Kris Tamplen - January 2025 Advocate of the month

Kris Tamplen’s whole life has been child-centered. As an elementary teach for over 34 years, she has devoted her life to caring for children. She has always been a tireless advocate so her skills as a CASA are invaluable.

What caused you to get involved with CASA?

To be honest, I had a friend ask me to think about joining the CASA board. I went to a meeting and immediately decided I wanted to be a board member. After being on the board for just a few weeks, I asked if I could be an advocate. That was really where my heart was….being hands on with the kids. I was both a board member and an advocate for about a year before I decided that my heart really wanted to invest more with the kids, so I got off the board and focused more on advocacy. 

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?

Seeing a dad pull his life together at the very last possible second in order to get his kids back…and following up a year later with them to find that they are all still doing well. 

What’s your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids?

I enjoy taking things with me to do with the kids. I like crafts, and enjoy letting them make something for their parent or placement. I also enjoy playing a game of some type with them or going on walks or joining in on the things they enjoy. 

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids.

I think one of the craziest but possibly most fun, was when one of my CASA kids wanted to take me for a ride in an ATV. I questioned my sanity, but we both had a good dose of much needed laughter that day.