CASA Volunteer Forum- What I wish I’d Known

This relaxed, interactive gathering gives CASA volunteers an opportunity to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. We’ll discuss the real-life lessons, challenges, and successes that come with being a CASA advocate—and the things they wish they had known when they started.
Whether you’re a new or experienced volunteer, come ready to connect, share, and leave with new ideas for your CASA journey.

About the Presenter

Domonique Sturgis: Is the Training and Education Manager for Maryland CASA and a certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor and Master-Level Instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute. She has a background in behavioral health and specializes in crisis response and safety training.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

Good Samaritan Training

The Good Samaritan& Narcan training provides instructions on naloxone (Narcan) administration and Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law to help reduce overdose deaths and increase confidence during emergency overdose situations. These trainings will cover how to recognize an opioid overdose, how to safely administer intranasal naloxone, and what steps to take while waiting for emergency responders. I also explain the legal protections offered under the Good Samaritan Law, so individuals feel safe calling 911 without fear of arrest.

The goal is to make overdose response clear, accessible, and stigma‑free, ensuring participants leave with practical skills, accurate information, and the confidence to act quickly when it matters most.

About The Presenter

Jacqualine Salb, Is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Overdose Prevention Coordinator for Midshore Behavioral Health.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED (Online Only + In-Person Skills Session)

Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED: Is a training course that teaches participants how to respond to medical emergencies. You will learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and provide Basic First Aid for injuries and sudden illnesses. This course is ideal for CASA Volunteers, Teachers, Coaches, Childcare providers, and anyone who wants to be prepared to help in an emergency until professional medical assistance arrives.

Course Format:

• Complete the online portion at your own pace.

• Attend an in-person skills session (approximately 1½ hours).

• Requirement: Bring your certificate of completion for the online Heartsaver Part 1 course to your in-person session.

• Purchase the online course ($23) here: https://shopcpr.heart.org/heartsaver-first-aid-cpr-aed-online

• In-person skills session cost: $80

• CPR certification cards are issued electronically upon successful completion of the course.

Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED (Online Only + In-Person Skills Session)

Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED: Is a training course that teaches participants how to respond to medical emergencies. You will learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and provide Basic First Aid for injuries and sudden illnesses. This course is ideal for CASA Volunteers, Teachers, Coaches, Childcare providers, and anyone who wants to be prepared to help in an emergency until professional medical assistance arrives.

Course Format:

• Complete the online portion at your own pace.

• Attend an in-person skills session (approximately 1½ hours).

• Requirement: Bring your certificate of completion for the online Heartsaver Part 1 course to your in-person session.

• Purchase the online course ($23) here: https://shopcpr.heart.org/heartsaver-first-aid-cpr-aed-online

• In-person skills session cost: $80

• CPR certification cards are issued electronically upon successful completion of the course.

Trusted Adults iGuardian Training

This presentation takes an honest and thorough approach to the difficult topic of online CSEA. It includes an in-depth overview where HSI special agents describe the threats and trends they see in their investigations. They discuss real world case examples using national and local investigations to help attendees better understand how children and teens can be victimized online. This presentation also features public service announcements from important partners such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Thorn and ChildFund International.

