OUR COMMITMENT
Welcome to Michigan CASA U
Michigan CASA U is designed for CASA volunteers, staff, board members, and others involved in the child welfare community, as well as anyone seeking to learn more about effective advocacy and the child welfare system in Michigan.
Coming up Next:
Thursday, August 14 | 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST
How Belonging Can Make the Difference
Join Gaelin Elmore for his ENCORE PRESENTATION from the 2024 Michigan CASA Conference.
What determines if an individual is a “success” story or a “cautionary” tale? Is it talent? Is it resilience or grit? Is it simply luck? Gaelin Elmore knows that stories of caution and success have more things in common than we’d care to admit. He knows because he lived it. Mr. Elmore’s powerful story has motivated and inspired thousands, but instead of using his story to focus on “success,” he uses it to shed light on the importance of belonging and “support.” Throughout this keynote, attendees will be challenged and inspired to be individuals who CARE about belonging, because belonging is ‘the difference’ between a story of success and a tale of caution.
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Learning Objectives:
The fundamental difference between stories of “success” vs tales of “caution”
The transformational power of belonging
How to support others using the CARE model
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Meet the Speaker:
Gaelin Elmore is a former NFL athlete turned nationally recognized keynote speaker and belonging expert. He has worked with fortune 500 companies, state agencies, and small locally run non-profits, all with the same mission – to create environments where EVERYONE can thrive: teams, leaders, AND clients. And thriving is only possible when we belong. Gaelin’s keynotes are a perfect blend of humor, practicality, and hard truth that challenges, connects, and changes every audience he shares space with. Gaelin’s message, passion, and story has led him to stages in 39 different states and multiple different countries in the last calendar year alone. Even still, the most important stage where Gaelin gets to “practice what he preaches” is at home, with his wife, Micaela, and their children Laniah, Gideon, and Tatum.
Later This Year:
Thursday, September 18 | 9:30 - 11:00 am
Community & Sharing with Empathy
Presented by Andrea Walker-Leidy
Learn how to share lived experiences in ways that truly connect. This session will guide you in telling stories with empathy and authenticity—ensuring that what you share resonates deeply and honors those involved. When sharing your own stories, or connecting with others to share their stories, learning empathy in tangible action is important. From subtle shifts in wording to thoughtful framing, discover how intentional communication can transform how your message is received.
Equip yourself and your team with the skills to communicate compassionately, whether in interviews, newsletters, or across social media. Together, we’ll look at how to create a culture of empathy that shines through every channel.
Finally, we’ll dive into real-life scenarios and practice developing response strategies that uphold empathy, maintain healthy boundaries, and reinforce your organization’s values. Walk away ready to lead conversations that inspire connection and care.
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Learning Objectives:
During this training we will . . .
Discover how to share lived experiences with empathy and authenticity.
Practice language that respects emotions and builds trust with audiences
Learn how to train your team to communicate with compassion in interviews, newsletters, and social media.
Explore real-life scenarios to develop response strategies that honor empathy and boundaries
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Meet the Speaker:
Andrea Walker-Leidy is a seasoned publicist, entrepreneur, and founder of Walker Publicity, where she helps organizations and leaders harness the power of storytelling to build trust, connection, and growth. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, PR, and brand strategy, Andrea specializes in traumainformed communication—meeting people with empathy and intention to ensure stories are shared ethically and meaningfully. Based in Metro Detroit, she partners with nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven teams to create messaging that resonates and inspires action. Andrea is also the voice behind the “It’s Not Just a Tuesday” podcast, exploring life’s ordinary moments and extraordinary stories.
