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.
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.
Joy Varner
