By Sara Blake
Michaela Upchurch is a wife of 19 years, a mother to a new Texas A&M graduate, a certified life coach, and more recently, a CASA volunteer. Michaela and her family own two Vizsla dogs and share a love for cooking (Italian and Mexican food specifically), travel, and music. “I collect records and pre-COVID, my family and I loved traveling together and attending concerts. But over the last year we’ve had to learn to love watching our favorite bands perform virtually,” Michaela laughs.
After two decades in Austin in the technology education industry, Michaela unexpectedly lost her job last year as a result of COVID reductions. Instead of letting this become a setback, however, Michaela took the opportunity to pause and think about what was really important to her.
After two decades in Austin in the technology education industry, Michaela unexpectedly lost her job last year as a result of COVID reductions. Instead of letting this become a setback, however, Michaela took the opportunity to pause and think about what was really important to her. “It was a blessing in disguise that made me stop and think ‘what is my purpose? What’s my passion?’ ” Around this time, she happened to see a TV ad for CASA and Friends of the Children. Up until this point, Michaela’s volunteer experience was limited to short-term volunteer efforts through her company.
"I would always leave wondering what happened next for the people we volunteered for,” says Michaela. “So, when I saw that ad, I felt an immediate connection to CASA, and I (nervously) signed up for an info session."
“I would always leave wondering what happened next for the people we volunteered for,” says Michaela. “So, when I saw that ad, I felt an immediate connection to CASA, and I (nervously) signed up for an info session.”
This unplanned hiatus also led Michaela to life coaching – something she never thought she’d be able to do while working full time. “My goal is to help women grow and thrive,” Michaela explains. “To help them understand that their voice matters and to empower them to use it.” Her passion to help fellow women has helped Michaela navigate her CASA journey, too. According to Michaela, something that made jumping into this experience easier was the emphasis on case-matching to find the best fit for both the child and volunteer.
"My goal is to help women grow and thrive,” Michaela explains. “To help them understand that their voice matters and to empower them to use it."
“I was excited to learn I could request to work with a teenage girl because that was an area that I felt like I could truly make a difference in.”
Since starting her first case with a teenager, Michaela has already seen a positive change in the girl’s life. “It’s been so rewarding to watch this girl grow and to see her resilience,” Michaela says, smiling. “Recently, I was able to help facilitate a visit between her and her family for the first time since last year, which was so special!”
“One of my biggest questions was if I would be able to make a real connection with her, especially virtually,” describes Michaela. “What if we didn’t bond? But after our first zoom call, those fears were gone. We discovered common ground and found ways to make it as personal as we could by sharing a meal and bonding over a shared love of music.”
"When someone truly sees you and believes in you; when they see something in you that you may not see, it’s life-changing. That’s what I want to be for these kids."
Growing up, Michaela clearly remembers people in her life who went out of their way to connect with her. “Like my third-grade teacher, Mrs. Lee,” Michaela recalls. “When someone truly sees you and believes in you; when they see something in you that you may not see, it’s life-changing. That’s what I want to be for these kids. I’m realizing that by advocating for this girl, I’m teaching her how to advocate for herself – and that’s a lifelong skill that she’ll always be able to take with her.”
One of Michaela’s favorite quotes is an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” “It’s so important to meet someone exactly where they are. I try to put myself in the shoes of the child and their family without preconceived judgment or bias. Only then can we lock arms and move forward together.”
"Volunteering feeds my soul. And I promise if I can do it, so can you!"
Michaela encourages anyone who wants to make a lasting impact in a child’s life to attend a CASA info session. “We need all hands on deck right now. There is such a need for this, especially after the rise of mental health struggles we’ve seen kids battling over the last year,” Michaela urges. “Volunteering feeds my soul. And I promise if I can do it, so can you!”
Could CASA be your passion? The children we serve are waiting for dedicated and caring community members just like you. Learn more on our Volunteer page or RSVP for an upcoming Volunteer Info Session over Zoom. If you're ready to begin your volunteer journey, apply today!
2021 May Featured Volunteer Story Volunteer Profiles
