ACA Lecture Series

About the speaker
CASA of Travis County, Inc will join the ACA on July 1st, with staff members, and Don Rhoades, CASA Advocate and ACA member to talk about the reason why CASA needs Advocates like Don from the ACA to help make a difference in the life of a child in the court system. Please join us to learn about what foster care looks like, what it is like to be an Advocate in this system, what a supervisor expects, and what the process to becoming an Advocate is. CASA will provide brochures and information on this process as well as having Advocate applications for those who are interested in joining this organization.

Bios:
Kim Lindsey, BA Psychology
CASA Team Leader/Supervisor 7.5 years
Kim worked at a residential treatment center prior to coming to CASA. While at the treatment center she learned about the importance of our communities most vulnerable children needing an advocate and sought employment with CASA of Travis County. In the 7.5 years she has worked with CASA she has represented 100s of children in foster care in Travis County, and worked with many community advocates who are able to offer a voice.

Heather Frye-Kelly, BA Sociology, MA Sociology
CASA Supervisor 2 years
Prior to coming to CASA Heather taught Sociology at a community college. After leaving the academic setting she went to work with children at a residential treatment center where she developed a desire to make a difference in a child's life long term. This desire brought Heather to CASA where she first worked as a CASA Supervisor with community advocates working directly with children and families. Heather was given an opportunity with CASA to assist in recruitment and retention of community advocates. Her desire is to continue the effort to recruit a diverse population of community advocates who wish to make a difference for the children of Travis County.

Erik Lugo, BA Psychology and Philosophy
CASA Supervisor 7 months
Prior to his arrival at CASA of Travis County Erik worked for a residential treatment center for a year and a half. He was able to learn about the CPS system through that experience as well as CASA. This lead to his desire to work with CASA because he felt he was able to make a greater impact in the life of a child. His experience at CASA has provided him the opportunity to make an impact while working with Advocates from the community.

Melia Graber, LMSW, BA History, MSSW Social Work
CASA Supervisor 1 year
Melia came to CASA quickly following her graduation from graduate school here at the University of Texas. Her experience included working with children through AISD as well as working with students at the University. Melia has actively advocated for many children in her year with CASA. She has been a supervisor to many volunteers, specifically she supervises Don Rhoades in his efforts to advocate for the children in Travis County.

Don Rhoades
CASA advocate
Don is a founding member of the ACA and a current board member.