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Meet Jeri!

Jeri Breedlove completed Tulsa CASA’s pre-service training in November 2018, and is celebrating her 1 year CASA-versary this month!

Jeri has previously worked at Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health and as a Children’s Case Manager at Tulsa Women and Children’s center. As a Children’s Case Manager she would sometimes work with CASA, but didn’t know a lot about the program.

After being a stay-at-home mom for 14 years, she really started to miss working with children. She saw a CASA commercial and felt a calling to look into it more. After attending a Lunch and Learn, she signed up that day!

Jeri has been advocating for children aged 0-3 on our Safe Babies Court Team docket since December 2018. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Jeri has lived in Tulsa for over 15 years. She has been married to her husband for 17 years and together they have a 14 year-old son and an 11 year-old daughter.

Aside from being a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Jeri is often volunteering at her children’s school and teaching Children’s Sunday School at church.

What do you enjoy most about being a CASA?

CASA offers Tulsa families a second chance with better outcomes. Some cases are harder than others, but when you can be the voice for a child who doesn’t get to have a say in what’s best for them, and to make a positive impact in their life, it’s all worth it.

The day the family I work with finally entered trial reunification was my favorite moment on the case. Baby girl was in foster care for 11 months, and now she gets to celebrate her first birthday at home with her parents!

I enjoy being a consistent person in the family’s life. I see them once a week—on their good days and on the days they are struggling. I’m able to give them encouraging words and also tell them I’m proud of them for the hard work they have done.

A Note from her Advocate Manager

Jeri is a valued advocate and member of our Safe Babies Court Team. Since taking on her first case, she has hit the ground running and made a significant impact for her kiddo and the family.

Jeri consistently attends court hearings and staffings, is well-respected by the team, and has formed a fantastic relationship with the family she serves.

Jeri is one of the most dedicated and consistent advocates I have had the pleasure of working with. I am so honored to have her as part of my team and cannot wait to see the impact she has on future kids and cases! — Kaitlin Brasher

Meet Terrie!

Terrie Miller is a Senior Accountant at ONEOK and has been with the company for 21 years. Born and raised in the Tulsa area, Terrie has been involved in many community events. She volunteers often through her company, and has participated in Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, MLK Parade, and Tulsa Area United Way events. She has also volunteered with John 3:16, CAP Tulsa, and through her church.

Terrie went back to college to complete her degree and had a Criminal Justice course where she learned about CASA and how it was started by a judge who was frustrated over making life-changing decisions for children without ever meeting them. Terrie applied to Tulsa CASA and completed training in March 2012.

When Terrie has free time, she enjoys gardening, reading, cooking, and traveling. Her next trip will be to Germany to visit her youngest daughter, who serves at a Church in East Germany with her husband. Her oldest daughter is married with four children, and she also love to spend time with her grandkids every Thursday evening.

What do you enjoy most about being a CASA?

CASA offers Tulsa a chance to give personal value to the kids who are involved in tragic cases not of their own making or control. We are often the only consistent person in their lives, especially when they’re moved several times or assigned to different caseworkers.

My current case has two kids who were placed 3 hours away about 18 months ago. I’ve been able to make the trip every month and have visited them at the lake, at a school choir competition, and at two different foster placements in that area. CASA can see their strengths and is not distracted by bad behavior.

If you’re looking to volunteer in your community, get out of your comfort zone and learn how to use your skills and talents to serve those in need with love.

A Note from her Advocate Manager

For the past three years, Terrie has remained dedicated to her CASA kiddos during 6 placement changes, countless changes in caseworkers and attorneys, and even failed adoptions. Terrie has been with the children longer than any other professional in their foster care journey.

She has committed to seeing them find their forever family—which will finalize any month now. Please join me in congratulating Terrie for her years of hard work and dedication to two very special children and their happy ever after! – Kylee Jenkins