Diane Minnifield

Diane Minnifield is one of three ex-officio members of the CASA of Lexington board.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Diane: I first became aware of CASA many years ago.  I have been a prosecutor in the juvenile division of the Fayette County Attorney’s office over 25 years. I worked mainly with juvenile delinquent cases but was aware of the Dependency, Neglect and Abuse dockets before we had Family Court established in Fayette County. I remember a friend asked me what could she do to help kids. I suggested CASA, she got trained and it was like a fire rekindled in her. I think she would say CASA did as much for her as she tried to do for the kids. 

CASA: Have you served in any other roles besides board member?

Diane: I have not served in any other official capacity for CASA, but as a prosecutor in DNA court I have the pleasure of recommending cases that would benefit from a CASA volunteer.  The CASA volunteers affords us (the courts) extra eyes and ears to some of our most vulnerable kids.

CASA: Why do you serve as a CASA of Lexington board member?

Diane: I currently serve on the Board as an Ex Officio member because of the job I have in the County Attorney’s Office.  While I don’t have voting privileges, I take my board membership very seriously and I believe the comments I have on matters that come before the board are valued, as I bring the in-the-trenches perspective.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Diane: I enjoy relaxing with a good book or watching the Hallmark channel.  My friends ask me “why do you watch the Hallmark channel?” and I say, “I live the ugly and bad in the world every day in my job.  I like when love and happiness always wins”.  Also my family is a big sports  family.  Both my husband and son played in the NFL and I still enjoy watching the game, but now it’s with a more comfortable/leisurely attitude.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Diane: What I say to them every day in court: Thank you! The insight you shed in your reports connected a lot of dots for me. I can’t say it enough. When you work in this field, it’s a passion and your passion shines through. Thank you!!!

A total of 65 CASA of Lexington volunteers have qualified to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award for their work in 2021.

The PVSA award program recognizes the nation’s most outstanding volunteers for contributing large amounts of time to the organizations they support. Each CASA of Lexington volunteer who qualified is receiving a Bronze, Silver or Gold pin or medallion, as well as a personal thank-you letter from the U.S. president.

The number of CASA volunteers earning the recognition grew in all three tiers over 2020. Fifty-five volunteers earned the Bronze VSA for working 100 hours or more — seven more than last year. Eight volunteers earned the Silver VSA for working up to 500 hours, compared to two last year. And two volunteers gave more than 500 hours to earn the Gold VSA; last year just one qualified for Gold.

The Gold VSA recipients are Debra Gabbard and Brittney Thomas. Thomas has advocated for more than 45 children over almost seven years as a CASA volunteer. Gabbard has advocated for 13 abused or neglected children over four years and was also named the CASA of Lexington Volunteer of the Year in 2021.

The Silver VSA recipients are Katie Blair, Judy Kendall, Rita Klein, Heather Padilla, Judy Papania, Cynthia Phillips, Vicki Ritchie and Ruth Walker. Between them, the Silver VSA recipients have advocated for 66 abused or neglected children. They have more than 35 years of combined experience as CASA volunteers.

Two of the VSA recipients are also CASA of Lexington's Volunteers of the Month for February 2022 — Brittney Thomas and Heather Padilla.

"CASA has been a blessing to me," Padilla said. "I thank God for every opportunity to serve the children and families in Fayette and surrounding counties."

In 2021, CASA of Lexington had 278 volunteers who spent more than 18,000 hours advocating for the best interests of 616 children involved in family court. Their work includes visiting monthly with children, speaking to adults involved in the children's lives and providing reports and recommendations at hearings.

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is a significant time commitment. But it’s also incredibly important and extremely rewarding work,” said Melynda Jamison, CASA of Lexington’s Executive Director. “We are proud of the work done by all of our volunteers. Receiving recognition from such a high level is welcome and our volunteers deserve it. At the same time, they would be the first to tell you the real reward is helping children find safe, permanent homes and changing their lives forever.”

The PVSA was created in 2003 to “recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity,” according to the PVSA. The award “honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.”

Heather Padilla and Brittney Thomas have been named CASA of Lexington's Volunteers of the Month for February. Both are among a group of 10 CASA volunteers receiving either Silver or Gold awards through the President's Volunteer Service Award program.

CASA of Lexington volunteer Brittney Thomas

Thomas has been a CASA volunteer since 2015 and advocated for 45 children, often serving on multiple cases at the same time. In 2021, she volunteered more than 750 hours, earning the Gold VSA by a wide margin.

Thomas said she first learned about CASA seven years ago at a community fair.

"I called the number on the informational flyer to learn more about the program and within seconds I was hooked!" she said. "Over the years my kiddos have taught me how to be brave and how to rise strong. ... While we as CASA volunteers cannot change the circumstances that brought these kids into the foster care system, we can change how their story ends."

Thomas' Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman said she always works her cases efficiently and thoroughly and has worked 13 different cases since 2015.

