CASA Volunteer Anna Jones

For Anna Jones, family comes first. She is a proud wife of 45 years, mother of two, and “Nana” to six grandchildren.

Her love for family is how she discovered CASA volunteering, a way for her to help and heal other children and families.

“I first learned about CASA when my daughter and her husband were foster parents. When I retired, I decided I wanted to spend some of my time being purposeful about serving others outside of my church,” she said. “CASA seemed like the perfect fit where my gifts and passions collided.”

CASA volunteers like Jones are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each month, Jones visits her matched child or children, giving them a positive, consistent adult they can trust even if everything else in their life is changing.

Jones also gathers information about her CASA children’s lives and share what she learns in reports to the judge on the children’s cases. Her reports help humanize the children for everyone on the case and prevent the children’s needs from falling through the cracks.

CASA kids can be living in foster care, with a relative, in a treatment facility or still with their biological parents, depending on the situation. They can often change placements multiple times in a matter of months, and cases average around two years in length. The information CASA volunteers gather helps shorten that time and increase the success rate for kids after their cases close.

Jones has been volunteering now for more than three and a half years. Her Jessamine County CASA Volunteer Manager Lauren Hurst nominated her to be a Volunteer of the Month because of her track record of consistency.

“She never misses a home visit and could lead a masterclass on how to interact with your CASA kids,” Hurst said. “The families that she works with always trust her. She just gets to know them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and not judged.”

Jones said she has always connected easily with the CASA children she has been matched with.

“I know I am there first for the children, but I have found building a trusting relationship with the bio parents/caregivers is beneficial, too,” she said. “I have seen first hand the benefits of CASA personally in my own family, and now the children that I serve.”

To learn more about CASA or apply to be a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. A summer training class for new volunteers will be held at 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington, June 22-26.

CASA Volunteer Candye Pinkston

A Woodford County CASA volunteer has been named a Volunteer of the Month for the seven-county region served by CASA of Lexington. 

Candye Pinkston has been visiting with and advocating for abused and neglected children in the family court system for three years. One little girl she advocated for just recently had her case close successfully, with Pinkston providing what officials on the case said was “critical” information. 

“She is doing more than just the basic work of volunteering,” said Pinkston’s Volunteer Manager Heather Porter. “She is willing to do anything and everything for this child.” 

CASA volunteers like Pinkston are matched with abused and neglected children with open abuse or neglect cases in Woodford County Family Court. Pinkston visits her matched child monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, and provides reports that include recommendations on what actions would help the child. 

“I originally wanted to be a foster parent, but was not able to make that commitment. Then I heard about CASA,” Pinkston said. “I thought it was a great way to still help children in foster care.” 

Pinkston said the work of being a CASA volunteer is a great way to give back to her community, and it is incredibly rewarding. 

“Meeting with the children I have worked with is a great joy,” she said. “Working to ensure they were in the safest and healthiest environments to grow up has been an amazing feeling.” 

If you would like more information about Woodford County’s CASA program or applying to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.  

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kelsey Giurgevich

Kelsey Giurgevich is a difference-maker for a hurt child in Bourbon County Family Court. But she’s not an attorney, social worker or judge.

She’s a CASA volunteer.

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is worth your time because you are able to be a voice and provide input for a vulnerable child,” Kelsey said. “I enjoy being able to raise questions and trying to connect the dots for the child and their family.”

CASA volunteers are regular people in the Bourbon County community who complete a training class and are matched with abused and neglected children. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and speaks up if the child needs something or has a problem.

Kelsey first became a CASA volunteer about a year ago. She first heard about the volunteer opportunity from Ryan Lemond on Kentucky Sports Radio.

“After learning more, I felt this was a volunteer role I was well-suited for and a way I could make a difference in my community,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey clearly is suited to the work: Her Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region.

“Kelsey has helped identify a lot of useful resources that have benefited her CASA child and family,” Allen said. “She has also helped ensure her CASA child is getting the educational services they need.”

Kelsey said Allen’s support is a major reason she has discovered CASA volunteering can be rewarding and not time-consuming.

“Weida has encouraged me and made the work straightforward and clear,” she said. “She has good feedback and validates me and my work. The time commitment is not a burden because there is continuous support throughout the process.”

