Fifteen new CASA volunteers sworn in and ready to advocate for kids

January 20, 2026 (Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Fifteen new Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA volunteers) were sworn in as officers of the court by 4th Judicial District Judge Catherine Mitchell Helton at the El Paso County Courthouse on Tuesday.

Taking an oath before a judge is the final step for new CASA volunteers after completing two weeks of training on trauma, resiliency, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other topics.

The new volunteer advocates will now be assigned to an open Dependency & Neglect case within the 4th Judicial District and will advocate for the best interest of children who are involved in the family court and child welfare systems because of abuse or neglect.

Congratulations new advocates Willow Barnett, Andrea Brown, Juan Fuentes, Jason Golem, Theeco Grazier, Chrissie Hodges, Albert Lomas, Amanda Lundgren, Eric McNeil, Greg O’Boyle, Samantha Pearson, Tonya Stuart, Garrett Tanner, Drusilla Wacker, and Aida Zeckanovic.

Anyone who wants to make a difference for a child in this capacity can learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer at one of these upcoming Volunteer Orientations:

  • Virtual Orientation on Jan. 21 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
  • In-Person Orientation on Jan. 29 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM
  • “Coffee With CASA” in Teller County on Feb. 18 from 9:00 – 10:00 AM
  • “Dudes & Brews” Men’s Orientation on Mar. 12 from 5 :30 – 7 :30 PM

Learn more and RSVP to an orientation here: www.casappr.org/volunteer.