"I can always count on Brittney to be the most informed and objective person in the courtroom and know that her valuable volunteer work will be clearly documented," Stutsman said. "And she somehow still has plenty of time left to explore historic homes at Christmas, Break Out games with friends and experience what homelessness is like spending a cold night with police!"

Thomas said she is a big fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and loves getting outdoors for hiking, kayaking or Geocaching.

"When not outside, I am most likely being bossed around by two spoiled rotten dogs who sleep in my bed and believe they are tiny humans!" she said.

Padilla became a CASA volunteer in August 2020 and has advocated for two abused or neglected children. She volunteered more than 200 hours in 2021 and will be receiving a Silver VSA medallion, along with a signed letter of thanks from the U.S. president.

CASA of Lexington volunteer Heather Padilla

"My favorite part of CASA is the kids," Padilla said. "Being a small part of their journey, even just to be a smiling face or a listening ear — that means the world to me."

Padilla's Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly said Padilla works hard to engage people involved on her cases to ensure the children get the best possible outcome.

"She makes regular visits, checks in with both foster and biological families and ensures all information is gathered," Matherly said. "Her position has differed from others at different points in her cases, but she has worked hard to create open lines of communication regardless of differing opinions and treats all parties with the utmost respect and professionalism."

Besides being a mom to her daughter, Padilla said she has started a flower business called Wren and Rose Flower Co. with a friend.

"I am excited for spring and the farmers market," she said.

Padilla said she thinks it takes "a heart of service and a spirit of excellence" to serve as a CASA volunteer.

"You have to go in knowing it's 100% about the child and how you can positively improve their situation — both presently and long term."

Zach Brien

Zach Brien is one of CASA of Lexington's newest board members. He is a Regional Trust Advisor at Truist Wealth, helping people create estate plans and trusts. He began serving on the CASA board in July.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Zach: I was an attorney in Western Ky before I moved to Lexington, and practiced a lot in dependency, neglect and abuse court including as a guardian ad litem. I loved working with CASA in that role and met Melynda at an event. When I moved to Lexington, I reached out to get involved.

CASA: Have you served in any other roles besides board member?

Zach: I served on the finance committee for a year before being accepted as a board member.

CASA: Why do you serve as a CASA of Lexington board member?

Zach: I have always had a passion for helping kids in need. Working as a GAL and family law attorney, I saw how effective and impactful a CASA worker can be. Kentucky has absurd abuse and neglect rates, and I wanted to serve on the board to help in some small way.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Zach: I love football, camping and hiking, and most of all playing with my sons, Hardy, age 5, and Duke, age 3.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Zach: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your work is critical to our kids and our state and the judicial process. You impact children and families for years after a case is closed, and I am so appreciative of your time, effort and generosity.

iHeartMedia Lexington announced community partnerships with eight local nonprofit organizations that address one or more of the following needs in the community: mental health, youth development and addiction. Beginning today, iHeartMedia Lexington will support the mission of these organization through the stations’ assets including on-air, on stations’ websites and on social media.

iHeartMedia Lexington will create in-kind media campaigns for CASA of Lexington and seven other area nonprofits. The last set of media campaigns will end in December 2022.

Each community partner will be promoted during a three-month marketing campaign based on their specific needs, including seeking volunteers, raising awareness and promoting events. iHeartMedia Lexington’s Local Advisory Board (LAB), comprised of over 10 community leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs, selected the recipients through an extensive application process. Additionally, the LAB identified the following key needs to be most impactful in the Lexington community: Mental Health, Youth Development, and Addiction.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with iHeartMedia Lexington in the coming year,” said Haleigh McGraw, Communications & Brand Director with Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road. “Through this partnership we look forward to the increase in visibility and awareness about Girl Scouting in Kentucky. We can't wait to show the awesome work our Girl Scouts do through service and community action projects throughout our community.”

“iHeartMedia Lexington is committed to investing in the local community,” said Earl Jones, Metro President of iHeartMedia Kentucky. “It is important that we continue to use our reach to support organizations that are working to better our community and we’re excited to serve some of Lexington’s dedicated organizations.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Lexington market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 150 million registered users.

About iHeartMedia Lexington

iHeartMedia Lexington owns and operates WBUL-FM, WBUL-HD2, WKQQ-FM, WLAP-AM, WLKT-FM, WLKT-HD2, WMXL-FM, WWRW-FM, WWTF-AM and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech, and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

CASA of Lexington has named Woodford County CASA Volunteer Mike Garkovich and Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Cheryl Rayner its Volunteers of the Month for January.

CASA Volunteer Mike Garkovich

Garkovich has been a CASA volunteer for more than two years and has demonstrated dedication to the children he has been advocating for, said Jeanne Box, his Volunteer Manager.

Box said Garkovich has logged hundreds of miles driving to see the children he is advocating for —a set of siblings who are all in different placements. The children have presented many complex challenges, but Mike found ways to make sure the courts were providing what they needed, Box said.

