Advocate Spotlight: Nina Neish
April Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I was an advocate in Houston, took my first case there in February 2002. Then we moved to San Antonio in December 2010 , I took the training here in the beginning of the year and have been an advocate here since 2011. I knew I wanted to be an advocate when I worked for a weekly newspaper in Houston ad we use to run ads for Child Advocates there that said, “Help Children Slay their Dragons. “ I went to an orientation and knew I wanted to do it right away. I didn’t have kids yet and knew I wanted to make a difference with children.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
It’s how when I am working a case I always feel like my input and the information I share with the judge is important. I feel like I am making a difference and the situation for the child could have been very different if I had not been on the case. I love that the judges really listen to what we have to contribute. It’s rewarding to help the child get to a better place.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
To be prepared for a roller coaster of ups and downs, lots of different twists, turns and emotions. I would tell them to just hold the vision that they are making a difference for the child/children no matter what. Even if they are frustrated or are unsure of what they are doing. They are helping just by being a part of the childs life and the case itself. I would also tell them to feel free to reach out to other advocates for guidance, or to vent or just to think up strategies. There are always other advocates willing to help.
Brittany Coppage
CASA Volunteer Advocate, Christina Albert, was appointed to the case. She immediately contacted CPS, then reached out to the grandparents and traveled to visit the children.
