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 December 2024, CPS received a referral reporting that Demitri and Maria were living under a bridge along with their three children, Santiago, Mary, and Jose. The Department sought removal of the siblings due to numerous concerns including substance use by all members of the family unit, unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment, and other safety risks. It was later discovered that the children had a significant gap in their education and medical care, and that the two oldest children had juvenile justice involvement. The parents also had an extensive history with CPS. A few months after removal, CASA Advocates, Alejandro Trevino and Lauren Wise, were appointed to the case, quickly becoming a consistent and trusted presence in the lives of the Santiago (16), Mary (15), and Jose (13). During their first meeting, the siblings expressed a deep desire to stay together and eventually reunite with their parents, emphasizing that they had always been together as a family. Unfortunately, shortly after that initial encounter, Santiago and Mary were placed in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) located hours away from Jose. Multiple placement changes followed, creating ongoing instability that further complicated their healing process. From the beginning, the CASA Advocates have worked tirelessly to ensure that the children’s services remain uninterrupted despite the frequent transitions. They continue to collaborate with CPS, the children’s attorney ad litem, and various placements to ensure the siblings’ voices are heard and their best interests prioritized. Alejandro and Lauren attend every staffing, court hearing, service plan meeting, and Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) meeting while always advocating for stability, connection, and permanency. Understanding the critical importance of sibling relationships, the advocates made it their mission to preserve the children’s bond. They arranged for regular sibling contact, both virtually and in-person, overcoming logistical challenges caused by distance and restrictive placement protocols. At one point, Alejandro and Lauren personally facilitated a sibling visit, traveling a total of 638 miles to ensure the children could spend the time together. It was a powerful act of care, giving the siblings a moment of normalcy and joy in an otherwise turbulent time. For nearly the entirety of the case, the children have been separated from one another and far from their hometown. In the face of prolonged separation, instability, and emotional distress, Alejandro and Lauren’s efforts have played a key role in preserving the siblings’ emotional connection and sense of family. Because of their unwavering commitment, the siblings are now living in the same city again and are showing improvement in their academics and health. While the future remains uncertain and family reunification is still unclear, the advocates continue to hold hope that the siblings can at least be reunited with one another and return to San Antonio. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tremendous challenges, the love between siblings and the dedication of caring advocates can foster hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future.
Deborah Hom