Kelsey said she has enjoyed seeing how the information she gathers has helped the people making decisions about the child and led to better outcomes. But that’s not the best part of the work.

“Build a relationship with the child is the best part of being a CASA,” she said. “The training and staff at CASA of Lexington are so great and they will prepare you to be a difference- maker for a child in your community who needs help.”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Susan Maupin

Susan Maupin had crossed paths with CASA too many times to ignore it anymore.

She had heard about Court-Appointed Special Advocates at her job. She had relatives who had been CASA volunteers. Her pastor talked about CASA volunteering. And she had seen children served by her church who were affected by the foster and family court systems.

“At this point, it had simply come to me too many times. Most people have never even heard of CASA,” Susan said. “I feel that my faith has told me that God tells us to take care of our children.”

So, she signed up for a training class and became a Garrard County CASA volunteer.

Every CASA volunteer like Susan is matched with an abused or neglected child in the family court system. The volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and alerts the professionals working the child’s case if something is being overlooked or the child has an unmet need.

It takes about 5 to 10 hours of volunteer time per month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

“It’s rewarding because you’re not just helping the child,” Susan said. “You can be helping the parent or grandparent caring for the child, too.”

Susan was one of the first CASA volunteers in Garrard County and has now advocated for three children over the past two and a half years. Garrard County CASA Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for April because of how effective she is.

“She is very calm, which is help for these kids who are often in high-strung situations,” Lamb said. “She is always focused and concerned about doing what is best for the kids.”

Susan said serving as a CASA volunteer is worth her time because she gets to give children with uncomfortable lives a little bit of comfort.

“When you can give a child comfort and a little bit of peace, it’s rewarding. It makes your heart feel warm,” she said. “I didn’t expect to get that when I signed up.”

Susan said she would love to see more people in Garrard County become CASA volunteers because they would be making their own lives better while they’re helping children.

“You might think you’re doing it for the child – and you do. But there’s so much more that you get out of it yourself,” she said. “You know you gave a child something that maybe they never had. It’s just rewarding for your own heart to know you’re helping a child.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Garrard County’s CASA program, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Lisa Travis

Lisa Travis gets a little extra joy in her life from her visits with a child in the family court system.

“Our time together is spent talking, playing games, decorating cookies, drawing or playing basketball,” she said. “It is so rewarding to see and celebrate small wins and growth, whether it is related to school, learning to self-advocate, relationships, or behaviors.”

Travis has the unique opportunity to bond with and advocate for an abused or neglected child because she serves as a CASA volunteer.

“I first learned of CASA through a speaker at our Rotary Club in Dublin, Ohio — just prior to moving to Lexington,” Travis said. “As soon as we relocated, I reached out to express my interest in volunteering.”

Travis gives 5-10 hours per month visiting her CASA child, gathering information about the child’s life, providing reports on what the child needs and speaking up for the child when there are hearings in the case.

“At first, I found the court appearances intimidating because I had never been in a courtroom, other than for jury duty,” she said. “But I quickly realized that this was simply a special group of people from multiple professions who had all dedicated their lives to representing and serving in the best interest of every child in the court system.”

Travis said support from her Volunteer Manager Madi Carson-Hoyt has made many aspects of the volunteer work much easier, too.

Carson-Hoyt nominated Travis to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of how committed she is to the work.

“Lisa has been the only adult to consistently show up for the child in her case,” Carson-Hoyt said. “It doesn’t matter where the child is placed or what is going on. She will show up each month to see them.”

“I can’t think of a better use of my time than helping a child in their darkest of days to feel loved, seen and heard,” she said. “The impact is for a lifetime and has the potential to help change the course of their lives.

“If you are thinking about volunteering, don’t let the ‘buts’ or the ‘what-ifs’ get in the way of an opportunity that will change you and the lives of those you serve forever.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Sabrina Gordon

Many know Sabrina Gordon as the executive director of the Paris-Bourbon County YMCA. She is also involved with the Franklin County Health Department and served on the Frankfort Independent School Board in her hometown of Frankfort.

