We invite you to meet Sholly Walker, nominated by Advocacy Specialists Linda Fiato and Rosa Hoadley. Sholly joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in February 2022, and she has served on one justice-involved youth case and three child welfare cases. She also volunteers on our Gala committee and has involved her church in supporting Child Advocates through Clergy, CASA, & Community.

“Sholly is the kind of Advocate every child deserves,” Rosa said. “She shows up with unwavering commitment and meticulous care. Her attention to detail, fierce advocacy, and deep compassion make her not just a champion for the youth she serves, but an extraordinary human being!”

We asked Sholly to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in our community.

Is there anything unique about your background that contributes to your approach to advocacy?

I have an adopted daughter from China so I feel strongly about giving kids every chance they can have. We were a military family, and I volunteered with a lot of schools, including several Title I schools where I worked with ESL students.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

When we lived in New Mexico, I saw a commercial about CASA and started looking into it. When I got here, I was at a real estate event where I met Judge [Wayne] Mack, and we started talking about Child Advocates. He took my business card and gave it to Shellie [Tyrrell, Child Advocates Lead Outreach Specialist] and she called me that same day.

Did you have any reservations about volunteering? If so, how did you overcome them?

Not really. It’s in my nature to advocate for others so I wasn’t really worried. I worried a little that I might mess something up or say something I shouldn’t, but I just stay in touch with my Advocacy Specialists, and it’s all gone well.

Explain in your own words the work you do as an Advocate.

I build a relationship with the kids. I work for whatever is in their best interest within the court system, education system, and healthcare system. I also try to support their caregivers as much as I can.

How did you decide to advocate in our program for Justice-Involved Youth?

I saw an email from Child Advocates that there was a need for Advocates in the JIY Program, and I love teenagers. They’re my favorite age group of kids. I could see advocacy in these cases being more of a mentorship, so I thought it might be a good fit for me. I took the training, and I got a call about a case!

What would you like the community to know about children involved in the juvenile justice system?

These children need help to move forward, along with the encouragement and support that only a caring adult can provide—someone who is firmly in their corner.

What have you learned about children in crisis through your advocacy?

Sometimes you have to make hard recommendations that the kids don’t like or want, but it’s in their best interest. These recommendations are to ensure they’re safe.

Do you have a favorite moment of advocacy?

In one case, the child’s school and the mom were not able to come to an agreement about services. She [the mother] was trying to advocate for her kid at school so he could get the support he needed, but there was no progress. I went with her to the ARD meeting at the school and spoke up for what we both felt was best for his education. I felt more heard than she did, so I was able to encourage communication between the school and Mom so that the child could get what he needed. I’m also working on educational advocacy with the child I serve on my juvenile justice case.

Can you share about your volunteer work with the Child Advocates Gala?

Yes! I’d wanted to serve on the Gala Committee for a couple of years, but the timing didn’t work out. The 2025 Gala was my first chance to be on the committee, and I loved it. Bringing the theme to life and experiencing the excitement leading up to the event was unforgettable! My husband and I both loved the event itself. It was a beautiful celebration of the work we do in our community.

Is there anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

It’s a wonderful organization, and it’s a great way to really make a difference if you have a heart for kids.