We invite you to meet Missy Reese, nominated by Advocacy Specialists Victoria Warmuth and Vanessa Temporetti. Missy joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in 2018, and she has served on five child welfare, two Justice-Involved Youth, and two Educational Advocacy cases.

“Every child deserves an Advocate like Missy,” Victoria said. “She advocated for a teen in foster care for more than five years, supporting her through every challenge until she was adopted. Missy’s strength lies in her unwavering commitment and her incredible gift for advocating for a child’s educational needs. She is thorough, fair, and always focused on what is best for the child.”

We asked Missy to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in foster care and youth in the juvenile justice system and as a Student Success Advocate.

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

Before having children, I was a chemical engineer and worked in the oil and gas industry. However, I stopped working shortly after my oldest child was born. As a parent, I learned the importance of a trusting relationship, respect, and unconditional support. I approach the children in foster care I work with the same way, because they may not have had that in their relationships with adults.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

I first learned about Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) when my mom was a volunteer with CASA in New Jersey many years ago. We moved to Texas in 2018 (our third move in three years), and I knew we would be here to stay, so I finally had the opportunity to volunteer.

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

I did not have any reservations because the Child Advocates staff was so supportive. The office environment is very welcoming, and everyone is working toward the same goal of supporting our community’s children.

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

My experience has been primarily with teens in foster care that are permanently in state custody. I feel that my role is to make sure their needs are met, their rights are supported, their education is purposeful, and that they know they have a safe and reliable point of contact. Teen advocacy is very important because these cases can last years, and I want to make sure they know they have value and deserve a successful future.

What has surprised you most about your work as an Advocate?

Every case is unique. So, while I have been an Advocate for over seven years, it feels like a new beginning with each case.

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

The most difficult thing is the lack of quality placements for some children. It is not easy to live in a group home. The most rewarding is the relationships that develop. These kids are scared and alone, but knowing that I make can their life better is very fulfilling.

What would you like the community to know about children in crisis?

You should have zero expectations when dealing with a child in crisis. You have to meet them where they are to develop a relationship where they trust you.

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

Without support and resources, children in crisis are at high risk of becoming adults in crisis. We can’t fail our children and expect better from them as adults.

Do you have a favorite moment of advocacy?

That is an easy one! The most amazing moment was learning that the teen I had worked with for over five and half years was going to be adopted just before her 18th birthday.