Each of the more than 700 advocate volunteers across the state is a superstar. Here are just a few of the outstanding women and men who have dedicated themselves to being a part of our community working to change a child’s story.
CHRISTINA VANDERMINDEN
CASA OF THE CAPITAL REGION
“Learning about a case and the needs of a child struggling from abuse and neglect and advocating for that child feels needed in helping shape a healthier, safe, loving future, and it became clear during my CASA training. As a mom of three adult children, I know growing up can present struggles even in a safe, nurturing household. But when life begins with abuse and neglect, the struggles are even more abundant. I see my role as someone who offers support and a voice to a child who may not know how to advocate for themselves.”
Christina is a great asset to the CASA program, she is reliable, dependable, and even though she lives an hour away from CASA’s district, she still is prompt, dependable and meets weekly with the children she is involved with. She is dedicated, and works extremely well with the children and families. It has been my pleasure to get to know her and work with her.
Rhonda Vaughn, Program Director
CHERYL GREY
CASA OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
"I love reading and playing with young children, making Christmas memories with teens intransition and supporting foster parents as they navigate special education services for the first time. Although sometimes challenging, all of my CASAexperiences have been rewarding."
Cheryl’s ability to connect with children, parents, and caregivers helps them understand what to expect while moving through the system. She continues to assure the children and families she advocates for are having their needs met and that she has their back no matter the situation or the time of day. We are grateful for Cheryl's impact on the lives of the seven children she has touched.
Kathy Park, Executive Director
CHRISTINE BARRA
CASA OF DUTCHESS COUNTY
“There are so many good people in our world. It gives me hope. In each case, each advocate, and supervisor work together genuinely and effectively to help children to make their lives better. It works! I am so proud to be a part of CASA of Dutchess County.”
Christine Barra is an exceptional CASA volunteer, renowned for her unwavering dedication to children. With apassionate commitment to advocacy, Christine tirelessly works to ensure that the voices of vulnerable children are heard. Her advocacy extendsbeyond the courtroom, as she navigates complex situations to advocate for the best interests of the children she serves. Christine's dedication toimproving the lives of children is truly inspiring, making her a standout volunteer in the CASA community.
Anne Murphy Jacobsen, Volunteer Supervisor
DORI SAJDAK
CASA OF ERIE COUNTY
“Though there are problems with "the system" I've found overall that everyone involved in my cases wants to do the best they can for the kids. It's a wonderful feeling knowing I'm part of a village of good, caring people trying their best to improve a kid's life.”
Dori is the definition of a child advocate. Dori visited children, schools, foster homes, parents and provided the court with a clear picture of what was going on in these children's lives. Dori also worked closely with the Attorneys for the Children and the attorneys with the Department of Social Services to keep everyone informed of the current needs and challenges of the families. Dori's compassion and dedication to her CASA children, has insured not only that the Judges have important information to determine best interest for all of these 7 children, but that the children know they are valued and supported, in a system that sometimes is too overwhelmed to provide human kindness.
Adrienne Linger, Volunteer Supervisor
CHRISTINE BELONGIA
GENESEE COUNTY CASA FOR CHILDREN
“I value the uniqueness of every child and family I work with as a CASA child advocate. What means the most to me is seeing the positive difference I can make in their lives from our time spent together. Children are so intelligent and intuitive; they know when someone cares about them. It's easy for adults to get caught up in their busy lives and forget just how much of an impact they can make in the lives of children. I believe that the most valuable thing we can ever give a child is our time."
Christine is an inspiration to everyone she meets. She truly dedicates her life to helping others. The hard work and effort that she puts into advocating for children and families is admirable. It's wonderful to know there are people like her who go above and beyond to make sure the needs of the most vulnerable are being met. The families and children appreciate her kindness, her wisdom, and her willingness to go above and beyond to help their children. Her commitment to CASA is truly commendable. The world needs more people like Christine.
