This award recognizes an Adams or Broomfield GAL/Counsel for Youth who exemplifies the highest values of the profession and works diligently to ensure best practices and strong collaboration with the professional team and appointed CASA Volunteer. 

Emily is a dedicated advocate, trusted collaborator, and unwavering champion for the children and youth they serve. They are known for their responsiveness, compassion, and commitment to teamwork, valuing the voices of everyone involved in a child’s journey. Including CASA Volunteers, whom they treat as essential partners in advocacy. 

Their colleagues describe them as thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply committed to understanding the unique needs of every child. Whether in the courtroom or in everyday interactions, they consistently advocate for what is in the best interest of the children and youth they serve. Emily’s dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit embody the very best of this profession. 

This year’s recipient is a fierce and steadfast advocate for children in Adams County. With 25 years of service, Megan’s commitment to this community is both deep and enduring, and they continue to show up every day with a clear focus on what matters most: the well-being of children. Their advocacy extends beyond the workplace, as they consistently go above and beyond to support children and colleagues alike. 

Megan is known for their collaborative spirit and strong belief in the value of teamwork, including the role of CASA Volunteers as essential partners in supporting children’s needs. They approach each case with fairness, compassion, and respect, ensuring families are given the opportunity to move forward with dignity. 

What distinguishes Megan most is their unwavering focus on children and their ability to balance strength with compassion. Their lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for youth reflects the very best of this profession.

The Rising Star of the Year honors a newer CASA Volunteer who is already making a significant impact. Carly is highly adaptable, collaborative, and consistently available to meet the needs of both families and professionals. They work flexibly across multiple settings and schedules, ensuring strong communication and continuity of care. 

Throughout a complex and evolving case, Carly remained steady, patient, and deeply attuned to the children’s voices and emotional needs. They provided space for the children to process change at their own pace while encouraging healthy communication among caregivers, therapists, and the broader professional team. 

As an active and engaged advocate, they consistently attend meetings, collaborate thoughtfully, and prioritize child-centered decision-making. Above all, Carly demonstrates heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy, building meaningful relationships while always keeping the best interests of the children at the center of their work. 

This year’s recipient exemplifies exceptional leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to supporting both volunteers and the children they serve. Estelle has grown tremendously into their role and consistently demonstrate what it means to be a thoughtful, dependable, and highly engaged Peer Coordinator. 

Estelle is known for the time, care, and attention they invest in volunteers; often extending beyond traditional hours to provide thoughtful guidance that strengthens advocacy skills and builds confidence. Their deep understanding of cases and commitment to collaboration ensure that volunteers feel supported and prepared to navigate even the most complex situations. 

Perhaps most remarkable is Estelle’s dedication to connection, communication, and service. They consistently go above and beyond to support children directly while serving as a mentor, teammate, and advocate. Their leadership, resilience, and selfless commitment embody the very best of CASA’s values. 

This year’s recipients embody the true spirit of philanthropy through their extraordinary and longstanding commitment to our mission. 

Steven & Molly made their first donation to CASA in 2006, and they have continued their support every year since. Their unwavering generosity makes them our only 20+ year donors, a remarkable testament to their dedication and belief in the work we do. 

Their commitment to CASA is rooted in a deep, selfless concern for the well-being of the thousands of children and families in our community who have been impacted by their generosity. Through their continued support, Steve and Molly have helped ensure that children experiencing difficult circumstances have a voice, hope, and a brighter future. We are incredibly grateful for Steve & Molly’s compassion, partnership, and lifelong commitment to our mission. 

The winner of this award exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated and impactful board member. Mel’s deep personal passion for our mission is evident in everything he does, and he serves as an exceptional ambassador for CASA. By sharing his own story and connecting with others through his church and community relationships, he has helped bring new volunteers, donors, and greater awareness to our cause. 

Mel also demonstrates a strong understanding of our organization’s financial needs and is committed to helping us grow and thrive. Through his personal generosity and his enthusiastic support of fundraising efforts, he consistently goes above and beyond—inviting guests to events, filling tables, and encouraging others to invest in our mission. 

Beyond these contributions, Mel’s leadership is defined by his character. He leads with a genuine smile and brings integrity, humility, and grace to every interaction. His kindness, commitment, and unwavering support make him a true champion for CASA and a deserving recipient. 

This year’s recipient is exactly what truancy court needs: a judicial officer who is fair, accessible, and deeply committed to helping children succeed. Magistrate Kossie brings a rare combination of accountability and compassion, holding youth and families to high expectations while ensuring they feel seen, heard, and respected. 

Rather than assigning blame, they engage young people in meaningful dialogue, challenging them to take ownership of their future while helping them identify and overcome barriers to success. Their courtroom is both serious and welcoming, creating an environment that encourages honesty, participation, and growth. 

Magistrate Kossie’s work has led to remarkable outcomes for youth and families, and they deeply value the role of CASA Volunteers, consistently seeking their input and recognizing them as trusted partners in advocacy. Their greatest strength lies in their ability to balance accountability with unwavering support, inspiring hope, resilience, and lasting change. 

This year’s recipient has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the children they serve, consistently showing up with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast focus on their best interests. Throughout Heather’s work, they have built strong, trusting relationships with the children, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported during some of the most important moments of their lives. 

They are known for their thoughtful and detailed advocacy, providing the court with meaningful insight that keeps the focus on each child’s unique needs, strengths, and experiences. They approach every interaction with balance, care, and deep respect for the complexity of each child and family. 

The impact of Heather’s advocacy is most evident in the lasting relationships they have built with the children they serve. Through their consistent presence and genuine care, they have become a trusted and stabilizing figure in their lives. Their dedication reflects the very best of CASA’s mission and continues to make a meaningful difference in our community.