Best CASA Volunteers Podcasts (2025)

1
Alexis Longmire: I Made Me, Who I Am Today, I Did This 51:05

24d ago51:05

51:05

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth Alexis Longmire who is an entrepreneur and fashionista. Lex is a fashion journalist, stylist, traveling wardrobe consultant and a proud Los Angeles native. When she was 10, she discovered her passion for styling and has never looked back! As she gained experience, Lex immersed herself in r…

1
Shimeka Lott: The People Coming In For The Rescue Don't Need to Be Perfect But Need To Operate With A Perfect Heart 1:06:27

2M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster mom, Shimeka D. Lott. Shimeka is the visionary Founder and CEO of the Ashlynn B. Jackson Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting the lives of young people and underserved communities. With over 25 years of experience volunteering and leading community-driven initiatives, Shim…

1
Greg Rosenmerkel: I Am Glad That I Can Try To Help A Little Bit 39:31

2M ago39:31

39:31

Send us a text Part II - Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a CASA in Colorado and was recently assigned a sibling set of three boys. Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988. He spent over 25 years as an Air Force of…

1
Nicole Goswami : Your Daughter Will Always Know You 55:49

2M ago55:49

55:49

Send us a text Jayne Amelia talks with foster mom, Nicole Goswami, hoping to adopt a baby who she has raised since weeks old. Nicole does many things but most importantly a foster mom. This is her first time fostering and Jasmyn has filled her heart with so much love and joy. Nicole works in many different fields including marketing and advertising…

1
Greg Rosenmerkel: Based On Our Life Experience We Tend To Think What The Necessary Elements Are For A Child's Physical and Emotional Safety, And They're Not The Same 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a new CASA in Colorado and about to start his CASA training. Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988. He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with ass…

1
Christine Goddard: I Now Realize Why You Were There Always In My Life 47:29

3M ago47:29

47:29

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with CASA Christine Goddard shortly after the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles took the foster home of her CASA kiddo as well as her bio family's home. Christine Goddard, has been a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) for ten years, working on vital tasks like appropriate placements, health care and educational rig…

1
Danisha Keating: What Purpose Do You Have, What Passions Do You Have That We Can Encourage 1:02:31

4M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth and now child advocate Dr. Danisha Keating. In this conversation, Danisha shares her challenging journey from being a child in the foster care system to earning her PhD. She discusses the significant obstacles she faced, including experiencing homelessness from ages 18 to 24, moving freque…

1
Jeanette Yoffe: You Need To Go Into The Grief, Into The Loss, Into The Trauma To Heal 1:06:35

4M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Jeanette Yoffe, M.A., M.F.T., who is a therapist specializing in adoption and foster care and the Director and Founder of Celia Center, the non-profit she named after her first mother, Celia. *In this episode we talk about: Treating the Whole Family - Emphasis on the importance of treating the entire family u…

1
Supporting Families and Engaging Fathers featuring Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler 29:18

5M ago29:18

29:18

In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Jared Williams and Stephen Fowler from Family Service Center, an organization that provides counseling, parenting education, and prevention services to families in Southeast Texas communities. Our discussion dives into some of the biggest challenges facing families and explores insights…

1
Leveraging Systems-Level Advocacy featuring Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia 42:20

7M ago42:20

42:20

In this episode, we sit down with two incredible advocates, Sarah Crocket and Stephanie Battaglia, to dive into Texas CASA's legislative priorities for the 89th legislative session kicking off on January 14th, 2025. Sarah and Stephanie walk us through the process of identifying key priorities, share what’s on the docket for the upcoming session, an…

1
Empowering Families Through Collaboration with Heather Cantamessa 41:21

8M ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the wonderful Heather Cantamessa, Director of Family Impact at Akin. Heather draws on her work with the transformative Parents for Parents program, a model of peer support that empowers families involved with Child Protective Services, and discusses the vital role CASA advocates can play in facilitating co…

1
Facilitating Access to Childcare with Gabrielle Cloudy 28:36

11M ago28:36

28:36

Access to adequate, affordable childcare can be a major challenge for working families across Texas. Joining us today is the wonderful Gabrielle Cloudy, Daycare Coordinator at the Department of Family and Protective Services, to shine a light on the Department's daycare program and what CASA volunteers can do to help facilitate access to childcare …

1
Supporting Positive Youth Development with Dr. Heather Taussig 35:12

1y ago35:12

35:12

In this episode, we’re thrilled to be in conversation with Dr. Heather Taussig, the developer and director of the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program. Dr. Taussig gives us an insightful glimpse into this evidence-based mentoring and skill-building program created for pre-teen and teenage youth with child welfare involvement. Tune in as we explo…

