The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The Director of Family Engagement furthers the CASA mission through the development and implementation of Family Finding activities at the time of CASA ex-parte appointment and through management and supervision of the Family Finding Program, Family Finding Specialist position and Early Family Engagement Specialist.

I believe in the impact community volunteers have on struggling families and children caught in the many cycles of disparity for which they have no control. My path has always been underscored by a passion for seeking the most accurate and objective information regarding the circumstances surrounding a family involved with CPS. Travis County CPS courts rely heavily on CASA to provide in-depth information, not only about the current situation of foster children, but also about potential solutions regarding permanency for those children lingering in foster care. The focus of the Family Finding Program at CASA of Travis County is to provide a vital and lasting resource to the children we serve, a family connection. There is a mountain of compelling evidence that children and adults who have secure attachments to family members and other people who are important to them, tend to have improved school performance, improved behavior, healthier relationships, and more hopefulness in their lives. That being said, finding and engaging family members of youth in foster care is a delicate dance between a child’s future and a child’s past. As the Family Finding Specialist, I am charged with training and supervising experienced CASA volunteers to focus only on the task of research and communication with family members. My belief is that every child deserves the dignity of knowing their heritage. Every child yearns to be nurtured by a family member. Every child has a healthy family member. It is our responsibility as Court Appointed Special Advocates to find and connect family members with the children who are being raised by the State of Texas.

As a Transitioning Youth Specialist, I am directed to motivate, empower, guide and supervise CASA ( Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers as they advocate in the best interest of abused and neglected children in protective care in the community and through the court system.As a Transitioning Youth Specialist, I carry caseload of children who are expected to be transitioning into adulthood from foster care. I represent CASA at various community meetings that address the needs of this population.