Media Contacts

For all media requests, please contact our Communications team:

Madi Donham

External Communications Manager
Email: mdonham@texascasa.org
Office: (512) 610-6125

Communications Inbox

General Contact Email: communications@texascasa.org

News and Updates

One Week Until Registration Opens for the 2026 Texas CASA Conference
One week until registration opens for the 2026 Texas CASA Conference: Advocacy in Motion! This year’s theme reflects the active and ongoing work of CASA on behalf of children. Advocacy requires […]
Read More One Week Until Registration Opens for the 2026 Texas CASA Conference
Strengthening Texas’ Child Welfare System Through Partnership
Over the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of participating in two powerful gatherings that reinforced something we know to be true: meaningful change for children and families happens when we work together. […]
Read More Strengthening Texas’ Child Welfare System Through Partnership
Staff Spotlight: Laura Sanchez, Fund Development Specialist
Laura is the Fund Development Specialist at Texas CASA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in digital marketing and brings experience in marketing, communications, and […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Laura Sanchez, Fund Development Specialist
Meet the Voices Leading Change at Our 2026 Conference
We are delighted to announce this year’s conference keynote speakers who embody hope, empowerment, and resilience. Through their stories and insights, they reflect the heart of advocacy — showing how intentional actions, […]
Read More Meet the Voices Leading Change at Our 2026 Conference
Mental Health Awareness is Something All of Us Must Champion in Our Communities
As June begins and summer settles across Texas, children and families are adjusting to a major seasonal transition. For many young people, summer is a time filled with fun and […]
Read More Mental Health Awareness is Something All of Us Must Champion in Our Communities
Staff Spotlight: Nancy Rodriguez, Finance and Business Operations Director
Nancy Rodriguez is the Finance and Business Operations Director at Texas CASA and brings more than 45 years of nonprofit accounting experience. Before Texas CASA, Nancy worked with several nonprofits […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Nancy Rodriguez, Finance and Business Operations Director
CASA Volunteers are Stepping Up to Fill Essential Gaps in Services
Over the last month and a half, I’ve had the privilege of visiting CASA programs across Texas and hearing firsthand the stories of children whose lives have been changed by the presence […]
Read More CASA Volunteers are Stepping Up to Fill Essential Gaps in Services
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. […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Liz Woods, Program Specialist
Local Program Spotlight: Child Advocates of Fort Bend
Originally shared by Child Advocates of Fort Bend in their March 2026 Newsletter Celebrating a Decade of Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Fall 2025 marked a significant milestone in child welfare […]
Read More Local Program Spotlight: Child Advocates of Fort Bend
Texas CASA’s Partner Agencies Train Volunteers to be a Voice and a Lifeline for Children in the Foster Care System
Originally published by KPRC Click2Houston, Mariah Gardner. HOUSTON, Texas — When children are legally removed from their homes for their safety, they may face uncertainty regarding where they will live, […]
Read More Texas CASA’s Partner Agencies Train Volunteers to be a Voice and a Lifeline for Children in the Foster Care System
Texas CASA Welcomes New Public Policy Director
We are thrilled to introduce our new Public Policy Director, Ana O’Quin! Ana brings a passion for and diverse experience in macro-level policy work and youth engagement. Most recently, Ana […]
Read More Texas CASA Welcomes New Public Policy Director
New Hotline at UT to Connect Former Foster Kids to Post-Foster Resources
Originally published by KXAN. AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work will launch a centralized […]
Read More New Hotline at UT to Connect Former Foster Kids to Post-Foster Resources
CASA Volunteers are an Unwavering Source of Stability
Child Abuse Prevention Month is one of our biggest opportunities to step up and educate our communities about child abuse and neglect, and how we individually and collectively can help […]
Read More CASA Volunteers are an Unwavering Source of Stability
Staff Spotlight: Thalia Wilson, Website Development & Communications Specialist
Thalia Wilson is the Website Development & Communications Specialist at Texas CASA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication design from the University of North Texas, where she concentrated in […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Thalia Wilson, Website Development & Communications Specialist
Local Program Spotlight: Amarillo Area CASA
What began as a custody case in California took an unexpected turn when a father and his young son relocated to Texas. Struggling with homelessness and substance use, the father […]
Read More Local Program Spotlight: Amarillo Area CASA
CFE Coach Maria McCord Joins Picture Me Podcast
Texas CASA’s own Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Maria McCord joined Heart Gallery of Central Texas‘ new podcast, Picture Me, to share how her own personal experience in foster care and […]
Read More CFE Coach Maria McCord Joins Picture Me Podcast
Ten Years of Keeping Children in Foster Care Connected to Family
Imagine you’re 12 years old and it’s Christmas time — instead of soaking in the joys of the holiday season, you’re in foster care and just learned that you must […]
Read More Ten Years of Keeping Children in Foster Care Connected to Family
ACT Advocacy is Safety Advocacy
Children and youth with strong, engaged support networks are far less vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Traffickers target isolation — so our advocacy must intentionally rebuild and strengthen connections when […]
Read More ACT Advocacy is Safety Advocacy
Texas CASA Recommendations for DFPS Sunset Review
In September 2025, the Sunset Advisory Commission began the two-year Sunset review process for 16 state agencies, including two critical to children and families: the Department of Family and Protective […]
Read More Texas CASA Recommendations for DFPS Sunset Review
CASA of Travis County Volunteer Helps Two Sisters Find Family Connections
Originally published by National CASA in recognition of the outstanding work of CASA of Travis County. At National CASA/GAL, we see every day how powerful relationships can be in the […]
Read More CASA of Travis County Volunteer Helps Two Sisters Find Family Connections
Staff Spotlight: Lindsey Lee, Campaign Marketing & Media Manager
Lindsey is a Midwesterner who, like many people, traded snow for the Texas sunshine 15 years ago. While trudging to class in snowstorms, she earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Lindsey Lee, Campaign Marketing & Media Manager