1
Asking the Right Questions featuring Cindy Dyar 39:55

1y ago39:55

39:55

One of the CASA guiding principles is respect for the parents we walk alongside, as well as for all parties involved in the case. This episode is brimming with insights from our guest Cindy Dyar, Director of the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Family Defense Project, on how we can approach collaboration with parents and their attorneys with an open mind…

1
Advocacy for Health and Healing featuring Elizabeth Wendell 40:09

1+ y ago40:09

40:09

How can CASA advocacy be more deeply informed by what we know about lifelong health outcomes for youth involved with the CPS system? Research has revealed profound inequalities in adulthood related to the type of care experienced by youth in the foster care system. Joining us to put this important research into conversation with CASA advocacy is gl…

1
Illuminating the CASA Difference with Joan Ulsher 31:43

1+ y ago31:43

31:43

In this episode we're delighted to be joined by author, speaker, and CASA advocate Joan Ulsher, a powerful voice for the mission and impact of CASA. Joan shares insights from her work as a deeply devoted advocate as well as from her memoir "Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy," which touches on her own experience with…

1
Cultivating Resilience and Compassionate Presence with Christa Mayfield 34:02

1+ y ago34:02

34:02

What are some tangible ways CASA advocates can cultivate resilience and keep our compassion game strong when engaged in advocacy work that can sometimes weigh heavily on our hearts and minds? The wonderful and wise Christa Mayfield of Good Sustained shines a light on strategies for mitigating burnout and building resilience within ourselves so that…

1
Glenda Wright: I Don't Match A Stereotype 59:49

1+ y ago59:49

59:49

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth, advocate and attorney Glenda Wright. Glenda recently graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctorate in May 2022. Glenda has also earned her Bachelor of Science in Business with a minor in legal studies from Murray State University. While attendin…

1
Hope-Focused Advocacy with Cortney Jones 37:16

1+ y ago37:16

37:16

In this episode, we're thrilled to be in conversation with Cortney Jones, founder of Change 1, an organization that aims to support young adults with foster care experience in realizing their full potential. Cortney draws on examples from the work she leads at the intersection of restorative justice and child welfare practice to explore how CASA vo…

1
Dr. Bruce Sogolow: Children Do Everything They Do To Try To Meet A Need 57:02

1+ y ago57:02

57:02

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with therapist Dr. Bruce Sogolow. Dr. Bruce has been a psychotherapist for nearly 40 years. He relates that “There was a kind of inevitability that led to my practice of specializing in ‘walking along side’ of families with children who suffered from attachment challenges.” His most valuable teachers along the way…

1
Warren Press: Elizabeth And I Are The Ones Who Are Unbelievably Lucky To Get To Be Their Parents 1:05:21

1+ y ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with her friend and (very loving and proud) adoptive parent, Warren Press. Warren lives in Los Angeles with his wife Elizabeth Mestnik and their 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. Their journey to parenthood was a tad unconventional and each child took longer to reach their home than the typical gestation p…

1
Collaborative Child Advocacy: Partnering with Attorney Ad Litems Featuring Lori Duke 31:21

1+ y ago31:21

31:21

Our guiding principles emphasize collaboration with and respect for all parties involved in the case. What can CASA advocates do to build effective working relationships and increase collaboration with attorney ad litems? For this conversation, we're honored to be joined by the deeply insightful Lori Duke, Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the …

1
Rachel Elovitz: I Am Going To Do A Damn Good Job Because I Genuinely Care 55:00

1+ y ago55:00

55:00

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with guardian ad litem and child advocate/attorney, Rachel Aliza Elovitz. Rachel has worked as a family law attorney for more than 27 years. In that capacity, she has represented fathers seeking to legitimate children (who were born out of wedlock), grandparents seeking visitation rights with grandchildren, third …

1
Tige Charity: There's No Greater Agony Than Bearing An Untold Story Inside You 49:05

1+ y ago49:05

49:05

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with the powerhouse founder of Kids in The Spotlight, Tige Charity. In Tige's words: As a visionary with a strong faith & a passion for serving others, I have devoted my career to empowering young people in foster care to address and overcome trauma through the power of storytelling. In 2009, I founded Kids in the…

1
Romi Lassaly and Pat McCabe : One Caring Person Can Make All The Difference 52:29

1+ y ago52:29

52:29

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Romi Lassally and Patrick McCabe, co-founders of Ready To Succeed which has supported college bound students impacted by foster care or “scholars” (as they call them which is fantastic!) by helping them get into school, stay in school, and flourish after school with resources, relationships with passionate pr…

