CASA OF st. louis Blog
Stephany Kneip
She is a great connector of people and hope. She has helped advocate for children in foster care, family members of Alzheimer patients get answers, and scientists discover new treatments for cancer patients.
Born to a Navy officer who later became a pilot for Ozark Airlines, Stephany Kniep moved from Indiana, home to her mother’s family, to California and then to Texas before settling at age 12 in St. Louis.
Spotlight: Judge John Warner
At 23, the harried single father of a toddler was working long hours as an assistant manager of a shoe department within a Famous-Barr Store.
His parents took care of their grandchild--sometimes into the night---as John (Jack) Warner juggled it all. Later, this highly respected, now-retired, Circuit Court judge also struggled to parent as he earned two university degrees—also while working.
That experience made him especially sensitive to issues families face when there is too little time and no money.
Pat Mcmackin: A very special casaversary
He feels equally at home piloting tug boats as troubleshooting computer systems for federal agencies ranging from the Army Aviation Command to the U.S. Postal Service. And for 20 years, Pat McMackin has also been a critical voice for 17 children ---becoming the one, consistent person these children could rely on.
CASA of St. Louis Case Advocacy Supervisor Mariah Smith says Pat is not only committed but very family-oriented. “He deeply understands how important family connections are.”
15 Years of Service: Carol MacDonald
Carol MacDonald, mother of three and grandmother of seven, never set out to spend more than 15 years becoming the one person many foster children can rely upon.
While raising her three daughters, Carol was an active volunteer in a number of civic organizations and a leader in Kirkwood schools’ Service Learning Program, a program that allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to community service projects.
15 Years of Service: Carol MacDonald
Carol MacDonald, mother of three and grandmother of seven, never set out to spend more than 15 years becoming the one person many foster children can rely upon.
While raising her three daughters, Carol was an active volunteer in a number of civic organizations and a leader in Kirkwood schools’ Service Learning Program, a program that allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to community service projects.