“In addition to working his case, Mike is always willing to pitch in with CASA activities — working tabling events and visiting the state Capital,” Box said. “He is involved in the community and is a great local resource.”

Garkovich said he learned about CASA of Lexington from a front-page article in the Woodford Sun. When he began volunteering, he was working for the University of Kentucky, but he is now retired.

“Making a connection with the kids and gaining their trust” is the most rewarding aspect of being a CASA volunteer, he said. “It takes a while to gain their trust, but you prove you are going to be a consistent (person) in their life, I think that’s what does it.”

Rayner has been a CASA volunteer since February 2020. She has advocated for four children during that time and has been “unflappable in her advocacy” for them, said her Volunteer Manager Gudrun Allen.

“She has developed a good communication style and is such a pleasure to work with,” Allen said. “Cheryl was also a huge help at the Pumpkin Festival in Bourbon County this year, enthusiastically approaching people about becoming volunteers at our CASA booth!”

Like Garkovich, Rayner said she learned about CASA of Lexington from an article in her local paper, the Bourbon County Citizen, when it covered plantings of pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month one April.

CASA Volunteer Cheryl Rayner

“For me, one of the greatest rewards of being a volunteer is knowing I play a role in helping parents end a family history of domestic violence, drug abuse, child neglect, unemployment and being uneducated,” Rayner said. “By enabling parents to better themselves, I have helped them to take pride in their choice to change their lifestyle, and to begin providing a safe, loving home for their children.”

When she isn’t serving as a CASA volunteer, Rayner makes “barn art” from barn wood and tobacco sticks and works with her mom on her farm.

Rayner said the change she helps create as a CASA volunteer doesn’t happen overnight.

“It takes time, patience and compassion,” she said. “You develop bonds with your children and their families. Sometimes they will not like you very much; other times they will be thankful for your faith in them. Always be open-minded and non-judgmental of the conditions that assigned you to a family. You will really make a significant, positive change in the lives of your families.”

CASA Board Member Miranda Wyles

Miranda Wyles first got involved with CASA of Lexington when the nonprofit expanded to serve Bourbon County in 2017. As a board member, she has helped guide further growth and expansions to additional counties. She has also helped with CASA events such as Camp CASA, Bourbon and the Bayou and the CASA Superhero Run.

"I love volunteering at our events!" she said. "It's hard to have a favorite."

Wyles, who has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for the past 15 years, said she knows that children in her own community need help, which is why CASA volunteers are so important.

"It's hard to imagine children in our own communities experiencing abuse and neglect ... we don't see it," she said. "CASA of Lexington is changing lives daily. Our CASA volunteers and staff are so amazing and I'm grateful to serve on the board to contribute in some way."

Wyles enjoys traveling with her family, spending time on her family farm and gardening in her free time.

Wyles said she is deeply grateful to every one of CASA of Lexington's volunteers.

"What you do is hard, but it is SO important," she said. "You are supported, cared about, and you are making such a difference in the life of a child."

Chauncey Morris

Chauncey Morris joined the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors in 2020, thanks to encouragement from his friend and long-time CASA supporter Fred Seitz. Both Morris and Seitz work in Kentucky's booming Thoroughbred industry.

Seitz, a former CASA volunteer, was already on the board when he told Morris it could be an excellent opportunity to get involved in the community.

“Being in the Thoroughbred industry, central Kentucky is where we are. CASA’s mission is to advocate and care for the community of Central Kentucky," Morris said. "Caring for the community is part of being a responsible corporate partner."

Morris works for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, and said he is committed to contributing to the community.

Morris said the most rewarding part of being on the board has been “seeing that we’ve built upon the good stewardship of the organization and have positioned it well financially and securely to achieve CASA’s mission in Lexington and to help it expand into the surrounding counties.”

He said he greatly appreciates the hundreds of people who serve as CASA volunteers with CASA of Lexington. 

“Your work is absolutely vital and appreciated by people you may never meet," he said. "It’s safeguarding that which will provide a lasting contribution to the children you’re advocating for forever.”

CASA of Lexington has named Barbara Phipps and Jane Bennington as its Volunteers of the Month for December. The two Fayette County volunteers have advocated for seven abused or neglected children.

Jane Bennington

“I have always known that there are a lot of kids who are one adult away from a positive future. CASA volunteers are often that one adult,” said Bennington, who has been a CASA volunteer since May 2019. “Serving as a CASA volunteer can be hard work, but aren’t most worthwhile things? It will tug at your heart and it is so worth it!”

Bennington’s history of involvement with CASA programs stretches back more than two decades, including time as a board member for CASA of Lexington.

CASA Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said Bennington’s current CASA case is one of the more challenging cases she supervises.

“In the two and a half years she has been on the case, she has been the only constant for the children,” Adkins said. “They’ve had at least five social workers and each child has been in a placement that disrupted due to abuse or neglect by the caregiver. They’ve been in numerous schools where they’ve fallen through the cracks, but Jane has been there time and time again.”

