Advocate Spotlight: Nina Neish
April Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I was an advocate in Houston, took my first case there in February 2002. Then we moved to San Antonio in December 2010 , I took the training here in the beginning of the year and have been an advocate here since 2011. I knew I wanted to be an advocate when I worked for a weekly newspaper in Houston ad we use to run ads for Child Advocates there that said, “Help Children Slay their Dragons. “ I went to an orientation and knew I wanted to do it right away. I didn’t have kids yet and knew I wanted to make a difference with children.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
It’s how when I am working a case I always feel like my input and the information I share with the judge is important. I feel like I am making a difference and the situation for the child could have been very different if I had not been on the case. I love that the judges really listen to what we have to contribute. It’s rewarding to help the child get to a better place.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
To be prepared for a roller coaster of ups and downs, lots of different twists, turns and emotions. I would tell them to just hold the vision that they are making a difference for the child/children no matter what. Even if they are frustrated or are unsure of what they are doing. They are helping just by being a part of the childs life and the case itself. I would also tell them to feel free to reach out to other advocates for guidance, or to vent or just to think up strategies. There are always other advocates willing to help.
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.
Joy Varner
