Advocate Spotlight: Andy Ulsher
August Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I realized I was interested in becoming a CASA volunteer after listening to CASA commercials on TV and the radio. I investigated the organization further and decided it was definitely a worthwhile organization that made a huge impact on children in foster care. I attended the CASA orientation class and was sold on becoming an Advocate. I had the time to volunteer and thought my military background would be beneficial in guiding foster children. I wanted to be part of the solution and help children in need.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
Making a difference! No doubt, making a difference in the life of my CASA kids is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate. Sometimes it’s just something small, but when you see you’ve made their life better, it’s very rewarding. I’ll never forget meeting a 3-year old boy (this was before COVID-19 protocols) for the first time at his caregivers. They told him a “man” was coming to visit him. From then on whenever I visited “John” he would always come running up to me calling me “the man, the man!” He was well adjusted and always ready to give me hug or hold my hand. Wow, talk about rewarding and impacting my life just as much as I did his! Thankfully, it appears he’ll be reunited with his mother soon, and hopefully continues to thrive.
I have another case with three brothers: 15, 16 and 17 years old. Recently, the oldest graduated from high school and enrolled in Texas A & M University – San Antonio. I got all three enrolled in the College Docket pilot program, and they’re doing great. Mentoring the oldest and preparing him for college was very rewarding. He just moved into the dorm this past weekend. Providing guidance and mentoring his 24-year-old brother and his wife, their caregivers, has also been rewarding. Talk about an act of kindness and generosity for a 24-year old brother, his wife and their two kids to foster three younger brothers! They live in somewhat austere conditions, but the older brother had been trying to care for his brothers for three years. The State moved them around to other relatives and finally approved him. I worked hard to get them approved as a Foster Family, and once approved, it was most rewarding. All of them are doing well and thriving.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Start with an easier case and work your way into more complicated cases as you gain experience as an Advocate. There’s so much to learn as a new Advocate. Rely on your CASA supervisor for guidance and help. Once we get past the COVID-19 issue, reach out to other Advocates and network with them. Learn from them and their cases. Attend the monthly training and events offered by CASA. Remember you are there to “act in the best interest of the children” and that might not be what the caseworker, ad litem, caregiver or others want. Stand up for what you think it right. You get to testify before the Judge on your case and he or she values your opinion. If you’re doing your Advocacy right, you’ve most likely spent more time with the children and know them even better than their caseworker.
In November 2025, Child Protective Services received a referral involving two sisters, ages 13 and 14, who were found caring for themselves. Following the death of their father, the girls experienced ongoing abuse and neglect. They were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, frequently left alone without adequate food, functioning plumbing, or consistent supervision, and were exposed to strangers regularly coming in and out of the home. Shortly after removal, Tameka Woolfolk was appointed as the Advocate on the case. From the very beginning, Tameka became one of the few consistent and reliable adults in the girls’ lives. The children experienced and continue to endure placement changes. These frequent transitions created ongoing instability and further complicated the girls’ ability to heal and adjust. Throughout each move, Tameka remained steadily involved, working diligently to ensure that the children’s services and support continued without interruption. She supports the girls not only emotionally, but physically as well helping pack their belongings at each move, accompanying them during school tours, and remaining readily available whenever they need support. Neither child was initially aware that they had the right to speak directly with the judge. Tameka recognized the importance of their voices being heard and with the support of the Ad Litem, helped to facilitate their presence at court, requesting that the judge meet with the girls in a breakout room, so they could personally express their wishes, all with the department, CASA and the Ad Litem by their side. In addition, this case was referred to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE). During CASA’s ongoing exploration for family connections alongside the Department, Tameka discovered the children’s father’s obituary. Through this discovery, it was learned that the girls’ father had served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and later worked for 30 years in civil service. Tameka took the initiative to request documentation, including VA records and a death certificate, to determine whether the children might be eligible for survivor benefits. The obituary also revealed that the girls are two of fourteen siblings. While many of the siblings were unable to provide support, CASA and the Department were able to establish contact with one brother. Through Tameka’s strong collaborative relationship with the Department and the Attorney Ad Litem, a thoughtful and appropriate plan was developed to allow the girls to begin visits with their brother, his wife, and their cousins. Although this story is still unfolding, both girls know one unwavering belief, that no matter what comes next, they know that Miss Tameka will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
