Advocate Spotlight: Terra Veazey

For Terra Veazey, the heart of being a CASA volunteer lies in the moments of genuine connection she shares with the child she serves.

“Hands down, the best part about being a CASA advocate is seeing the child every month. I think we both really look forward to these visits. I remember showing up at one of my home visits and the resource parent telling me how hard a week it had been for them. I prioritized connection with him. We found a tiny airplane in his room and launched into pretend play: pushing it on a swing, getting it stuck high on his bunk bed, then ending in high-speed rescue operations. We were both immersed in play and making each other laugh a lot. At the end of our time together, the resource parent thanked me and told me that she couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed like that since moving homes.”

Terra moved to the Gorge six years ago and was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in May of 2023. After learning about Columbia Gorge CASA, she felt compelled to sign up right away. Terra credits the “CASA training sessions, amazing supervisor (Leah), fellow advocates, and supportive staff at Columbia Gorge CASA” with preparing her for her first case. Her background as a speech-language pathologist in rural Indiana and the Bay Area, along with her current role raising young children, have shaped her empathy and understanding for the caregivers involved in her case.

Court reporting is a critical part of Terra’s advocacy. She believes her reports

“help to create a big picture of the child. I like to include anecdotes from our visits, snippets from interviews, participation in any new activities, and my observations of growth at home or school. This year, I’ve made a point to speak up at every hearing. We are the voice for these children, even if that means finding our own strength and voice in the courtroom along the way.”

Like all meaningful advocacy work, CASA volunteering comes with challenges. Terra notes that one of the hardest aspects is navigating the unpredictable turns a case can take: “Sometimes it seems like everything is on track and then the unexpected happens.” To stay grounded, Terra returns her focus to the child and asks herself what the best possible outcome is with the information she has. She builds action lists, maintains communication with team members, and consistently shows up: Despite the challenges, Terra finds deep fulfillment in witnessing everyday victories. She treasures moments when the child she supports shoots a basket for the first time, helps a classmate find a coat, or sounds out letters in a new word. “These are the series of winning moments that turn into memories and shape a new narrative for him. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of a team working to create more of these wins in his life.”

In closing, Terra would “encourage others to volunteer with CASA because It’s a very rewarding and meaningful role. It’s an opportunity to speak up for a child while also building a supportive relationship. Every child needs a support network and it’s these important relationships that help build resiliency.” 

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER!