenn. “It’s so much more personal. We have to really be there.”

Meet Volunteer Advocate Breier Mairena

“Volunteering with CASA has changed how I look at everybody,” says Breier. “No matter where they come from or what might be going on, I know everybody is going through something. Not only am I learning how to support the family I’m volunteering for, but I’m trying to be more understanding of everyone around me. How can I best help others?” Meet Volunteer Advocate Breier Mairena!

Meet Volunteer Advocate Jahnavi Muppaneni

“It’s easy to read about the case and make assumptions. But then you get to know the parents and families, and you see how hard many of them are working to overcome their obstacles. You see how much they are trying to change.” Meet Volunteer Advocate Jahnavi Muppaneni!

Meet Volunteer Advocate Michaela Upchurch

“When someone truly sees you and believes in you; when they see something in you that you may not see, it’s life-changing. That’s what I want to be for these kids. We need all hands on deck right now. There is such a need for this, especially after the rise of mental health struggles we’ve seen kids battling over the last year. Volunteering feeds my soul. And I promise if I can do it, so can you!” Meet Volunteer Advocate Michaela Upchurch!

Meet Volunteer Advocate Ian Spechler

"Becoming a CASA was a natural fit for me—I knew it was where I belonged. The child welfare system is desperately in need of passionate volunteers and advocates. The more we can have, the better. You will get so much out of it on a personal level as well. Being able to use your voice to stand up in court on a child's behalf—there’s nothing quite like it.” Meet Volunteer Advocate Ian Spechler!