February Advocate Spotlight

Christina Cookielove

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one? 

I have been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for three years... As I began the process of retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Cyber Security Analyst, I was in search of a new pathway to continue to give back to my community. I have always been passionate about helping others in a tangible and pragmatic way. Navigating the judicial system, mandated requirements, and personal, emotional needs all at once, can be an arduous process. I am grateful to provide clarity in these cases. Becoming an Advocate was the perfect fit for me.


2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate? 

The most rewarding part of being an Advocate is knowing that I can provide support and resources to families during what some would consider their darkest moments. I can engage in ways that speak to their needs for their unique circumstance and advocate for the best outcome, possibly changing the trajectory of their lives forever.


3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?

To my fellow and incoming advocates, my advice would be:

  1. Be teachable- Take full advantage of any and all training provided by our organization. Implement tools learned, with your families.
  2. Be engaged- Connect with families at the most basic level - listening. Speak to them OFTEN in the beginning of their cases... It builds trust.
  3. Be the light- Be a consistent person with whom they can be wholly authentic without judgment or shame. A safe space.
  4. Lastly, have lots of snacks in the glove compartment!”

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate JoAnn

By bfines • March 9, 2026
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.

March Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • March 9, 2026
Johnathan Cobb
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