1
Chrisie Morris: I Will Not Let The Darkness Change My Heart 58:15

1+ y ago58:15

58:15

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with artist and animator, and former foster youth Chrisie Morris. Chrisie is a junior at Cal State University Long Beach pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration for Pre-Production. She’s currently working as a Visual Development Artist at Mr. Clown’s Productions through the prestigious Television Academy F…

1
Gavin Glynn: You Have Get Them To Trust 56:58

2y ago56:58

56:58

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with single foster dad and entertainment producer Gavin Glynn. Gavin and his then partner fostered to adopt a young boy, then Gavin went on to foster a foursome sibling set when he was a single dad. In order to keep all the kids in the house, Gavin gave up his lucrative but very demanding career as a producer in t…

1
Strengthening a Web of Supports for Teens and Young Adults in Foster Care 30:23

2y ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, we’re delighted to be in conversation with Laura Villarreal, the Neurodevelopmental Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Laura shines a light on the web of services and supports that the Texas Workforce Commission offers for teens and young adults in foster care to help expand t…

1
Elizabeth Garcia Herrera: I've Got To Do My Part Of Not Repeating The Same Mistakes As My Family 55:55

2y ago55:55

55:55

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with foster alum Elizabeth Garcia Herrera. Liz and her sisters (America's story is Episode 16 of Season 3) were placed in foster care when their mother could no longer look after them. Liz was 17 and spent several confusing years struggling to get on her feet but she put herself through college and now works as a …

1
America Gutierrez: I Am Not Going To Be Silenced Anymore 45:45

2y ago45:45

45:45

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with foster care alum America Gutierrez. America is a passionate advocate for mental health, firmly guided by the belief that our voices are our most potent tools. With unwavering determination, she fearlessly shares her personal journey, notably her harrowing experiences within the foster care system. Through her…

1
Georgette Todd: That's When Everything Changed 48:14

2y ago48:14

48:14

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth and now child advocate Georgette Todd. Georgette is a speaker, author, and a foster care and child abuse prevention advocate. Georgette spent her teenage years bouncing around from home to home in the broken foster care system before she emancipated at age 18, with no safety net or anyone …

1
Bridging the Gap: Advocacy for Educational Wellbeing with Chantal Hinds 47:30

2y ago47:30

47:30

As the families we walk alongside embark on a new school year, let's pause to reflect on how CASA advocates can have a powerful impact on increasing educational stability and success for youth in foster care. In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Chantal Hinds, an attorney, policy entrepreneur, and an advocate for the well-being of student…

1
Ron Jenkins: One Of The Reason Kids Don't Get Help Is Because They Don't Learn How To Trust Again 52:57

2y ago52:57

52:57

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with child advocate and mentor Ron Jenkins. Ron is a former foster youth who along with his siblings was placed in foster care after his mother died of cancer when he was two years old. He bounced around in foster care for several years until he was adopted by a friend of his mom, but that didn't turn out well for…

1
Lorry Leigh Belhumeur: What's Happened To You, How Can I Help? 50:19

2y ago50:19

50:19

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Dr. Lorry Leigh Belhumeur, a renowned leader in the field of mental health and wellness, with over 30 years of experience serving children and their families. Dr. Lorry’s unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals and the adults who care for them, along with her exceptional leadership skills, has p…

1
Paul Freese: Who Are You, Why Are You Here, What Will Become Of You, What Impact Will You Have? 55:29

2y ago55:29

55:29

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with advocate Paul L. Freese, Jr. Paul has worked as a public interest attorney for more than 25 years and provides consulting on holistic innovations and solutions to poverty, with special focus upon traumatized populations. He specializes in strategic project development to achieve upstream early intervention im…

1
Jeremy Buchanan: I Was Thirsty. I Think Anybody Who Wants To Make It... Be Thirsty. 59:21

2y ago59:21

59:21

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with creative and foster care alumni Jeremy Buchanan. Jeremy was raised in Illinois, Georgia, and California. He moved around a lot as a kid and attended more elementary schools than he can even count. He was first placed in foster care as a young boy and then again as a teenager when he became a "runner" as he sa…

1
Barbara Lane: They Did Everything They Could To Break My Bonds To My Sisters But It Didn't Work 56:15

2y ago56:15

56:15

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Reverand Barbara Lane. Rev. Lane is the author of "Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story." Barbara is the ninth of eleven sisters, abandoned by their birth parents, who were all placed in St. Dominic’s Orphanage in St. Louis, then eventually separated into different homes and finally reunited 43 years lat…

1
Charity Chandler-Cole: I Am Capable Of Achieving Whatever I Want To Achieve 48:35

2y ago48:35

48:35

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Charity Chandler-Cole. Charity is an author, scholar and activist and "... the CEO of CASA of Los Angeles, Court Appointed Special Advocates for youth impacted by the Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems. Born and raised in Los Angeles and having harshly endured its child welfare and juvenile justice syst…

