Name: Jessica Mickley
Title: Director of Outreach and Training
CASA Employee Since: August 2017
1) What did you do before you worked at CASA?
I worked in newspapers as a writer and editor for a number of years before becoming an advocate at a domestic violence and sexual assault nonprofit.
2) Describe your job in five words.
Schmoozing and training plus writing.
3) Can you describe what a typical day looks like for you?
Typical day at CASA. That’s a funny joke! Every day is so different. But really, that’s one of the things I like most about working at CASA. Pre-pandemic, many days could include attending a community event, facilitating a training class, or presenting on a topic like trauma or mandatory reporting. I also spend a good amount of time creating and editing content for our social media, newsletters, website, and blogs, as well as writing press releases.
4) What is the best part about working for CASA?
Working alongside a group of people who want to effect change as much as I do.
5) What is the craziest/most unusual thing you’ve done in the name of serving children in foster care?
Besides my annual gig as a carnival worker at the Passaic County Fair… Probably when I drove to the Bronx to record a PSA about Passaic County CASA at Fordham’s radio station, WFUV.
6) When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A journalist!
7) What is your go-to comfort food?
A big bowl of soup, preferably matzo ball or pho.
8) What personality trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
Probably my propensity to occasionally speak before I think.
9) What celebrity have people said you resemble or remind them of?
Amy Poehler
10) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you bring?
A growler of cold brew coffee, the longest book ever written, and sunscreen.