2024 Advocate Award Winners

Advocate of the Year

In the last fiscal year, Cynthia Catlin-Gaskins served a total of 15 children across 4 cases, each of which was a special request from the court. In one case, she was assigned to a four-child case where the children had been in two different placements and the case was accepted into one of the specialty courts. The specialty court was focused on the parents’ engagement in services and the positive feedback that was being reported. The court attempted to begin reunification through extended visits twice but was unsuccessful. Although the court continued to push for reunification, due to the parent's participation in services, Cynthia noted that the day-to-day behavior of the parent could place the children in danger. Cynthia was able to bring these concerns to the attention of the children's ad litem who agreed with the concerns. The children in this case had special needs and were confused by the repeated back and forth with their parents. Cynthia continued to remind all parties that the focus of the case should be the children's best interests. Throughout the case, there were numerous changes in caseworkers, which did not help the situation. At the time of trial, Cynthia was a key witness as she was the only individual with significant historical memory, due to so many caseworker changes. Ultimately, the court ordered the termination of all parental rights, and Cynthia continues to oversee the case as CPS now works to have all the children adopted.

While that case was ongoing, another special request was made for a nine-child case where the children were placed in four different placements. CASA staff determined that nine children across four placements was too much for one advocate alone, so two advocates were assigned to the case. Cynthia, in partnership with another advocate, has been able to work well together, look at the case in a objective and unbiased way, and be able to maintain good working relationships with all parties involved. They have done an amazing job working together and after the court terminated the parents' rights for lack of compliance, they have quickly worked to ensure the children are adopted by their placements. To date, eight of the nine children have been adopted.

Cynthia also took on two companion cases that had become very controversial due to one of the cases seemingly turning into a custody battle between a foster home and an identified relative out of state. The Court contacted CASA to insist that an objective advocate was needed due to competing perspectives of where the child should be placed and adopted. Cynthia had very little time before the child’s placement issue was to be heard in court. In about a month, she observed the child interact with relatives through a video call with the potential placement, where the child stayed for about 10 days, attended a post-termination parent/child visit with the parent, visited the child in the foster home, and visited the child at daycare. Through the child opening up to Cynthi, and their conversations with the parent, the child clearly expressed their wish to live permanently with their relative out of state. Unfortunately, the ad litem, without input from the child, was advocating for the child to stay in the foster home. When a motion was filed for the foster family to have post-placement visits with the child, Cynthia was called as a witness. Her testimony focused on how the adults on the case were focused on their positions and were ignoring what the child was trying to communicate. Cynthia was the voice of the child at that point and relayed everything the child said and even recommended that the child speak to the judge. When the judge asked the ad litem if they had interviewed the child, the ad litem acknowledged they had not spoken to the child. Based on Cynthia's testimony the judge determined it would not be necessary to speak to the child and ordered the immediate placement of the child with relatives.

Throughout many years of service, Cynthia Catlin-Gaskins has been a model of what a CASA advocate should be. Regardless of how complicated a case may be, the number of children involved, or the positions of other parties, She has been tireless in her efforts to advocate for the best interests of the children.

Rookie of the Year

Alex Gandara was sworn in as an Advocate in November of 2023 and signed onto his first case in December of 2023. Since December 2023, Alex has donated 92 hours and has driven 2025 miles. The case involved a teen who had been removed from their home due to a parent refusing to accept parental responsibility. The teen had no other family members here to care for them and was placed in a transitional living facility. 

From the beginning, Alex saw what this teen was capable of and started to help them pursue their interests. He cultivated the teen's passions by taking them to a boxing gym at least twice a month and has worked hard to help create normalcy for the teen. Throughout the case, Alex has visited the teen once or twice a week and helped them cultivate the life they want and pursue their dreams. He has helped this teen develop a plan for their future and has walked along with them every step of the way. Alex has helped the teen with completing college applications, filling out FAFSA, and helping to establish the teen's immigration status. He continuously fought for the Department to file the necessary documentation for the teen's status prior to their 18th birthday. Down to the wire, Alex spoke to the teen's caseworker, Ad Litem, and CASA Supervisor to make one last push. Thanks to his diligence, the paperwork was filed right before the teen turned 18. 