1
Improving Access to Information, Resources, and Support with Sarah Bryant 39:53

2y ago39:53

39:53

As CASAs, we know how critical it is that parents and family members have access to the information and support needed to successfully navigate what can be a complex and overwhelming child welfare system. In this episode, we're deeply honored to be joined by Sarah Bryant, managing attorney for The Family Helpline. A project of the Texas Legal Servi…

1
Mike Wiskar: Music Saved My Life As A Kid, Teenager, Adult...Totally 53:53

2y ago53:53

53:53

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with award-winning musician and adoptee Mike Wiskar. Mike is a Leo-nominated composer, songwriter, independent music producer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist. He was also adopted as a baby and raised in a caring home by a family who loved him very much. Even so, he longed to know his birth family and finally …

1
Peter Mutabazi: My Role As A Dad...I Can Do As Much As Momma Can Do 46:08

2y ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with adoptive dad to one and foster dad to many Peter Mutabazi. "As a child I ran away from an abusive home and was helped by the kindness of strangers. As an adult I found myself in a position of being able to help foster children, so I began taking children into my home years ago to give back what was so freely …

1
Steve Pemberton: You Need To Speak To Them In The Language Of Their Dreams 1:02:18

2y ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with foster care alumnus Steve Pemberton. Steve is a best selling author, philanthropist, businessman and acclaimed speaker. Steve's "story is about defying seemingly insurmountable odds to become a trail-blazing corporate executive, enlightened diversity leader, visionary youth advocate, and acclaimed speaker. Hi…

1
Noah Nash: We All Are Special In Our Own Ways 54:36

2y ago54:36

54:36

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Dr. Noah Nash. Noah is a foster care alumnus from very early childhood, as well as an educator and creative web designer-developer who is amplifying stories, products and projects with people, for people — as he says. His portfolio includes work in international children's rights, emerging technologies, socia…

1
Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann, Carollyn Thesing, and Anna McDonnell(Part 2) 30:17

2y ago30:17

30:17

With 47% of children in foster care falling into the 0 to 5 age range, it's critical that we're up to date on best practices in advocating for young children and strategies for effectively supporting their families. Powerhouse duo Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend return for part two of this conversation with a foc…

1
Jacqueline Robles: I Saw People Die, I Saw People Get Addicted To Drugs And Fall Victim To The Streets 1:03:50

2y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with Jacqueline Robles, a former foster youth, and a relentless determined powerhouse of a young woman who aged out of the system and made her own way... jumping through hoop after hoop with the hoops always changing and ever higher. Identifying as both Indigenous and Latina, Jacqueline is set on a career to “leve…

1
Regina Louise: I'm Done With That Carrot-ing Love 49:43

2y ago49:43

49:43

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with foster care alumnus and abolitionist, Regina Louise. Regina is a sought-after speaker, teacher, coach, and author. Recently she was the recipient of the prestigious Christopher Award, given to producers for stories that “affirm the human spirit.” In 2019 she received the Jordan Award for service in transformi…

1
Elle Fox: It's So Worth It Even With The Pain That You Feel At The End 34:09

2y ago34:09

34:09

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with artist and foster sibling, Elle Fox. Elle, a high school student, has been sketching for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a family that fostered children, Elle draws on her experience of life, love, and loss while sharing her heart and home for a period of time with numerous babies and children. As …

1
Adisa: The Tenacity To Live Is Greater Than The Scars From The Struggle To Live 54:32

2y ago54:32

54:32

Send us a text Jayne Amelia speaks with former foster youth, Adisa. Adisa compares himself to a lion cub who had to fight for survival all his young life against the bigger badder lions all so hungry and looking to feed. Born in Long Beach to a single mom who was declared unfit to raise her children, he grew up on the streets of Los Angeles. Adisa …

1
Advocacy for Children 0 to 5 Years Old and Their Families Featuring Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing (Part 1) 34:54

2y ago34:54

34:54

In part one of this two-part conversation, we're thrilled to be joined by the seasoned team of Krystal Vann and Carollyn Thesing from Child Advocates of Fort Bend to draw on their experience leading a trailblazing advocacy program for children five and younger and their families. We’ll be talking about best practices in advocating for the developme…

1
Building Trust-Based Relationships with Youth featuring Jordan Bartlett 32:36

2+ y ago32:36

32:36

How can we support the youth we walk alongside in cultivating resilience across the essential, interconnected domains of life? In this episode, we're joined by powerhouse CASA advocate and social entrepreneur Jordan Bartlett for a conversation about showing up, building rapport, and creating authentic relationships with youth. Jordan draws on his e…

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