Retiring Advocate Spotlights: Tom & Noelle
Tom Nolan & Noelle Manasco
This month we have two tenured volunteers that will be retiring from their CASA duties. Both have made huge impacts on our community and the children that they have served. We wanted to recognize and thank them both for all that they have done as CASA volunteers.
Tom Nolan became a CASA volunteer in July 2013. In his seven years of advocacy as a CASA volunteer, he has worked thirteen cases, and served at least 35 children. It was not uncommon for him to spend his entire weekend visiting the children in their multiple placements.
CASA supervisor, Maureen, regarded Tom as one of her “go to” advocates for the most complex and challenging cases, and he always rose to the occasion. He always said yes when asked to take on another case, knowing that his voice and fierce advocacy could help another child and make a positive difference in their future.
Tom would also often talk to new volunteers in training to share his experiences of what it was like to be a CASA, and to offer guidance and inspiration. In typical Tom fashion, he wouldn’t bring attention to himself concerning the impacts he made throughout his journey, but regardless the positive change he brought into the lives of his CASA kids spoke for itself.
Tom is highly regarded by both judges in the Children’s Court, attorneys, CPS caseworkers, and everyone at CASA. He will be missed, but his advocacy lives on in the lives of the children he helped.
Noelle Manasco was sworn in as a volunteer August 2011. During her eight-and-a-half-years as a CASA volunteer, she served over 27 children and youth on 12 cases. Her dedication to the children of Bexar County has been inspiring.
She served as the CASA for a sibling group of 7 children, and when she found out that the oldest was back in care, she immediately requested to be her CASA again. She was the constant in that youth’s life until she left care at 18.
She was also the CASA on another case where the children were reunified, but unfortunately came back into the system. She also returned as the CASA on that case and the children were so happy to see her again.
Noelle was always able to get all of the parties in the same room to work together to make decisions and ensure that everyone was on the same page. She has also been very active in the foster care community and worked hard to not only improve the lives of the children she served but also the foster care system overall. Thank you Noelle, you will be missed.
Harrison came into care in January 2021 due to abuse and neglect in the home. The department attempted to implement a few safety plans but to no avail. Ultimately, the parents were unable and unwilling to provide him with a safe and stable home environment, and Harrison was placed into foster care. In June 2025, Staff Advocate, Michelle, was assigned to the case, and he was living with his aunt in Laredo, TX. From day one, Michelle has been dedicated to getting to know Harrison, establishing rapport, and building trust. She would take the time to listen to him and get to know his likes and interests. When she first met him, he was timid and shy but as he gained confidence and became more comfortable, he started to open up to Michelle. He started advocating for himself, asking for a new charger for his laptop to do his schoolwork and started to disclose more important topics such as sensitive issues he was facing with his family. In October 2025, while Michelle was heading to Laredo to visit Harrison, he called her to let her know that he was no longer allowed back into his aunt’s home. There was a placement breakdown happening due to a verbal/physical altercation with his aunt and other family members, and his aunt gave notice to the department that day. Upon arrival at Laredo, Michelle immediately called Harrison’s case worker and attorney to let them know what had just transpired. Due to Harrison being 18 and not officially in extended care, Michelle was met with some pushbacks; however, she persevered and asked what his options were, if any, and how we could help him. Harrison’s team worked together and was able to get the extended care paperwork drafted and completed and Michelle was able to brainstorm with Harrison to find him a temporary home with a close friend until his caseworker could bring him back to San Antonio. Michelle took Harrison to his aunt’s so he could pack his belongings and stay with his friend temporarily. Michelle was so thankful that she could be there for him in his time of need. A few days later, Harrison was back in San Antonio. Harrison is currently thriving in his Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placement and is on track to graduate high school in May. He has plans to attend college for Cosmetology. He has had a tremendous change in his overall mood and is coming into his own as a confident young adult. When asked by Michelle how he feels being at his current placement, his response was “safe” and that’s all Michelle needed to hear to know she was making a positive impact.
Jennifer Lassahn
