This year’s award winner goes above and beyond for the children and youth she serves. Elizabeth’s commitment shines through in the way she builds genuine connections with young people. She takes the time to earn their trust and help them feel truly seen and supported. Her compassion, dedication, and collaborative spirit make her an outstanding attorney and a true ally for her clients. Above all, Elizabeth is a steadfast champion of CASA’s mission and the power of working together for children and families.

This year’s award winner is recognized as a caseworker who exemplifies honesty, collaboration, and deep respect for families and partners alike. Tiffany approaches each case with transparency and openness. Her dedication to clear communication and relationship-building fosters strong relationships among all involved, contributing to positive outcomes for the children and families she serves. She values CASA’s role and consistently keeps volunteers informed, ensuring they are included in important conversations and decisions. Tiffany’s compassionate approach creates an environment where meaningful advocacy and progress can take place.

A special thank you to Thomas Bilinksi for accepting the award on her behalf.

This year’s recipient has shown exceptional dedication from the very beginning. Adam navigates complex cases with care and calm, always keeping the best interests of the children at the center. His current case involves three children, and he’s formed strong, unique connections with each of them. With the teen, he discovered a love of dance and helped connect him with a studio where he could attend his first lesson for free. Adam now drives him to classes, using that time to build trust and have meaningful conversations. He’s the kind of volunteer who shows up, gives his all, and expects nothing in return. His consistency and compassion are helping these children thrive.

This year’s award winner is an incredible Peer Coordinator who leads with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication. With 15 years of CASA experience, Barbara is a mentor, motivator, and steady advocate for her fellow volunteers. She understands that no two cases are the same and that challenges can arise every day. She adjusts with grace and ensures her volunteers always feel supported, respected, and confident in their roles. Barbara builds strong, trusting relationships, speaks with understanding and respect to everyone involved, and upholds fairness, honesty, and transparency in all she does. She embodies CASA’s mission through her steady leadership, and we are so lucky to have her in the CASA family.

This year’s Philanthropist of the Year stays engaged at every level of our organization. Patricia’s heart for this work is evident in how she shows up for children and families. As a CASA Volunteer, she brings empathy, creativity, and compassion to every case—going above and beyond to ensure her youth feel seen, heard, and valued. Patricia was recently assigned to a Family Engagement case, where she has spent time building genuine connections with both the child and parents; reminding us that real change begins with meaningful relationships.

This year, the award winner has truly gone above and beyond. Lisandra’s calm presence, thoughtful insight, and willingness to step into leadership roles whenever needed have made a lasting impact on our organization. She consistently brings a deep sense of integrity, compassion, and strategic thinking to every conversation—and she does it all with humility and grace. Lisandra’s commitment to our mission, to the children we serve, and to strengthening the entire CASA community has been nothing short of inspiring.

A special thank you to Donna Alengi for accepting this award on her behalf.

This year’s award winner is recognized for the respectful, supportive atmosphere she fosters in her courtroom. CASA Volunteers feel seen and valued in Magistrate Ratliff’s presence—not just heard out of obligation, but genuinely listened to and encouraged. Her sincerity shines through every time she asks for CASA’s input or swears-in new Advocates, helping calm nerves and build confidence from day one. In Best Practices meetings, Magistrate Ratliff consistently asks how she and other Judicial Officers can better support CASA’s work. Because she is often the first Judicial Officer to see families in court, she plays a vital role in recognizing when a CASA is needed. Her belief in our mission helps ensure that children and families receive the support and advocacy they need at critical moments.

Since 2013, this year’s award winner has been a true force within CASA. Known for her fearless advocacy and relentless determination, Jeanette is often specifically requested by professionals and judges who trust her to take on the most challenging cases. Direct, resourceful, and unwavering, she always puts the best interests of the children first. Whether it’s securing critical resources or navigating complex family dynamics, she jumps into action without hesitation and never waits for someone else to solve the problem. Jeanette leads with integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. She’s respected for her honesty and for standing her ground, even when it’s not the easy or popular choice, because every decision she makes is rooted in what’s best for the children she serves. Jeanette is a trusted partner, a tireless advocate, and above all, a shining example of what it means to be a CASA Volunteer.