Jennifer Metz, Executive Director
JUDY KLEMENTOWSKI
CASA OF JEFFERSON & LEWIS COUNTIES
“These cases aretough on your emotions, but the staff are always there and provide so much love and support to the volunteers that it keeps us pushing forward.They help us see that we make a difference, even if it's not always easy.”
Judy is a breath of fresh air; she wears a constant smile and is dedicated and passionate about the children and families we serve. She providesguidance to new volunteers and is always a listening ear as needed.
Natasha Delaney, Program Coordinator
SHIMOLI SHAH
CASA-NYC
“I wanted to give back to the community that may not always have been so fortunate. I want to help the parents and children of New York who need help with housing, navigating the legal system, or just be someone who will listen to their challenges without judgment.”
Shimoli "Shim" came to work as a CASA in our program starting in November 2022. Since then she has worked tirelessly with the families she servesto make sure they have everything they need to thrive. She is always available and is unflagging in her efforts to connect with and help the families towhich she is assigned. She is organized, passionate, and a consistent positive force. We are so lucky to have her as a CASA Volunteer in our program!
Meaghan Ford, Director of Advocacy
JULIA IRVINE
CASA OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
“I see great value in helping to meet the needs of children and families in the community, and in this way making it a better place for even the most vulnerable of our neighbors."
Julia has consistently and without pause embarked on new opportunities for creative solutions and support for the kiddos she serves. Julia is reliable and leads with unparalleled dedication. We are so grateful to have Julia as an example of human kindness. Thank you, Julia!
Stefanie Savory, Program Director
JULIE CARTER
CASA OF ORANGE, SULLIVAN AND ULSTER COUNTIES
“As a retired teacher, I still wanted to have the ability to have an impact on children’s lives, even if it’s one child at a time. In my experience so far, I feel grateful for the bond I’ve established with the child I’m advocating for, whether we’re reading or doing puzzles together, playing on the playground or “hiding” either at the beginning or end of visits. It’s playful, but also shows the trust that’s developed. ”
LISA AMBALAVANAR
CASA OF ROCHESTER/MONROE COUNTY
“If I can help a child feel cared-for, regarded, loved, empowered, self-controlled, hopeful for their future, others-focused, secure, or any combination of those things, then my mission would be accomplished”.
Lisa was sworn in as an advocate in October 2018.Lisa displays resourcefulness, fortitude, and determination for each child to achieve their best interests. As an Advocate, Lisa is extremely reliable in completing tasks and communicating the progress to all.
When asked, CASA of Rochester staff was eager to share that Lisa is especially valued for her courage! Even when she is in intimidating circumstances Lisa forges ahead and does what is needed- while putting her own insecurities aside.
Above all Lisa never acts or speaks in a judgmental manner. If we could recruit more individuals with these traits, the children and families would benefit.
Elizabeth Caldwall, Executive Director
FERN GOTTLIEB
CASA OF ROCKLAND COUNTY
“Children can be the victims of what happens in a family. I value the purpose of CASA to be able to advocate and try to find ways to make the lives of the children I work with better.”
Fern is a wonderful volunteer. She digs beneath the surface to understand what makes her families tick. She has recently taken on a second, complex case and for that I am very appreciative. She is always cheerful and keeps me updated on her families. Fern is a model for what a CASA volunteer should be.
Stephanie Fox, JD, Program Supervisor
KELLY EDINGER-SCAMMELL
CASA OF THE SOUTHERN TIER
“Helping children have their voice, helping them so that they can be happy and safe, helping them navigate a situation that was of no fault of their own is truly invaluable.”
Kelly has advocated for several services to be put in place in school for her assigned children. She continually communicates with the school districts and truly looks out for the best interest of each child. Kelly is always looking for different ways to approach the child with activities to learn, meeting each child where they currently are developmentally. She has used her resources to fulfill family needs to help the parents be more successful. Kelly is currently assisting a young lady prepare for college. Lastly, Kelly’s energy and enthusiasm is contagious and not to be forgotten, her toolbox of resources are very helpful to the advocate role!
Heather Aranda, Volunteer Supervisor