Phipps has been a CASA volunteer since June 2020 and said she discovered the nonprofit organization while looking for a way to get more involved in the community.

Barbara Phipps

 “It has been a blessing to me to be a part of a group of people that care so deeply for children here in Kentucky,” she said. “There are far too many children in our community who need someone to advocate for them. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.”

Adkins said Phipps has been professional and objective as she advocates for a sibling set of girls.

“She has built tremendous rapport with the bio parents, relatives, foster parents, social workers and community partners,” Adkins said. “Barbara is a delight to work with and is a great advocate.”

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are trained by CASA of Lexington and sworn in by a family court judge. They are matched to abused and neglected children in the system, visiting with them regularly and providing reports to the judge that get results. Children with a CASA volunteer do better in school, get more of the services they need to thrive, and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after they find permanency.

Phipps and Bennington encouraged more people to become CASA volunteers because there are not currently enough to serve all of the abused and neglected children in the family court system.

“If you’re worried you aren’t knowledgeable enough about the court system, don’t let that discourage you. CASA provides all the training you and you are surrounded by people who give you all the support you need to be successful,” Phipps said. “There’s a real joy in knowing you helped make it possible for a child to sleep more peacefully tonight, and even look forward to tomorrow.”

Jessica Johnston was introduced to the idea of being on CASA of Lexington’s board through a friend of hers who was already serving. 

“Once I found out what CASA’s mission was, I knew I had to be involved,” said Johnston.

Johnston has worked in Kentucky government for 14 years. She has been involved with CASA of Lexington since 2016, serving first as a CASA volunteer and now as a board member.

For Johnston, one of the best parts of being a board member is getting to share about CASA in her daily life. 

“It’s been cool to educate new people about CASA. Even in work meetings that are totally unrelated to CASA, I get to bring up  the organization and the impact they make. Recently I even met someone at a restaurant wearing a superhero run t-shirt and got to hear about how they had grown up in foster care and had benefited from having a CASA assigned to them. Those interactions and hearing the wonderful things that Judges have to say about the advocacy CASA does is very rewarding.”

Johnston would like to thank all CASA volunteers.

“Without them, judges, social workers, and GALs wouldn't have the information they need to make informed decisions about what is best for these children. Both from being an advocate myself and from being on the board, it’s amazing to see the impact of their contribution to these kids.”

CASA of Lexington has named Jackie Washburn and Stephanie Butler as CASA Volunteers of the Month for November.

CASA Volunteer Jackie Washburn

Washburn has been a CASA volunteer for more than five and a half years. She has advocated for 10 abused or neglected children over six family court cases during that time.

Washburn said she had previously served as a CASA volunteer and as she got ready to retire from her job with Toyota, she thought, “I’m going back to CASA.”

“I just missed it real bad and I wanted to help,” she said. “It’s fulfilling and you’re helping. I know the numbers of kids in need are going up. I’m making a difference if I can help a family.”

Washburn’s Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly nominated her for the honor.

“Jackie does a wonderful job of connecting with both the families and children in her cases,” Matherly said. “Most recently, she was re-appointed to a case she had previously been on, which had closed. The relationships she had built previously helped her jump right back in with the family this time around.”

CASA volunteers visit with abused or neglected children monthly, often getting to know them and their needs better than anyone else in the courtroom. The insights and context provided by CASA reports help judges make more informed decisions that get kids services they need and move them back into safe, permanent homes faster.

CASA Volunteer Stephanie Butler

Stephanie Butler is also a CASA Volunteer of the Month for November. Butler recently moved to Georgia for her husband’s job, but has continued to serve on her current CASA case.

CASA volunteers are asked to commit to serving through the closure of their CASA child’s case, in order to ensure consistency for the child. For some CASA children, their CASA volunteer is the only adult consistently showing up in their lives.

Butler’s Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said she has gone above and beyond in her dedication.

“Stephanie wants to see her case through to closure and drives from Atlanta monthly to visit her CASA kids,” Noffsinger said. “Stephanie’s court reports are exemplary. She provides so much detail that the judge remarked she really feels like she knows the kids so much better because of it.”

Butler said she really enjoys being a consistent presence in her CASA children’s lives.

“The kids have been in multiple placements, had different schools, therapists, doctors …” she said. “I try very hard to let the kids know that I will always be there for them. It is so important for kids to know that there is an adult that they can count on.”

Both Butler and Washburn said they would encourage others to become CASA volunteers, as well.

“You cannot always fix a problem or situation. However, you can be there for the kids!” Butler said. “Knowing that you are helping kids and families navigate the system to get them as much help as possible and have the best outcome possible is the reward.”

CASA of Lexington volunteer Debra Gabbard, left, receives the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award at CASA of Lexington’s annual volunteer appreciation Fall Festival.

Debra Gabbard has been honored by CASA of Lexington as the 2021 CASA Volunteer of the Year.

