Leah Lohse
Summary
Compassionate child advocacy professional with progressive experience supporting children and families through trauma-informed advocacy, case coordination, volunteer leadership, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Skilled in maintaining confidential documentation, mentoring volunteers and interns, developing and delivering training, coordinating community outreach, and advocating for children navigating complex child welfare systems. Passionate about empowering children and families through person-centered support while fostering collaborative relationships with community partners. Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid USA and currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Communications & Media Strategy.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocate Supervisor / Intern Coordinator
Child Network
12.2024 - Current
- Supervise and mentor CASA volunteers by providing case consultation, ongoing coaching, and professional support.
- Provide direct advocacy and case oversight for children without assigned volunteers, ensuring continuity of services and consistent communication throughout the life of the case.
- Coordinate with attorneys, DCFS, law enforcement, educators, court personnel, foster parents, and community service providers to advocate for the best interests of children and families.
- Maintain confidential case documentation, review court reports, conduct home visits, and ensure compliance with agency policies, court expectations, and documentation standards.
- Design, coordinate, and facilitate intern onboarding and training by developing educational materials, creating training schedules, and providing supervision.
- Develop and deliver volunteer in-service trainings and educational presentations, including presenting at the Safe Futures Harbor House Conference.
- Led the agency-wide conversion of paper case files to electronic records while reviewing, updating, and organizing confidential information to improve documentation accuracy and accessibility.
- Create newsletters, community outreach materials, and social media content to increase volunteer recruitment, fundraising efforts, and community awareness.
- Organize volunteer appreciation events that strengthen engagement, retention, and recognition.
- Support the expansion of CASA services into Iroquois County through community outreach and partnership development.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Corporate Communications & Media Strategy
Olivet Nazarene University
08-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work & Criminal Justice
Olivet Nazarene University
12-2023
Core Competencies
- Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Child Advocacy
- Case Coordination
- Crisis Response
- Family Support
- Confidential Documentation
- Community Outreach
- Volunteer Leadership
- Training & Facilitation
- Professional Presentations
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Relationship Building
Relevant Internship Experience
Child Network
- Assisted with case documentation, volunteer support, community outreach initiatives, and daily program operations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary professionals to support coordinated services for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
- Developed a strong foundation in trauma-informed advocacy, confidentiality, child welfare practices, and professional ethics.
- Strengthened skills in documentation, professional communication, client advocacy, and collaborative service delivery.
Easterseals Jumpstart Program
- Observed child development, family interactions, and early intervention services to gain experience supporting children and caregivers.
- Assisted with preparing educational activities and developmental resources for home visits that promoted healthy child development and parent education.
- Maintained detailed observations and documentation to support program staff and ongoing service planning.
- Gained practical experience in family engagement, child development, and collaborative, family-centered service delivery.
Additional Leadership Experience
Assistant General Manager, Jiffy Lube
- Recruited, hired, trained, and coached employees to support team development and operational success.
- Coordinated daily operations, scheduling, inventory, and workflow to maintain efficient business operations.
- Resolved customer concerns while maintaining accountability, teamwork, and operational standards.
Shift Supervisor, Wendy's
- Trained, coached, and supported employees while coordinating daily operations and customer service.
- Managed scheduling, cash handling, and workflow to maintain efficient restaurant operations.
- Promoted teamwork, accountability, and operational standards in a fast-paced environment.
Timeline
Advocate Supervisor / Intern Coordinator
Child Network
12.2024 - Current
Master of Business Administration - Corporate Communications & Media Strategy
Olivet Nazarene University
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work & Criminal Justice
Olivet Nazarene University