Volunteer of the Month September 2026
I am honored to nominate Michele Moore as our Volunteer of the Month for September 2026.
You may be wondering, “Who is Michele?” Michele is someone with one of the kindest hearts I have ever encountered. She is the type of person who genuinely wants to make a difference and help anyone who crosses her path. Her compassion, dedication, and willingness to advocate for children make her an exceptional CASA volunteer and an invaluable member of our team.
Michele completed her new volunteer training in April 2025 and accepted her first case in May. With a 25-year background in education, including experience working with chronically underperforming schools, Michele brought a unique and valuable perspective to her CASA role. Her knowledge of education, combined with her passion for children, made her the perfect advocate for six-year-old Jessica.
Jessica entered foster care due to concerns involving neglect, drug and alcohol abuse, and inadequate shelter. When I presented Jessica’s case to Michele, she arrived prepared with her little brown notebook and pen, ready to take notes and learn everything she could about Jessica. That simple notebook quickly became a symbol of the dedication and attention Michele would bring to this case.
Within the first week of being assigned to Jessica, Michele began identifying the significant challenges Jessica faced. She quickly recognized that Jessica was academically behind and had unmet needs in speech therapy, occupational therapy, and dental care. Michele did not simply identify these needs; she took action. She worked collaboratively with Jessica’s caregivers, school personnel, service providers, and other members of the child welfare team to ensure that Jessica received the appropriate services and support.
Because of her educational background and commitment to Jessica’s success, Michele strongly advocated for Jessica to receive an educational evaluation and for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to be implemented. Michele understood that advocating for Jessica meant looking beyond her immediate circumstances and ensuring that she had the tools and resources necessary to thrive academically and developmentally.
As Michele approached the one-year mark on Jessica’s case, Jessica transitioned back home with her mother and maternal family. Michele’s advocacy did not end with reunification. Instead, she continued to maintain a strong relationship with Jessica while also developing a positive relationship with Jessica’s mother and maternal family. In May
2026, Jessica achieved permanency through reunification. Unfortunately, in July 2026, Jessica returned to foster care.
But there is something incredibly powerful about what happened next. When Jessica returned to foster care, her maternal family asked that Michele be reassigned as Jessica’s CASA. They knew Michele would always have Jessica’s best interests at heart, and they knew how Jessica adores her. That request speaks volumes about the trust Michele has built not only with Jessica, but with the people who love her most.
I could go on and on about the difference Michele has made simply by being a consistent and compassionate voice for a child. Whenever Michele is unsure about something, she will call, text, or email her supervisor to make sure she is on the right track. And after we have talked through whatever question or concern she has, I can always expect her to say, “You’re amazing!”
But Michele, let me tell you something: You are amazing! And most importantly, you are amazing because you never lose sight of the fact that every child deserves someone who will stand beside them, speak up for them, and make sure their voice is heard.
Thank you, Michele, for all that you do. Thank you for being a voice for children, for caring so deeply, and for continuing to make a difference one child at a time.
Proud Advocate Supervisor,
Rachelle M. Smith