“Service isn’t just something I do. It’s who I am,” Gordon said. “I believe we are all called to make a difference in the lives of others in whatever ways we can.”

One less visible way Gordon lives her values is by serving as a CASA volunteer for the Bourbon County Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.

As a CASA volunteer, Gordon is matched with abused and neglected children. She visits them regularly, serving as a positive adult presence in their lives. And she advocates for what they need, ensuring they do not fall through the cracks in the family court system.

“When I began to understand that many children navigating the court system don’t consistently have someone solely focused on their best interests, it really stayed with me,” she said. “The idea that a child could feel unseen or unheard during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their life moved me deeply. I knew I wanted to be that consistent voice — someone who would show up, listen and advocate with compassion and courage.”

Gordon has done such an outstanding job as a CASA volunteer that Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated her to be a CASA volunteer of the month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region.

“Sabrina shows up with heart, intellect and resilience,” Allen said. “She treats each child’s story with the respect and gravity it deserves.”

Gordon said serving as a CASA volunteer is worth the time investment because giving an abused or neglected child your time and consistency is “one of the most valuable gifts we can give.”

“Being a CASA volunteer allows me to be part of something bigger than myself, to stand in the gap during a difficult chapter in a child’s life, and help create stability, advocacy and hope,” she said. “When you see the impact of showing up consistently, you realize that the time you give comes back to you ten-fold in purpose and fulfillment.”

SO YOU KNOW

If you’d like to become a CASA volunteer like Gordon, you can learn more and fill out a volunteer application at www.casaoflexington.org. In-person and online trainings for new volunteers start regularly throughout the year.

CASA Volunteer Jenny Waybright

Jenny Waybright takes pride in helping the Kentucky family court system work better for kids. But she’s not an attorney, or a social worker, or a judge.

Waybright is a CASA volunteer, a regular person who gives a few hours a month to visit with children, gather information, and speak up for what the children need.

“Judges have to make life-altering decisions based on brief hearings and thick files,” Waybright said. “I believe my time is best spent being the eyes and ears of the court. By providing a judge with an independent perspective on what is truly in a child’s best interests, I’m helping ensure the legal system works the way it was intended to.”

Waybright has been a CASA volunteer for a little more than 3 years, and she has advocated for four children during that time. When she’s not volunteering, she’s working as an analyst, supporting her local running community, “spending a bit too much time binging on streaming shows.”

Her perspective as a “regular person” is exactly what family court judges often look for in their CASA volunteers. Each volunteer is typically matched with a single child or sibling set who have suffered abuse or neglect. The volunteer visits the child monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, and writes reports for the judge that help them better understand what’s going on and what the child needs.

Waybright’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month in February because of how good she is at bringing “common sense” perspective into court cases that can too often be muddied by legal questions and competing interests.

“The court listened to her common-sense recommendations and reunified a child with their parents,” Adkins said of a recent case. “This family had a successful outcome because of the hard work the parents did — and because of Jenny’s advocacy.”

Waybright said she thinks when people first hear about CASA volunteering, they often hesitate because they don’t think they’re qualified.

“You don’t have to be a superhero to be a CASA volunteer,” she said. “You don’t need a law degree or a background in social work. You just need consistency, curiosity, and common sense.”

Waybright said that often boils down to something as simple as observing a situation and saying, “This doesn’t seem right for this kid.”

“The system is designed to process cases. CASA volunteers are designed to see children,” Waybright said. “Research consistently shows that having just one stable, caring adult in a child’s life is the single greatest predictor of their ability to overcome trauma. As a CASA volunteer, you can volunteer to be that one person.”

For more information about CASA of Lexington or to fill out a volunteer application, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Susan Pope

Susan Pope wanted to find a way to put her energy into something meaningful. She asked around and discovered a local nonprofit called CASA — Court-Appointed Special Advocates — that came highly recommended from people she trusted.

She learned CASA of Lexington trains regular people to be matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. And that even though the volunteers only give a few hours a month, the time they spend with the children and the advocacy they provide can be transformational.

“I was fortunate to get involved pretty quickly after I was sworn in,” Pope said. “I enjoy the monthly visits with the kids, who tend to open up once you’ve demonstrated you are there for the long haul.”

