Volunteer of the Month March 2026

Alexis Rixner has been a CASA volunteer for over 5 years. Jake is Alexis’ second CASA case. Throughout her time on Jake’s case, Alexis has consistently advocated for him. Jake is now 14 and is freed for adoption; however, he does not want to be adopted, and despite the agency’s oversight, he has maintained contact with his mother and father. This contact has not been beneficial and has caused attitude issues with Jake, making his placement a challenge.

Alexis was assigned to Jake’s case when he was moved from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Alexis had moved to New Orleans after her first case, and she would be able to see him monthly and advocate for him there. I let her know that Jake was in a therapeutic foster home and gave her the contact information. Right away, Alexis made contact.

In the first years that Jake was placed in his foster home, Alexis reported progress and stability. Alexis was able to visit Jake monthly and meet with his foster parent. She encouraged Jake to concentrate on his studies and was pleased that Jake was now participating in the band. Although the foster mother was not an adoptive placement, the agency did not appear to be looking for another home. Jake let Alexis know that he was happy living there and did not want to move. Alexis thought Jake was likely to live in his current foster home until he aged out.

In 2024, Alexis let me know Jake was suspended from school for not tucking in his shirt. It was the beginning of Jake's rebellion. Alexis again encouraged him to honor the rules. More rebellious behaviors took place, and the foster parent informed Alexis that Jake was beginning to lie to her and leave school without permission. Alexis had challenges with getting information from the New Orleans DCFS adoption specialist, and there were constant changes in who oversaw his case.

Alexis let me know a couple of days before Thanksgiving of 2025 that Jake and a friend entered a house under construction, and a window was broken. Charges were pressed, and Jake entered the juvenile justice system in New Orleans. He was referred to a juvenile rehabilitation program, which seemed to have some positive outcomes; however, there were some petty thefts and a continuation of not following Ms. Castle’s curfew rules.

At this point, on outings and on in-home visits, Alexis approached Jake in a non-judgmental way and walked and helped Jake process how his behaviors were choices and the consequences he would face if he continued. Despite all of this, when Jake ran away multiple times, and there was some police involvement, the foster parent asked for his

removal. Alexis informed me that Jake was moving back to New Orleans and was placed in a group home.

Although Jake is no longer in New Orleans, Alexis agreed to continue being Jake’s CASA. I was relieved since she is a positive person in his life and a good influence. Alexis has earned the respect of Jake by consistently being there for him.

Alexis has done a great job of advocating for Jake and the children in her first case. She has earned my respect as well. Alexis has a strong commitment to CASA and is doing her best to fulfill all her CASA job requirements. I am proud to be her supervisor and honor her as Volunteer of the Month. It is well deserved!!

*All case names changed for confidentiality reasons*