Meet Our Volunteers

More than 75,000 people in communities nationwide are CASA volunteers. In Jefferson and Gilpin counties, three-quarters of our 200-plus group of volunteers are over the age of 40. About one-quarter are 21 to 39 years old. They include teachers, accountants, librarians, retirees and homemakers.

Why do they volunteer?

“I think my greatest reward from being a CASA volunteer is knowing that in some small way, I’ve helped plant seeds of hope in the life of a child. Simple, but true.” –Jodi Gault
“I continue to volunteer for CASA because the children that we serve don’t have a choice whether to be in the system and they need a voice. I love that as a CASA you are able to really get to know a child and then walk along side that child through their life, the court process, visitations with parents, school activities, placement changes, sports, foster homes and adoption. It is so important that we follow the child until permanency is achieved.” –Carol Stiehr
“My motivation has always been to improve the lives of others; to encourage youth, motivate those who need assistance, inspire hope for the future and give aid to child victims who cannot speak for themselves. My satisfaction comes from knowing that I have made a difference in an abused or neglected child’s life.” –Tom Ashe

Read more about three of our volunteers:

JODI GAULT
Foster Care Coordinator, Pediatric Oncology Nurse

Jodi has been a volunteer advocate for CASA Jeffco/Gilpin for ten years. During that time, she has advocated for the best interests of child abuse victims in six cases, involving 12 children.

Jodi was appointed to a case in 2005; it was open for five years. Two children, a brother and sister, were removed from their home and taken into protective services when their mother’s boyfriend severely beat the 13 year old boy. When their mom defended her boyfriend, it was determined that she would not protect her children and they were placed in foster care. These children were placed in as many as 13 different foster homes, one of which was so bad that the foster kids were refused food, beaten and emotionally abused. Jodi was instrumental in identifying the severity of the situation and getting these kids removed from that home. Through Jodi’s efforts, these children received appropriate medical, dental and mental care. When the boy was 14 he testified at the trial of his mom’s boyfriend regarding the physical abuse he suffered; his foster mom and his biological mom did not support him and would not attend. Jodi helped prepare him for trial and was there with him throughout that long ordeal. The boyfriend went to prison for child abuse. Jodi defended the boy when he was accused of using drugs and personally found a facility to test him to prove his innocence. After five years, the case was closed when an aunt and uncle came forward and moved the children to their home out of state. The boy emancipated out of protective services at age 18 and his sister was adopted by their aunt and uncle. Jodi saw these children at least once a week for five years, advocating tirelessly for their welfare. After their move out of Colorado, Jodi continued to have contact with the boy, helping him get through difficult stages in his life.

Jodi is selfless with her volunteerism and doesn’t consider the time spent helping others a hardship or sacrifice. Her motivation is truly the children. In her words: “I volunteer because of my love of children, and wanting to help them in any way I can. Children who are in situations due to no fault of their own are a cause that speaks to me on a personal level, and I truly believe that the actions of one person, no matter how small or how grand, can bring hope and change.”

Jodi has been a powerful voice in the lives of child abuse victims. She is always willing to do the necessary and often difficult work required in making a positive, life-long difference in a child’s life. The devastating effects of broken lives can be changed when a volunteer like Jodi steps up to advocate for child abuse victims.

CAROL STIEHR
Retired

During the six years that Carol Stiehr has been a volunteer for CASA Jeffco/Gilpin, she has advocated for the best interests of abused and neglected children in five cases, involving 11 children.

In a recent case, CASA Jeffco/Gilpin received a specific request from the judge for a CASA volunteer for an 11 year old boy. This was a tough case in which respondent mother and her son were very bonded. When Carol was appointed to the case it was headed for termination of parental rights. He had been removed from his parents’ home due to physical abuse by his stepfather. The mother was having difficulty fully separating from her spouse, the boy’s stepfather. The stepfather was physically abusive to both the mother and the child. Carol immediately built a relationship with the mother and her son. Carol became well acquainted with the child’s needs and sought to ensure that he received the necessary services for his physical, emotional and educational well-being and safety. She helped the mother connect to victims’ advocate resources and seek out help to protect herself and her son from their abuser. Carol followed up with victims’ advocates and the district attorney to ensure that respondent mother was protective, keeping her son safe. When the child was returned to his mother, the abusive stepfather came back to the home. Carol helped the mom and child make arrangements so that they could move to Arizona, where the mother’s parents lived. Carol helped with the transfer between schools, looked for after-school programs for the child to join when they got there, spoke with the grandparents who they would live with and even made sure that the mother was connected with resources for victims of domestic violence. Carol made an extraordinary effort to ensure that this child would be safe. The case closed successfully with the mother and son reunited with support from his grandparents. Carol kept in contact after the case closed, traveling to Arizona to see the family and check on their success.

Carol’s contributions to CASA Jeffco/Gilpin have been extraordinary. Carol is always among the first to volunteer. She understands the mission of CASA Jeffco/Gilpin and supports that mission in various ways. In addition to her being a CASA volunteer in the traditional role, Carol is a volunteer in our LifeLong Connections Project, partners with the Department of Children, Youth and Families’ Matching Committee as the CASA representative, volunteers for National Adoption Day and helps staff informational booths CASA Jeffco/Gilpin sets up at various functions.

TOM AHSE
Retired

Tom has been a CASA volunteer for three years, serving in different capacities for CASA Jeffco/Gilpin.

His first case involved a seven year old boy who was removed from his parent’s home due to sexual abuse by a family member. This child was taken into temporary custody by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (Human Services). Tom Ashe was appointed by the 1st Judicial Court to advocate for the best interests of this child victim. He became well acquainted with the child’s needs and sought to ensure that he received the necessary services for his physical, emotional and educational well-being and safety. He helped this child be strong through the many court hearings, meetings and difficult moments this child had to endure. He helped him with school work, transported him to and from court and to visits with family members. He was able to empower the child by giving him appropriate tools to deal with the adult issues thrust upon him. He was always available for this child when he just needed a shoulder to cry on and someone to listen to his fears. He advocated for the best interests of this young victim until a safe, permanent home was found and the case was closed.

This boy was still involved in criminal court, having to testify against the family member in the criminal case. Because Tom earned his trust during the two years that he acted as his advocate, the child requested that he attend the criminal proceedings with him for emotional support. He continued to stand with his CASA child, willing to do the necessary and often difficult work required to make a positive, life-long difference in his life.

Tom actively promotes the CASA Jeffco/Gilpin mission by participating in the Ambassadors Committee, volunteering for many informational booths at fairs and festivals, assisting with public presentations and aiding in the search for a connection with community partners. In addition to his being a CASA volunteer in the traditional role, Tom is also a special advocate with the Truancy Project, assisting children and their families adhere to the orders of the Truancy court judge.

Tom has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for the benefit of children. His work with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin, advocating for abused and neglected children, has made a positive difference in the lives of young victims. His motivation has always been to improve the lives of others; to encourage youth, motivate those who need assistance, inspire hope for the future and to give aid to child victims who cannot speak for themselves.