Pope has now advocated for eight children in just 11 months – many more than most CASA volunteers take on. And she has made a difference in those children’s lives by visiting them and alerting the judge when they need things.

Because of her incredible work, her Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for February.

“Susan has done a great job collecting information about all of these kids’ lives, making sure everyone understands what is happening and why,” Stutsman said. “The information she provides has helped the judge make decisions that were best for the children.”

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of child abuse and neglect in the nation. Kentucky social workers often carry dozens of cases involving abused and neglected children at a time. Judges can hear hundreds of cases in the span of a month.

CASA volunteers, by contrast, often work with one child at a time. They focus on each child’s needs and what actions would be in the child’s best interests. Their reports help judges make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

“We have to look out for each other — especially for those who can’t look out for themselves,” Pope said. “It is hard to change everything all at once, but CASA shows you that incremental changes add up.”

If you’re interested in becoming a CASA volunteer like Pope, you can learn more and fill out a volunteer application at www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Patricia Agront

When Patricia Agront decided to start volunteering, she wanted to find meaningful work that would make a difference. 

“I am driven by a strong sense of service and advocacy, especially for those who may not always have a voice,” she said. 

So, Agront was naturally drawn to serving as a CASA volunteer — someone who visits with an abused or neglected child and advocates for anything the child might need to thrive. 

“CASA stood out to me because one consistent adult can make a meaningful difference in child’s life,” she said. “You don’t need to have all the answers — training and support are provided. What matters most is consistency, compassion, and the willingness to be a steady presence for a child who needs someone in their corner.” 

This January, after serving as a CASA volunteer for more than four and a half years, Agront has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region.  

“Patricia is one of Bourbon County’s best CASA volunteers,” said Weida Allen, Agront’s Volunteer Manager. “Her court reports are always very thorough and she backs up what she writes with information. She always explains what the child needs and she is persistent.” 

CASA volunteers spend on average 5 to 10 hours a month volunteering. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their child’s life and provides the information they gather back to the judge on the child’s case. CASA volunteers can help children get medical and educational services they were missing, have more hope for their future, and return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. 

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is worth my time because the impact is real and tangible,” Agront said. “Even small actions — showing up, listening, following through — can provide stability and reassurance for a child.” 

LEARN MORE ONLINE 

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer, donate to CASA of Lexington or learn more about what CASA volunteers do at www.casaoflexington.org. New CASA volunteers complete an in-person or virtual 30-hour training class before they are matched with children. 

CASA Volunteer Jennifer Dishman

Jennifer Dishman worked in social services for more than seven years. She saw what families involved in family court went through and even did removals of children who were in harm’s way. 

“I saw that turmoil and what it did to the kids,” she said. 

After she left the field, she couldn’t sit by knowing kids still needed help. 

“I wanted to continue to be a voice and give back.” 

So, she signed up to be a CASA volunteer, someone who visits with abused and neglected children and advocates for their best interests. 

Dishman took her first case as a CASA volunteer 20 years ago this year. She has advocated for countless children over the years in Kentucky and Virginia. 

“I’m there on a consistent basis for the kids,” she said. “The social workers can change. The kids might go to different places. But I’m the consistent person for them.” 

This January, Dishman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region. 

“Jennifer always goes above and beyond on her cases,” said Madi Hoyt, Dishman’s Volunteer Manager. “She always manages to build amazing connections with the children on her cases. I know I can always count on her to show up for the children she serves.” 

Dishman said she loves giving her time as a CASA volunteer because she gets to see the results of her work as children’s situations improve and they get their childhoods back. 

CASA volunteers typically give 5 to 10 hours a month, including visits with their CASA children, gathering information about the children’s lives, and providing information to the judges on the children’s cases. The information a CASA volunteer gathers can prevent children from slipping through the cracks and ensure they return to safe, permanent homes faster. 

“The judges see that this is essential for these kids,” Dishman said. “I wish every case had a CASA.” 

Dishman said she remembers one little girl who shouted, “I remember you!” when she came for a visit. 

“It just warmed my heart to know that I’m making a difference,” she said. “I might not move the earth, but I was there for her.” 

