Melanie Navarro, CFE Coordinator
Why did you decide to come work for CASA?
Before coming to work for CASA, I was a social worker at a local behavioral health organization. In this role, I saw first-hand the impact that trauma can have on people’s lives and I realized that it was my calling to work with trauma survivors and their families. I was passionate about CASA’s mission to stand up for kids who have experienced abuse or neglect. When I saw a position open up, I jumped at the opportunity to join the CASA team!
What is your professional and educational background?
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout my social work career, I have worked in criminal justice, behavioral health, and child welfare settings. I am also a Registered Yoga Teacher with specialized training and certification in trauma-sensitive yoga.
What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA?
In my role as Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Coordinator at CASA, I get to work with many families. I love seeing these families come together to support the kids in their lives. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the kids we work with reunified with their parents or placed with loving family members.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA?
I love seeing our CASA volunteers embrace the CFE model. We have volunteers who spend countless hours searching for family members, making cold calls to possible relatives, and really working to build a lifetime network of support around the kids on their cases. It’s all about building connections!
Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters.
I worked with one CASA volunteer who was a huge advocate for the mother on her case. We often think about kids needing advocates, but we sometimes forget that adults need support and connection too! This advocate was always checking in with the mother on her case and helping to ensure she had access to helpful resources. I have no doubt that this supportive relationship was one of the reasons these kids were able to successfully reunite with their mother.
What would you say to a potential supporter?
If you are looking for a place to give of your time or money, CASA is a wonderful option! Our volunteers are so dedicated to the work that they do. We work with some amazing children and families and your support could make a big difference in their lives.
Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do?
CASA plays a huge role in our community. Every child needs an advocate and CASA is here to provide just that.
Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers?
Thank you for all that you do to support the children on your cases! These cases may have ups and downs, but I know that you truly make a difference in the lives of the kids and families that you are advocating for!