Children's Advocacy Center

Name: Carmen Aguirre
Agency:  CASA
# of Years with the Agency:  2 years            
# of Years in Non-Profit Work:  12 years
Hometown:  Lubbock, TX                             
College:  Texas Tech University
Major(s):  Bachelors in Human Development & Family Studies with a Minor in Substance Abuse

Higher Ed:  Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy; ABD – Marriage & Family Therapy

Past Jobs before you were in Non-Profit Work:  Carmen worked for the Dept of Human Services, for a Daycare Center, and at as a Detention Officer at the Juvenile Justice Center.  She also taught Behavioral Sciences at Tech and continues to teach part-time at LCU.

Family:  Carmen has 4 daughters and 4 grandchildren.

Pets:  Carmen has one dog, Rocky, a rat terrier.

What are the most important rewards in your career and why did you choose it?
1) Seeing a case going to trial in Lubbock County
2) Seeing team testify
3) Getting the perpetrator off the street
4) Seeing relief in the children

What are your interests outside of work? Carmen likes to spend time with her grandkids – she wants to be like her grandmother was to her.  She enjoys reading, crochet and cross-stitch.  She is dedicated to her health watching her diet and working out daily.

What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why? Going to school as a single parent realizing the importance of education and understanding how important it was for her to show her daughters that it was possible and set a positive example for them.

Who is your hero? Carmen’s hero is her Dad.  At 78 years old he is still working and Carmen described him as extremely smart, self-taught, full of compassion, patience, and giving.  She learned many of life’s lessons from him.

What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
1) Her Staff - Because they are so dedicated she has to help make sure the staff take care of themselves
2) Their role in the community and South Plains area is the educate everyone on what they do and advocate for the kids being hurt.

Where is your favorite place you have been on vacation and why? A conference held in Los Angeles the opening and closing session was held on the beach.