About the Presenter

TRACY OWUSU: Is a Forensic Interview Specialist with the Victim Assistance Program of Homeland Security Investigations, who covers the areas of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Tracy has over nineteen years’ experience working with child victims/witnesses and vulnerable adults of abuse, trauma, and violence. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Science and Criminology/ Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland- College Park where she was a College Park Scholars in the Advocates for Children Curriculum. Tracy has her Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University. Ms. Owusu joined HSI from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Columbia, where she gathered as many facts as possible about allegations of abuse in a non-leading and child friendly manner that causes no further harm or trauma to the victim and witnesses, as a Child Forensic Interview Specialist. She conducted forensic interviews of minor children and adults with special needs at the local and federal level. Tracy has experience preparing victims and witnesses for Grand Jury and for Court when children testify in criminal matters. She oversaw the USAO’s Victim Witness Assistance Unit’s Kids Court program. Ms. Owusu also served as a Victim Advocate in Sexual Offense and Domestic Violence cases, providing invaluable support and resources to the victims, witnesses, and family members she encountered. Ms. Owusu has assisted adult victims and next-of-kin family members with post-conviction cases (Compassionate Release and Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act/ IRAA) for criminal matters in Washington, D. C. Tracy also enjoys conducting training on best practices when working with child victims and witnesses. In 2022 and 2023, Tracy was asked by the country of Bangladesh, Department of Justice, and the Department of State to conduct training sessions to Prosecutors, Law Enforcement and Judges at their Gender- Based Violence Trainings in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which ignited her passion for conducting presentations and trainings on best practices. Prior to her work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tracy was a Victim Advocate and Child and Adolescent Forensic Interviewer with Safe Shores- the D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center for six years

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

Discovering TBRI®
Explore Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), an evidence-based method designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children, in this introductory class. While rooted in extensive research on attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection. Course topics include the three principles of TBRI®: Connecting, Empowering, and Correcting; the impact of adverse childhood experiences, adversity, early harm, and toxic stress on brain development, and learning practical tools to meet a child’s physical and emotional needs and disarm fear-based behaviors.

About the Presenter

Francine Stanfield: Joined the Child Advocates of Montgomery County team in 2022 as a Case Supervisor after volunteering as an advocate since 2016. She was named TBRI® & Community Education Specialist in 2023 and became the Director in 2025.

She is a TBRI® Practitioner, a Certified ACEs Trainer and is also certified to teach Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. Francine was drawn to Child Advocates through the potential of making a positive impact in the lives of children and families in crisis in Montgomery County. Francine has had a wonderfully varied career, working in legal, educational, political, and social media fields. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lamar University..

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

The First 5 Minutes of a Home Visit

This 30-minute lunch and learn explores how to set the tone for a successful home visit right from the start. Participants will learn practical strategies for building rapport, ensuring safety, establishing trust, and clearly communicating purpose within the first five minutes. Through real-world examples and quick tips, attendees will leave with simple, effective techniques they can apply immediately to create more productive and positive home visit experiences.

About The Presenter

Domonique Sturgis: Is the Training and Education Manager for Maryland CASA and a certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor and Master-Level Instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute. She has a background in behavioral health and specializes in crisis response and safety training.

We are excited to invite you to participate in a virtual book club during the month of April, featuring Forever A Foster Child: A Memoir of Resilience. This powerful memoir offers meaningful insights into the lived experience of foster care and provides valuable perspective for those working with children and families in the child welfare system.

As part of this opportunity, participants are invited to a live virtual follow-up training with the author on Tuesday, May 5 from 2:00 – 2:45 PM (Eastern Time), followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. This session will allow for deeper discussion, reflection, and engagement with the themes presented in the book.

The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon, and volunteers may choose either the ebook or paperback format using the link below:
https://a.co/d/05SzZRg6

We encourage all participants to read the book in April and come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussion with the Aurther.

This is a valuable opportunity to enhance understanding, build empathy, and strengthen practice when supporting youth and families impacted by foster care.

About The Presenter

Cynthia Goble: is the author of Forever A Foster Child: A Memoir of Resilience and the founder of Rise and Resilience, LLC. Drawing from her lived experience in foster care, Cynthia speaks nationally about resilience, trauma-informed leadership, and the long-term impact of childhood adversity.

 With a professional background in human resources and operations leadership, she brings a unique perspective that bridges personal experience with professional insight. Her work focuses on helping organizations, advocates, and leaders better understand the emotional and developmental realities faced by children in foster care.

 Through her writing, speaking, and training, Cynthia is committed to elevating the voices of those with lived experience and equipping professionals with deeper empathy and practical insight to better serve vulnerable children and families.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

This training teaches individuals who work with children or vulnerable populations how to recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect. This training explains the legal responsibilities of mandated reporters, common signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or neglect, and the proper steps for making a report to the appropriate authorities. Its goal is to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals by helping reporters respond quickly, accurately, and in compliance with the law.

