CASA of Southwest Missouri

Fostering Conversations

Business EN ↓ 12 episodes

CASA of Southwest Missouri presents Fostering Conversations, where we tell real stories about real children in foster care. Host Shelby Blakley sits down with CASA of SWMO staff and volunteers to talk about their experience in child advocacy.

Author

CASA of Southwest Missouri

Category

Business

Podcast website

rss.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Fostering Conversations: Not Disposable 07.07.2026

In this episode, we hear the story of a youth who pushed people away before they could leave, and the CASA volunteer who stayed anyway. Want to be a CASA? Apply today! Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO

Interviewing Michelle Romero 23.06.2026

In this episode we have the privilege to interview Michelle Romero, former foster youth and current owner operator of Marigold Cafe, Farms, Catering, & Venue. Tune in to hear her incredible story of overcoming adversity and building a life she never thought was possible.

Fostering Stories: The Cinderella Phenomenon 09.06.2026

In this episode, we explore the story of two siblings impacted by abuse and secondhand trauma, and the CASA volunteer who helped them rediscover what childhood could feel like. Want to be a CASA? Apply today! Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO

Interviewing Jennifer Russell 26.05.2026

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Russell, CASA volunteer and board member. Jennifer is a true advocate in her community, volunteering with countless organizations while also serving as a foster parent. We talk about what inspired her passion for advocacy, the realities of foster care and the powerful impact that simply showing up can have in a child’s life. Want to be a CASA or learn mor...

Fostering Stories: When Someone Finally Listened 12.05.2026

In this episode, we listen to the story of a mother and her children impacted by domestic violence and abuse, and the CASA volunteer who helped make sure their voices were finally heard. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO Experiencing Domestic Violence? Call 800.799.SAFE or Text START to 88788

Interviewing Micheala Steinmetz-Benton 28.04.2026

In this episode, we talk with our incredible volunteer and ambassador, Micheala Steinmetz-Benton. Drawing from both her lived experience and formal education, Micheala shares insight into childhood trauma, including its lasting biological effects on the brain and body. We also dive into how just one consistent, caring adult can help interrupt those impacts and support a child’s healing and resilie...

Fostering Stories: When Tragedy Strikes 14.04.2026

In this episode we explore the story of a child who loses their mother to cancer and their CASA couple who promised to never leave their side. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO

Interviewing Theresa Collins 31.03.2026

This episode features Theresa Collins, founder of Beacon Organizational Consulting and a former foster youth whose life was transformed by her CASA advocate. Theresa shares her powerful full-circle journey and explores what it truly means to be "Foster Kid Fierce." Tune in to learn how advocacy can change a child's life. Want to follow Theresa's work or learn more? Check out her links: Beacon Busi...

Fostering Stories: Consistency Through Chaos 17.03.2026

In this episode we share the story of a foster child who learned how to trust again through the unwavering support of their CASA volunteer! Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO

Fostering Stories: Four-ever Home 03.03.2026

In this episode we share the story of four siblings and their CASA navigating a mother's addiction and the foster care system. Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO PACA - What is a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement? - Purl Adoptions

Interviewing Julie Murray 17.02.2026

Join us as we talk about Julie Murray's extensive experience with the foster care and child welfare system.

Fostering Conversations Teaser 09.02.2026

This is the official teaser for CASA of Southwest Missouri's new podcast Fostering Conversations!

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