Get to know the CASA Team: Volunteer Coordinator Tara Huffman
Describe your educational and/or professional background?
*Undergraduate Degree from OU in Child and Family Studies
*Graduate work in Human and Consumer Sciences Education
*Caseworker with Athens County Children Services for over 7 years
*CASA Volunteer Coordinator for 7 years
*Adjunct Instructor for Ohio University Child and Family Studies Program
What brought you to work for CASA?
A couple years after taking a break from child protective services to start my own family I was approached by Judge Stewart to join the CASA team. I missed working with families and wanted to come back. CASA also gave me the opportunity to be involved with recruiting, training and supervising volunteers who then advocate for children in the Juvenile Court system.
What is your favorite CASA memory?
When I asked a child his wishes and what he would like for me to tell the Judge. He asked if Judge Stewart could end the pandemic so he could go back to school.
Why is CASA important?
CASA is important because there are so many times in the courtroom where common sense and objectivity regarding what is actually in a child's best interest gets passed by. CASAs are there to remind the court.
How do you wind down? Any self-care tips?
This has always been hard for me but I have tried to make it a priority lately. I have tried to find activities that I truly enjoy doing.
What do you do outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my family. We are outside being active whenever we can, riding bikes, rollerblading and walking our dog, Scout. I enjoy going to the Farmer's Market on Saturdays. I also enjoy laughing with my good friends.
What is one thing people may not know about you?
I lived and breathed Ballet for 11 years of my childhood and ultimately won a scholarship to North Carolina School of the Arts when I was only 15 years old.
What is something interesting you learned recently?
I recently learned how to knit and have made several of my friends and family winter headbands.
Get in touch with Tara by clicking here.