CASA of Lexington volunteers served more than 675 children in 2025, but that likely represents less than 20% of all the children with open family court cases. Dishman said she hopes more people will see the need and choose to do something about it. 

“Sign up to be a CASA volunteer ASAP. And bring everybody with you,” she said. “It is life-changing – for you, for the kids, for the system.” 

LEARN MORE ONLINE 

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer, donate to CASA of Lexington or learn more about what CASA volunteers do at www.casaoflexington.org. New CASA volunteers complete an in-person or virtual 30-hour training class before they are matched with children. 

CASA Volunteer of the Month Connie Boyce

For more than five years, Connie Boyce has changed the lives of abused and neglected Woodford County children by serving as a CASA volunteer. Her hard work behind the scenes for vulnerable children has earned her the distinction of being a CASA Volunteer of the Month for December.

Boyce has advocated for the best interests of 12 children since she began in early 2020, helping ensure they get what they need to thrive and can return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Those 12 children include one child who was moved from home to home five times over the course of two months.

“While everything else was changing for this child, Connie was the only consistency for her,” said Heather Porter, the Woodford County CASA Volunteer Manager who supports Boyce and all the other Woodford volunteers. “She was able to form a bond with the child. She knew Connie would always come back.”

Boyce is a retired pharmacist who has found many ways to help in her community, including as a Girl Scouts leader, a preschool substitute teacher and a volunteer at the Woodford County Food Pantry.

“I have been fortunate to have two great Volunteer Managers who have taught me a lot,” she said. “All the staff at CASA is so friendly and helpful. I know I am always supported by these people.”

Boyce recently introduced CASA to one of her best friends, who went through training this fall and is now a CASA volunteer, as well.

“I am looking forward to being a mentor for her,” she said. “Anyone who has a heart for relationships with hurting children should consider being a volunteer for CASA.”

Porter said there’s a simple reason Boyce has been able to help so many children and earn CASA Volunteer of the Month: “Connie keeps showing up.”

To learn more about Woodford County’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program or apply to be a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Evelyn Mitchell

Evelyn Mitchell has spent more than a decade building bonds with children in need and giving them brighter futures.

Most people cannot do anything directly for children in family court who have suffered abuse or neglect. But as a CASA volunteer, Mitchell has been able to help two dozen children of all ages since 2014.

“I look out and I see these children, and I bond with them. With some of them, I bond really close,” Mitchell said. “You make memories with some of these children that you’ll never forget. And many of them will never forget you, as well.”

CASA volunteers are regular people who get matched with children in family court. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, learns about their life, and provide the judge on their case with a lot of information they couldn’t otherwise know.

“The court system needs our input. They need our eyes,” Mitchell said. “We are the only ones who are going to speak up for these children and make sure the judge is actually aware of what is happening.”

Mitchell’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said she is currently working a challenging case. Different parties on the case have different opinions on what should happen, “but she has remained committed to simply being the voice of the children she serves.”

“She diligently listens to what the children are telling her and isn’t afraid to speak up for them in court,” Adkins said. “She is a strong advocate for them.”

Mitchell is a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region in December because of her years of dedicated work.

“It’s just the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Mitchell said. “I am so hooked on CASA, I don’t think I could ever leave.”

Mitchell said because there are so many children with open family court cases, there is a great need for more people to become CASA volunteers like her. There’s an initial 30-hour training class that can be taken in-person or online, and then volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month for at least two years.

“If you have any free time, please get out of your chair and volunteer,” Mitchell said. “You are needed. These children need us. And I promise you — you won’t regret it.”

CASA Volunteer Sally Brunner

Sally Brunner spent 18 years working in public health, helping low-income children and families in central Kentucky.

When she wanted to continue giving back after her retirement, she turned to CASA volunteering.

“I’ve been involved with many children in foster care and also engaged in the care of mothers who were interested in learning to be the best parents they could be for their children,” she said. “In my retirement, being a CASA volunteer has enabled me to continue to give time to kids by being an advocate.”

Each CASA volunteer like Brunner spends about 5-10 hours a month visiting their matched children, gathering information, and sharing what they learn to ensure the children’s needs are met. CASA volunteers can help children improve in school, get medical care they’ve been missing, and find safe, permanent homes.

