CASA Spotlight

Meet CASA Volunteer Leslie!

At CASA of Southwest Missouri, we are lucky to have dedicated volunteers like Leslie, whose passion for advocacy and commitment to making a difference shine in everything she does. Currently a full-time graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in English, Leslie balances her studies with work as a graduate teaching assistant and a part-time…

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Past CASA Spotlights

Meet CASA Volunteer Sarah!

For the past 20 years, Sarah Vickers has built a fulfilling life alongside her husband, Sam, and their daughter, Malorie. Their home is filled with love, laughter, and three spoiled hound dogs-Jackson, June, and Cash. Professionally, Sarah has dedicated two decades to Dale’s Roofing, where she manages human resources and employee benefits. Her role also…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Nancy!

We are proud to spotlight Nancy Holloway, a CASA volunteer since June 2022. After retiring from ministry in 2020, Nancy continued her passion for helping others by working part-time with the Salvation Army and volunteering with CASA, Emergency Disaster Services, and her church’s youth programs. Nancy and her husband, Jack, have been married for 41…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Paige!

For nearly three decades, Paige has been devoted to raising and nurturing her five children alongside her husband, Matt. Now living in the peaceful countryside of Stone County, their family traded suburban life in Saint Charles for a former dairy farm filled with horses, cows, chickens, three dogs, and one very adorable mini donkey named…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Sheila!

Meet Sheila, one of our incredible volunteers who has made a lasting impact both in the classroom and the courtroom: a dedicated advocate with a heart for helping others. A longtime Springfield resident, she and her husband, Thom, are both Kansas City natives who found each other and their home here in the Ozarks. After…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Travis!

We’re proud to highlight on of our dedicated advocates, Travis, whose commitment to serving children in foster care truly reflects the heart of CASA. A husband of 20 years to his wife, Amber, and a proud dad to Maddox, Broden, and Stella, Travis balances a full life with deep compassion and a strong sense of…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Laura!

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Laura Klouw, a dedicated CASA volunteer making a difference for children in Christian County. Laura is married and the proud mom of 25-year-old triplets, plus one very sweet chocolate lab, Maci. Outside of CASA, she serves as the Corporate Director of HR at O’Reilly Hospitality Management. When she…

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Meet CASA Volunteers Kamryn and Spencer Smith!

Kamryn had first seen CASA on a billboard; working with children every day as a teacher allowed her to see firsthand how some of her students have been impacted by the foster care system. That experience sparked her interest in CASA and made her want to step in and help. When asked how she feels…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Mary!

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mary Trexler, one of our extraordinary volunteers in Taney County. Mary’s story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the difference one person can make in the life of a child. Mary lives in Hollister with her husband, Rick, and their two children. A true…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Mary!

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our incredible CASA volunteers, Mary McMillen, whose journey to becoming an advocate is as inspiring as her dedication to the children she serves. Mary is a proud and blessed mom of two (mostly) grown kids, two dogs, and three cats. Her daughter, 28, is a talented nail…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Cindy!

Meet Cindy Bunn, a dedicated CASA volunteer who shares her home with her husband of 20 years, Cullen, and their 16-year-old son, Roman. A stay-at-home mom and wife, she spends her time enjoying music, concerts, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and volunteering, which has become a meaningful part of her life. Her journey to becoming a CASA…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Wendy!

Meet Wendy Heathman, a dedicated CASA volunteer! “At the age of nine, I entered foster care following my mother’s passing, with no family to take me in or provide guidance. I remained in foster care until I was 17, facing many challenges without a positive voice in my corner. That experience led me to become…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Perry!

Meet Perry Stone, a dedicated CASA volunteer! Perry has a 36-year-old son and two stepsons in their 40s. Growing up in the Branson area, he has deep roots in the community, with three brothers nearby and a sister in Columbia, MO. After a successful 40-year career in electronics manufacturing as a sales manager, Perry retired…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Robbin!

Meet Robbin Sawyer! For 31 years, Robbin Sawyer has shared her life with her husband, Henry, building a family that includes her daughter, Hayley, two stepsons, Daniel and Christopher, and five beloved grandchildren. Professionally, Robbin serves as the Finance/Admin Manager for the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, with a long career in administration, accounting,…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Susan!

Meet Susan Joslyn! Susan Joslyn and her husband have been happily married for 13 years, having known each other for more than a decade before tying the knot. Together, they share a loving family that includes her son, daughter-in-law, and their three rescued black labs, Tug, Hank, and Max. The family resides in Downers Grove,…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Jaynie!

Meet Jaynie Howland! Jaynie Howland has always cherished the blessing of being married to not only the love of her life but her best friend for nearly 25 years. Their life together hasn’t been perfect, but they’ve worked hard for everything they have, facing challenges with laughter and unity. Jaynie and her husband view their…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Michelle!

Meet Michelle Peak, a dedicated volunteer at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), whose commitment to helping children in need is truly commendable. With 38 years of marriage and a career in Springfield Public School, Michelle understands the importance of community support in shaping young lives. Her interests in painting, reading, journaling, and hiking reflect her…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Alan!

Volunteer Spotlight: Alan Amidst the serene expanse of a small Missouri farm, Alan and his wife Jennifer cultivate more than just crops and cattle; they nurture a profound commitment to serving their community, particularly its most vulnerable members. Alan’s journey into volunteering with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is rooted in his past experiences. Having…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Deb!

Meet Deb Kell, a remarkable individual whose journey through life has been filled with resilience, compassion, and a profound commitment to making a difference. Deb’s story is one of breaking barriers, embracing change, and finding purpose in giving back to her community. Family Life: Deb’s family is spread across the globe, reflecting her adventurous spirit…

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Meet CASA Volunteer Jake!

Jake is a dedicated individual whose passion for child welfare is evident in both his personal and professional life. In his family life, Jake shares a home with his wonderful fiancée Valerie and their three cats, Missy, Junebug, and Cirrilla. On the professional front, he currently works as a freelance sculptor, specializing in crafting scale…

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Meet Victoria Gorham

Meet Everyday hero and CASA Advocate: Victoria Gorham Victoria just finished her first case with CASA serving an older youth in foster care and is excited to take her next case soon! She is employed at Grooms Office Environments where she works as a commercial furniture dealer and interior designer. She first learned about CASA…

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