Margaret Allen: Human of CASA of Kent County
Christina Baur: Human of CASA of Kent County
When Christina Baur reflects on her identity and purpose, one word always rises to the surface: advocate.
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.
Margaret grew up in a home grounded in social justice. Her parents believed deeply in service, and their example shaped her from an early age. She recalls her father’s guiding words: “If you’ve been given privilege, you give back.” That belief didn’t just stick—it became her foundation.
In college, Margaret worked as a counselor for Upward Bound, a program designed to support first-generation college students. The experience opened her eyes to the power of opportunity. She was especially inspired by the two women who led the program. “They were huge mentors for me and taught me the concept of ‘How do you eradicate poverty? One kid at a time.’”
That idea—helping one child at a time—has driven Margaret throughout her law career. For over thirty years, she has worked in family law, where she’s advocated for children and families facing some of life’s hardest trials. The work is deeply personal. She remembers the kids. She remembers the families. And she remembers the CASA volunteers who’ve stood alongside her. “I really try to partner with my CASAs and try to be on the same team. It is really helpful to get their perspective.”
As she looks ahead, Margaret hopes to continue making a difference. Although retirement isn’t imminent, she will be transitioning in the next few years from the detailed work of child welfare into work on a larger scale—pursuing policy and systems change on a broader level. The setting may change, but her mission will not.
“We can only move forward and try to make it better,” she says.
And that’s exactly what Margaret Allen intends to keep doing—one child, one step, one voice at a time.
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.
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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: Human of CASA of Kent County
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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