Claire Tauzer knew she wanted to make a difference for children after teaching high school for three years, substitute teaching for two years, and witnessing the struggle that foster children go through first hand. “High school is already hard. Add to that being moved to a different home, often requiring a new school and location away from friends and life gets extremely difficult.”
After teaching for five years, Claire changed careers to manage Sola Bee, a honey company headquartered in Yolo County, with her husband who manages Tauzer Apiaries, their family beekeeping business. “It was a great opportunity to bring our honey to market but I always missed working with kids. I do as many educational events in schools as possible through Sola Bee but I still wanted more.”
Claire had heard about Yolo County CASA for quite some time and was also thinking of starting a family of her own, which made her calling to give back to children even deeper. After completing her CASA training, she received her current case, a teenage boy. “I’ve worked with teenagers before so I was initially afraid he would be closed off because it is pretty common but the opposite was true. He was so grateful, open, and just delightful.”
Claire loves connecting with her CASA child during their weekly visits through simple activities. “At first I overthought everything and wanted to give him really special experiences. Then I found that just sitting in a park and playing board games was a great way to connect and an activity that was perhaps most special to both of us. He’s beat me in Jenga three times now. I have no idea how he got so good.” She also feels the information she gets during these visits is crucial. “When he is comfortable and in his element, we can easily talk about the issues he’s going through and I can use this information to advocate for the specific things that I know will help him thrive.”
While going to court may seem intimidating to some, Claire finds it fascinating. She appreciates the extensive CASA staff support and is impressed at how much the judge cares about her insights and opinions. She’s been to court on behalf of her CASA child several times and each time remembers being asked if she had input to add or a different viewpoint. “It really shows you how important CASAs are in helping foster children get what they need in the system. The judges truly respect us and rely on us.”
To anyone considering becoming a CASA but doubting their ability or the time commitment, Claire has great observations to share. “Becoming a CASA hasn’t made my life busier. It’s enriched my life. Our visits have become a regular part of my week. They don’t interfere with work because he is in school while I am working anyway. It truly is possible to fit it into most schedules.” As for ability, although Claire’s experience as a high school teacher was a driving factor in considering becoming a CASA, it’s not that experience that she draws upon the most. Instead, she cites the human condition. “If you can empathize with others and put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you have what it takes to be a CASA. That is by far what I draw upon the most when I spend time with my CASA child.”
Thank you, Claire, for everything you contribute to foster children in Yolo County.
