Heather Everson: Making a Lasting Impact as a CASA Volunteer


February 4 , 2025

Heather Everson: Making a Lasting Impact as a CASA Volunteer

by Nancy McCullar

1.)Tell us about yourself. 

 I have been married to Walter Everson for 27 years, and we have two sonsEthan (25) and Miles (20). We also have two dogs, Finn, and Blu.

I spent the early part of my career in advertising and publishing. While raising my young children, I worked part-time from home. In 2014, I transitioned into working for our family business as Chief Business Officer of Zee Medical Service. We sold the business in 2021, and afterward, we focused on expanding our real estate business. We now own commercial properties, vacation rentals, and long-term rentals.

I also started a small nonprofit called Your Best Day Box , which provides up to 40 birthday boxes per month to Olivet Boys & Girls Club members. Each box includes everything needed to celebrate a birthday a cake pan, cake mix, icing, soda (as a substitute for eggs and oil), a banner, balloons, and candles.

In early 2024, I returned to my childhood passion for riding and showing horses. In November, I purchased a new horse a six-year-old Holsteiner named Churchill (aka Winston).

 

2.)What made you decide to take the steps to reach out to become a CASA?

 

 I wanted to give back my time and decided that I wanted to focus on helping children, so I reached out to find out about being a CASA.  

3.) Did you find that the CASA classes were enough to get you started with your first case? Did you feel supported?

Yes, I am happy with the training and support I receive from my supervisors.  

4.)How nervous were you to meet the child involved in your first case? Does it get easier? 

 I was nervous the first visit, but the children were open and accepting and eager to spend time with me.

5.)How long have you been a CASA volunteer and how many cases have you had? 

Ive been a CASA advocate for one year and I have two children in the same household to which I am assigned.
 

6.)With all the different people involved in a childs case: family, foster family, school, doctor, and caseworkers. How do you stay organized? Can you share any tips that would help a new CASA volunteer?


I document everything, keep good notes, and create calendar reminders to follow up. 

7.)Is there an experience or a childs action, in one of your cases, ever said or done something that has made you feel this is why I became a CASA?

After visit number five, I was not sure I was making an impact...but then she asked me how soon she would see me again. I said In three weeks and she replied "that is a long time to wait"  At that moment I knew that she wanted the visits and looked forward to our time together.

8 .)We all know that becoming a CASA is not all butterflies and roses so what would you say is the hardest thing about being a CASA and what keeps you coming back?  

The hardest part is seeing how the children have been let down by the people who should love them the most. If I can show them that I will not give up on them and they can count on me, I hope that makes a difference in their lives.

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar
pictures of therapists counseling youth

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.

 Return To List

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.

 Return To List

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.

 Return To List

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.

 Return To List