CASA volunteer Misty Green

At her day job, Misty Green is a patient care advocate. When she’s not at work, she becomes a different kind of advocate: a CASA volunteer.

Green has advocated for abused and neglected children as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for four and a half years, helping an incredible 18 children during that time.

“Her background in the medical field, combined with her insight as a parent, have really helped her connect with her kids and caregivers,” said Dennis Stutsman, Green’s Volunteer Manager at CASA of Lexington. “She has special insight into strengthening educational progress and resolving medical issues which threaten safety and stability.”

Because of her hard work, CASA of Lexington named Green one of its Volunteers of the Month for June.

Green said she first heard about CASA on social media, and when she read more about what CASA volunteers do, “I knew I had to be a part of this!”

“I enjoy building relationships with my kiddos and being a consistent part of their life during the case,” she said, “My goal is to see the children in a safe, stable home.”

Green said it takes a lot of patience to be a CASA volunteer.

“You have to stick in there,” she said. “The kids depend on you.”

CASA of Lexington has volunteers with all kinds of different backgrounds, said Melynda Jamison, CASA of Lexington’s Executive Director. The nonprofit learns each volunteer’s unique background and skillset and works to match them with children in the family court system they can effectively advocate for, she said.

“We have teachers assigned to cases where education is a major concern and nurses assigned to cases where children have unique health needs,” Jamison said. “But we also have many more cases where the big need is simply for an outside perspective from a regular person whose goal is solely to help that child  have a better future.”

CASA volunteers spend about 5-10 hours a month volunteering. They visit the child on their case monthly, talk to adults involved in the child’s life and provide reports to the judge. Those reports can catch things others have not had the time to see, and they help ensure children are getting services and can be returned to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Stutsman said Green has been excellent at working to reunify the children on her cases with their biological families whenever safely possible.

“She is a calm, objective and patient CASA who is able to work as well with parents and relatives as she does with children,” he said.

New CASA of Lexington volunteers are sworn in by Fayette County family court Judge Lucinda Masterton, fourth from left at the CASA of Lexington office May 24.

Fifteen central Kentucky residents were sworn in as the area’s newest CASA volunteers May 24.

The Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers can now begin to advocate for abused and neglected children in the local family court systems served by CASA of Lexington.

Those sworn in are Kaylee Babb, Jennie Berk, Rader Bolling, Sherill Durham-Sanders, Robert Fisher, Yelena Litvin, Melissa Martin, Lee Meyer, Devonte Patterson, Kimberly Reeder, Grace Ross, Emma Sandrock, Jessica Schroeder, Dana Smith and Emma Stone.

 “Without you as volunteers, we could not exist,” said CASA of Lexington board member Maynard Crossland during the swearing in ceremony. “You are about to embark on a journey of hard work and wonder.”

Fayette County family court Judge Lucinda Masterton swore in the new class of volunteers, telling them they are needed by the court system to help children.

There are many abused and neglected children in the system right now who have suffered trauma, and who feel like they are being forgotten about, Masterton said.

“These kids need someone like you so badly,” she said. “They believe nobody cares about them. They believe nobody is paying attention to them. It is so vital that they have somebody who will be there for them.”

Masterton shared the story of one young boy who had extremely bad behavior, to the point that “it looked like everybody was going to give up on him.” But his CASA volunteer recognized that the child had significant hearing problems — in fact, he was deaf, she said.

The child was given implants to help him hear and he began learning American Sign Language.

“He is kind of a normal kid now. Now he’s got a real life,” Masterton said. “And the only reason he has a real life is because of that CASA. She saved that child’s life.”

The new volunteers all completed a 30-hour training class prior to their swearing in. The class taught them about the effects of trauma on children, how the local courts and criminal justice system works, how to advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ children, racial disproportionality in the foster care system, how to write court reports and more.

Now, the volunteers will be matched with cases of abused and neglected children and begin spending 5-10 hours a month, on average, working their cases. They will visit with the children monthly, talk to adults involved in the children’s lives, and prepare reports for the judge that include recommendations on what actions would be in the child’s best interests.

After the class was sworn in by Judge Masterton, each was presented with their CASA volunteer badge and family and friends who attended the ceremony gave them a warm round of applause.

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER TRAININGS

CASA of Lexington is offering a summer training for new volunteers that runs for a single week, June 27-July 1. Classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday. CASA of Lexington’s fall training will be Sept. 7 to Oct. 19, with classes on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and a pair of Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To see full training schedules and learn more, visit www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA volunteer Cynthia Phillips

Cynthia Phillips never heard of CASA volunteers until it seemed like someone was standing up the president of her restaurant company for an important meeting.

