Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Joan Fisher

For 13 years, Joan has served as a volunteer at CASA, advocating for eight families. In her time here, she has supported a total of 16 different children and dedicated over 1,700 hours to advocating for our community’s youth. Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children at CASA is truly inspiring. Her supervisor, Emily, shares, “She is a tenacious fighter for the children on her cases and she donates so much of her time, repeatedly taking on multi-children cases and more than one case at a time.”

Are you from the area? 

I am a Virginia native, born and raised in Mclean. I’ve lived here my whole life, except for a brief time in Connecticut. 

What did you do prior to joining CASA?

Before joining CASA, I worked at the FBI for nine years as an agent. I loved the work but left to focus on my family after having my second child. I began volunteering for my children’s school and sports activities. However, when they were in middle school, I shifted my focus to nonprofit volunteer work. 

When you’re not at CASA, what can we find you doing?

I love to travel. I enjoy spending time outdoors–hiking, biking, and paddleboarding. Vacations with my husband and kids are the best vacations. One of our favorite vacation spots is St. John. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy reading and spending time with my foster dogs. I actually began fostering dogs in 2020 during the pandemic!

I always have a puzzle in process on the dining room table and can easily get sucked in and lose hours working on them! Plus, I’m an avid crossword puzzler–I start every day with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle.

What is the best part of being a CASA?

The kids–and knowing that you’re making a difference in their lives. It’s about building relationships with the children and their families. Also, it’s the little things, like reading to your child or bringing them a book because they don’t have any. 

Throughout their cases, children experience a lot of change–moving to multiple foster homes, having different social workers, and adjusting to new teachers, schools, and environments. A CASA advocate is often the most consistent person in their lives. So showing up for them truly matters.

What do you find difficult about being a CASA?

Dealing with the unknown. When a case ends, you don’t always know what happens to the family or how they’re doing–unless parents choose to remain in contact, which most don’t because they like to close that chapter of their life.

The cases can also be disheartening. Many parents don’t know how to be parents. You can see the love they have for their children and vice versa, but they simply don’t have the tools or knowledge to be a good parent.

 What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a CASA volunteer?

Do it! Being a CASA is very gratifying. Your job is to advocate–don’t let anybody stop you from doing that. Be willing to collaborate with others on a case. When working with children, you have to build trust. For some, it can take months to open up to you, but you cannot give up. You have to keep showing up for them. 

It can be difficult dealing with certain cases, but it’s important to leave your preconceived notions aside. The situations you walk into may not align with your idea of a perfect home, but as a CASA, your job is to listen, try to understand, and most importantly—make sure the child is loved, supported, and safe.

Thank you, Joan, for all your hard work and contributions to improving the lives of CASA children. Your dedication has made a lasting impact on their lives.

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, email us at volunteer@casafairfax.org.