Advocate Spotlight: Elise Gettleman

When Elise and her husband retired from their Midwest careers in the spring of 2020, they made the move to the Columbia Gorge to be closer to family. After a rewarding 40-year career as a pediatric physical therapist, Elise was ready for a new chapter—one that would allow her to continue making a difference in the lives of others.

Throughout her career, Elise became familiar with the vital advocacy CASA volunteers provide for children involved in the foster care system. She was deeply inspired by the role CASAs play in advocating for a child’s best interests and knew that once retirement gave her more flexibility, she wanted to become involved herself.

Soon after settling in the Gorge, Elise connected with Columbia Gorge CASA and was thrilled to discover that a virtual volunteer training class would begin that fall. The timing felt perfect. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the weekly online classes gave her a meaningful way to spend her time while preparing for her advocacy.

Since becoming a CASA volunteer, Elise has approached each of her three cases with one primary goal: building trust and connection with the child. Through communication, listening, and play, she has worked to create comfortable relationships where children feel seen and heard. She has also learned that caregivers, family members, and professionals often have valuable insights to share when given the opportunity.

Elise has found that even small gestures can make a meaningful impact. Whether connecting families with free swimming lessons through the Hood River Aquatic Center’s Rx program or helping secure free admission to the county fairgrounds through OHSU partnerships, she has seen how sharing resources can strengthen relationships and create joyful experiences for children and families alike.

Elise and her husband, Peter Bushnell, a Columbia Gorge CASA Board Member, participate in the Hood River Fourth of July Parade to help raise awareness and support for CASA’s mission.

One of the aspects Elise values most about being a CASA volunteer is getting to know not only the child, but also the people who love and care for them. Her current case has lasted nearly two years and has come with its challenges, but Elise speaks with gratitude about the incredible resource parents involved. She describes them as “amazing and supportive” and feels honored to have walked alongside them during their journey.

Elise also feel fortunate to be able to advocate on behalf of the children in the court room. By attending hearings and submitting detailed court reports, she helps judges and caseworkers gain a fuller understanding of each child’s experiences and needs. She often includes photographs in her reports because, as she says, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Some of the moments that have stayed with her most include witnessing judges respond with calm reassurance and support toward biological parents, seeing the successes achieved through Family Treatment Court, and observing the dedication and challenges faced daily by caseworkers.

For Elise, the most rewarding moments come when children finally achieve permanency and no longer require ODHS involvement. Knowing that she played a role in helping shape a child’s future—and supporting the family who will care for them long-term—has made her experience as a CASA volunteer deeply meaningful.

“Elise feels the CASA organization is AMAZING,” she says, and she wholeheartedly encourages others to get involved.

LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A CASA VOLUNTEER!