Phillips had flown with her president to Indiana to meet with managers of some restaurants the company had just acquired. One of the managers was late.

“I thought that was pretty bold to be late for a meeting with the president of the company that had just acquired you,” she said.

But when the manager arrived, he explained he had been in court, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children.

That caught Phillips’ attention. When she got back to Lexington, she looked into the local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and signed up to become a volunteer herself.

“I found out the company I worked for was a big supporter of CASA, which I hadn’t known,” she said. “So they were very supportive of my work.”

More than 13 years later, Phillips is now retired from her job, but she has continued to serve as a CASA volunteer. She is one of CASA of Lexington’s longest-serving volunteers and has advocated for countless children. And this month, she has also been named one of the nonprofit’s Volunteers of the Month.

“In each case she takes, she is objective, taking each family as she finds them and looking to identify and build strength and stability,” said Dennis Stutsman, Phillips’ Volunteer Manager. “She has empathetically worked cases involving poverty, neglect, physically excessive discipline, cultural issues, educational neglect, and parental neglect and abuse due to mental illness and substance misuse.”

Stutsman said even on cases where parents are making no progress and it’s clear it will be impossible to reunify the family, “Cynthia finds a way to communicate empathetically and to encourage them toward making decisions in their children’s best interest.”

“She truly represents what is best about CASA as an advocate for children, but also understanding that children’s best interests are intertwined with the humanity of imperfect parents.”

Jonathan Shell is CASA of Lexington's newest board member, providing representation from Garrard County. His first CASA board meeting was in April.

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

Shell: My wife Brooke and I have been involved over the years doing what we can to help kids in need and supporting families who step up to care for Kentucky’s kids. That’s why CASA caught my eye. 

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

Shell: CASA is doing work that is making a tangible difference in the life of kids. I’m proud to be a part of that effort. 

CASA: Tell us about your work/career.

Shell: I’m spending most of my time at “the office,” which is either my tractor in the field or in our family’s green houses. 

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Shell: Spending that time with my kids. My two boys are into video games and also baseball right now. I love watching my two girls dance. If I can find time I like getting in a good workout, too. 

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

Shell: Their work is changing lives and this entire region appreciates their work.

CASA of Lexington named Betsy Paulding and Martha Thompson Volunteers of the Month for May 2022. The volunteers earned their awards for the work they are doing advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Thompson has had the same CASA case for about five a half years — much longer than a typical case runs.

“Martha has been a steady, consistent advocate,” said Dennis Stutsman, her Volunteer Manager. “While a five-plus-year engagement is not easy for any CASA, she has regularly driven out-of-state and around the state just to maintain the engagement needed to advocate for a safe and successful future for her CASA child.”

Thompson said she learned about CASA when she interviewed someone else for a job with her company before she retired.

“I was interviewing a potential applicant and they had CASA on their resume,” she said. “We hired him because that was what I was looking for in people. Our organization was all about helping people, so I looked for people who were drawn to that.”

Thompson said it takes dedication to make things better to serve as a CASA volunteer.

“It takes a lot of love — a lot of desire to help, and love,” she said. “A desire to help others is the main thing.”

Paulding is a CASA volunteer in Bourbon County, who has advocated for six children during more than 3 years of service. She knew about Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs because her sister had served as a CASA volunteer in the Washington, D.C., area. Then one day, she saw a news article in the Bourbon County Citizen that a CASA program had launched in Bourbon County.

Paulding said her favorite memories of serving as a CASA volunteer include meeting with one child at a playground during the height of the pandemic and playing on separate equipment while they talked; and of attending a child’s adoption ceremony.

“I think you have to be convinced that what you’re going is for the good of the children,” she said. “And I think you have to really be able to pay attention to detail.”

Gudrun Allen, Paulding’s Volunteer Manager, said she has shown great flexibility as the circumstances of the children she advocates for has changed.

“Betsy has been instrumental in make sure one of the children received assessments that got them glasses,” Allen said. “I am thankful for her persistence and attention to detail.”

Fayette Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton, far right, swears in the newest class of CASA volunteers on April 14.

Fourteen people in central Kentucky were sworn in as CASA volunteers this month.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton swore in the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on April 14, enabling them to begin advocating for abused and neglected children.

More than 1,600 children were abused or neglected in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service area last year. There are many more cases still moving through the courts from prior years.

“CASA volunteers serve fewer than one in five children currently in the family courts,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “These new volunteers will enable us to serve more children in need — as many as 35 children may benefit from these volunteers’ work in their first year.”

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.

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour preservice training before being sworn in and assigned to a case. They volunteer 5-10 hours a month, on average, for a minimum of two years.

“If you have a heart for helping kids, you are needed right now,” Jamison said. “You can help end cycles of abuse and neglect, restore families and give kids brighter futures by becoming a CASA volunteer.”

In 2021, CASA of Lexington had 278 CASA volunteers who advocated for 616 abused and neglected children.

CASA of Lexington’s next training is a condensed summer training that allows new volunteers to complete all 30 hours in a single week, from June 27 to July 1. More information is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.  

Stanford’s Main Street is a little brighter and bluer during April, thanks to community members who planted pinwheels in front of the Lincoln County Courthouse Friday.

The pinwheels were planted for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives of Stanford, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Stanford police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, local judges and many other community members participated in the planting.

“The pinwheels represent the lives of children in Lincoln County who have been abused or neglected,” said Ben Kleppinger, Community Engagement Coordinator for the local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, which organized the event. “There’s a reason the pinwheels are bright and blue. This is an exercise in hopefulness for the future, not despair about the past.”

Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller read a proclamation naming April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Stanford during the event.

“We can build healthier, safer, and thriving communities if we take the same approach to raising families that we do to tending a community garden on a shared piece of land,” Miller said, reading from the proclamation. “… children are locally grown and have a right to be safe and to be provided an opportunity to thrive, learn and grow.”

Last year, 152 children in Lincoln County were abused or neglected, giving the county one of the highest rates of abuse and neglect per 1,000 children in the state. Speakers at Friday’s event encouraged members of the public to do something about the problem by speaking up if they suspect abuse could be occurring, signing up to be foster families, or applying to become CASA volunteers.

The pinwheels will be on display in front of the courthouse throughout April.

CASA of Lexington’s one-week CASA volunteer training course will be June 27-July 1 this summer. New volunteers can complete all 30 hours of their required training and be sworn in by a judge with just five days of classes.

Classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 27, to Thursday, June 30, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, July 1. The swearing in ceremony for the class will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 1.

All classes are held at CASA of Lexington’s office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington. You can see which topics are covered each week at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer now at www.casaoflexington.org/advocates. After you apply, we will reach out with background check forms and to schedule an initial interview.

CASA volunteers spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering. They commit to at least two years of service, in order to ensure consistency for the children they serve. CASA volunteers visit the child or siblings on their case monthly, talk to adults involved in the child’s life and file reports with the judge, helping create better outcomes for abused and neglected children.

You can watch a CASA 101 video that covers the basics of training and serving as a CASA volunteer here.

Anyone interested in learning more Kentucky’s only certified courthouse facility dog and what CASA volunteers do to help vulnerable children is invited to attend CASA of Lexington’s special Walk and Learn with Matilda event on April 30.

We will be walking from the parking lot of Liberty Elementary School, 2585 Liberty Road in Lexington, at 9:30 a.m. that Saturday. The walk will be a loop of about 1 mile, but participants can stop and walk back at any point. Matilda and CASA staff will lead the walk.

You can ask questions and learn about what CASA volunteers do during the walk. Current CASA of Lexington volunteers are encouraged to attend and share their own general experiences (no specific case details).

This walk is part of the National CASA Association’s “Walk/Run/Thrive” initiative, aimed at raising awareness about what CASA volunteers do and how we can help children thrive.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

Please note: Matilda will be in working mode during this walk and other pets can be a distraction. We kindly request only humans attend this walk. Thank you for understanding!

Pinwheels planted along Nicholasville Road in Lexington.

Blue pinwheels are brightening central Kentucky communities served by CASA of Lexington. We planted pinwheels in each of the counties we serve to help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

In Fayette County, pinwheels are planted along Nicholasville Road, in front of Raising Cane’s inside New Circle. In Bourbon County, pinwheels are planted in front of the courthouse and the Paris city offices. Pinwheels are planted or will be planted soon in Woodford, Scott, Jessamine, Garrard and Lincoln counties, as well.

“Every April, we want to raise awareness about the problem of child abuse. But awareness is just step one,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Step two is going from awareness to action. And one of the best ways you can take action is by becoming CASA volunteer.”

Kentucky has one of the five worst rates of child abuse and neglect in the nation, according to the federal Child Maltreatment Report. The state has been the worst in the country for abuse and neglect three of the last four years.

More than 1,600 children were abused or neglected in CASA of Lexington’s service area last year, according to data from the Administrative Office of the Courts. There are likely thousands more cases still open from previous years. In 2021, CASA volunteers advocated for 616 of those children.

Pinwheels planted in front of the courthouse in Paris, Ky.

