CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with varying backgrounds, educational experiences, and individual passions! Over 300 volunteer advocates served with CASA of NWA in 2024, and no two stories are the same. Here is just a sample of some of the amazing individuals who work tirelessly to build brighter futures for our children.
Steven Beaumont
In October 2022, Steven Beaumont joined CASA of NWA, becoming one of 383 volunteers in the program. For Steven, serving others is a way of life.
If giving a few hours of your time can make a change in a kid’s life… what is left to consider?” Read More
Susan Adams
Susan Adams has been a CASA since 2021, serving two cases and teenagers in that time. She is energetic, passionate, and ready to stand up for her CASA kids when they need a champion.
Susan’s heart for the young people she has served, and her compassion and empathy for youth in foster care is an inspiration and reminder to us about why we continue to do this work: our job is to care about what is best for them. Read More
Claire Williams
Growing up in a family that was always open to helping others, Claire Williams is a passionate advocate for children. As her one year CASAversary approaches, she reflects on her experience working her first case.
“…just seeing the difference you can make as a volunteer in both a child and mother’s lives have been rewarding for me." Read More
Gary Paryzek
Gary knew that once he retired, he wanted to find a way to volunteer his time that would offer the opportunity to create sustainable, positive change in the life of a child.
As he approaches his 4th CASAversary he is serving his 6th and 7th cases simultaneously. Read More
Adrianna Hinson
Passionate about criminal justice and social work, Adrianna interned with CASA of Northwest Arkansas as part of her undergraduate degree requirements.
Now, working toward her masters degree, Adrianna is a committed CASA volunteer serving her first case and making real change in the lives of her three CASA youth. Read More
Sarah Bradshaw
Having the experience of being a foster parent comes with a unique perspective on advocating for a child’s best interest.
As a foster parent, Sarah worked with several CASA volunteers, and now she is one. Read More
Mary McCord
"But the main reason I love being a CASA and will continue to do so is I have an impact on the lives of children who need an advocate. They need someone to listen to them. They need someone to see their situation with a fresh set of eyes. They need compassion and emotional support." Read More
Happy Burgmeier
Happy has been a committed volunteer advocate since 2016. Serving 13 children from 6 families, Happy can be counted on to remember the small details, show up for her kids, and advocate for her CASA kids with compassion and care. Read More
Blair Dyer
Blair Dyer has been a valuable part of CASA of NWA since 2016. Whether serving as an Advocate Supervisor, board member, or volunteer advocate, Blair values providing meaningful and life-changing connection to kids in need. Read More
Nika Waitsman
"This volunteer role opens your eyes to a world you may not know exists. The children who enter state custody desperately need a caring adult to help guide them through the challenges of foster care. It’s a responsibility, yes—but one that truly makes a difference." Read More
Glen Hoffman
“You've been assigned as a protector as they go through foster care. When you can advocate selflessly, you can make a real difference. I’m not just a CASA; I’m a warrior.”
For Glen, being a CASA is more than just volunteering; it's an identity, and he helps change kids' lives every day just being himself. Read More
Haley Carson
“Once you have seen the true inner workings of the foster care system and you see the need, it’s very hard if you’re capable to not do something about that.”
Haley has been ingrained in the world of child welfare for most of her career, including as a former Advocate Supervisor at CASA of NWA! Read More
Cindy Rauth
It’s hard not to wonder how someone like Cindy Rauth can manage all the different roles she plays in her life. She is respectively a parent, an educator, a student, a caretaker, and a working professional. The seemingly immense responsibilities Cindy has would be a lot for anyone—and she does have her limits, but she is drawn to helping others and is motivated by the love she has for the people around her.
Read More
Brentt Tumey
Brentt's passion for helping children comes from many reasons. Becoming a CASA was an eye-opening experience for him, and it has led him to dedicate a lot of his time to serving and advocating for children.
“I’m a construction guy, and I think way more people need to know about CASA. If you ever get a bad case, I don’t know how that doesn’t change your world, to know that stuff goes on daily by the tens of thousands.”- Brentt Tumey Read More
Rachel Jardot
Having previous experience working with children, Rachel always knew she had a heart for helping kids. That’s why seven years ago she became a CASA volunteer, and has loved it ever since.
“This is a pretty small way that you can make a huge impact on a child that's hurting. Don't be afraid of the time it's going to take; it won't take as much as you think and it's worth the time that it does take.” - Rachel Jardot Read More
Marius de Waal
“Being a CASA, you have a chance to just speak a little bit into that kid’s life and maybe, just maybe, change the trajectory of their life.… It’s just trying to be a little bit of hope in a very hopeless world.” -Marius de Waal Read More
Courtney Lindsay
Courtney is someone that likes to see the impact she's making. She knows from her own experience just how powerful consistent effort can be for a child. She sees her own efforts as a CASA volunteer as helping the underdogs; kids that have far fewer choices in their lives, and she sees the potential in each child, just as someone saw in her. Read More
Vanessa Sanchez
Vanessa has always wanted to make a major impact by volunteering. Her background in child development and psychology and her life experiences, Vanessa is well equipped to handle just about any situation. She recently found a home here at CASA where she is able to make the impact she's been looking for. Read More
Emily Bost
Emily Bost may be small in stature, but she has one of the biggest hearts out there. Spend an hour with her and you will see the love in her heart shine through. Luckily for CASA of Northwest Arkansas, she found room in that heart to speak up for the children who need us the most. Read More
Elise & Marius de Waal
Believe it or not, it was a bumper sticker that originally inspired Elise de Waal to learn more about CASA. After keeping CASA in the back of her mind for two years, she was ready to begin volunteer training. Luckily for us, she sold her husband Marius on the idea as well. Read More
Becky Richards
According to Becky Richards, she has always been advocating for children. She may not have always been heard, but she was constantly fighting for those who didn’t have a voice. With a career in preschool and special education, Becky knew her advocacy wouldn’t end when she left the public school system and heard of CASA through a colleague who had adopted twins. When she retired, Becky knew just what was next. Read More