Alex recommended for the teen to enter the College Docket Program, has transported the teen to hearings, and advocated for the teen to remain in extended foster care past their 18th birthday. Alex’s efforts have ensured the teen can utilize all of their benefits and that the Department has time to solidify the teen's immigration status. As a result of Alex’s efforts, the teen is currently pending acceptance into several colleges to decide where they would like to attend. 

Alex Gandara continues to assist the teen in applying for housing, touring possible apartments, and supporting the teen every step of the way in their journey through foster care. He hit the ground running as a new advocate and we can’t wait to see where his advocate journey continues to take him. 

Recruiters of the Year

Advocates all come from different backgrounds.  They have many different life experiences and yet they all have at least one thing in common, their willingness to give their time to help some of the most vulnerable children.

We are humbled by their generosity of spirit and compassion. It is all of them who so generously give time, warmth, and humor, all to make a difference one child at a time.  It is all of them, doing what they do, who make us so proud.  

We presented the Recruiter of the Year award to a couple who have demonstrated all of these traits along with their tenacity and dedication to share our mission and in turn, help recruit more advocates. Giving every case 110%. There is no hesitation to attend placement visits, staffing, court, ARD meetings, and even make referrals to our CFE program when there is no family. The winners have driven a total of 4,800 miles on one case.

All this to say, that even the demands of carrying 2 cases has not stopped their commitment to serve more children by speaking to everyone they come across about CASA. We were fortunate to hear their story at our annual Breakfast of Champions, they continuously speak at our New Volunteer Training panel and help ease the nerves of all the incoming advocates. One winner has been a huge part of every Men of CASA event since the start and will tell you all about the importance of having more male advocates. 

Despite the busy schedule this amazing duo have been guest speakers at our couples with CASA, represented CASA at the commissioner’s court, and have attended 2 of our in-person information sessions! They are always willing to help and serve to advance the mission of CASA. 

For the second year in a row, we congratulate Benny Soto and JoAnn Herring as our Advocate recruiters of the year!

Judge Sakai Award

Michelle Hilderbrand signed on to their case in August of 2023. In this case, the child's mother had recently left CPS care herself and was now re-entering care due to instability and drug use while pregnant with her second child. At the start of the case, the child was placed with kinship and Michelle quickly jumped in to support the family as best as possible. Throughout the case, she maintained regular communication with the caregivers, CPS caseworker, and mother to ensure the child received all of their needed services and maintained regular visits with the mother. When placement was disrupted and the child was moved to a new foster home, Michelle accompanied the CPS caseworker for the placement change to ensure the child had a familiar face during the transition. 

Shortly after being placed in the new foster home, the mother's attorney filed a motion for the child to be placed with the mother who was now in a placement that would support reunification. Once the child was reunified with the mother, Michelle helped the mother navigate the process of re-establishing the ECI services the child needs. She has also supported the family's reunification by providing support and encouragement to the mother during and after her second pregnancy. When the mother was preparing to be hospitalized for the birth of her second child, Michelle advocated for a family member to serve as a temporary respite for the child rather than the removal and placement with another relative that was suggested by CPS. Thanks to Michelle’s advocacy the child did not have to experience yet another placement change. 

Michelle continues to engage both parents and encourage them to complete their required services and bridges the gaps in communication between all parties by speaking to the parents' attorneys, the child’s attorney, placement staff, and the child’s on-site daycare. She continues to support this family on their way to a successful reunification.

Judge Peter Sakai of the 225th District Court emphasized the importance of CASA’s role in saying, “The best way to prevent child abuse is to stop the cycle. Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) gives these young victims what no agency can…..someone to speak up for them and someone to trust.” Michelle Hilderbrand embodies the commitment and spirit that comes with winning the Judge Sakai Award this year. 

Advancing the Mission Award

Suzanne Martin is the perfect example of Advancing the Mission of CASA. Her assistance with telling hers and Mary Lou's story assisted in making the 2023 Gallery of Hope the highest fundraising event the organization has ever had – she worked with Mary Lou and her mom for months, helping Mary Lou stay on track with a painting she created for GOH to auction off, participating in the creation of a video, and attending the event with Mary Lou (at Mary Lou’s request!) to tell their story in person. 

Whenever CASA calls for an advocate to speak, she is there to share her Advocate story – even at the last moment! It continues to bring people to tears and demonstrates the love she has for the children we serve.

Thank you, Suzanne Martin, for going above and beyond for CASA, in your beautiful Advocacy for the children you serve, and in Advancing the Mission of CASA!