What keeps me coming back is the ability to advocate for the things the child needs to thrive.


December 14 , 2023

What keeps me coming back is the ability to advocate for the things the child needs to thrive.

1.)  Tell me a little bit about yourself.

 My name is Shanon Levin. I came to Berks County from Philadelphia in 2021. I love how peaceful it is out here! I work as an Administrative Judge for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where I hear employment discrimination cases brought by federal employees.

  

2.)  What made you decide to reach out and become a CASA?

 When I was the managing attorney for Disability Rights Pennsylvania, I encountered CASAs working with dependent kids with disabilities who needed services and was very impressed with their advocacy! I wanted to get involved in my new Berks County community and thought this would be a great way to do it.

  

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

 Nothing can prepare you for being a CASA except doing it! I definitely feel supported by CASA staff, who always have ideas and suggestions.

 

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

 I wasnt nervous. I did think about whether the child, who was a tween in placement, would be open to speaking to me since I was yet another stranger intruding into her life.

  

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

  This is my first case.

  

6.)  How do you work being a CASA volunteer into your busy life?

 This is one of the hardest things about being a CASA. Its hard to balance a full-time job along with family and social time. I try to schedule CASA activities on my days off.

 

7.)  With all the different people involved in a childs case: family, foster family, school, doctor, caseworkers etc. How do you stay organized?

 To do lists!

 

8.). Is there an experience or has a child, in one of your cases, ever said something or done something to make you feel this is why I became a CASA volunteer?

 The child asked me to call her regularly.

 

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

 The hardest thing about being a CASA is not being able to solve the problems that exist for the child. What keeps me coming back in the ability to advocate for the things the child needs to thrive.

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