A New Chapter for Our CEO

CASA President & CEO, Marina Gonzales, Named New President & CEO of San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Written By: CASA Board Chair, Juanita Peláez-Prada

It was recently announced that CASA President and CEO Marina Gonzales will be taking over leadership of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce starting August 17.

During her time with CASA, Marina has tirelessly committed herself to CASA's mission and in doing so has helped serve thousands of neglected and abused children in our community. I have no doubt that in her new role with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Marina will continue to support CASA and its mission.

San Antonio and its community partners, like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, recognize that the services our volunteer advocates so selflessly provide are essential to the wellbeing and health of our children. As such, CASA must and shall continue to stay focused on its mission to recruit, train and support volunteer Advocates to serve abused and neglected children. With the unwavering support of our community and the enthusiastic and dedicated staff and Board of Directors, CASA will continue to act as the voice for these children.  

We wish Marina the absolute best in this next chapter, and are grateful for her service over these past three years as well as her continued support for CASA as President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The CASA Board of Directors will commence a search for the next President and CEO in the weeks to come, and more information will be announced soon.

Congratulations Marina!
By bfines March 21, 2025
 In December 2023, CPS received a Priority One referral regarding a 2-year-old child named Katherine, who had been hospitalized after ingesting narcotics. Her mother, Jessica, admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamines at the time. Katherine later tested positive for amphetamines, prompting the Department to seek removal of both Katherine and her 4-year-old sister, Valerie. Their maternal grandmother expressed willingness to care for them but only if CPS became involved. CASA advocate Alfredo Concha was appointed to the case and immediately took action. He contacted the grandparents and met with the children. During that visit, he learned that while the grandparents were willing to provide temporary care, they could not commit beyond December 2024. They had already adopted the girls' older sibling, which kept them busy, and as elderly caregivers, they felt unable to raise two young children long-term. They made it clear—either Jessica would have to get her life back on track by December, or the girls would need another placement. Understanding the urgency, Alfredo used Collaborative Family Engagement tools to seek additional family members who could offer support. He built a strong working relationship with Jessica, which proved invaluable. Through collaboration with Jessica, the grandparents, CPS, and the children's attorney, Alfredo identified and addressed barriers to reunification. A primary concern was Jessica’s history of substance abuse and the risk of relapse. After completing inpatient drug treatment, Jessica chose to move in with her ex-boyfriend, Robert, and his mother, Marie. Given Robert’s history of substance abuse and their previously volatile relationship, Alfredo recommended that Robert participate in services to strengthen their family dynamic. This included undergoing a substance abuse assessment, engaging in treatment, and completing a domestic violence prevention program. Alfredo also ensured Robert and Marie were included in planning meetings. During one of these meetings, Marie expressed her willingness to take in the children and committed to caring for them regardless of Jessica and Robert’s relationship. With this new support system in place, the girls were able to return to Jessica on December 3, 2024. CPS and Alfredo closely monitored the placement for several weeks to ensure stability. By January 2025, Alfredo recommended case closure, allowing the family to move forward with their lives. During the final hearing, Jessica addressed the court, expressing her gratitude. She stated that without the support of CPS and Alfredo, she would not have been able to succeed.
By bfines March 21, 2025
Larry Rushing
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