“The children matter to us.” Being part of the CASA program means meeting great people from all occupations, callings, and walks of life. Many CASA’s come to us individually, but here in Porter County, we are lucky to have some married couples as part of our volunteer network. One of those couples is Larry...
Christina Klespies is the Senior Director of Human Resources at the University of Chicago and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Ivy Tech in Valparaiso. When she isn’t working or volunteering, Christina likes to travel to Mexico and the Caribbean each year, and she also enjoys exploring National Parks. Christina will celebrate her one...
Charlotte has been involved with Porter County CASA for a little over a year. She was sworn in during June of 2021, and she has been diligently working the same case since then. After a 14-year career in sales and marketing, Charlotte said, “I made the best choice of my life to be a...
“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...
This week Jody Lyp, one of our Porter County CASA Volunteers, was recognized as the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club's Volunteer of the Year! The thoughtfulness, creativity, dependability, and thoroughness she brings to her cases is outstanding. She is highly attentive to her CASA children's needs and is able to translate that into powerful advocacy....
“It takes one trusted adult to have a profound effect on a child's life.” Libbi Conway heard about the CASA program many years prior to actually inquiring. Once she inquired, she said, "I knew this was meaningful work that was much needed in our community and I wanted to be part of making a...
“I want the kids to know that there is always someone in their corner.” K.C. was sworn-in as a CASA on December 20, 2020, and accepted a case the very next day. K.C. had been a stay-at-home mom when her children were younger. Ten years prior to being a stay-at-home mom, she taught middle and...
"We are in a really special position to listen to and elevate the voices of children during what can be a challenging, confusing, and traumatic time in their lives.” Milena Raketic completed her CASA volunteer training in August of 2020 and took her first case in October of the same year. She learned of CASA...
“My heart has always been to care for people.” Tracy Gapinski became a CASA volunteer a little over a year ago. She is a Registered Nurse, and believes she was born to be one. Although Tracy no longer works at the bedside, she currently has a role working in Physician Education and Clinical Documentation. For...
“I am fascinated by the learning experience [of CASA volunteering] and most importantly being part of an invaluable organization that provides additional support for children in need.” Cathy Taglia became a CASA volunteer a year ago. She was an international flight attendant and Japanese interpreter for 22 years, and left her profession to raise a...
