Kelli Charles-Henning’s introduction to CASA and its mission didn’t come in the way that’s typical among teachers. She hadn’t worked with a CASA volunteer who was advocating for a child in her classroom. She hadn’t been aware of CASA’s good deeds in the community. Her path was a bit different: She learned about Piedmont CASA from a now-retired CASA advocate and a fellow member of a Bible study group she joined shortly after moving to Virginia more than 20 years ago.
“I was so impressed with that volunteer’s dedication to the children on her case,” Kelli recalls. “I decided back then that I would pursue becoming a CASA advocate in another season of my life.”
Kelli and her husband, Brandon, moved to this area from Ohio for his job in the technology industry. Kelli earned a BA from Kent State University and a post-baccalaureate teaching license from Mary Baldwin University. Since her arrival in Virginia, she has taught first and second grade for Fluvanna County Public Schools and second and third grade for The Covenant School. She also served as director of First United Methodist Preschool and tutored for Albemarle County Public Schools. Most importantly, she and Brandon raised triplets.
After retiring from teaching four years ago, she and Brandon did some traveling. She was then ready for another “next season:” About 18 months ago, she signed up for Piedmont CASA advocate training.
Work as a Piedmont CASA volunteer hasn’t been a disappointment. “I love being an advocate!” she exclaims, describing the support she receives from her supervisor, Phyllis James, as “inspirational.”
So, when Piedmont CASA advertised recently for a part-time supervisor, Kelli was ready to enter yet another new season. She’s complimentary of the training she’s received from supervisor Alison Taravella, a CASA employee since 2017, who has taken a new position as its Grants and Communications Coordinator.
“Alison, who was a part-time supervisor herself, has been really great at modeling a part-time arrangement for me,” she says, acknowledging that balancing the needs of her 14 advocates with case-related meetings and hearings can be difficult.
This is when her years of experience juggling multiple priorities as a teacher come in handy. “I guess it’s always been one of my strengths,” she reports.
Kelli is not only taking on responsibility for all of Alison’s cases and advocates, she also plans to continue to advocate for the children on her current case.
She appreciates the support she receives from the Piedmont CASA staff. “They are always available to answer questions and to help in any way they can.”
Nonetheless, challenges remain. “I have a lot to learn about all of the resources available for families in this community so I can be helpful to my advocates,” she says, adding, “Alison’s shoes are very big shoes to fill.”
“Kelli’s combined experience as an educator and CASA advocate make for a natural fit in the role of CASA supervisor,” says Kate Duvall, Piedmont CASA president and CEO. “We have already seen the positive impact Kelli has had in the lives of the children she has served as a CASA, and we are excited to see that impact multiply in her new role.”