Texas CASA Conference Call for Presenters 📣
Share your expertise at the 2026 Texas CASA Conference! **Submit by April 17** Do you have strategies, tools, or lessons learned that could inspire and strengthen CASA programs across Texas? We invite […]
Read More Texas CASA Conference Call for Presenters 📣
After Decades Advocating for Children in Foster Care, CASA of the Coastal Bend CEO to Retire
Originally published in KRIS 6 News. CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After nearly three decades of advocating for abused and neglected children in foster care, Page Hall has announced her retirement […]
Read More After Decades Advocating for Children in Foster Care, CASA of the Coastal Bend CEO to Retire
Let’s Make 2026 the Year of ACT Advocacy!
January was Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to pause and focus on understanding and responding to the atrocities of trafficking. In case you missed it, here is our blog […]
Read More Let’s Make 2026 the Year of ACT Advocacy!
Fiscal Year 2025 Impact Report Now Available
Established in 1989, Texas CASA is the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs. We support the local CASA programs with training, community awareness, resources, grant administration and public […]
Read More Fiscal Year 2025 Impact Report Now Available
Lilo’s Journey to Family: Lone Star CASA Shares Inspiring Adoption Story
Originally published in The Rockwall Times. Kaufman & Rockwall, TX – October 15, 2025 — Lone Star CASA had the joy of celebrating the adoption of 17-year-old Lilo at the Grayson County […]
Read More Lilo’s Journey to Family: Lone Star CASA Shares Inspiring Adoption Story
NEWS RELEASE: Texas CASA Welcomes New Chief External Relations Officer
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is thrilled to introduce Anne Nagelkirk as the new Chief External Relations Officer. Known as a collaborative, value-driven leader, Nagelkirk is […]
Read More NEWS RELEASE: Texas CASA Welcomes New Chief External Relations Officer
Principal Foundation Launches Award Program to Honor Principal Financial Network Professionals Driving Community Impact
Originally published by Principal Foundation via PR Newswire. DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Principal® Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Principal Financial Group®, today awarded $205,000 to more […]
Read More Principal Foundation Launches Award Program to Honor Principal Financial Network Professionals Driving Community Impact
Local CASA Program Wishlists
For many of us, the holiday season is full of excitement, celebration, family, warmth and community. As we enjoy this time with loved ones, we hope you will remember the […]
Read More Local CASA Program Wishlists
A Year in Review with Texas CASA Staff
We asked our extraordinary staff: What are you most proud of accomplishing with Texas CASA in 2025? Deedra Baker, Chief Network Operations Officer I’m most proud of working alongside network programs […]
Read More A Year in Review with Texas CASA Staff
Goodbye to Sarah Crockett, Public Policy Director
After 11 years of incredible service, Public Policy Director Sarah Crockett will soon be leaving Texas CASA and starting a new adventure. We want to take this opportunity to celebrate […]
Read More Goodbye to Sarah Crockett, Public Policy Director
NEWS RELEASE: Texas CASA Awards Judge Piper McCraw for Outstanding Work in Child Welfare
(GEORGETOWN, Texas) – Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) honoredJudge Piper McCraw with the 2025 Texas CASA Judicial Innovation and LeadershipAward for the enduring difference she’s made in the lives […]
Read More NEWS RELEASE: Texas CASA Awards Judge Piper McCraw for Outstanding Work in Child Welfare
Staff Spotlight: Amanda Melancon, Learning and Education Specialist:
Amanda Melancon began her career as a middle school teacher and museum educator, where she discovered her love for creating engaging learning experiences and connecting with people. Today, she brings […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Amanda Melancon, Learning and Education Specialist:
Staff Spotlight: Wilbert King, Grants Compliance Specialist
Wilbert King is the Grants Compliance Specialist at Texas CASA, and he began his professional career in the field of Contracts and Grants at the University of Texas at Austin. […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Wilbert King, Grants Compliance Specialist
NEWS RELEASE: P.F. Chang’s to Host Statewide Fundraiser Benefiting CASA Programs on August 6
(TEXAS) – P.F. Chang’s and Texas CASA are teaming up for a first-of-its-kind statewide fundraising event to benefit children and youth in the Texas foster care system. On Wednesday, August […]
Read More NEWS RELEASE: P.F. Chang’s to Host Statewide Fundraiser Benefiting CASA Programs on August 6
Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Battaglia, Public Policy Specialist
Stephanie Battaglia is the Public Policy Specialist at Texas CASA. Stephanie has a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Spanish and Legal Studies from the University of North Texas. […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Battaglia, Public Policy Specialist
Clergy CASA & Community Onboarding Kickoff
Clergy, CASA and Community (CCC) is an initiative by Texas CASA to build a network of faith communities and leaders to champion speaking up for local children in foster care […]
Read More Clergy CASA & Community Onboarding Kickoff
Staff Spotlight: Leslie Cocke, Advocacy Development Specialist
Leslie Cocke, JD, MA, is the Advocacy Development Specialist for Texas CASA, providing training, assistance and resources for best-interest advocacy for children in foster care to the 74 local CASA programs. […]
Read More Staff Spotlight: Leslie Cocke, Advocacy Development Specialist
NEWS RELEASE: Texas Bar Foundation Awards Texas CASA $25K for Juvenile Justice Advocacy
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is honored to be arecipient of a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to fund its Justice InvolvedYouth (JIY) Pilot […]
Read More NEWS RELEASE: Texas Bar Foundation Awards Texas CASA $25K for Juvenile Justice Advocacy
Welcome New Texas CASA Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) Consultant
Torey Tipton is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a robust background in policy development, nonprofit strategy, and community engagement, firmly committed to advancing the mission of Texas CASA. With […]
Read More Welcome New Texas CASA Anti-Child Trafficking (ACT) Consultant
Texas CASA Welcomes New Website Development & Communications Specialist
Our former Web Development & Communications Intern, Thalia Wilson, has accepted a full-time position in our department as the Web Development & Communications Specialist! As the Web Development & Communications Specialist, she […]
Read More Texas CASA Welcomes New Website Development & Communications Specialist

