Colorado CASA Recognizes Magistrate Billings-Vela and Teller County DSS Caseworker Leslie Dwyer

Colorado community members were honored for their outstanding contributions to children at the Annual Colorado CASA Awards Banquet on October 22nd. It was a night of celebration and reflection of the honorable work being done for children throughout Colorado who are in the court system due to neglect and abuse. Among the winners, 4th Judicial District Magistrate Linda Billings-Vela received the Colorado CASA Judge of the Year award for 2010.

Magistrate Billings-Vela has been a strong supporter of CASA and has presided over 224 children with CASA volunteers assigned to their cases. She recognizes that CASA assists in creating a complete picture of the children’s lives, which aids the court in making important decisions that are in the best interests of the children.

“As a member of CASA of the Pikes Peak Region’s first class of volunteers 21 years ago, Magistrate Billings-Vela has a unique understanding of the role of a child advocate," said Trudy Strewler Hodges, executive director of CASA of the Pikes Peak Region. "It's been a joy and a privilege to work with her, and to witness her growth and commitment to children and families over these many years."

Leslie Dwyer, a staff member with the Teller County Department of Social Services, was awarded the 2010 Caseworker of the Year Award due to her strong values and beliefs about protecting the most vulnerable children and promoting permanent living situations for children in foster care.

“Leslie is the social worker every CASA volunteer hopes to partner with in Teller County,” said Terry Dickman, CASA Case Supervisor for Teller County. 

Other honorees from the Colorado CASA Awards include:

• 2010 CASA Staff Person of the Year: Leah Varnell, Executive Director of CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties.
• 2010 Guardian ad Litem Attorney of the Year: Leta Brandes, Adams and Broomfield Counties.
• CASA Volunteer of the Year: Dave Lemiesz, A Kid's Place, Greeley, CO
• CASA Advocate of the Year: Sarah Ehrlich, Denver