Advocate Impact: Russell Oldmixon
February CASA Advocate Spotlight
Written By: Russel's Advocate Supervisor
Russell Oldmixon took his oath in February 2018 and immediately began his work with two children. The children had been placed in two separate placements and within two weeks, Russell had already contacted the caregivers and children. Russell has been very proactive in working with the children and all parties in the case. His Saturdays consist of attending parent/child visits and sibling visits. He is very attentive to family dynamics and how the children respond to each other and to their mother.
Russell has also made sure the children have adequate clothing by taking them to SA Threads. He consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child. He has been able to relate some very important information regarding behaviors he himself has witnessed or has been informed of. When appropriate, he has advocated for CASA to assist in alternative forms of therapy such as Tae Kwon Do for one of the children. In addition, he advocated for the oldest child’s therapy to resume after a change in placement and was successful in getting it restarted. During the summer, he transported the oldest child to and from Boys & Girls Club to make sure she was getting appropriate socialization with peers her age.
(Russell) consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child.
In meeting with children on a weekly basis, he makes it a point to take them on educational outings, such as to the library where they participated in the summer reading program. One of the most important outings would be to the zoo; neither child had ever been, so he took each and spent the day one-on-one. He brought the youngest to CASA’s Fall Festival and assisted in making their Halloween costumes. He made sure the oldest attended UTSA College Day, and often takes both for ice cream.
Russell also maintains weekly communication with the children’s teachers and school counselors. He made it a point to visit with the oldest child’s counselor when her placement changed because he was concerned that she might struggle with the change. When her placement changed, he assisted and made sure the transition was as smooth as possible. When he visits, he takes flash cards and other educational games with him. Russell keeps the Ad Litem updated on the children, sharing both positive fun experiences they've had along with his concerns. He has established a great relationship with all involved in the case. Russell has gone above and beyond his role as a CASA, he has dedicated his time to these children and truly “has their back” (as he says).
Harrison came into care in January 2021 due to abuse and neglect in the home. The department attempted to implement a few safety plans but to no avail. Ultimately, the parents were unable and unwilling to provide him with a safe and stable home environment, and Harrison was placed into foster care. In June 2025, Staff Advocate, Michelle, was assigned to the case, and he was living with his aunt in Laredo, TX. From day one, Michelle has been dedicated to getting to know Harrison, establishing rapport, and building trust. She would take the time to listen to him and get to know his likes and interests. When she first met him, he was timid and shy but as he gained confidence and became more comfortable, he started to open up to Michelle. He started advocating for himself, asking for a new charger for his laptop to do his schoolwork and started to disclose more important topics such as sensitive issues he was facing with his family. In October 2025, while Michelle was heading to Laredo to visit Harrison, he called her to let her know that he was no longer allowed back into his aunt’s home. There was a placement breakdown happening due to a verbal/physical altercation with his aunt and other family members, and his aunt gave notice to the department that day. Upon arrival at Laredo, Michelle immediately called Harrison’s case worker and attorney to let them know what had just transpired. Due to Harrison being 18 and not officially in extended care, Michelle was met with some pushbacks; however, she persevered and asked what his options were, if any, and how we could help him. Harrison’s team worked together and was able to get the extended care paperwork drafted and completed and Michelle was able to brainstorm with Harrison to find him a temporary home with a close friend until his caseworker could bring him back to San Antonio. Michelle took Harrison to his aunt’s so he could pack his belongings and stay with his friend temporarily. Michelle was so thankful that she could be there for him in his time of need. A few days later, Harrison was back in San Antonio. Harrison is currently thriving in his Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placement and is on track to graduate high school in May. He has plans to attend college for Cosmetology. He has had a tremendous change in his overall mood and is coming into his own as a confident young adult. When asked by Michelle how he feels being at his current placement, his response was “safe” and that’s all Michelle needed to hear to know she was making a positive impact.
Jennifer Lassahn
