Staff Spotlight -
Nathaly Almonte
When describing the qualities of an effective volunteer advocate, Nathaly highlights compassion, commitment to visiting the children, and being open-minded, while emphasizing the importance of respecting all parties involved.
Starting at the age of six, Nathaly Almonte traveled frequently between her home in the Dominican Republic and the United States. As part of Hispaniola, “the DR” shares a land border with Haiti and is nestled in between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Nathaly beams as she recalls growing up with all the wonderful experiences that the Caribbean island offers. Summers and vacations to the Northeast each year during her childhood led to Nathaly’s dual citizenship at age 12, and at age 18, she began her studies at The American International College. The “AIC” is a small, private university in Springfield, Massachusetts where she majored in Criminal Justice. Relocating to southern New Jersey following college, Nathaly desired to find a rewarding career helping children, and she found that in CASA as a Program Coordinator.
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Starting in the Camden office in 2023, Nathaly’s warm, outgoing personality quickly connected her to both her fellow staff members and the volunteers she worked with as well. Nathaly feels working with children and families during a difficult time in their lives helps us realize what’s truly important in life. She shared, “The consistent presence of a CASA in the life of a child in foster care makes the children feel seen and heard.” Nathaly is inspired when volunteer Advocates develop deep relationships over time with their CASA child. They truly get to know the child and see more than just what’s on the surface of the case.
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One noteworthy experience involved a mother and child where the mother had essentially been written off as non-compliant. However, by building a trusting relationship with her, the CASA discovered that the mother was, in fact, highly motivated to change and was making significant efforts to reunify with her child. This information was presented to the court by the CASA and Nathaly was overjoyed when reunification was eventually achieved. Without the insight of the CASA, the mother’s efforts may not have been seen to their fullest extent.
When describing the qualities of an effective volunteer advocate, Nathaly highlights compassion, commitment to visiting the children, and being open-minded, while emphasizing the importance of respecting all parties involved. She is optimistic that things can change for the better and families can succeed.
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Nathaly has recently relocated once again, this time to Georgia. She now splits her time between CASA as Program Assistant, and another nonprofit, Communities in Schools (CIS). The organization aims to improve student attendance, engagement, and graduation rates by bringing needed community resources directly into public schools, allowing teachers and administrators to focus on education. No matter where she lives, Nathaly continues to make a positive impact on the lives of children wherever she goes!