About the Presenter

Krystal Christ,is the CPS Supervisor for Talbot Co. DSS. Prior to her current position, she was an investigator in Queen Anne's County for 4.5 years and prior to working in child welfare she worked in mental health for 10 years. 

Caregivers and helping professionals often give so much to others that their own well-being can take a back seat. This Lunch & Learn session explores practical ways to recognize and manage vicarious trauma and stress, build healthy professional boundaries, and use peer support strategies to stay resilient in demanding roles. Participants will gain simple, realistic self-care tools they can apply immediately to protect their mental health, prevent burnout, and continue providing compassionate care while also caring for themselves. 🌱

About The Presenter

Domonique Sturgis: Is the Training and Education Manager for Maryland CASA and a certified American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor and Master-Level Instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute. She has a background in behavioral health and specializes in crisis response and safety training.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

About the Conference

Child welfare professionals and volunteers face increasingly complex challenges—from evolving laws and technology to mental health, equity, and family stability.

This one-day virtual conference brings together CASA advocates, social workers, judges, magistrates, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, and child welfare partners to explore today’s realities and strengthen advocacy for children and families across Maryland.

Through expert-led sessions, interactive breakouts, and judicial perspectives, participants will leave informed, connected, and empowered to turn advocacy into action.

REGISTER TODAY!

Get a full look at the agenda, speakers and their bio’s!

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human trafficking through the lens of the Blue Campaign. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of what human trafficking is, including the core elements of force, fraud, and coercion, while addressing common myths and misconceptions that often prevent identification and reporting.

The course explores key indicators of human trafficking, guidance on how and when to report concerns, and practical strategies for talking with youth about human trafficking in an age-appropriate and trauma-informed way. Special emphasis is placed on the dos and don’ts of conversation helping participants communicate safely, respectfully, and effectively.
Learners will also examine modern recruitment tactics, including social media safety risks and false job promises, and will discuss the role of healthy relationships in prevention. The course encourages participants to take an active role in raising awareness within their communities.

In addition, participants will be introduced to Blue Campaign resources and special initiatives, along with information on how to contact the Blue Campaign for support, training, and materials. The course concludes with a questions and answers segment to reinforce learning and address participant concerns.
By the end of this course, participants will be better equipped to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking while promoting safety, awareness, and resilience in their communities.

About The Presenter

Diego A. Luque: serves as a Partnership and Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign, the Department’s national public awareness campaign to combat human trafficking. In this role, he supports the Prevention portfolio of the Blue Campaign, assisting on decreasing victimization within vulnerable communities and deterring criminal activity.

Diego has previous experience for the Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs and carries extensive non-profit communications experience, supporting organizations in efficiently communicating their mission to the general public. He is originally from Lima, Peru and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Florida International University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from George Mason University.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) serves as
a vital resource for families involved in the child welfare system. This session will provide
CASA volunteers and advocates with focused knowledge of Maryland WIC's nutritional
benefits, enabling them to better support families in accessing quality foods and building healthy eating habits.
Participants will learn about WIC eligibility and the specific approved foods that provide
essential nutrients and vitamins for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. The primary focus will be on understanding how WIC-approved foods contribute to a balanced diet, including key vitamins and minerals critical for maternal and child health. The session will also highlight Maryland's WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which
provides seasonal coupons to purchase fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, further
supporting nutritional variety and balanced meals.
The workshop will introduce MyPlate.gov resources for meal planning and demonstrate how
CASA advocates can help families maximize WIC benefits as part of holistic support. Interactive
elements will include visual guides to WIC-approved foods, their nutritional benefits, and
practical handouts that participants can use when working with families. 