Gabbard is a Lexmark employee who has been advocating for abused and neglected children since early 2018. She has advocated for 13 children across four cases during her more than three and half years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. She has also recruited numerous coworkers and friends to serve as CASA volunteers.

“Debra is capable of handling strong personalities in complex cases with insight, patience and respect for everyone, whether that is a parent irritated about having a case plan or a relative placement with need for resources referrals or a child who wants to make sure the judge hears his concerns,” said Dennis Stutsman, Gabbard’s Volunteer Manager. “I am proud to have Debra on my team. She is one of the most capable volunteers who can handle two cases at once without missing anything.”

Gabbard learned about CASA of Lexington through a backpack program at Lexmark.

“I had been donating school supplies and didn’t know much about CASA, but that led me to investigate more,” she said. “I have done a lot of volunteering throughout my life. Volunteering with CASA is a commitment and I think that’s why it’s so rewarding. It’s not just that you’re volunteering for this particular day; you are committing to the program — you’re committing to the children. I’ve told everybody it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Gabbard was honored as Volunteer of the Year at CASA of Lexington’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Fall Festival.

Stutsman said Gabbard’s contributions to CASA go far beyond her excellent advocacy.

“Any time we need the perspective of an experienced CASA volunteer to teach new trainees, Debra is at the top of the list of ‘go-to’ volunteers. And she is always the first to step forward to help with any CASA event,” he said. “Debra has recruited so many new volunteers it is hard to keep count. And she still makes sure to support CASA in events like our Superhero Run. There seems to be no end to her enthusiasm for helping kids.”

Gabbard said she has recruited many other CASA volunteers by being open about how meaningful an experience it has been for her.

“I think Lexmark is very supportive of us and of volunteer opportunities,” she said. “I have a lot of really good friends who are caring people. I think it has been through a culmination of sharing what I have done with the people I work with and my friends on Facebook.”

Gabbard said one of her favorite moments from her advocacy work was when she was invited to the adoption ceremony for one of the children she had advocated for.

“It was amazing for me to be able to be a part of that,” she said. “… I smile when I talk about CASA. It’s life-changing.”

Gabbard said people sometimes are reluctant to get involved because of the tough situations many CASA children face — they don’t know how they would handle knowing about the abuse or neglect the children have suffered.

“But the truth is that it is happening. Regardless of whether you see it or not, it’s happening,” Gabbard said. “To know that you’re going in as a CASA volunteer and making recommendations for that child, and the judge is listening to you — the rewards are just so much greater.

“I’ve never done anything that I feel makes as much of a difference as what I do with CASA.”

New CASA volunteers are sworn in Oct. 7 after completing a 30-hour training class.

Central Kentucky gained 23 advocates for abused and neglected children this month. 

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton swore in the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on Oct. 7. The volunteers will be matched with abused and neglected children in five central Kentucky counties: Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Scott and Jessamine. 

CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the family court system, providing details the judge otherwise might not have and identifying children’s needs that have been overlooked. Research has shown CASA volunteers help children receive more services, do better in school and return to safe, permanent homes faster. 

Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton speaks to new CASA volunteers during a swearing in ceremony on Oct. 7, 2021.

“I often will read the CASA report first when I’m preparing for my docket,” Judge Masterton told those gathered for the swearing in ceremony. “It really frames my approach to the rest of it. It gives me a completely different perspective on the way I think about the case.” 

Many of the children CASA volunteers are matched with have suffered severe neglect or physical abuse. They may be living in foster care or with relatives while their case moves through the courts. Some have been moved among multiple placements in a matter of months.

Masterton noted social workers and attorneys in family court “are way overwhelmed and have huge caseloads,” which prevent them from developing the personal relationship with an abused child like a CASA volunteer can. 

“The only person who can kind of drill through all the noise is the CASA volunteer,” she said. “We don’t always agree on everything, but getting that vantage point is very important to me.” 

New CASA volunteers are sworn in by Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton, bottom right, on Oct. 7, 2021.

The 23 new CASA volunteers completed a 30-hour training before being sworn in. They will each be assigned to a Volunteer Manager, a full-time staff member with CASA of Lexington who supports them every step of the way. 

CASA volunteers spend five to 10 hours a month volunteering and commit to serve for at least two years, in order to provide consistency for the children they work with. 

Four of the new advocates have signed up to volunteer in Jessamine County, where CASA of Lexington just launched a CASA program this year. Jessamine County was previously the largest county in Kentucky without a CASA program; it now has 10 CASA volunteers ready to advocate for abused and neglected children. 

Three of the new volunteers will be assigned to cases in Scott County, which first added a CASA program in 2020, bringing that county’s number of volunteers to 23. 

Woodford and Bourbon counties each gained one new volunteer from this class; the rest of the new volunteers will serve children in Fayette County. 

“These 23 new volunteers could make a life-changing difference for as many as 60 children over the next year,” CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said. “There are many more children right here in our communities who could use a CASA volunteer, but unfortunately we do not have enough volunteers to serve all of them.” 

