Patsy was appointed as a CASA in 2021 and was assigned to a case involving a 4 year old girl who was removed from her parent’s care over concerns of substance use, domestic violence, parole violations, and physical abuse of the child. Patsy has quickly become the highlight of this little girl’s week as they engage in activities such as going to the library, the zoo, the park, etc on a weekly basis. Patsy has been able to bridge the gap and develop a strong relationship with the kinship provider, MOC, daycare provider, and the case team. Patsy has attended all the family engagement meetings and has been able to share valuable insight to the child’s overall wellbeing, often providing much more info to the case team that wasn’t previously known. She has been an advocate for getting the referral for play therapy pushed forward after spending time with the child in play and being able to recognize unresolved traumatic memories that the child has not been able to developmentally express through words yet. One of this child and Patsy’s favorite activities is going to the library together each week to read together and pick out books to bring home. This child had never been to the library before so Patsy helped set her up with a library card, taught her about checking out books, and even purchased a personalized bag for the child to carry her books to and from the library with. She has also been able to teach and model healthy nutrition by making small switches such as flavored water instead of soda, and fruit instead of chips. Patsy encompasses what a dedicated and engaged CASA looks like and she has gone above and beyond in making sure this child’s needs are met and more!