Brunner said she chooses to advocate for young children under 3 because she knows it is such an important time developmentally.

“The time I invest is rewarding and well worth it because it is going to give those kids a better life,” she said.

Brunner’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb said thanks to the time she spends with the children and her attention to detail, she has been able to provide valuable insights that have made a difference.

“Sally shows up consistently for all five of the children she currently advocates for,” Lamb said. “She is thorough and communicates well with everyone on the children’s cases. These children have a brighter future because of her work.”

For Brunner, finding CASA has been the perfect way to continue caring for children in need.

“Every child deserves to have a voice and needs a safe and loving home,” she said. “My goal as a CASA volunteer is to help make that happen.”

For more information about CASA volunteering, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Jane Bennington

Jane Bennington loves to travel. She has visited seven countries this year, bringing her grand total up to 36. Bennington also loves to mix her love of travel with another passion: caring for abused and neglected children.

Bennington is a CASA volunteer, who gives 5-10 hours a month advocating for children in the family court system. She also travels with CASA when the organization offers planned vacations through partner agencies.

“Traveling with CASA is great,” Bennington said. “My husband and I are going to Antarctica on the upcoming CASA trip in 2026.”

CASA trips are offered through Collette Travel and other partner businesses, who donate a portion of each package sold back to CASA of Lexington. Over the past several years, funding from these trips has covered the cost of giving 21 children a CASA volunteer for a year.

As one of those CASA volunteers, Bennington sees firsthand how they can change things for the children they serve.

“Nothing tugs at my heart more than a kid who’s in a bad spot through no fault of their own,” she said. “Being part of positive change for a kid is like nothing else.”

Bennington’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins supports her on her cases.

“She is currently working multiple cases and has children in several different placements, but she continues to show up every month,” Adkins said. “She has built trust with four teen girls she is currently advocating for, and she regularly encourages them and gives them the support they have not had from other adults in their lives.”

Besides visiting with her matched CASA children, Bennington also gathers information about their lives from other people and records. She shares what she learns with the judge on the case so that the children’s needs can’t be overlooked and the case closes with a positive outcome as quickly as possible.

Bennington said if international travel isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference as a CASA volunteer.

“Please don’t hesitate to ask questions before you decide to become a volunteer,” she said. “And ask questions throughout your service as a CASA volunteer. I’ve been at this for 30 years and I still have to ask questions about certain things and use my Volunteer Manager as a sounding board.”

To learn more about CASA trips, visit www.casaoflexington.org/travel.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Courtney Fuller

Courtney Fuller knew she wanted to help victims of abuse. But she didn’t know where that passion would lead her.

“I originally wanted to be a lawyer to represent victims of abuse. But as I dug deeper, I realized I wanted to be someone’s voice and advocate for them in another way,” Fuller said.

Fuller was working on her criminal justice degree. She asked her career advisor for suggestions, which is how she discovered CASA volunteering.

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers speak up for abused and neglected children more like a caring parent than a lawyer. Each volunteer like Fuller is matched with a child in the family court system. They visit the child monthly, gather information about their life and advocate for what the child needs to thrive.

Fuller completed the free 30-hour training class for new CASA volunteers and was matched with a set of neglected siblings.

“When I got my first case, I was nervous and unsure if I’d make a good connection,” she said. “But from the first visit, everything came naturally. Now, I look forward to hearing about all of their accomplishments and exciting things going on in their lives.”

Fuller has done such a good job building relationships with her CASA children, visiting them regularly and advocating for them that she has been named a CASA volunteer of the Month for October.

“Courtney has built great connections with everyone on her case,” said Madi Hoyt, Fuller’s Volunteer Manager. “She has taken the time to get to know the likes and interests of each of the children.”

Volunteer Managers are paid staff members at CASA of Lexington who support the volunteers like Fuller every step of the way.

Fuller said Hoyt’s support is a big piece of why she has been successful.

“Having my Volunteer Manager work with me and being able to answer my questions gives me the confidence that I can do things I once thought I wouldn’t be able to do,” she said. “I know that I am making a difference in these children’s lives.”

