Six months ago, when I began this journey, I could only imagine what CASA of the Southern Coalfields might become. Standing in the courtroom for our swearing-in ceremony, surrounded by people who believed in this program and its purpose, I realized we had reached a moment we had worked so hard to make possible.

It still feels a little unreal.

From being selected as Executive Director to working through the many steps required to establish a new program, so much of these past six months has happened behind the scenes. There were things to learn, challenges to navigate, and moments when I questioned whether I was capable of doing something this important.

But I never had to do it alone.

My board and this community continued to show up with encouragement, guidance, and a shared belief that the children of Mingo and Logan counties deserve another person in their corner. I would not have been standing in that courtroom without them, and I will always be grateful for the trust they have placed in me.

This experience has taught me a few things I hope to carry with me:

Let people believe in you while you’re still learning to believe in yourself.
Let people see your potential before you know how to recognize it.
Let people care about you without feeling that you have to earn it by doing everything perfectly.
And give yourself permission to show up as you are. You can be nervous, deeply grateful, and ready to take the next step—all at the same time.
As meaningful as this milestone is to me personally, its greatest importance is what it makes possible for our children.

So, what happens now?

CASA of the Southern Coalfields is now able to serve children in Mingo and Logan counties through judicial appointment, and we are actively recruiting volunteer advocates.

For a child who has experienced abuse or neglect, a CASA volunteer can be a consistent, caring presence: someone who takes the time to listen, understand their circumstances, and advocate for their best interests. That is the purpose behind every form, meeting, training, and hour of preparation that brought us here.

I’m also looking forward to developing events that bring our communities together, build awareness, and support this work. If you have an idea, would like to get involved, or want to learn about becoming a volunteer advocate, please reach out by text or email. I would love to hear from you.

Below, you can watch the swearing-in ceremony for myself, as Executive Director, and Ashley Hatfield, Growth and Development Officer for WV CASA. A special thank-you to Susan Van Zant for filming and preserving a moment I will never forget.

To everyone who helped us reach this day: thank you. Your support has helped turn an idea into a program that can now stand beside children in our own communities.

Now we begin the work we came here to do.