1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
I had wanted to be an advocate for about 15 years, but didn’t feel I had the time. How wrong I was. I wish I had become involved when I first was aware of CASA. I think it is so important to support the children in foster care who have experienced abuse. The trauma they had endured can have an effect of the rest of their lives, but with consistent, positive, caring adults this trauma can be mitigated and their future can be very bright.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I worked in marketing for the majority of my career. I have always volunteered for my community in different aspects, but through the years it evolved into a focus on supporting children to help ensure they have a healthy and secure future. I also do volunteer work that supports Cook Children’s Medical Center and have been involved with UNICEF. I am on the Frog Club Advisory Board at TCU and a member of the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation board.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
Don’t wait! It is important work and incredibly fulfilling. The need is great, much greater than there are volunteer advocates. Help give the children of our community caring adult support during the most crucial time of their lives.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
Keeping my emotions in check when hearing about the details of a case. It helps to remind myself that with a CASA advocate what has happened to these children will now not happen again.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
Seeing the smiles on the faces of “my” kids when I visit them! And, the moment I can tell that they have learned to trust me.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
I am a CASA for a 13 year old boy. Sadly, he has been in foster care for almost 5 years. It can be very difficult to find a permanent, adoptive home for a child this age with a traumatic history. But, he is now in a loving adoptive home with the kindest parents who are patient and loving. And, he now has several brothers that have openly welcomed him into their family. This family was found after I kept questioning what else can be done for him and found a wonderful group that encourages adoption of older children. It proved to be the perfect piece we were missing!
7. Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
It is the best thing I have ever done. I am a regular person. I am not special or gifted, but I know I have made a positive difference in the lives of the children that I have advocated for. They know that they are special and deserving and worthy – and they always will.
8. How have you been able to connect with your CASA kids during this time of quarantine? How are you advocating for them during this time? How has it impacted the children on your case?
It has been different, for sure. But, I call the foster parents a bit more often. I talk with the foster parents and talk with “my” kid also. I have been able to reassure the foster parents of their hard work during this time and have encouraged “my” kids to find the positive things in their lives even during this strange time. I have sent them cards in the mail, too. The older kids have not wanted to facetime and the youngest is only 8 months old, so I have checked in with his foster mom. I know they are all doing perfectly fine, even though they don’t much like doing school at home and not being able to leave the house.
CAS Mayra Guzman said, "Shannon has been as CASA Advocate for five years. I have worked with Shannon for about two years. Shannon became a CASA Family Recovery Court Advocate in 2018. Shannon voluntarily organizes bi-weekly educational sessions for the Family Recovery Court clients. Shannon is a kindhearted angel that is willing to go the extra mile for the parents and children on her cases. She advocates for her children to have sibling visits monthly and communicates with each foster family that reside in different locations to ensure the children are continuing to have contact with each other. Shannon is resourceful with obtaining outside resources to assist our children and parents.”