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 and openness to new experiences. With one son residing in Springfield, along with two stepchildren living in England and Germany, Deb’s life is a tapestry woven with connections spanning continents. Despite the distances, Deb cherishes the moments spent with her loved ones, relishing in the joy of being an integral part of her grandson’s life and embracing the closeness of her family ties.

Work Life: Deb’s professional journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. Breaking gender stereotypes in the 1970s, she blazed trails as the first female meter reader for San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Later, alongside her husband, Deb embarked on a cross-country journey as a truck driver, a profession dominated by men at the time. Yet, her true calling emerged when she pursued a career in counseling psychology, obtaining her MA and becoming a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. For two decades, Deb served as the sole therapist in Houston, MO, offering support and guidance to her community until her retirement.

Hobbies/Interests: Beyond her professional endeavors, Deb finds joy in her passions and interests. An avid animal lover, she has raised exotic Australian birds and llamas, and now enjoys daily walks with her two dogs. Deb’s love for games like Bridge, Mahjong, and Pinochle brings her together with friends weekly for spirited rounds of play. Her adventurous spirit extends to travel, where she explores different cultures and lifestyles with her group of travel buddies, fostering a deep appreciation for the diversity of the world.

Volunteer Work: Inspired by a desire to give back and make a difference, Deb became involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) last year. Having heard about CASA years prior, Deb felt compelled to offer her energy, empathy, and people skills to support children in the foster care system. In her role as a CASA volunteer, Deb provides invaluable support to a child in need, offering companionship, guidance, and advocacy within the legal system. Her dedication to nurturing her CASA child shines through in thoughtful gestures like Christmas stockings, birthday celebrations, and enriching experiences like attending live plays and enjoying ice cream outings.

Advice to Others: Deb’s advice to those considering volunteering with CASA is simple yet powerful: “Just do it!” With her characteristic energy and compassion, Deb encourages others to step forward and become consistent advocates for children in foster care. She emphasizes the importance of offering support and a listening ear, as well as providing objective insights to the court, ultimately making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

Deb Kell’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Through her volunteer work with CASA and her commitment to her family, hobbies, and interests, Deb embodies the spirit of giving back and inspires those around her to make a positive impact in their communities.