The Faces of Strategic Network Services (SNS), Chapter 1

The work of SNS is critical to Texas CASA’s mission because they support the volunteer experience as a whole, including the pipeline and life cycle of a volunteer. Let’s start with Amanda, Maggie, and Kyron’s role on the SNS team. While they work on a wide range of projects, their work can be summed up in one important role: coaching and championing CASA volunteers, program directors, trainers, and supervisors. They provide training both live and asynchronously by cultivating communities of practice for staff in these specific roles and by providing trainings like Amanda’s Sharpening Skills webinars and New Supervisor Series, Maggie’s CASA on the Go podcast and Spill the TEA, and CASA College, which Kyron has jumped into managing. Did you know we had 7,160 course completions in FY26?!?!  

Amanda, Maggie, and Kyron collaborate across Texas CASA and the network on curriculum development, resource creation, subject-matter expertise, and statewide learning initiatives. Whether you need a thought partner, coach, or help working through a challenge, they’re a go-to team for support and collaboration.

Behind the Scenes with Amanda, Maggie & Kyron

What is something people might be surprised to learn about your role or experience? 

Amanda: Folks might be surprised I taught 7^th grade Texas History and worked at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum.

Kyron: I was recruited by the FBI and participated in 2 UFC fight camps.

Maggie: Yikes, the FBI is hard to follow! Reflecting on how I see my role, one thing I’d share is that I strive to pair relevant training content with a relationship-centered approach to our work. Through cultivating authentic connection with people at our programs, I hope to offer those we serve a trusted source of support and collaboration as they walk alongside children and families. 

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? 

Amanda: Singing. But if it needs to be work related, I would love to be a master at graphic design. I think it would really support the work we do with our learning to have specifically supportive graphics.

Kyron: Emotional Intelligence. I’m convinced we all want to feel seen but in order to see others we also need to be able to respond wisely to what we see. To me emotional intelligence mastery is the key to both being seen and truly seeing others.

Maggie: I’d love to instantly speak a few more languages. 

With summer coming to a close, what’s been your favorite and/or dream vacation?

Amanda: I would love to take a Paul Gauguin Cruise in the South Pacific.

Kyron: My favorite vacation has been Seychelles.

Maggie: Taking Felix to my childhood stomping ground of Schlitterbahn for the first time was pretty sweet. He kept shouting “This is so epic!” as we splashed down the icy tube chutes. 

What’s one goal you’re working toward together?

Collectively, we’re committed to equipping local program staff with the coaching, training, and support they need to strengthen their work and create meaningful experiences for CASA volunteers.