Location: Santa Clara County’s Social Services Agency, San Jose, CA
Date and Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Population Served: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers
Event Highlights:
On Saturday, nearly 100 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers came together at Santa Clara County’s Social Services Agency for our CASA Summit 2025. This annual day of learning featured keynote speaker Donielle Prince, MS.Ed, Ph.D. and a CASA panel!
CASAs gathered bright and early to enjoy breakfast with their CASA Supervisors and expand their network of experienced CASAs. As everyone settled in, Child Advocates CEO Frederick J. Ferrer opened the day with words of gratitude and inspiration, setting the tone for a day of reflection, growth and community.
The morning keynote was delivered by Donielle Prince, MS.Ed, Ph.D., a mental health educator with deep expertise in trauma awareness, who possesses a doctorate from Stanford University and has experience as a CASA Volunteer. Dr.Prince guided the audience through the long-lasting impacts of trauma on youth and the critical role Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) play in fostering resilience. CASAs left the session with a renewed sense of how their steady presence can support our youth’s well-being.
Next, the spotlight turned to the real-world experiences of CASA Volunteers Amy Santullo, Sabrina Martire, and Shawn Gao during the CASA Panel. The three shared heart-driven examples of how they employ PCEs into small acts of joy with their youth. These acts demonstrated how advocacy is often built on the simple moments: a shared laugh, a thoughtful gesture and consistently SHOWING UP.
After the panel, CASAs then participated in a group session organized by the age range of the youth they serve. CASAs exchanged ideas on PCEs, role-played scenarios and created age appropriate activity kits that they can use to create PCEs with their youth.
The morning closed with a heartfelt celebration of milestones and achievements across our CASA community, including:
- Most children served over the course of their CASA career: Kami Pacheco – 16 total cases
- Most time spent on case: Tracy Gries and Emily Renuart – both have served their youth for 8 years
- Most miles travelled back and forth to visit their youth: Sugu Sougoumarane – 4350 miles (out of county)
After the formal program, volunteers had the chance to pick up optional book bundles and toys to share with their youth. The day continued with a celebratory lunch catered by Pasta Market. New graduates and veteran CASAs mingled over pasta and conversation, building bonds and gathering inspiration.
The 2025 CASA Summit served as a powerful reminder that when we SHOW UP for our youth with consistency, creativity and compassion, we create better outcomes. We are grateful to every CASA who made this day possible and look forward to seeing everyone again next year!