CASA of Baltimore County Welcomes Newest Advocates

TOWSON, Md. – Having completed 30 hours of classroom training and two to three hours of court observation, four new volunteers are officially able to help abused or neglected children in foster care.

On Wednesday, June 3 (4 p.m., at Baltimore County Circuit Court), The Honorable Judge Sherrie Bailey swore in the following individuals as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs): Mike Meltzer of Lutherville-Timonium, Sue Holljes of Parkville, Paul Mayhew of Catonsville, and Nicole Olcese of Towson.

“This is an amazing group of caring, passionate, and dedicated men and women, and we look forward to assigning each of them to a child in need” said Jennifer Stine, CASA of Baltimore County’s Executive Director.

Despite their diverse backgrounds – a stay-at-home father, retired emergency room nurse, a recent college graduate, and a speech therapist – the new volunteers share a common goal.

“I’ve always worked with children and adolescents, starting at a very early age,” said Meltzer. “Becoming a CASA volunteer seemed only natural and it affords me an opportunity to continue working with children,” he added.

Meltzer has recently been assigned the case of a 16-year old young man who entered foster care in June of 2014.

He is currently a stay-at-home father and hopes to use his experience at home, coupled with his professional experience as a crisis counselor for adolescents, to offer his CASA child the support and resources he needs to successfully navigate the foster care system.

Also sworn in was Nicole Olcese, a recent graduate of Towson University.

“After graduating, I started seeking out volunteer opportunities,” said Olcese. “I came across CASA and figured it would be the perfect start to my career goal of helping children in need,” she added.

Upon being sworn-in, Olcese was assigned to the case of a thirteen year old girl who has been in care for six months and is currently placed in an inpatient program.

Olcese earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology in May, 2014, and is working at a restaurant in Towson while she plans her next career move.

“We are grateful for all the CASA volunteers, who provide an invaluable service to our children and the community,” said Judge Bailey, Associate Judge of the Baltimore County Circuit Court. “These dedicated individuals give young people much needed support as well as an independent ‘voice’ in the court process, and I wish every child involved with the courts had a CASA to assist them,” she added.

Today, there are roughly 600 kids in foster care in Baltimore County. However, despite the ongoing efforts of CASA of Baltimore County, only 175 of them have CASA volunteers speaking up for their best interests. With ongoing economic problems causing additional stress on families resulting in increased reports of abuse, now more than ever, CASA volunteers are needed.

“Volunteers come from all walks of life, and no previous training or special background is required to do this,” said Stine. “All we ask of prospective volunteers is to have a genuine passion for helping children,” she added.

To learn more about becoming a CASA of Baltimore County volunteer, call 410-828-0515 or visit www.casabaltco.org.

About CASA of Baltimore County

Since 2000, CASA of Baltimore County has provided the powerful voice of volunteer advocates for children who have been removed from their parents’ or guardians’ care due to abuse and neglect. The organization has trained more than 300 volunteers who have worked to improve the future for children.