
CASA of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties Asst. Director Michelle Hess selected for leadership program
Hess joins Leadership Seneca County class of 2025, working on project to benefit foster youth, families
Michelle Hess’s journey with CASA began in 2017 when she heard a presentation about the work of Court Appointe Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers in a college classroom.
Now, she’s taking part in a long-time community leadership program in her role as Assistant Director of the CASA of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot (SSW) Counties program.
“This has been such a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the community and improve the skills I use every day in my work with CASA,” said Hess.
Hess is a member of the 2025 Leadership Seneca County class joining business leaders, public servants, and other non-profit professionals.

“I am hoping to improve my skills as a professional and a leader, and to help CASA as much as possible,” said Hess.
Members of the program meet monthly and complete different “visits” throughout the community. For example, class members went on tours and made connections at different colleges in the Tiffin area, the Sheriff’s office, and other locations.
The program is focused on learning leadership skills and how to best impact the community. Hess said she and the program members will graduate in May.
“I am excited to make a positive impact in the community, especially with the project we will work on as a group,” said Hess.
The leadership group is tasked with working on a project that will benefit Seneca County community members. Hess said she brought up the work of CASA volunteers and the need for more foster homes in the area.
“Children often have to be placed in foster homes that are far away. I shared with the group that CASA volunteers often have to take on long drives to visit the children they serve, because there are just not enough foster homes in the area,” said Hess. “This distance can add to the trauma the children we serve are already dealing with. Our group decided to do something about this.”
Hess said Seneca County Children Services and a foster parent came in and shared information.
The leadership class is working on a way to add more support for foster families in the area, creating a foster care closet where families can pick up needed supplies.
“It has been quite a few years since a staff member of CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties has attended Leadership Seneca County,” said Tracie Cress, Executive Director of CASA of SSW. “We are very proud that Michelle accepted the opportunity, and look forward to seeing CASA’s input on the project that is so important for our kids and families in the community.”
The closet will allow foster families to get supplies as soon as they get a call about a child, which can happen at any time.
“We hope this will provide more support for foster families and potentially even encourage other people to open their homes,” said Hess. “This entire experience has really allowed me to have a better understanding of the community.”
Hess encourages others to get involved in their areas, particularly highlighting the CASA program.
“Being a CASA volunteer is really unlike other volunteer opportunities, there is a lot to learn and uncover. Find out if this is the right fit. There is definitely a kid out there for every volunteer; we need volunteers from every walk of life,” said Hess.
Training for CASA of SSW’s next class of CASA volunteers begins April 22 in Tiffin. If you would like to learn more about CASA volunteer work, visit their website or learn more about our impact statewide.