CASA of Berks County swears in the 18th class of volunteers for a team of sixty court-appointed special advocates.
On November 14, 2023, Judge Tina Boyd presided over the swearing-in ceremony for nine new child advocates. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a program that trains volunteers to work with abused and neglected children. Their task is to listen, learn, and report back to the court what is in the best interest of keeping them safe and nurtured. They serve a vital function in Berks Family Court.
CASA volunteers serve as an extension of the eyes and ears of the judge in dependency court cases. Volunteers undergo more than 30 hours of training that includes observing dependency court hearings. After being sworn in, a judge appoints a CASA to advocate for the child's best interests.
Making a difference in the life of a child is my primary reason for becoming a CASA, said Lynn Spatz one of the nine new advocates. As a parent watching cases unfold, I often asked if there was someone who could advocate for the interests of the childFinding out about CASA was an AH-HA! Moment which more people need to discover.
Connie Cammarano, with nine years as an elementary classroom teacher and sixteen years as a school counselor added, I feel being a CASA volunteer will allow me to have a more in-depth connection to a child in foster care and I may even be able to have a more positive effect on their well-being than I could as a counselor.
The nine volunteer advocates come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from school nurse Lisa Kepner, small business owner Heather Everson, community organizer Tanya Melendez, to Kelly Wolfe, a mother of eight children, including five through adoption.
Three more, Marcy Demagone with a masters in school psychology, Jennier Dougherty school counselor, and Marcia Baer a speech and language pathologist have experience collaborating with school systems and will bring that expertise to the foster children assigned to them.
Why do all these accomplished women want to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate? The answer is best summed up by Marcia Baer who said, I am aware that not all children are as blessed as others. I want every child to feel valued and safe with the confidence to want the best for themselves.
I have so much respect for the CASA approach." Said Judge Art Grim (retired) who serves on the CASA Board of Directors. He went on to say, "With 30 years as a Judge, I've always been concerned about abuse, both on an adult and child level. I spent my days in Juvenile Court. So many of the young people I saw came from abusive families. That is what drives me to support what CASA does.
There are over four hundred children in Berks County who are in foster care. They all could use a child advocate. Those interested in becoming a volunteer child advocate must submit clearances and references and attend an 8- week training course. The next class begins on February 29, 2024. Interested in learning more? Do not hesitate to contact Christa Yeager by email: christa@casaberks.org
Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program
Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.
At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.
To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.
Why Volunteer Therapists Matter
Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:
Build confidence and emotional stability
Strengthen coping skills
Navigate significant life decisions
Develop healthier relationships
Feel supported during an uncertain time
Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.
What the Role Involves
Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.
This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.
Who Were Looking For
We are seeking licensed professionals such as:
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
Licensed Psychologists
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.
Learn More
We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.
Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.
Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.
November 22, 2025
Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program
byNancy McCullar
Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.
At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.
To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.
Why Volunteer Therapists Matter
Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:
- Build confidence and emotional stability
- Strengthen coping skills
- Navigate significant life decisions
- Develop healthier relationships
- Feel supported during an uncertain time
Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.
What the Role Involves
Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.
This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.
Who Were Looking For
We are seeking licensed professionals such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologists
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.
Learn More
We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.
Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.
Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.
November 22, 2025
Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program
byNancy McCullar
Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.
At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.
To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.
Why Volunteer Therapists Matter
Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:
- Build confidence and emotional stability
- Strengthen coping skills
- Navigate significant life decisions
- Develop healthier relationships
- Feel supported during an uncertain time
Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.
What the Role Involves
Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.
This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.
Who Were Looking For
We are seeking licensed professionals such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologists
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.
Learn More
We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.
Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.
Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.
November 22, 2025
Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program
byNancy McCullar
Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.
At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.
To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.
Why Volunteer Therapists Matter
Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:
- Build confidence and emotional stability
- Strengthen coping skills
- Navigate significant life decisions
- Develop healthier relationships
- Feel supported during an uncertain time
Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.
What the Role Involves
Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.
This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.
Who Were Looking For
We are seeking licensed professionals such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologists
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.
Learn More
We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.
Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.
Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.
November 22, 2025
Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program
byNancy McCullar
Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.
At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.
To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.
Why Volunteer Therapists Matter
Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:
- Build confidence and emotional stability
- Strengthen coping skills
- Navigate significant life decisions
- Develop healthier relationships
- Feel supported during an uncertain time
Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.
What the Role Involves
Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.
This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.
Who Were Looking For
We are seeking licensed professionals such as:
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed Psychologists
If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.
Learn More
We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.
Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.
Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.