CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is proud to welcome Robert Gillette as our newest Volunteer Supervisor—a role that perfectly aligns with both his professional background and his personal commitment to supporting children and families in our community.
Robert brings with him nearly a decade of experience in the juvenile abuse and neglect field. His work as a paralegal gave him a strong foundation in the legal side of child welfare cases, and his passion for supporting youth grew from there.
“I have spent about a decade working in juvenile abuse and neglect as a paralegal. So I know the legal side of this world very well.”
He also spent time working directly with young people in residential treatment and step-down facilities, supporting teens with behavioral disorders and helping them transition back home. These experiences deepened his understanding of the barriers many children face—and what meaningful support can look like.
Robert had worked alongside CASA in the past and saw firsthand the organization’s impact. So when the opportunity to join the CASA-EP team came along, it felt like the right next step.
“I’ve worked with CASA in the past and I’ve always been a big supporter of their message and what they’re trying to do so to be here is a really big honor.”
His professional experiences have shown him where gaps in the system exist—and why the role of CASA is so crucial.
“Working for the past decade in this field has really given me a lot of insight into how it works, the operation behind it, and also where there needs to be spots that are filled in, which I think CASA does a really great job of bridging the gap in some places.”
As a longtime community organizer in Martinsburg, Robert brings more than just case knowledge—he brings deep community roots and a commitment to building a stronger future.
“I truly believe children are our future. It’s really important for us here, especially in a place like West Virginia, that we’re building our communities up”
For Robert, keeping families together isn’t just a goal—it’s a core belief.
“Keeping families together to me is creating a loving system of support for each kid. Family can mean a lot of things but also family is your connection. We know that the best outcome in most of these cases … is that kids return to their family.”
We’re thrilled to have Robert join the CASA-EP team, and we’re grateful for the knowledge, compassion, and dedication he brings to the role. Please join us in welcoming him—and celebrating the heart he brings to this important work.
