Summertime CASA Anniversaries
This summer, we have four staff members celebrating work anniversaries at CASA of Central Virginia!
Get to know more about each of them below.
Cristy Horsley -
Cristy is one of our Advocate Managers serving Lynchburg City. Cristy also serves as our Education & Community Engagement Coordinator who trains our amazing volunteers and organizes many different training opportunities.
Cristy began her time at CASA of Central Virginia as a volunteer advocate in 2013 and joined our staff in 2014. We are thankful for her 7 years of dedicated service to the children and families that she serves. We caught up with Cristy and asked her to share more about her time at CASA and herself.
Do you have a favorite CASA story or memory that stands out?
"Some of my favorite memories are walking out of a courtroom when families have done the hard work of reunification, and the judge confirms it is safe for the child to return home after being in foster care, or even better, when a family is able to stabilize without the child ever having to come into foster care at all. There is a really deep satisfaction when seeing a child placed with their family, a profound rightness, that this is just right for this child and that they will be loved and flourished here. Because not many get to see those moments, I also have loved being able to create more public moments of joy, like the Grad Banquet."
What is your favorite thing about working for CASA?
"Having a front row seat to the transformation and repair that is possible for families and individuals who have been profoundly wounded-and who have wounded. Over and over I have seen how much parents & children long for one another, so rather than giving up on a family, it is far better to equip them with the tools and support to work through profound wounds in the relationship, unpack their own history of trauma, and trust that when it stops being painful to do so, families will lean in to support one another."
What do you think is the hardest part about the work we do?
"When systems we are a part of don't always serve children or families well-when we don't expend the energy needed to do the right thing. The emotional toll of the grief and at times feelings of powerlessness around that, of seeing the negative impacts on our families and children."
What is your favorite quote?
"Even a wise man relishes a little foolishness."
When you are not in your role at CASA, what do you like to do?
"Museums, thrifting, scouting out the free yoga sessions in interesting places, eating good food, exploring new places, and biking!"
Kandel Berry -
Kandel Berry is another one of our amazing Advocate Managers who serves Appomattox, Campbell, and Lynchburg City. Before joining the CASA staff in July 2019, Kandel was our very first advocate in Appomattox where she still serves as a volunteer. Kandel’s kindness is valued by her volunteers and co-workers. She shared some insight into her time at CASA and what she enjoys doing on her down time.
What is your favorite thing about working at CASA?
“My favorite thing about working at CASA is the relationship building that is required, it’s always a pleasure for me to get to know the children.”
What is the hardest part of your job?
“The hardest part of my work is reading the details about the trauma that our assigned children have endured.”
Tell us a favorite story from your time at CASA of Central Virginia.
“One favorite CASA memory was hearing everyone in the courtroom including the judge applaud the parents for their hard work and dedication towards the reunification of their family…a very successful outcome. Their babies came back home to parents that were willing and capable of providing a permanent, safe, loving home for their children.”
Kandel’s favorite quote - “Live life on purpose.”
What do you like to do when you are not working?
“When I am not in my role as CASA, I enjoy relaxing at home. Because I encounter so many personalities in my role, quiet, reflective time is very much appreciated and necessary at the end of the day. Family, inspirational literature and music are also very important to me.”
Kelli Diaz -
Kelli has done an incredible job since she began on staff as our Recruitment & Development Coordinator in July 2019. We are excited to see how she continues to thrive in this position. She loves getting to meet people in the community and being able to share CASA anywhere she can. Read up on her thoughts about her time at CASA below.
What is the hardest part of this job?
“For me, the hardest part of this job is seeing a waiting list of children who need a CASA and not having enough volunteers to provide every child with the voice they deserve to have.”
What is your favorite thing about working at CASA?
“My favorite thing is to hear the stories of our advocate’s work on the cases they serve. Some of them are hard to hear, some of them have thrilling outcomes, but in every case, a child’s story has been changed by the work of a CASA. I have met people who have had a CASA as a child and are now adults. They share their stories with me and tell me that their lives were changed because of their CASA. That makes the work we do easy.”
What is your favorite quote?
“Love covers a multitude of sins.”
What is your favorite memory at CASA?
“My favorite memory at CASA was my first Induction Ceremony. It brought home to me how important the work is that we do and it makes me so happy that we celebrate our volunteer advocates in such a special way. They are the true superheroes. I look forward to every Induction Ceremony and they make me cry every time.”
What do you do when you are not in your role at CASA?
“I am head over heels in love with my grandson, Calvin. He has made the world a better place and I am so thankful that I am able to be a part of his life. I also love to mow grass, play golf, and watch college football. Go Gators!”
Jamie DiNardo -
Jamie began working in the role of Program Assistant in August 2019. Jamie is such a help to our applicants as she guides them through the process from when they inquire until they are inducted as a volunteer and beyond. She welcomed a baby boy into her family this year and is enjoying being a new mom. Here is what she had to say about her past 2 years at CASA of Central Virginia.
What is your favorite CASA memory?
“Before I began my first day at CASA, I attended the Summer 2019 induction ceremony in Lynchburg with Judge Payne. It made me feel like I was where I needed to be.” Jamie also states, “children specifically deserve attention, time, and a voice, and to be able to be a part of something that focuses on that means a lot to me.”
What is your favorite thing about working at CASA?
Helping coordinate and organize the events.
What is the hardest thing about your job?
“I believe the hardest work that is done by our organization is done by our volunteers. They are dedicated to the children they serve and sometimes seeing the emotional toll that a child is experiencing can be very heavy. Our volunteers are so amazing and I love being able to support them.”
What is a favorite quote of yours?
“The earth has music for those who listen.” - Shakespeare
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
“I love spending time with my husband and new baby boy. We love being outside and enjoying time with family and friends.”
