By Sara Blake
For CASA Volunteer Jannie, caring for others has been central to her since childhood. Even while growing up as an only child, Jannie was raised to look outward. Her mother and grandmother taught her to be thoughtful, generous, and aware of the people around her. When siblings came into her family later, Jannie naturally began to help raise them. “My middle name actually means princess,” Jannie laughs, “but I don’t think I ever acted like one. I was taught that other people came first.”
That instinct led her naturally into education. Over the last 20 years, Jannie has taught students at every level, from preschool through college, and today serves as a school administrator while continuing to teach college courses.
“Sometimes I call myself ‘the village,’” Jannie says with a smile. “I don’t have children of my own, but I’ve somehow always been in a position to help someone else’s kid.”
She found her fit in Family Finding, a role that allows her to help the children we serve by searching for relatives who can be lasting connections in their lives. Through phone calls, research, and perseverance, she looks under every rock for someone able to say yes to a child who needs support.
Jannie first heard about CASA while working as a tutor, including for children in the foster care system. When she moved to Texas in 2019 to pursue a career change, it finally seemed like the right time to apply.
“I do it because somebody has to find these people and ask the question of if they are able to help,” Jannie explains. “If nobody asks, those kids may never come back into someone’s focus.”
She found her fit in Family Finding, a role that allows her to help the children we serve by searching for relatives who can be lasting connections in their lives. Through phone calls, research, and perseverance, she looks under every rock for someone able to say yes to a child who needs support.
“I do it because somebody has to find these people and ask the question of if they are able to help,” Jannie explains. “If nobody asks, those kids may never come back into someone’s focus.”
An avid solo traveler, Jannie also describes herself as an elephant enthusiast and believes that more people could learn from the gentle giants. “Essentially, elephants are as empathetic as people should be. I believe we could all learn from them when it comes to seeing the struggles and pain of others and being willing to step in to help.”