Fuller said after seven months of serving as a CASA volunteer, she has seen how much light she can bring back into the lives of children who have suffered trauma and may not have much hope.

“In a world that is so loud and messy, I have that opportunity to be the person that can make it feel quiet,” she said. “It is such a great opportunity to be there for those in need.”

CASA of Lexington offers in-person and online training classes for new CASA volunteers regularly throughout the year. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kelly Sampson

Kelly Sampson knew how she wanted to volunteer after she retired, because she had seen firsthand the need. She wanted to become a CASA volunteer and advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child.

Sampson’s career spanned 39 years as a teacher, principal and clinical professor. But she did not want to be done working with children when she was done working.

“When I was a principal, we didn’t have CASA volunteers. But we had children that desperately needed them,” she said. “Once I learned about CASA, I decided when I retired, being an advocate for children would be exactly where I wanted to spend my volunteer time.”

Sampson went through the 30-hour training class to become a CASA volunteer and has now served for two years. She visits her two CASA children monthly, pays attention to what is happening in their lives, and makes recommendations to the judge on their case.

“The girls look forward to our regular home visits and we have built a close relationship,” Sampson said.

Lauren Hurst, Sampson’s Volunteer Manager who supports her in her volunteer work, nominated Sampson to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of her consistency and compassion.

“Kelly is a consistent presence in her CASA children’s lives, especially as they have undergone a lot of change, including being removed from their home,” Hurst said. “Kelly’s dedication to the family she works with and the CASA mission is so evident. It is truly an honor to work with her.”

Sampson said she wants many more people to join her in volunteering with CASA of Lexington.

“If you are considering becoming a CASA volunteer, please don’t hesitate. There are so many children that desperately need an advocate,” she said. “You can make a positive difference in children’s lives.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Alan Pack

After retiring from a 33-year career at Toyota, Alan Pack knew how he wanted to use some of his new free time: He wanted to volunteer in a way that was structured and had a significant impact for good.

Social work interested Pack, but he would have to go back to college and complete another degree. Then, his niece suggested CASA.

“I investigated and realized this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “I love serving as a volunteer.”

CASA volunteers are regular people like Pack who advocate for abused and neglected children. Pack is matched with one child or sibling set at a time. He visits the child monthly, gathers information about their life, and shares what he learns with the judge and attorneys on the case. His outsider perspective can help the court make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

Pack has now been a CASA volunteer for almost three and half years and he is proving you don’t need a social work degree to help abused and neglected kids.

“Alan’s first case was a baby case, so he was this big man taking on the case of a little baby. And he did great!” said Roxana Del Campo, Pack’s Volunteer Manager in Scott County. “The mom and dad were going through a divorce and he was great at getting them to work together for the child.”

Del Campo said lawyers on that case requested that Pack be kept around longer because of how effective he was.

“I feel we give the judge a more comprehensive look at the child and how they are progressing or not progressing,” Pack said. “We look at all aspects of the child’s life and give a better ‘whole child’ view of the child’s world.”

In Scott County, there are an estimated 600 abused and neglected children who are eligible to have a CASA volunteer. But there are only enough CASA volunteers to serve about 12% of those children.

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to be a CASA volunteer, after completing an initial 30-hour training either in-person or online. Pack said he hopes more people will sign up for the training and become volunteers.

“It’s very rewarding work,” he said. “You get to really help a child have a voice they would otherwise not have. That is very satisfying and fills my heart with joy.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. Online training classes for new volunteers are beginning Oct. 1 and Oct. 20.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Nina Hahn

After nearly eight years as a CASA volunteer, Nina Hahn has helped 12 abused and neglected children.

Hahn didn’t need a law degree and never needed to be deeply involved in the court system: Hahn has invested most of her career in her passion for horses. But with a few hours a month, she has also changed the future for children in need in her home community.

“Forming a relationship with a child and getting a hug and a smile is worth every minute you spend advocating for the child’s future,” Hahn said.

CASA volunteers are regular people like Hahn who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and makes sure the child’s needs are not being overlooked.

“Nina has been on her current case for several years and followed her kids from home to home, wherever they go,” said Weida Allen, Hahn’s Volunteer Manager. “She is an all-around great volunteer. She understands the goals of CASA and does excellent work.”

