CASA of Southwest Missouri presents Fostering Conversations, where we tell real stories about real children in foster care. Host Shelby Blakley sits down with CASA of SWMO staff and volunteers to talk about their experience in child advocacy.
Fostering Conversations: The Shed They Called Home
In this episode, we hear the story of five siblings found living in a small shed and the CASA who helped them find safety, preserve their sibling bonds, and begin healing.
Want to be a CASA? Apply today!
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
18 Aug 2026
Interviewing Amanda Carlton
In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Carlton, co-founder and executive pastor of Bloom Church and a new member of CASA SWMO's Board of Directors. Amanda shares her journey from serving communities across the country to becoming the adoptive mother of triplets, and how those experiences have shaped her heart for children and families. She also discusses the unique needs she sees in Taney County, the changes she hopes to help bring through her role on the board, and why every child deserves a consistent advocate in their corner.
Want to be a CASA or learn more?
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
4 Aug 2026
Fostering Conversations: Every Bag Unpacked
In this episode, we hear the story of three siblings separated in foster care and the CASA volunteer who never stopped fighting to bring them back together.
Want to be a CASA? Apply today!
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
21 Jul 2026
Interviewing David Olive
In this episode, we sit down with David Olive, attorney and President of CASA SWMO's Board of Directors. David shares his perspective on the legal side of child welfare, discusses the role of the Board in advancing CASA's mission, and offers a sneak peek at current initiatives and what's ahead for the organization.
Want to be a CASA or learn more?
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
7 Jul 2026
Fostering Conversations: Not Disposable
In this episode, we hear the story of a youth who pushed people away before they could leave, and the CASA volunteer who stayed anyway.
Want to be a CASA? Apply today!
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
23 Jun 2026
Interviewing Michelle Romero
In this episode we have the privilege to interview Michelle Romero, former foster youth and current owner operator of Marigold Cafe, Farms, Catering, & Venue. Tune in to hear her incredible story of overcoming adversity and building a life she never thought was possible.
9 Jun 2026
Fostering Stories: The Cinderella Phenomenon
In this episode, we explore the story of two siblings impacted by abuse and secondhand trauma, and the CASA volunteer who helped them rediscover what childhood could feel like.
Want to be a CASA? Apply today!
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
26 May 2026
Interviewing Jennifer Russell
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Russell, CASA volunteer and board member. Jennifer is a true advocate in her community, volunteering with countless organizations while also serving as a foster parent. We talk about what inspired her passion for advocacy, the realities of foster care and the powerful impact that simply showing up can have in a child’s life.
Want to be a CASA or learn more?
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
12 May 2026
Fostering Stories: When Someone Finally Listened
In this episode, we listen to the story of a mother and her children impacted by domestic violence and abuse, and the CASA volunteer who helped make sure their voices were finally heard.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
Experiencing Domestic Violence?
Call (tel:8007997233)800.799.SAFE (http://800.799.SAFE)or Text (sms:88788?&body=START)START to 88788
28 Apr 2026
Interviewing Micheala Steinmetz-Benton
In this episode, we talk with our incredible volunteer and ambassador, Micheala Steinmetz-Benton. Drawing from both her lived experience and formal education, Micheala shares insight into childhood trauma, including its lasting biological effects on the brain and body. We also dive into how just one consistent, caring adult can help interrupt those impacts and support a child’s healing and resilience.
Want to learn more?
Home | ACEs Aware – Take action. Save lives. (https://www.acesaware.org/)
Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire for Adults (https://www.acesaware.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ACE-Questionnaire-for-Adults-Identified-English-rev.7.26.22.pdf)
Isabel's House - Home (https://www.isabelshouse.org/)
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
14 Apr 2026
Fostering Stories: When Tragedy Strikes
In this episode we explore the story of a child who loses their mother to cancer and their CASA couple who promised to never leave their side.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
31 Mar 2026
Interviewing Theresa Collins
This episode features Theresa Collins, founder of Beacon Organizational Consulting and a former foster youth whose life was transformed by her CASA advocate. Theresa shares her powerful full-circle journey and explores what it truly means to be "Foster Kid Fierce." Tune in to learn how advocacy can change a child's life.
Want to follow Theresa's work or learn more? Check out her links:
Beacon Business Consulting (https://www.beaconorgconsulting.com/)
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRDRVY3Si/?mibextid=wwXlfr (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_share_1CRDRVY3Si_-3Fmibextid-3DwwXIfr&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=SkMxCYaQMT3hNB5uJDDzpW5QgcuOvcLB88F9T0Dei7s&m=j20ikM49J4jhGrOytywSI95O45lUdtOiVuBFPJKnX331AzutG-j3yiuRXjRk6lXL&s=imxYoyLW6FpyVD2xjVQAfw6fmNRGCojtzt6LVG2sZlw&e=)
https://www.instagram.com/beaconbusinessconsulting?igsh=MXBtczQ4bnY0a2Z4dQ== (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.instagram.com_beaconbusinessconsulting-3Figsh-3DMXBtczQ4bnY0a2Z4dQ-3D-3D&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=SkMxCYaQMT3hNB5uJDDzpW5QgcuOvcLB88F9T0Dei7s&m=j20ikM49J4jhGrOytywSI95O45lUdtOiVuBFPJKnX331AzutG-j3yiuRXjRk6lXL&s=YHD-84W9F22prkeoQtwQwb6gtvfThh9SA0lX_TTt6_E&e=)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-collins-9021a9b6/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-collins-9021a9b6/)? (https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.linkedin.com_in_theresa-2Dcollins-2D9021a9b6_-3Foriginal-5Freferer-3Dhttps-253A-252F-252Fwww.beaconorgconsulting.com-252F&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=SkMxCYaQMT3hNB5uJDDzpW5QgcuOvcLB88F9T0Dei7s&m=j20ikM49J4jhGrOytywSI95O45lUdtOiVuBFPJKnX331AzutG-j3yiuRXjRk6lXL&s=z5zUC5Nc533LAaLf-0JfN6MGm4WeC4eVaRSn1hCnYj0&e=)
17 Mar 2026
Fostering Stories: Consistency Through Chaos
In this episode we share the story of a foster child who learned how to trust again through the unwavering support of their CASA volunteer!
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
3 Mar 2026
Fostering Stories: Four-ever Home
In this episode we share the story of four siblings and their CASA navigating a mother's addiction and the foster care system.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children - CASA SWMO (https://casaswmo.org/)
PACA - What is a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement? - Purl Adoptions (https://www.purladoptions.com/learn/adoption-education/paca-what-is-a-post-adoption-contact-agreement/)
17 Feb 2026
Interviewing Julie Murray
Join us as we talk about Julie Murray's extensive experience with the foster care and child welfare system.
9 Feb 2026
Fostering Conversations Teaser
This is the official teaser for CASA of Southwest Missouri's new podcast Fostering Conversations!
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