Advocate Spotlight: Peggy Peterson
November Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been an Advocate for 6 years. I retired from North East ISD after more than 30 years as an educator and soon realized that something was missing in my life. Keeping my eyes open for ways to become involved in San Antonio I kept encountering the CASA banner hanging over varied streets. Honestly, it seemed to be stalking me! I checked out the website, but something held me back. Then one day as I was facilitating a parent education session, I met a woman who was raising her grandchild. As we chatted, she told me of her long time association with CASA. That was it! I drove
over to CASA that day and followed up with my application. I cherish the opportunity to be associated with this amazing program and to be a small part of the big work being done everyday for the children of San Antonio.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The KIDS! Having the opportunity to know, love, and be present in the lives of some very special children is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate. Each child and case is unique. To be the voice of the child not only in court, but also in many aspects of their life is a daunting task, but it is a role that can fill your heart with love!
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Never give up! Find an opportunity in every stumble! Build positive relationships with your supervisor because they are wise mentors, with all adults involved in the case to ensure good communication, and especially with your children. I have a rule to never say a case is easy or coming quickly to an end because surely there will be a bump in the road. It’s important to take those bumps in stride, to regroup and plan next steps with all the helpers you have acquired along the way. Most importantly, always keep your CASA child at the center of all decisions and actions. This journey, while frustrating at times, can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
In March 2025, Child Protective Services removed four young children, just 7, 4, 2, and 3 months old, from their mother’s care. This difficult step followed ongoing concerns about neglect, largely connected to the mother’s struggle with substance use, even during her most recent pregnancy. Although CPS offered support through Family Based Safety Services, the mother was unable to engage in the help provided. The children’s father was also unable to support them due to his own substance abuse and his incarceration in Bexar County Jail. Before removal, the children’s basic medical and educational needs were going unmet. They had been moved repeatedly between their mother and other relatives, leaving them without the stability, routine, and nurturing supervision every child deserves. When CASA Staff Advocate, JoAnn Herring, was assigned the case in April 2025, she immediately reached out to both kinship caregivers to understand the children’s needs and how to best support the families stepping in to care for them. JoAnn quickly learned that the paternal grandmother, who lovingly took in some of the children, was struggling financially and facing barriers due to limited English proficiency. To ensure she wasn’t facing these challenges alone, JoAnn submitted a CFE (Collaborative Family Engagement) referral and personally provided translation support so the grandmother could access services with dignity and understanding. Throughout the case, JoAnn has witnessed moments where cultural sensitivity was lacking, and personal biases influenced important decisions; often at the expense of what was best for the children. Despite these obstacles, she continues to advocate steadfastly and compassionately for the children to remain with the kinship caregivers who have opened their homes and hearts to provide safety, consistency, and love. Although the case is not yet over, Joann’s story demonstrates that CASA’s advocacy reaches beyond the children themselves, strengthening the village of care and support surrounding them, because CASA wants children to be safe, to thrive, and to have their overall well-being protected.
Johnathan Cobb
