A Message from the Executive Director (October 2025)

Legacy is more than what you leave behind – it’s the impact you make while you are here. It is the echo of your actions, values and contributions that continue to influence others long after your presence in their life has passed. Whether grand or quiet, everyone leaves a mark – and the question is whether that mark reflects who you truly are and what you stood for.

For many years I’ve shared with you the impacts – grand and quiet – of our volunteers’ work with at risk children. Since our inception in 1993, our program has served nearly 2,000 children living in 700 families. We’ve worked with more than 900 community volunteers who’ve given of their time and talent to serve as CASAs. We are so proud every day of the commitment and dedication to help those in need and make our community a better place for everyone.

But CASA’s legacy extends far beyond the impact were made for our 2,000 CASA kids. The seeds of impact that either began or were cultivated in our CASA training room with our 900 volunteers can be seen all around our region and communities. I’m reminded of the Judges, including Jennifer McCrady and Chelsa Wagner, who early in their legal careers served as CASA volunteers. CASAs who have gone on to lead entire agencies and programs that serve neighbors in need like Laura Maines, CEO of Every Child offering clinical and family support services, Jo Rosenberger Altman, general counsel for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Anette Nance directing community economic development programs at DCED, or Jennifer Hergenreder an attorney for the Disability Law Project who just negotiated the settlement of a class action lawsuit aimed at protecting the rights of youth with mental health issues.

We’ve worked with CASAs who went on to become licensed social workers in Allegheny County and three other states, current administrators in the Department of Human Services, program officers at local foundations, and former staff who are now running their own successful and impactful CASA programs in the Commonwealth. What a gift to be able to affect so many lives.

I am humbled by the mark CASA of Allegheny County has made in our community and beyond. The legacy that we’re able to leave, thanks to countless supporters and champions, ensures that we have made a difference for generations.

In gratitude, 

Melissa Protzek, Esq.