CASA of Lexington’s next training for new volunteers begins Jan. 11; a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.  

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton has been named Judge of the Year by the Kentucky CASA Network.

WATCH: Judge Masterton’s acceptance video is available on YouTube.

Masterton was honored during the KCN’s Awards of Excellence on Oct. 1. She has been a family court judge handling dependency, neglect and abuse cases since 2006, and is planning to retire at the end of her current term.

“I am most privileged and most honored and touched — there aren’t really words to describe how taken I am with the honor that CASA has given me this year,” Masterton said. “I am thrilled that CASA believes that I deserve this honor, but the honor really goes to CASA. It is such a remarkable program. It’s service to the children in this community is beyond measure.”

CASA of Lexington Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins, who serves in Judge Masterton’s court, nominated her for the award.

“I’ve seen Judge Masterton be ethical and fair in her decision-making and doing everything she can to support reunification of families when it is safe,” Adkins said. “She is a proponent of CASA in our community, our state and our nation. She is highly respected and assists in training new judges across Kentucky. She was also recently named to the national CASA Leadership Council.”

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said Masterton regularly presides over swearing in ceremonies for new CASA volunteers and has helped raise awareness about the CASA program through the Kentucky judges’ annual judicial college, leading to more awareness statewide.

CASA volunteers are trained and sworn community volunteers who are assigned typically to one case at a time in the family court system. They visit with the child or siblings who have been abused or neglected, talk with adults involved in the children’s life, and review medical and educational records. In the course of their work, which takes 5 to 10 hours a month, they improve communication and identify needs of the child that may have been overlooked.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to receive services, more likely to do well in school and more likely to find a safe, permanent home that never disrupts again.

Judge Masterton recalled one case that stands out to her, in which a child was struggling with severe behavioral problems. The CASA volunteer identified hearing loss as a central cause of the behavioral issues.

“Because of the CASA, this child now has cochlear implants, is working with the Kentucky School for the Deaf, has tremendous services and his behavior has gotten better,” she said. “That’s just one example and it’s so powerful to me.”

Adkins said Masterton’s awareness of community resources and tireless efforts to get children and families services that can help them set her apart.

“Judge Masterton is nearing retirement and after her many years of service and her support of CASA of Lexington, I can’t think of someone more deserving for CASA judge of the year,” Adkins said.

Masterton said she is equally honored to have CASA volunteers available for difficult cases in her courtroom.

I really have to say it’s back at you,” she said. “This program is what makes my job easier and makes me a better judge because I have that voice of the CASA.”

CASA of Lexington has named Traci Irvin and Brandi Damkier as its Volunteers of the Month for October. Both have been advocating for abused and neglected children for about four years.

Brandi Damkier

"When I moved to Lexington 4 years ago, my cousin recommended that I become a volunteer," Damkier said. "Prior to that, I knew very little about CASA. Having prior personal experience in family court prompted me to want to help others navigate a system that can be overwhelming and scary."

A CASA volunteer visits regularly with the child on their case, often getting to know that child better than anyone else involved in the courtroom. The CASA volunteer serves as the eyes and ears of the judge on the case, leading to better outcomes for some of Kentucky's most vulnerable children.

"As a CASA I have been able to connect with children, teens and families that have desperately needed someone to guide them through the emotional and confusing path of foster care," Damkier said. "My reward is simply knowing that I am making a loving impact in their lives."

Traci Irvin

Irvin said she got involved as a CASA volunteer after she and her spouse closed their third adoption.

"My husband said, 'You have to find another way of helping kids besides bringing them all home,'" she said. "CASA has been the perfect fit!"

Irvin and Damkier were nominated for Volunteer of the Month by their Volunteer Managers, full-time staff who train and support CASA volunteers every step of the way.

"Traci Irvin demonstrates dedication in the time she spends communicating with her CASA kiddos throughout each month, and great love in how she advocates for them," said Gudrun Allen, Irvin's Volunteer Manager. "She does not hesitate to speak up in court and is not intimidated by the difficulties that may come up in a case. I admire her passion for this advocacy!"

Dennis Stutsman, Damkier's Volunteer Manager, said none of the cases she has worked have been easy.

"She digs into her cases and works relentlessly to achieve the best interests of her kids," Stutsman said.

One case involved an infant born to a severely addicted mother. She watched out for the child's needs as it was cared for first by a loving foster family, then with the child's biological father.

"Brandi worked professionally everyone — foster parents, maternal grandparents and the child's dad — to ensure that the child found a safe, supportive and permanent home with family," Stutsman said.

Both Volunteers of the Month say they would encourage anyone interested in helping children to look into becoming  a CASA volunteer.

Irvin said her faith plays a big role in her decision to serve.

"Allow the Lord to lead you, and if or when he does, never stop praying over which CASA case to take, praying over your CASA kiddos, as well as yourself as a CASA volunteer," she said.

