Name: Muriel Leconte
Title: Advocacy Supervisor
CASA Employee Since: February 2021
1) What did you do before you worked at CASA?
I’ve been working in child welfare for over 35 years. I got my start as a Caseworker at St. Vincent’s Children’s Services and later moved on to work as a Home Finder and Foster Parent Recruiter. I first worked at CASA in New York City as an Advocate Supervisor and later transitioned to Director of Volunteers. Before returning to work at CASA (this time in Passaic County), I was a Caseworker at SCO Family of Services for 12 years.
2) Describe your job in five words.
Fulfilling, Challenging, Necessary, Rewarding, Impactful.
3) Can you describe what a typical day looks like for you?
On a typical day I start out reviewing emails and approving contact logs. I reach out to connect with my volunteers, see how they’re doing and if there’s anything important we need to address. Throughout the day, I’m also editing reports and attending court virtually.
4) What is the best part about working for CASA?
The opportunity to work with volunteers on behalf of the children in care. I am always in awe of anyone who would give their time to be involved with the child welfare system and champion the rights of the children within it.
5) What is the craziest/most unusual thing you’ve done in the name of serving children in foster care?
I worked with a young lady who overcame sexual abuse and domestic violence and wanted to go to college. Her choices included the University of Buffalo and SUNY Plattsburgh; however, she was about to decide without visiting both schools and her deadline was days away. We flew to Buffalo for an open house and later that day, I drove to Plattsburgh late at night so that she was able to visit SUNY Plattsburgh. She decided that school was where she belonged. This young lady graduated college having made the Dean’s List and is now working on behalf of youth in foster care.
6) When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I initially wanted to become a pediatrician until I realized that I was not too fond of the sight of blood.
7) What is your go-to comfort food?
Dry white rice.
8) What personality trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
I have difficulty accepting no for an answer when I’m particularly passionate about something. It can sometimes be misinterpreted as slightly aggressive but really it’s just assertive passion for a cause.
9) What celebrity have people said you resemble or remind them of?
When I was younger, people said that I looked like Anita Baker because we had similar haircuts.
10) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you bring?
My dog Mozzie, my husband, and my children.