Tonya Verret
Meet Advocate Tonya Verrett. Tonya was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana. She and her significant other, Kelsey, who is also a CASA volunteer, share four children – Madison, Taylor, Karter, and Olivia. They also have an adorable kitty named Bailey. Tonya has worked as a dog groomer since she was 21 years old. She enjoys gaming, hunting, and fishing, and she is also an avid reader from time to time.
Tonya has been a CASA for five months and is currently serving on her very first case. She was inspired to join after hearing her girlfriend, Kelsey, speak so passionately and often about the program. Once she learned more, Tonya knew right away that it was something she wanted to become a part of.
In her role as an advocate, she stays in close contact with her DCFS caseworker, arranges visits with the foster family, and carefully reviews notes from everyone involved in the case to stay fully informed. While she has not yet attended her first court hearing, Tonya has already made what she feels is her biggest accomplishment - forming an almost instant bond with her CASA child. Her child is autistic and often struggles to connect with others, but the two clicked immediately, which has been incredibly meaningful to her.
Tonya describes becoming a CASA as a rewarding and impactful experience and encourages anyone considering it to take the leap: “Just go for it - it’s such an amazing organization and the work is so rewarding.”