TEXAS CASA IN THE NEWS

CASA spotlight on the need for bilingual volunteers

Spectrum News

New laws create more oversight and accountability for Texas private foster care contractors

WFAA-TV

Interview with Deedra Baker, Texas CASA Chief Network Services Officer

Spectrum News

Faith communities and foster children

Longview News-Journal

Arresting children in foster care adds to their trauma

Houston Chronicle

Texas foster cares begs for reform, volunteers

San Antonio Express News

With schools closed, families need your support

Houston Chronicle

We need to ensure that no child is left isolated

The Baytown Sun

Let’s keep unhoused families together during the pandemic

Austin American- Statesman

Branding

Reach out to the media contacts listed above if you are in need of a black or white version of our logo.

ABOUT TEXAS CASA

Austin-based Texas CASA is the statewide organization of local CASA programs that recruit and train volunteers to advocate for children and families in the child protection system. Texas CASA supports the local CASA programs by advocating for effective public policy for children and families in the child welfare system and by providing funding, training and technical assistance to program staff, board and volunteers.

FY2025 Impact Numbers

CASA
Volunteers

Children Served
by CASA

We are Texas CASA

We Make a Difference

You're Needed

Stay Connected

Learning Center

Search Learning Center

Program Portal

Search Program Portal

Media Contacts

News and Updates

TEXAS CASA IN THE NEWS

Branding

ABOUT TEXAS CASA

FY2025 Impact Numbers

CASAVolunteers

Children Servedby CASA

LocalCASA Programs

Counties Served

Keep Up with Texas CASA

CASA
Volunteers

Children Served
by CASA

Local
CASA Programs