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. 

Story of Hope: Brennan Holland

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Brennan Holland was assigned to Sarah in December 2022. Sarah entered foster care with a history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, yet she remains incredibly resilient. Throughout her time in care, she has experienced multiple placements. Brennan quickly learned that Sarah has a strong passion for neuroscience and dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Determined to pursue her goal, she graduated early from high school and is now enrolled in the College Bound Docket program, attending her school of choice—UTSA. However, the path to achieving her dream has not been without challenges.\ Sarah received a discharge notice from her current placement and was denied Supervised Independent Living (SIL) until she turned 18. It felt as though no one was giving her a real chance. CASA stepped in to advocate for Sarah’s independence, pushing for her to live in a dorm on her own. Not everyone on her team supported this idea due to concerns about her age, limited independent living experience, and fears that she might run away, be influenced by older peers, or engage in risky behavior. CASA, however, continued to stand by Sarah, even offering financial assistance to help her move into a dorm until she became eligible for SIL.  At Sarah’s next court hearing on January 24, 2025, her attorney ad litem filed a motion for her to live in a dorm at UTSA. CASA once again advocated for the court to approve this plan. The judge, quoting Brennan’s court report, stated, “Brennan said it correctly: You are going to succeed or fail based on your decisions.” Ultimately, the judge authorized Sarah to live in the dorms on campus and ordered CPS to cover the cost of SIL. CASA recently assisted Sarah in moving into her very first dorm room, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her. Since being placed on campus, she has built a strong network of supportive adults to help her thrive. The impact of CASA facilitating these vital connections is crucial in ensuring that young adults like Sarah have the support they need to successfully transition into adulthood.

February Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Emily White
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