Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Guch
This month, we are proud to spotlight the amazing Megan Guch. Megan has always had a deep desire to make a difference, particularly in underserved communities. In August 2023, she joined Fairfax CASA as an advocate. Since then, she has served three families and six children, with two of her cases successfully closed and one still ongoing. In addition to her casework, Megan also attends unassigned hearings for children on our waitlist.
Learn more about our wonderful volunteer and her journey as an advocate.
Q: Are you from the area?
I’ve lived here for about 25 years. I was born in New Jersey, but I moved around a lot before settling in Virginia. One day, when the time is right, we’d love to explore someplace new. But for now, Virginia is home.
Q: Do you have a job outside of being a CASA volunteer?
Yes! I’m a music teacher and give private lessons in viola and violin. My passion for music led me to earn a degree in viola performance, and teaching allows me to share that love with others. The best part of my job is working with the children and helping them reach their full potential as musicians–it’s incredibly rewarding. When I’m not teaching, I’m busy managing housework. I have two sixteen-year-olds, a husband, and a house full of cats that keep me busy!
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
After taking care of all my responsibilities, I love unwinding by watching TV. Right now, I’m watching Severance, a dark sci-fi show set in an underground office. But my all-time favorite is The Great British Baking Show–it’s so relaxing and uplifting to see the contestants root for each other.
Q: What brought you to CASA?
A variety of things led me to CASA, but at the core, I wanted to make a difference in my community. I saw a real need for people to step up, and when I learned about CASA, its mission struck a chord with me.
I’ve been in situations in my own life that have allowed me to empathize with people who find themselves in the worst time in their lives. Now that I’m in a position to give back, I want to help others. Being a CASA not only allows me to support children in need, but it also makes our community a better place.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience that has come with being a CASA?
Every moment is so sharp in my mind. I’ve witnessed success in all of my cases, though success looks different in each one. One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing families reunite after months of struggle. As a CASA advocate, my job is to put the child’s needs first, but I’ve learned that advocating for parents is just as important for long-term success.
Parents often face judgement from society, and many of their needs go overlooked. Showing them empathy, patience, and grace can make a huge difference in their journey. There are so many resources available to help them become better parents. When they receive the right support, it changes everything.
Q: What do you find difficult about being a CASA?
Starting a new case is always challenging. Walking into an unfamiliar situation, having to introduce myself and explain my role can be difficult. Not everyone is receptive at first, and that can be tough.
Another difficult part is the uncertainty–working that a child might fall through the cracks or that something beyond my control could negatively impact them. That’s always on the back of my mind.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering becoming a CASA?
First and foremost, make sure you have enough empathy to give. This role requires a lot of emotional energy, and it’s important to have a place in your heart for those who have been outcasted by society. If you can approach this work with grace and patience, you’ll do just fine.
On the technical side, good organization skills are a must! You need to be able to meet deadlines and communicate effectively through writing. But above all, have a passion about making a difference.
Thank you, Megan, for all the hard work you do here at Fairfax CASA. Our community relies on selfless members like you who are ready to make a difference.
If you are ready to take the next step like Megan, email volunteer@casafairfax.org.