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WE ARE BUILT FOR CONNECTIONS:
Shelia’s Journey to Retirement
After nearly 29 years with the Eighth Judicial District Court CASA Program, I will officially retire on May 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service to children. Working for the CASA Program has been a journey of growth, purpose, and continual revelation of my God-given gifts — a journey that began long before I relocated to Las Vegas in 1993.
My journey in child welfare began in 1984 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. I spent nearly a decade working in Louisiana’s child welfare system before relocating to Las Vegas. Although uncertain about what the future would hold, I remained committed to serving abused and neglected children and families.
Before joining the CASA Program as a Volunteer Coordinator in 1997, I worked at Boys Town Shelter, Child Haven Shelter, and the Clark County Housing Authority. Each of these positions provided valuable skills, knowledge, and relationships that would later prove meaningful throughout my journey. As I worked alongside CASA volunteers, I grew especially fond of witnessing the immeasurable impact they had on the lives of children. Many of these volunteers have become lifelong friends.
In 2006, I promoted to CASA Program Administrator, where I became a strong ambassador for volunteers, children, and the program’s mission. I served as assistant to the CASA Manager until her retirement in 2010. Although that period brought challenging budget cuts and organizational changes, I quickly learned as the new leader of the CASA Program that the volunteers were not simply committed to their supervisors — they were committed to the mission and to the children they served. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment inspired me to advocate even more to ensure the program not only survived those difficult years, but also ultimately thrived.
I am thankful for the many memorable opportunities and valuable connections I have made throughout my career with the CASA Program. I am also honored to have worked closely with local, state, and National CASA/GAL Association leaders. Among my most treasured memories are meeting the Honorable Judge David Soukup, founder of the GAL movement in 1977, and Judge John Mendoza, who coined the name “CASA” and established the CASA Program in Clark County in 1980. Just as others poured history, wisdom, and institutional knowledge into me, I have always strived to do the same for those who came behind me.
I am proud of the many accomplishments achieved throughout my years with the CASA Program. Under my leadership, the program served 1,833 CASA volunteers, who advocated for 5,533 children. However, it was during the past five years that the program experienced significant growth in volunteers, staffing, and community impact through the support of court leadership, judges, and county partners. Much of that growth can be credited to the Court’s CEO, Steven Grierson, whose vision and leadership recognized the value of this program and, most importantly, the tremendous impact CASA volunteers have on the lives of children.
Although retiring from my role as Program Administrator, it is my hope and prayer that God blesses me with good health so I may continue using my spiritual gifts to serve others, by giving my time and talents to further advance CASA’s mission — but this time as a sworn CASA volunteer and Peer Coordinator, who mentors newly trained volunteers.
As I begin this new chapter, I do so with confidence and optimism, leaving behind a strong, skilled, and compassionate CASA team dedicated to ensuring every abused and neglected child has a voice in court. I am hopeful that my legacy of service, leadership, and connection will continue to inspire many for years to come. It gives me great hope and excitement to see what comes next for the program.
To all the people who have crossed my path throughout this journey, thank you for being part of my story. I say farewell for now — until we meet again.
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