Staff Spotlight: Liz Woods, Program Specialist
Liz Woods is a Program Specialist at Texas CASA. She is the loving wife of Michael, proud mother of Heather, Morgan, and Mickey, and a caring grandmother to Madison and Neveah. With over 20 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations, Liz brings a wealth of compassion and dedication. She also serves as the Assistant Director of With This Ring Marriage and Family Ministry, having received certification from Family Dynamics. A proud US Army veteran, Liz served as a Communication Specialist, demonstrating her commitment to service. She attended Lamar University, where she studied accounting, and has been honored with a Doctorate in Humanities from Strategic Growth Leadership University (SGLU). Originally from Port Arthur, Texas, also known as the Home of the Trill, Liz enjoys relaxing vacations by the water, cooking, baking, mentoring young women and girls, reading, watching reality TV, and most of all, cherishing quality time with her family.
Tell us about yourself and what drew you to working in the child welfare space.
I truly love children! Coming from a large family, I have always cherished the importance of family bonds. My involvement with children in the foster care system has grown naturally through supporting and encouraging my own three kids. By being present for their activities and spending quality time with them, I have had the opportunity to connect with many other children who needed extra support and encouragement, whether academically, in their extracurricular pursuits, or simply in guiding them to make positive choices in life.
I also have hands-on experience working with families. My husband and I operate a marriage ministry called “With This Ring,” where we offer counseling for married and engaged couples. We are both certified through Family Dynamics, and through this ministry, we also provide family counseling, mentorship, and youth support.
Additionally, through my previous work with a non-profit organization and my role in Port Arthur ISD, I gained a deeper understanding of the foster care system. This work allowed me to take a more direct approach in helping children and families navigate challenges that often arise within the family and school environments. Children do not come with a handbook, so if I can offer even a small, caring chapter in their story, I am pleased to do my part.
How long have you worked for Texas CASA, and how did you get involved with the CASA mission?
I have been with Texas CASA for almost two years as a Program Specialist. Prior to that, I had the privilege of working with CASA of Southeast Texas for 10 years, with my last role being the Executive Director for that program. That experience was truly meaningful for me; being directly involved in the lives of children and families offered a unique inside perspective on the child welfare system. During that time, I had the opportunity to lead, mentor, and train staff, as well as advocate for children and families in court. It was a rewarding way to give back, and it also taught me a great deal about myself, something for which I am deeply grateful. While I cherished my time there, the program, the people, and the work, I have always had the aspiration to be part of Texas CASA in some capacity. So, when the opportunity arose, I decided to give it my best shot! I am just really grateful to have been welcomed into the team and to have the chance to be a part of this wonderful organization.
Tell us about your work in the Programs Operation team and your role as Program Specialist.
As a Program Specialist, I am responsible for ensuring that local programs comply with the standards established by both National CASA and Texas CASA. This involves conducting comprehensive Quality Assurance Reviews (audits) every three years for each program. During these reviews, I evaluate all policies for compliance, assess the training provided to staff, volunteers, and board members to ensure it meets the minimum standards, and verify that all personnel have successfully passed the required background checks.
In addition, I review various program documents, including budgets, strategic plans, recruitment strategies, memoranda of understanding, and fund development plans, to confirm adherence to established criteria. I also conduct interviews with the Executive Director, Board President, Board Treasurer, and program staff to gain a thorough understanding of the program’s operations. These conversations provide an opportunity for programs to share their accomplishments and highlight their impactful work in serving children in the foster care system.
While with a local program, I had already gone through three Quality Assurance Reviews and had the experience of knowing what is expected from the program side. I believe that not only did that experience help prepare me for this role, but also my background as a Communication Specialist in the US Army, and my accounting background, which focused on auditing and attention to detail, prepared me for it as well, and gave me the additional experience needed to be effective in my role, which helps to strengthen the overall system of care for children. I love what I do, and I am dedicated to supporting the programs so they can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children through compassionate and attentive support.
How does your personal experience impact your work at Texas CASA?
My personal experiences working with children in the school system, many of whom faced challenges such as abuse, hunger, instability, and family difficulties, have helped me gain a deeper awareness of life beyond my own four walls and family. These experiences allowed me to grow in unexpected ways and fostered a profound sense of compassion. This compassion is essential for supporting children and families as they navigate through child welfare system, and it encourages them to move toward healing and understanding, opening up new possibilities for growth and change.
My greatest and most cherished accomplishment in life is undoubtedly my family. I pour my heart into my marriage and my children. As a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two, they mean everything to me and are the most precious part of my world. Because of that, I believe in leading by example within my own home, showing love, care, and support to my family first. What I do in my marriage and with my children reflects the person I am and the values I hold dear. I strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, rooted in truth, honor, and integrity. I aim to be authentic, humble, compassionate, caring, and forgiving. Because of this, the families, and children I have had the privilege to work with can see that my words and advice are truly reflected in my own actions, in real time. I have always kept in mind that someone may be watching me to help guide their own path, and that influences everything I do. By staying true to these beliefs, I try to be aware and present, so children know they always have someone who cares and is there to support them.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I feel truly fortunate to collaborate with a wonderful team of dedicated individuals who share a deep commitment to CASA’s mission. Collaborating with such passionate people, along with the strong leadership and support I have received, makes my experience with the programs even more meaningful. During the two-day Quality Assurance Review, I have the opportunity to engage in conversations that provide valuable insight into what CASA is, what it does, and why it all matters so much. Hearing the heartfelt stories and understanding the purpose behind everything during those days only reminds me of how truly vital CASA is. What I do is meaningful, as it helps ensure that the programs and the dedicated people at the program level can continue to receive the support they deserve. I am genuinely grateful to be a part of it all and to play even a small role in making a difference.
