This month, we are proud to spotlight CASA Karen Gill for her steadfast dedication to youth throughout her career, continuously SHOWING UP and LIFTING UP the children she works with.
CASA Volunteer: Karen Gill (KAIR-en GIL), she/her/hers
Years of Service with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: 1 year
Number of Children Served: 1
CENTERING—AND SUPPORTING YOUTH

Karen always knew she wanted her life and career to revolve around children. From working as an aid in an elementary school to supporting children and families in a school-based resource center and even grading papers as a proctor at her children’s high school, Karen says being around children kept her in touch with the youth perspective—and gave her the skills to truly connect and meet children where they were at.
It was also in the education space that Karen was introduced to being a CASA through a colleague.
“It all just really tied neatly into something that I find very important to me as a person—to be contributing to the community. Being a CASA just completely filled that desire in me, and still does to this day.”
While Karen has only been with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley for a year, she began her CASA journey in 2005 with youth in Santa Cruz and joined Child Advocates in 2024 to follow a case that she has been with now for six years. Karen says that being a consistent presence in her child’s life has been incredibly important to her as a mentor and advocate. “It’s so impactful to know that someone is unconditionally there for you.”
CULTIVATING JOY
Whether it’s going to the beach, attending Child Advocates’ CASA events, or checking out a children’s museum, Karen likes to give her child new and different experiences that spark joy and growth. Karen says as a “grandmother-like figure,” her role has been to form a safe and nurturing relationship with her child—meeting once a week and carving out space for her child to authentically be themselves and discuss what’s going on in her life.
“I’ve come with an open heart, ideas, resources, knowledge, and a willingness to understand what they want to tell me or what they want to bring.”
Karen says that being a CASA volunteer has kept her young, curious, and able to bear witness to the small joys that come with seeing things from a child’s perspective.
“These are experiences you get that you would never anticipate—and the kinds of joys that you might bring to a kid just by showing them something different. I really enjoy it.”
A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
For many CASA volunteers, it’s comforting to know that you have support in your journey with your child. In Karen’s case, her child has a whole care team at the ready to provide the resources and care she needs to thrive. And when Karen needs support, Child Advocates is there to guide, assist and champion Karen throughout her journey with her child.
“I appreciate all of the ways that Child Advocates keeps me in touch. The options for continuing education are great. I really applaud my supervisor for helping me pick through some of the things that she thinks I might be interested in, and I love our meaningful monthly meetings. I don’t ever feel like I’m doing this alone.”
FUN FACTS:
TV Show Recommendation(s): Bad Sisters
Favorite Movie: Wicked
Book Recommendation(s): All the Colors of the Dark and James
Favorite Music Artist: 70s music
Favorite Type of Food: Sushi and tacos
Favorite Place: The beach
Favorite Hobbies: Hanging out with her grandkids, consignment shopping, cooking, and reading
Support Foster Youth Today
Here are just a few of the ways you can SHOW UP for foster youth this month:
- Take the first step to advocating for foster youth. Attend an informational session to learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer.
- Support our CASA Program and invest in our foster youth with a financial contribution. You can also check with your company to see if they match employee donations.
- Become a Corporate Champion by sponsoring an activity or one of our fundraising events. Email us at development@childadvocatessv.org to learn how your company can be a part of the solution for foster kids.
- Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.