Retiring Advocate Spotlights: Tom & Noelle

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.