About The Presenter

Janelle Joyce-Pelsey: is an Engagement Specialist with the Maryland Department of Health's
Maternal & Child Health Bureau, where she creates outreach strategies, educational materials,
and digital content for the Maryland WIC program. With direct experience as a former WIC
Certifier, she brings firsthand knowledge of participant needs and program implementation.
Janelle holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and bachelor's degree in
Health Studies, and is a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW) and holds Infant Mental
Health Endorsement (IMH-E®). Bilingual in Spanish and English, she specializes in culturally
responsive health communication, particularly for minority populations and non-English
speaking families. Janelle has conducted numerous presentations and trainings for community
partners, healthcare providers, and stakeholders across Maryland. She is trained in traumainformed care, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Mental Health First Aid, and serves
on the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women and the Maryland Perinatal Neonatal
Quality Collaborative's Parent and Baby Advisory Council.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

Join CASA leaders from across the country for CASA Connect: National Supervisors Forum — a 90-minute virtual session hosted by the Maryland CASA Association on Friday, December 12th, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. EST. This collaborative forum offers an opportunity for Supervisors, Directors, and state office leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen CASA programs nationwide.

Together, we’ll explore key topics such as preventing staff and volunteer burnout, enhancing preservice training, and recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers. Each participating state will also have the chance to present successful strategies and innovations that can inspire and empower peers across the network. There are still a few slots available, and we encourage your participation!

We’re excited to feature presentations from several outstanding CASA leaders who will share their expertise and strategies for success:

• Bitty Wiebe, Tri County CASA, and Julie Kingsley, CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte County, will discuss “Volunteer Retention and Volunteer Burnout.”

• Jodi Richardson, Kearney/Buffalo County CASA, will discuss “Recruiting and Retaining Dedicated CASA Volunteers.”

*This forum is for CASA Supervisors, Directors, and state office leaders only.

When people think about ADHD, they think of the little hyperactive boys, but ADHD is so much more! This presentation creates a full picture of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affect the lives of those diagnosed and their families.

Dr. Lennon will give information about its diagnosis and treatments of ADHD to provide a full understanding. These 4 little letters mean so much more.

About The Presenter

Dr. Chad Lennon, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Sheppard Pratt’s Baltimore/Washington Campus. He is board certified in neurology and child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Lennon received his bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College, attended a post-baccalaureate program at CUNY City College, and earned his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He completed the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Residency Program where he was a psychiatry chief resident, followed by a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program at Mt. Sinai Elmhurst Hospital. He previously worked as the lead psychiatrist on the adolescent unit at Adventist Behavioral Healthcare-Shady Grove Medical Center.

Dr. Lennon has won a number of academic excellence awards including the Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center Physician RISES Individual Award and the Franklin & Marshall College Sydney N. Bridgett ’51 Award. He is a member of a number of professional societies including Black Psychiatrists of America, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry, and Maryland Psychiatric Society.

His research interests include postpartum depression in African Americans; the stigma of mental illness in the African American community; managing stress, trauma, and anxiety in children and adolescents; bias in medical ethics; suicide; mood disorders; severe mental illness; and more.

Dr. Lennon has also participated in medical mission work. He is widely published, has authored numerous blogs, and participated in many speaking engagements. His presentations have included topics such as suicide, anxiety, and a medical student and resident lecture series. His blogs have included topics such as the stigma of mental illness in the African American community, and managing stress, trauma, and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Join Maryland CASA and Comfort Cases for a CASA Packing Party on Saturday, July 26th from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM! We’ll be gathering at 9300 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 to pack backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items for youth entering the foster care system.

These backpacks, known as Comfort Cases, offer dignity and hope to children who would otherwise be given a trash bag to carry their belongings when removed from their homes. By joining this event, you will be making a meaningful difference in these children’s lives by providing essentials for their first days in foster care.

Only 10 slots are available, so don't wait to sign up. We can't wait to see you there and make an impact together!

Click here to Register

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Monthly Supervisors Meeting is a dedicated forum where CASA supervisors come together to discuss and address key aspects of the program. This collaborative gathering provides a space to share updates, explore challenges, identify needs, and align on training and resource priorities to ensure the success of local CASA programs.

*This is a monthly meeting for all local CASA Supervisors only.