My name is Christine Nazaka. I work full-time as a leader at Evolve Salon Systems, am a mom of two, wife, and caregiver to too many four-legged critters. I’m also proud to say that I’m a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian ad Litem for the State of New Hampshire. To be a CASA GAL means you get to be the voice of a child who has experienced abuse and/or neglect. These children have most often been removed from their home and need someone to be a constant in their life, someone who will speak up for them when their life has been turned upside down.

I knew I wanted to be a CASA, but I was a new mom, working full time with a very busy home life. It wasn’t until I met a neighbor who happened to be a CASA that I felt comfortable applying. I knew that if this person could work full-time, coach their kids’ sports teams and have a front lawn that looks like it belongs in Better Homes and Gardens, I too could make time for a cause I feel so passionate about.

As a CASA, I visit with the children monthly. Most of our time is spent doing something the child enjoys, including shooting hoops, coloring, or playing on the swings. These activities give the children time to get comfortable enough to naturally open up about themselves, their experiences and their feelings. My CASA cases have involved children who’ve had to move between multiple foster placements. Each child felt some comfort knowing that wherever they landed, a familiar face would be visiting soon.

Volunteering with CASA has brought a lot of learning opportunities. My time in the courtroom, while nerve racking at first, is now something I look forward to and has improved my public speaking skills. Working with other children has made me a more patient mom. The time and energy that I’ve donated to these amazing kids over the past few years has been worth every minute.

New Hampshire needs more child advocates. The loss of routines, resources and additional eyes on children during the pandemic has been devastating. Now with many children returning to school, members of our community are reporting cases of abuse and neglect that may have been shadowed by the lack of community interaction. Learn more at CASA of New Hampshire’s virtual info session on November 17, which will focus on volunteering in the Manchester and Nashua area. Register at www.casanh.org/infosessions. There’s no better time than the present.