Volunteer Spotlight -
Dana Lawrence
“I knew I wanted to do something child-related. It’s professional, but it’s also who I am.”
After 25 years as an elementary school principal in Lindenwold, Dana Lawrence retired with a clear idea of what she wanted to do next: continue working with children while putting her professional experience to use. CASA offered the opportunity to do both. “I knew I wanted to do something child-related,” Dana explains. “It’s professional, but it’s also who I am.”
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Dana currently serves as a CASA volunteer for two cases. Her newest case involves a young teenager living independently and entering her junior year of high school with hopes of attending college. Dana is particularly excited to support her educational goals and help her plan for the future.
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One aspect of CASA that surprised Dana is the depth of information available to advocates. While her experience as a school administrator gave her familiarity with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, she has found the access to medical and other records particularly valuable in understanding the full circumstances surrounding a child. That comprehensive perspective is central to how Dana approaches advocacy. She believes a child’s educational needs cannot be separated from the other factors affecting their life.
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“It’s not so much about balancing things,” she says. “All the pieces work together. If you’re not thinking about all of those pieces, then you’re not looking at the whole child.” That philosophy also shaped Dana’s approach throughout her career in education. She encourages teachers to remember that every child is unique and may arrive at school carrying experiences that affect how they learn and interact. Her advice is to look beyond the immediate challenge, ask questions, and consider the child’s circumstances when determining how best to support them. She encourages other education professionals to consider volunteering, noting that their experience and understanding of children can be valuable when advocating for a child’s individual needs and helping them reach their fullest potential.
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When I asked Dana what she would say to students and teachers starting a new school year, she shared a simple message: “Every day is a new day. Don’t hold on to yesterday’s foolishness.” After decades in education, she has learned that children are remarkably intuitive. When adults recognize them as individuals and demonstrate that they genuinely care, children notice, and often give that trust back. That insight continues to guide Dana in her new role as a CASA.