CASA Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Ann Buhner
“I like having a personal connection with the children, who see me as a consistent person in their lives and someone whom they can trust.”
Ann Buhner completed her CASA training in December 2020, and was sworn-in the same month. Shortly thereafter she took her first case. Once the first case resolved, Ann took a little break before accepting her second case which is currently on-going.
Ms. Buhner is a retired teacher, having taught special education and general education, mostly at the elementary school level. Her professional experience has been tremendously useful with aspects of her current case. After she retired from teaching, she became the librarian in the same school for two years. Ann is married, has a son and a soon to be daughter-in-law with whom she enjoys spending time. Ann enjoys many hobbies, reading, knitting, gardening, trying new restaurants and wineries, traveling, getting together with friends, writing city grants for neighborhood improvements, and taking day trips to Chicago to go to museums and shows. Ann also volunteers on the parish council at her church.
Even before Ann retired from teaching, she was thinking about the CASA program. She said, “it was always in the back of my mind to pursue this opportunity [CASA volunteer] once I retired.” She had been attending yearly CASA fundraisers, so she had a general awareness about the organization prior to attending the information session. She elaborated by saying, “I felt that being a CASA would still give me an opportunity to be involved with children and their families in a positive way, but outside of a school setting.” Ann makes a point of connecting with the teachers of her school-aged CASA children because when she was a teacher she reflects that she may have had students in class who could have used a CASA to advocate for them. Ann’s career background gives her insights and abilities that work well within the structure of the CASA role.
When asked what Ann enjoys most about being a CASA volunteer, she said, “it is a way to give back to the community.” She also likes the idea of being the neutral, ‘extra eyes and ears’ in a case, and being a voice for children in court. Ann maintains regular contact with all of the parties in a case and enjoys putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together to create a clear picture of the best interest for the child. Ann elaborated, “I feel personally rewarded knowing that I did everything I could on behalf of the children and I am grateful to give them representation in court.”
Thank you, Ann!
In honor of Rose Butler who was a CASA volunteer, and who further supported the mission of CASA as a staff member supervising and mentoring many of our volunteers, we are featuring one CASA volunteer each month who is making a difference in the lives of children in Porter County.
