We invite you to meet Michelle Bayne, nominated by Lead Advocacy Specialist Sol O’Leary and Advocacy Specialist Nicole Williams. Michelle joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in September 2023, and she has served on four child welfare cases.

“Michelle is an absolutely wonderful Advocate!” Sol said. “She shines in her casework, from connecting with children to encouraging family members to working with professionals. She consistently makes thoughtful recommendations on her cases. We are fortunate to have her as a volunteer.”

We asked Michelle to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in foster care.

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

I am a pediatric speech language pathologist, and with each client, I am working to help them communicate. With this opportunity as an Advocate, I am the one communicating and using my voice to advocate for each child.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

My husband was provided the opportunity to work on the remodel of the new office, and during that time, I was fortunate to meet several of the staff members. One in particular was Stacey McDowell [Operations & Programs Specialist], who shared her journey and experiences as an Advocate, and thus began the tug on my heart and wanting to help.

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

In observing a trial, as a part of training, there was a difficult parent who testified in court. His poor treatment of women, his lack of respect in how he communicated with the judge, and his controlling actions toward others, made me feel as though I would not be strong enough to work with this kind of individual involved in a child welfare case. Through training with Julie Brown [Training & TBRI® Community Education Specialist] and support of each of my Advocacy Specialists, I have grown stronger and been provided with tools and skills to work on difficult cases.

Explain in your own words the work you do as an Advocate. Why is it essential for a child?

I amplify the child’s voice so that obstacles can be overcome and children can learn to thrive in a safe, nurturing environment and achieve better futures.

What has been the most difficult aspect of volunteering as an Advocate? Most rewarding?

It can be challenging to make difficult recommendations to advocate for the safety and well-being of the child. The most rewarding part has been being a witness to a child’s adoption for a case I was an Advocate for, knowing the joy and heartache the foster family went through to get to this point.

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

I’ve learned how early trauma can begin in utero and the lasting effects it can have.

Anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

I want to thank my Advocacy Specialists for their support, the time they have invested in me, and their dedication to this role and wonderful organization!