When Christina Baur reflects on her identity and purpose, one word always rises to the surface: advocate.
For the past several years, Christina has volunteered with CASA of Kent County, standing by the same child through a challenging and emotional case. The path to this role hasn’t always been easy, but Christina is clear: every step has been worth it.
Raised in the Grand Rapids area, Christina was surrounded by people who supported her through early life challenges. Her mother, a determined single parent, worked, raised two children, and put herself through college. Christina’s grandmother was equally influential—a steady, supportive, and deeply compassionate presence. “She was so strong and so supportive, but also soft, funny, and incredibly smart,” Christina recalls.
From these two women, Christina learned how to be both fierce and gentle—how to work tirelessly on behalf of others while remaining a comforting, trustworthy presence. Those lessons laid the foundation for her advocacy. “It’s second nature,” she says. “You feel it, you see it, you experience what other people are going through. And while that might be challenging to some people, for me… I dive in.”
Christina first discovered CASA by attending one of their events. The stories of vulnerable children and dedicated advocates moved her deeply. “You never know when the seed is planted how it’s going to grow,” she reflects. For Christina, that moment sparked a deep and lasting commitment.
Her current case has tested her patience and resolve, but nothing has shaken her dedication. She has poured herself into this child’s life, just as others once poured into hers. With every visit, court hearing, and conversation, Christina remains a steady presence—offering hope, stability, and a voice.
For Christina, advocacy is more than a role. It’s a calling rooted in experience, love, and the belief that one person can make a lasting difference. And she’s committed to walking alongside her CASA child—every step of the way.
This post is part of our 2025 Humans of CASA of Kent County campaign. Click here to check out the campaign webpage and read more featured stories.
For many, pinpointing the moment that set their career in motion isn’t easy. But Margaret Allen, a court-appointed attorney in Kent County, knows exactly where her journey into child welfare began—with the values her parents lived every day.
Hope isn’t always easy to see. It can flicker, grow dim, or feel out of reach. But for those willing to wait, to look closer, or to simply keep going, hope has a way of shining through. Ginger Randall knows this well.
Emily Schichtel is a West Michigan girl through and through. Growing up in the area, attending Grand Valley State University, and being deeply rooted in the community she loves, it was a natural decision to dedicate her career to serving this region.
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