19 new advocates took the oath in February

Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 9, 2022) – Nineteen new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) were sworn in as officers of the court at CASA of the Pikes Peak Region’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.

The ceremony took place at the El Paso County Courthouse and was presided over by El Paso Country Judge Dennis McGuire. It was the final step taken by these community volunteers after weeks of training which covered topics like trauma, resiliency, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and the role of the CASA volunteer.

Now, each new advocate will be appointed to an open case Dependency & Neglect by a judge so that they may speak up for an abused or neglected child and ensure that child’s best interest remains front and center during court proceedings.

Congratulations new advocates Debra Baker, Nancy Champlin, Giseleine Dogon, Patricia Gerrity, Karla Greeley, Stephanie Howie, Deepak Jamwal, Kinda Lenberg, Elizabeth Lenherr, Kristine Lynn, Ellen McKinnie, Chelsea McPherson, Anastasia Melzer, Brandon O’Dell, Christine Sandal, Jacqueline Smith-Hill, Clarke White, Nicole Wilson, and Cheryl Witzman.

CASA continues to seek new volunteers to support children in El Paso and Teller counties who are involved in the child welfare system due to abuse, neglect, or severe domestic conflict. Anyone who is interested in serving their community in this capacity is encouraged to attend an upcoming CASA Volunteer Information Hour. Info hour dates can be found here: www.casappr.org/volunteer.