“There are definitely more children who need a CASA volunteer,” Jamison said. “We have trainings starting regularly throughout the year for anyone who has a heart for helping children and wants to make a real difference.”

CASA volunteers complete 30 hours of training, which can be completed in-person through classes on nights and weekends or virtually through online classes. Then, they are matched with children in the family court system.

CASA volunteers spend an average of 5-10 hours a month volunteering. They visit with the child on their case monthly, talk to adults involved in the child’s life and review documents like educational records. They file reports with the judge at each hearing, helping improve outcomes for the children.

“A majority of our volunteers actually work full-time,” Jamison said. “Except for the court hearings, which you know about months in advance, volunteers get to plan their hours around their own schedules.”

If you would like more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, you can visit www.casaoflexington.org, email info@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

Briana Persley is one of three ex-officio members of the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors. She is the Director of Youth Services for Lexington's Department of Social Services.

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

Briana: I learned about CASA of Lexington when I was a Crime Victims’ Advocate at the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

CASA: Tell us about your work/career.

Briana: I have worked with a vulnerable population of children throughout my entire career. Upon graduation from Eastern Kentucky University in 1997, my first job was at the United Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Versailles. I went on to work at the Manchester Center, a nonprofit agency that served the areas of Davis Bottom, Thompson Road Addition, and Speigle Heights. The Lexington Housing Authority offered me a position as the Resident Program Coordinator after giving them a tour of Manchester Center. After working there for a brief time, I was recruited to be a Crime Victims’ Advocate by the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney, Ray Larson, where my specialty was residential burglaries and youthful offenders. I served on the Partners for Youth Foundation, Inc.’s board until I became the foundation’s Executive Director in November of 2017. This year, I was promoted to the Director of Division of Youth Services after Stephanie Hong’s retirement. I am excited to keep the torch of excellence lit as I oversee the teams at CASA of Lexington, Audrey Grevious Center, Juvenile Probation, and the Parent and Guardian Empowerment (PAGE) program.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Briana: I enjoy spending time with my family, designing and decorating spaces, and enjoying nature.

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

Briana: Without you, children who are abused and neglected may not have a voice in the court system. Having an advocate to verbalize the trauma they sustain is a blessing and helps them be placed in permanent, loving homes. We appreciate all you do for kids!

CASA of Lexington has named Bonnie Savage and Maquel Sarantakos its Volunteers of the Month for April.

Sarantakos has been a voice for 10 children in the family court system over the course of nearly two years as a CASA Volunteer. Savage has advocated for three children since she began volunteering almost a year and a half ago.

"There are many special memories I have from serving as a CASA volunteer," Savage said. "One that stands out was when I brought presents to give the children for Christmas. The excitement while opening each gift and the appreciation each child expressed was very rewarding."

Savage also helped a child who was struggling with reading, and got to watch as his test scores increased thanks to her help.

"As one of his reading tutors, his increase in confidence was worth all the hard work," she said.

Savage's Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said Savage has helped her CASA children discover a love of reading they didn't know existed before.

"Bonnie is a retired teacher and has been instrumental in helping her CASA kids," Noffsinger said. "She visits weekly and reads with them. They look forward to her visits and getting to spend time with her, and she makes it enjoyable for them."

Sarantakos is also retired from teaching and said serving as a CASA volunteer has been a great way to keep interacting with kids.

"Volunteering with CASA has allowed me the opportunity to spend time with kids who need encouragement, love, and support," she said.

Sarantakos' Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said she goes above and beyond for her CASA children.

"She baked brownies and homemade mac and cheese for one child on their birthday and provided books the child had been wanting to read," she said. "The family's mother told me she felt overwhelmingly blessed that Maquel was going to be part of their life story."

CASA volunteers like Savage and Sarantakos complete a 30-hour preservice training, then spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering on cases of children who have been abused or neglected. They visit monthly with children, speak to adults involved in the children's lives and provide reports to the judge that help keep the focus on what the children need. Kids who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to get services that help with their education or the effects of trauma. They're also more likely to return to safe, permanent homes faster.

"To be a good CASA volunteer, you have to have a real love and heart for children," Savage said. "It is important to learn as much about their background as possible. I think it is necessary to be involved with the children in their academics, socially, and on all levels. Really listening to the children and learning their interests enhances your understanding."

Sarantakos said empathy, listening skills and the ability to be nonjudgmental are all important for serving as a CASA volunteer.

"Kids do not have many choices when their lives become unsafe, violent, scary, or chaotic," she said. "As a volunteer, you can imagine yourself at that age and put yourself in their shoes. My greatest advice is to love them, guide them, and be patient with the court process."

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.”