From College Classroom to Courtroom: How One Woman Found Her New Calling
When Amy retired as a college professor in May 2024, she could have filled her days with yoga, volunteering as assistant treasurer for IMPACT 100 Philly, and spending time with her adult daughter. Her calendar was already full. But instead of slowing down, Amy added something entirely newbecoming a Berks County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child in foster care.
I really felt that I could make a difference for someone, she says.
Six months into her very first case, Amy still remembers the nerves she felt walking into that first meeting with her assigned youth. Even now, she admits she gets butterflies at the start of every case. But with thorough CASA training, a smooth transition into the role, and the steady guidance of her supervisor, she quickly gained the confidence to step into the childs world and become their voice.
The role isnt without heartache. The hardest part, Amy says softly, is knowing how a child ends up in the system and how they go from place to place. But then there are the victoriesthe moments that prove her presence matters. Like the time she arranged for a school credit transfer so her CASA teen could graduate on time.
Her advice for anyone thinking about becoming a CASA? Find the needs of the child and support them there. Consistency matters.
Through organization, self-care, and an unwavering commitment to showing up, Amy has found a way to change the trajectory of a young life. And in doing so, shes discovered that the most meaningful work often happens one child at a time.
If youve ever wondered whether you could make a difference, Amys story is your answer. You can.
The fall class begins September 18, 2025. Contact Christa@casaberks.org to learn more about how you, too, can become a C ourt A ppointed S pecial A dvocate
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.