Ireland Jenkins

CASA Advocate

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

I wanted to be part of CASA so I could make a positive difference in a child’s life that needs it

2. What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

I do enjoy the time I have with my CASA kid, playing football and scootering around outside

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

Puerto Rico

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

Outside

5. If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

I would try to figure out a way to educate the kids in the system more about how the system works.

6. What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a CASA Volunteer?

Do it! It’s guaranteed to make some good difference in a child’s life that needs it.

Robin Hewitt

CASA Advocate

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

Helping children and being their voice.

2. What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

Knowing I can make a difference in a child's life.

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

Any where warm and tropical. Love the Caribbean.

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

Hanging with my family and friends.

5. If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

That children didn't have to move around so much. That they would have a stable childhood and be placed in one place. They have so many people in and out of their lives. Social workers change, homes change. Thankfully with a CASA in their lives....that remains the same.

6. What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a CASA Volunteer?

Do it. It's so rewarding knowing you are making a difference in a child's life. They cannot speak for themselves and as a CASA you get to help be their voice in court. Children in care need a CASA, You will never regret it.

Kathy Batdorf

CASA Advocate

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

Caring for the most vulnerable, especially children, has always been a passion of mine. I was drawn to CASA as a result of having had personal experiences with children in foster care. I had two childhood friends (twin sisters) who were in foster care and we had a foster child living with us for over two years. Thanks to social media, I reconnected with them all in the past couple of years.

2. What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

My favorite part of volunteering is having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Being able to see the children grow into themselves, becoming more confident, is priceless.

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

Anywhere that feeds my passion for natural beauty and history. Wherever I go, I’m ‘that’ person with the agenda. I research the area for historical points of interest, etc. Of course I build in the ‘chill’ day and I am flexible. If someone has a suggestion, I’m open!

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

What’s free time?!? I’m retired and honestly don’t know when I had time for a full time job! Family and volunteering are my passions.

5. If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

In all honesty, I wish there wasn’t a need for it. But since that’s not within our control, my one thing would be that every child has a positive outcome with a clear path to success in adulthood.

6. What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a CASA Volunteer?

The experience is eye opening and can be frustrating but is also rewarding and fulfilling. You have the opportunity to be a positive influence and make a change in the life of a child. There’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Gabrielle Nieves

CASA Advocate

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

I decided to be part of CASA to better help with the ongoing crisis of child abuse that continues to be an issue. Being part of this organization allows me to help children from further emotional and physical trauma.

2. What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

My favorite part of becoming an advocate is interacting with the kids. Being able to see them happy and thriving is the most rewarding aspect of volunteering with CASA.

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

A nice beach with family and friends.

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

Catching up on reading a good book or doing word search puzzles.

5. If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

I would change people's way of thinking to focus on what is in the best interest of the children that are in care. I believe some people aren't as focused on the well-being of the child, so this is something that I would like to change.

6. What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a CASA Volunteer?

I would say that it is a very rewarding position to have, especially when working and interacting with the kid/s you advocate for. They become like your own.

Alex Cosentino-Tich

CASA Board Member

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

I am a social worker who often works with adolescent youth within the foster care system. From my work with these youth, I see how much attention and care they need to thrive. The additional support that CASA provides to these children is inspiring. I wanted to be a part of this organization so that I could provide my unique perspective as a social worker who is also a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

2 . What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

While I am relatively new to the organization, I truly appreciate the dedication of the leadership and my fellow board members. I also am excited by the work that CASA of Harford County is engaging in everyday, and its mission to get closer to providing all foster youth within the county a CASA worker.

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

Disney World! While I have been fortunate to visit fourteen countries in my life so far, Disney World brings a comforting nostalgia that keeps bringing me back year after year.

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

You will find me going to the gym or taking my puppy Ellie for a walk with my wife!

5. If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

I would make the child welfare system more LGBTQIA+ informed, so that they can recognize which youth and their families need additional support more quickly, and so that they can connect youth with foster parents who will affirm their identities.

6. What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a

CASA Volunteer?

This is a unique opportunity to have a critical impact on a child's wellbeing, by providing them care, validation, and support, as well as by amplifying their voice.

June Bond

CASA Volunteer since 2011

1. What made you want to be a part of CASA?

"I worked in the field of child behavioral health for over 40 years. When I retired, I really missed the children. Also, I adopted 3 small children in the 1970s from foster care. This volunteer experience suited my heart, my head, and my life experiences."

2. What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA?

"I LOVE working with individuals who need unconditional caring and support. Both of us grow from the connection."

3. My favorite place to vacation is…

"Anywhere I can sleep in and eat out."

4. In my free time you will most likely find me…

"Sewing, reading, directing plays, sharing with friends."

5.  If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about the child welfare system, what would it be?

"Consistent story people. The are too many changes in personnel for children with a history of losses and trauma."

6.  What would you say to anyone that is thinking about being a CASA Volunteer?

"Be ready to be a life- changer. And to be changed as well."