Because of her excellent work, Hahn has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for September.

Hahn, who is also involved in humanitarian efforts in Lexington and Uganda, said serving as a CASA volunteer is incredibly rewarding.

“If you want to try to improve the life of a child, then become a CASA,” she said. “The happiness you give to a child is returned.”

CASA Volunteer Ryan Weatherholtz

Ryan Weatherholtz was looking for a truly impactful volunteer experience. He found it with CASA of Lexington.

“Serving with CASA is an excellent way to give back to the community in a way that allows you to see a real and direct impact,” said Weatherholtz, a UK graduate who works for Valvoline Global. “I’ve loved every minute of CASA and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

CASA volunteers like Weatherholtz give 5-10 hours a month on average to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and provides reports that get the child more services and help the judge on the case make more informed decisions.

“I had previously explored (a different volunteer organization) but decided it wasn’t for me. CASA seemed a lot more structured and aligned with my abilities,” Weatherholtz said. “Getting to know and connect with my kiddo has really opened my heart and given me a new outlook on the people around me and the people I encounter every day.”

Weatherholtz has been a CASA volunteer since November 2024. The work he has done for his current CASA child has earned him the honor of CASA Volunteer of the Month for August.

“Ryan does a great job of supporting his teen child in pursuing his interests and steering him toward college,” said Dennis Stutsman, Weatherholtz’s Volunteer Manager.

Weatherholtz is grateful he has Stutsman available to help whenever he needs him.

“The support from Dennis just reinforces these experiences and helps me learn how to think through these situations from a variety of angles,” he said.

Weatherholtz said CASA volunteering isn’t something to jump into lightly, but “there are real kids depending on your support and stability. If you choose to join, be ready for a life-altering experience.”

CASA Volunteer Pat Riddell

Pat Riddell discovered CASA volunteering through pickleball. Now, he helps neglected children — and helps others discover CASA through pickleball, too.

“While I was playing one day, I was approached by a couple other pickleball players who are CASA volunteers, Ava Crow and Anne Flynn. They told me they thought I would be a great CASA,” Riddell said.

CASA volunteers are regular people who are matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, getting to know them often better than anyone else on the case.

CASA volunteers gather information about their child’s life and share it with everyone working the case, ensuring the child gets services and doesn’t get overlooked. It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school and far less likely to re-enter the family court system after their cases close. Unfortunately, CASA volunteers are only available for about 20% of children in the system right now.

“It’s been a great experience,” Riddell said. “And I have certainly grown to be a huge fan of the organization. Everyone does good work and the support staff is just excellent.”

Riddell has now served as a CASA volunteer for more than six years and helped 12 children along the way. In 2023, he helped organize the first ever Pickleball for CASA tournament, which raised awareness and more than $8,000 for the nonprofit CASA of Lexington.

This year, he is helping organize the next Pickleball for CASA tournament, which is expected to be held in mid-November.

Because of his efforts to raise awareness about CASA and his excellent work on his CASA cases, Riddell has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for July 2025.

“Pat’s work spreading the word about CASA through the pickleball community has helped more players discover CASA and either become volunteers or donate,” said Ben Kleppinger, Director of Communications for CASA of Lexington and a fellow pickleball player. “I think there are a lot of pickleballers out there who have a few hours a month to give and want to change the future for a hurt kid. Pat is helping us find them.”

Riddell’s Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said Riddell has been on a difficult case involving two siblings for the past two years. He is regularly the person with the most up-to-date information at court hearings and is great at being a “squeaky wheel” for what his CASA kids need, she said.

“Pat is so patient and so kind towards all people in the case. I believe everyone trusts him and his perspectives,” she said. “He sees things for what they are and doesn’t sugarcoat his concerns. That comes from a place of caring deeply about his CASA kids and wanting them to be the most successful young people they can be.”

Riddell said his CASA volunteer work is very rewarding.

“It’s been rewarding to see the lives of these kids changed for the better,” he said. “People should definitely pursue becoming CASA volunteers if they’re interested. They will not be disappointed. Regardless of the challenges on a case, you’ll help these children have better lives.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.