Hi! My name is Sandra, and I’ve been with CASA for a little while now. It’s truly been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

So far, I’ve worked on one case. Even with just that one, I’ve learned and grown so much. My background is in psychology; I earned my bachelor’s degree in it and completed an internship working with children. That experience had a profound impact on me. I saw firsthand how deeply children and teens are shaped by their environments, and how powerful it can be when even one person consistently stands by them. I realized that having someone who genuinely listens, advocates, and believes in them can plant the seed for real growth and healing. That’s what inspired me to become a CASA Volunteer.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since joining CASA is that small actions matter. Whether it’s showing up, listening, or offering encouragement, those moments add up. They can make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

That said, it hasn’t always been easy. The case I share with my partner, Joseph, has been complex, and there have been times when things weren’t going well for my teen. In those moments, consistency, communication, and dedication have been so important. I’ve worked hard to show my teen that I’m there for them; that I can be someone steady to lean on when life feels heavy. At first, I struggled with separating my emotions from my day-to-day life, but learning to find that balance has made me stronger and more effective in this role.

Of course, there have also been so many heartwarming moments. My teen has faced a lot of emotional challenges, but when they open up and share honestly with me, it’s incredibly rewarding. Those moments of connection remind me why I do this work. Watching them learn, grow, and make positive changes in their life is truly inspiring and it’s what makes every challenge worthwhile.

If someone is thinking about becoming a CASA Volunteer, I would tell them to go for it. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do. You’ll witness resilience, progress, and moments of genuine transformation. Even when the road is tough, seeing the impact you can have in a young person’s life makes every effort worth it.

Being a CASA has taught me that while we can’t always change a child’s circumstances, we can change the way they experience them. Sometimes what matters most is simply showing up, believing in them, and letting them know they’re not alone. Every child deserves someone in their corner, and being that person is both a responsibility and an incredible gift.