“It was time to give back.” John McQuillan has been a CASA volunteer for almost four years. He retired in 2006 from a litigation law firm. Following his retirement, John took twenty semesters of college courses mostly as an auditing student; he studied biology, American literature, math, art history, and many branches of theology –...
"One of my personal guiding principles focuses on the importance of serving others and the belief that every person benefits from ‘having a person in their corner’." Deb Nelson became involved with Porter County CASA in the fall of 2019 and was assigned to her first case in late December, 2019. She retired in July, 2019 from 30 plus...
“Just making a small connection, letting [the children] know someone out there cares what happens to them, can make a difference in their lives during confusing times.” Kelly Hunt completed her CASA volunteer training last fall and began her case right after. Kelly is a stay-at-home mom and her youngest started kindergarten last year. She and her husband moved with their daughters from Chicago four years...
“I remain a volunteer because I believe that an extra pair of eyes is good for kids in difficult circumstances.” Kris Livovich has been a CASA volunteer since December of 2019 and runs a wedding and event florist service. Kris decided to volunteer for CASA because she enjoys children and wants to have a small part...
“Being a CASA gives me a sense of purpose in my retirement.” Ken Kehe finished CASA training last December and received his first assignment shortly after that. On a personal note, he’s been married 43 years and has three grown children and one grandchild. He taught high school science, mostly Biology and Chemistry, for 42...
“In this moment, our kids need their CASAs more than ever.” Dawn Jeglum Bartusch has been a CASA volunteer since February of 2019. She is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Valparaiso University. One of her favorite places to be is on the beach at Eagle Harbor in Ephraim, Wisconsin in Door...
“I have been able to watch [my CASA child] overcome challenges, grow and develop. I am happy to be part of his story.” Danielle Lenson has been a CASA volunteer for a year. She is a Realtor with Realty Executives out of Valparaiso, IN, and also manages about 150 mobile medical imaging facilities. Outside of work, she is in the process of renovating her lake house in Lakes...
“As my relationship grows with the child and family, my input is important and necessary to insure the well-being of the child.” Molly Healy was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in June of 2019. She is registered nurse, but stopped working 20 years ago when her fourth child was born. When asked what led her...
“Being part of restoring a family is a great feeling.” Jill Redmon has been a CASA volunteer for a little over a year. She has been in education for nearly 26 years. She’s currently a middle school media specialist, but prior to that she taught 7th grade English for 4 years and spent 18 years...
In the late 1970s, the number of children entering foster care in the United States ballooned at an alarming rate. Juvenile court officials across the country, including then Indiana Circuit Court Judge Raymond Kickbush, grew increasingly concerned for the futures of children appearing before them. In legal proceedings, adults and state agencies had lawyers to...