Damkier said serving as a CASA volunteer can be a life-changing experience.

"You will become empowered and impassioned to help these children," she said. "Your heart will be opened and although you are serving them — you will get so much more in return. I encourage everyone I meet to consider becoming a CASA!"

As Volunteers of the Month, Damkier and Irvin will each receive a free session at the Lexington Salt Cave and a Volunteer of the Month magnet.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, the next 30-hour training class begins Jan. 11. CASA volunteers must pass a background check and be at least 21 years old. They volunteer for 5-10 hours a month and commit to at least two years of service.

You can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org/learn, by emailing info@casaoflexington.org or by calling (859) 246-4313.

Judy Cummins

Judy Cummins was first introduced to CASA of Lexington when her husband’s company, Dan Cummins Chevrolet, became a financial supporter of the organization.

She immediately took to the mission of CASA and her enthusiasm for serving motivated her to join the board. 

“(Executive Director) Melynda Jamison’s leadership made me want to be part of CASA," she said. "I have huge respect for her work and her drive.”

Along with getting to know the other board members, Judy has enjoyed getting to witness the work that CASA does first hand.

“The thing I have enjoyed most would probably be the court visit that I got to go on in Bourbon county. It was really amazing to get to see the work that the Volunteer Managers do in action and how effective they are," she said. "I also loved the judges appreciation dinner the past two years.  Seeing their appreciation for what the volunteers do has been really amazing.”

Outside of her involvement with CASA, Cummins is a stay-at-home mom and is on the Board of Directors with the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, John, and her boys.

To all CASA volunteers, Cummins would like to extend her appreciation.

“Thank you so much for giving your time and helping to end the cycle.”

Shelby Howell is a CPA, a golfer, a cheer step-mom, and a dog owner but she still finds time to give to CASA of Lexington as a board member. 

She first encountered CASA through a work colleague. Her company emphasizes service in the Central Kentucky community, and Howell was hooked on CASA from the moment she heard their mission.

“Once I heard about CASA and did research, I knew it was an organization that I wanted to be involved in,” said Howell.

Since joining the board, she has remained an enthusiastic supporter of the work that CASA of Lexington does. 

“What CASA does and the impact they have in our service counties is genuinely incredible," Howell said. "CASA fills a necessary gap and can make impactful differences in many lives."

To Howell, the most rewarding part of being on the board is hearing about CASA’s mission in action.

“Learning about the differences that our volunteers have made for these children warms my heart.”

To all CASA volunteers, Howell would like to voice her appreciation: 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your time and dedication to making a difference. Every single volunteer allows us to serve more children in need, so each and every volunteer is vital for CASA to make the impact that it does.”

CASA Volunteers of the Month for September 2021, Donna Gess (left) and Alyssa Conley.

Donna Gess was watching an episode of Dr. Phil when she learned about CASA from the show. She remembers feeling intrigued by becoming an advocate, but it wasn’t until years later when she retired that she was able to commit the time. 

“I thought it would be a perfect fit to continue to work with children since retiring from teaching,” said Gess.

This month, CASA of Lexington named Gess one of its Volunteers of the Month.

Since becoming a volunteer in February of 2020, Gess has worked with seven children over three cases. Her Volunteer Manager, Dennis Stutsman, expressed admiration for the grit she has shown working with each of these cases.

“Donna works well and objectively with bio parents, relatives and foster caregivers, whether the goal leads to adoption, relative placement or strengthening a family's ability to protect children remaining in the home,” Stutsman said.

“The kids keep me motivated,” Gess said of working on her cases. “I want to make sure they are getting the best that we can provide whether it be foster care placement, help with a problem in school, or any other concern they may be having.”

In her time outside of CASA, Gess enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons. She also enjoys needlepoint, reading, and going to the beach.

To anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, she offers words of encouragement. 

“The work is often difficult but very rewarding. It is difficult to learn about the situations these children have been put in and the things they have had to endure. But being a CASA volunteer can turn a child’s life around and give them a fighting chance at life,” Gess said. “Every child deserves to have someone who looks out for them and has their best interest in mind.”

CASA Volunteer Alyssa Conley feels the same as Gess. Conley was also named a Volunteer of the Month for September.

Conley’s introduction to CASA came her senior year of college, when a mentor at an internship shared her experience as an advocate.

Now, she has graduated and works as a youth case manager at the Kentucky Career Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, shop, and volunteering as an advocate with CASA.

“Kids are my passion. Being the voice for a child who might not have one is something that holds a big place in my heart,” Conley said. 

It’s obvious to anyone who hears about her case how much she cares. The case that Conley is assigned recently had some circumstantial changes, and Conley has been there for the children every step of the way. 

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison praised her work ethic.

“Alyssa has developed a tremendous rapport with the school and the GAL, which has resulted in concerns being communicated to and addressed by the court,” Jamison said.

“My favorite part about being a CASA is seeing the child’s face light up every time I visit,” Conley said. “I have gained a new best friend that I know will leave an impact on me forever.”

