Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Kramer.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
January 2016 marked the beginning of a journey I could never have fully imagined. I walked through the doors of Child Advocacy Services SEGA, at the time it was just CASA Ogeechee, as a student intern while finishing my degree at Georgia Southern University. What started as an internship quickly became a calling, and ten years later I am incredibly grateful to still be here, serving alongside a team and community I deeply believe in.
My journey with CASSEGA began in January 2016 as a student intern. After graduation, I continued as a part-time Volunteer Activities Assistant. From October 2018 to June 2019, I served as the Visitation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant. From July 2019 to September 2021, I stepped into the role of Development Coordinator. Since October 2021, I have served as Director of Business Operations, and since August 2023, I have also served as the Positive Childhood Alliance Ogeechee Program Director. Along the way, I have grown not just professionally, but personally, learning how to lead with compassion, adapt through change, and keep children and families at the center of every decision.
Over the last ten years, together with our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters, we have accomplished so much. I’ve been a part of the start of two new programs and many fundraising efforts. During my tenure in direct service, I was able to serve over 310 children through CASA and the Ogeechee Visitation Centers. Recently, I have trained more than 100 individuals through Mandated Reporter, Mandated Supporter, HOPE, and other family service-focused trainings. Each number represents a child, a family, a volunteer, or a professional who chose to show up, and I am honored to have played a small part in that work.
I am proud to serve as a Mandated Reporter and Mandated Supporter Trainer, a CASA and HOPE Facilitator, and a National Family Support Network Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support Trainer. Education, prevention, and empowerment have always been core to my work, and I am grateful to help equip others to better support children and families in our communities.
My journey belongs to so many people, including the mentors who took a chance on an intern, the coworkers who became family, the volunteers who advocate tirelessly, and the community partners who believe in our mission. Ten years in, my heart for this work remains strong. I am excited for what is ahead and deeply thankful for every step that led me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I truly believe challenges are what shape you into the leader you are becoming. I recently had a conversation that stuck with me. “While you may experience turbulence, it is how you land the plane that matters.” That perspective has helped me reframe difficult seasons as opportunities to grow rather than moments to fear.
There have been times, especially stepping into leadership, where I have experienced imposter syndrome and questioned whether I was truly ready or capable. Leading a team, making decisions that impact children and families, and carrying responsibility at a higher level can feel heavy. There were moments when I doubted myself, but I learned that growth often happens in those uncomfortable spaces. Instead of letting that feeling stop me, I have worked to lean into it, continue learning, and trust the experiences that brought me here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I serve as the Director of Business Operations at Child Advocacy Services SEGA, where my work focuses on strengthening the systems that support our programs, our staff, and ultimately the children and families we serve. I also serve as the Positive Childhood Alliance Ogeechee Program Director, where I help lead prevention and education efforts centered on building safer, stronger communities.
I specialize in bridging operations, program support, and community impact. Much of my work happens behind the scenes by creating structure, supporting staff, and ensuring our programs have what they need to serve children effectively. At the same time, I stay connected to the community through training and facilitation, particularly as a Mandated Reporter and Mandated Supporter Trainer, CASA and HOPE Facilitator, and a trainer in the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support.
What I am most proud of is being part of work that creates real, tangible impact. Whether that is supporting a volunteer advocating for a child, helping a family access services, or equipping professionals with the tools to better respond to children, it all matters. I am also proud of the growth I have experienced over the last ten years, stepping into leadership roles and continuing to learn how to lead with both strategy and compassion. Recently, I was recognized by Georgia Southern for several Alumni awards, and those mean so much to me. To have the program that “raised” me from an 18-year-old to a college graduate, recognize my professional accomplishments, is speechless.
Lastly, because so much of our work is confidential, I believe what truly sets us apart is our storytelling, which is a collective effort of our social media team. We are intentional about sharing the heart of the work in a way that protects privacy while still highlighting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I feel like anything that brings a sense of connection, accomplishment, or contribution makes me feel happy. I want to know whether what I do every day is for a purpose or has a meaningful impact. I live with the intention to make others feel that they matter and belong in any space they walk into, whether it’s personally or professionally.
Pricing:
- Are services are provided for free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cas-sega.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/childadvocacyservicessega/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildAdvocacyServicesSEGA
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-kramer-a13500103/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@childadvocacyservicessega