She would like to encourage others to “take the leap,” and become CASA volunteers, and she shared a quote that helps motivate her:

 "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower"

CASA of Lexington has been recognized as a Platinum COVID Stops Here workplace for achieving a 100% vaccination rate. It is critical that Kentuckians work together to stop the spread of coronavirus — including the dangerous new Delta variant.

Vaccination is the best way to stop COVID-19. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce developed the COVID Stops Here campaign as a way to celebrate workplaces that are leading the fight to stop COVID-19 — and to encourage more organizations to join their ranks

“The COVID-19 vaccine is Kentucky’s pathway to recovery. CASA of Lexington is helping set the bar for vaccination in Kentucky by achieving Platinum COVID Stops Here status — meaning 100% of their employees are now vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a great achievement and we thank them for helping our state stop this dangerous virus,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. “Employers are playing a very important as we work to encourage vaccination in Kentucky. In order to finally put this virus behind us, we need Kentuckians to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Together we can stop this virus, let’s make sure that COVID stops here!”

Learn more at https://buff.ly/2Xy5xp2

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton, bottom left, swears in new CASA volunteers at the CASA of Lexington office on Aug. 3.

Hugs have often been in short supply since the pandemic began, but they made a warm return at a swearing in ceremony for new CASA volunteers held at CASA of Lexington Tuesday evening.

New CASA volunteers take an oath of confidentiality Aug. 3 after completing their 30-hour training course.

Fourteen new Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in at the ceremony, which was held in-person for the first time since February of 2020. Friends, family and CASA of Lexington staff cheered and congratulated the new volunteers after they were sworn in by Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton.

Over the summer, CASA of Lexington has trained and sworn in a total of 20 new volunteers, who will now begin advocating for abused and neglected children in family court. The volunteers will serve children with cases in Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties.

First Jessamine County CASA Volunteers

Four of the new volunteers are the first ever sworn in to serve children in Jessamine County.

New CASA volunteers are sworn in Aug. 3.

“I want to put these new volunteers to work helping children as quickly as possible,” said Jeff Moss, Jessamine County’s family court judge. “They will provide invaluable information and insights into these children’s lives. Ultimately, they will help us achieve better outcomes for our children’s futures.”

Last year, 263 children in Jessamine County were abused or neglected, according to data from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Kentucky as a whole has the worst rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation, according to the most recent federal Child Maltreatment Report. About one out of every 50 children in Kentucky is abused or neglected each year. The rate of abuse and neglect in Jessamine County is slightly higher than the state average.

Six New Scott County CASA Volunteers

Four CASA volunteers for Scott County were sworn in by Scott County Family Court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan in July. Two more Scott County volunteers were sworn in by Judge Masterton Aug. 3.

Four new CASA volunteers for Scott County are sworn in virtually by Scott County Family Court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan in July.

“In every case where we have our CASA volunteers, I know we’re getting better information about our children,” Judge Morgan said. “I know fewer things are falling through the cracks. I know these kids are getting tremendous resources in terms of care. It’s making a huge difference in these kids’ lives.”

Judge Morgan said there are so many cases in Scott County Family Court that it often takes longer before cases can be brought back before her for review.

“Having CASA volunteers in place has really helped ensure that things don’t fall between the cracks in between court appearances,” she said. “We need as many CASA volunteers as we can get.”

Scott County’s CASA program launched in 2020. In its first year, six CASA volunteers served 15 children. That represents about 10% of the 145 children who entered the system due to abuse or neglect that year, and a smaller fraction of the total number of Scott County children with open cases.

‘It Was Just A Miracle’

Judge Masterton told the new volunteers on Aug. 3 that she has seen many cases where the CASA volunteer’s attention to a child’s needs made a huge difference.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton talks to the newest CASA of Lexington volunteers during a swearing in ceremony on Aug. 3.

In one case, the CASA volunteer recognized that a child’s behavioral problems were tied to hearing loss. The child was enrolled at a school where they could learn American Sign Language and given cochlear implants. The child is now doing better behaviorally and will likely be adopted, Masterton said.

“It was just a miracle having that person who looked at the whole situation,” she said. “Nobody comes in other than the CASA to say what is really going on with this child.”

New CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training course, held on nights and weekends. Then, they are sworn in and matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. A CASA volunteer visits with their assigned child regularly, talks to adults involved in the child’s life and reports back to the judge, providing a level of detail about the child’s life and what they need that isn’t otherwise available.

“There are hundreds of children in our local family courts right now who could benefit from having a CASA volunteer to advocate for them and only them,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “These new volunteers will probably make a difference for at least 40 of those children in their first year.”

CASA of Lexington’s next volunteer training course begins Sept. 7. More information about the training and an application to be a CASA volunteer are available at www.casaoflexington.org. Anyone interested in learning more or becoming a CASA volunteer can also email info@casaoflexington.org.