2026 Michigan CASA State Conference


October 26-27, 2026 | Holland, Michigan

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About the Conference

Each year, the Michigan CASA State Conference brings together hundreds of CASA staff, volunteers, social work professionals, educators, and community members from across Michigan to learn, grow, and strengthen the statewide CASA network.


This two-day event features keynote speakers, professional development workshops, networking, and peer learning - all in service of ensuring more Michigan children have a consistent, caring advocate in their corner. Whether you're a seasoned CASA program leader or new to the network, this is your opportunity to connect with the people doing this work across the state.

See Agenda

What To Expect

Keynote Speakers

Nationally recognized voices in child advocacy and foster care

Professional Development

Practical workshops for CASA staff, volunteers, & other child welfare professionals

Peer Networking

Connect with leaders from local CASA programs representing 30+ counties across Michigan

Awards and Recognition

Celebrating impact across the statewide network

Keynote Speakers

Conference Schedule

Monday, October 26


  • 10:00AM: Registration Opens

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    Pick up your name badge, conference materials, and swag items!

  • 11:00AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks

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    By Susanna G. Patterson, Michigan CASA President & CEO

  • 11:30AM: Keynote Speaker - Maria Bryan, MPA

    Keynote Speaker: Maria Bryan, MPA

  • 12:45PM: Break

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  • 1:00PM: Judicial Panel

    Judicial Panel: Facilitated by Susanna G. Patterson, featuring judges & referees from Ottawa & Kent Counties

  • 2:00PM: Break

    Food & Beverage Break

  • 2:30PM: Breakout Sessions

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  • 4:15PM: Plenary Session with Apryl Pooley

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  • 5;45PM: Dinner on your own


  • 8:00PM: Mindfulness Yoga

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Tuesday, October 27


  • 9:00-11:00

    We'll meet over coffee, bagels and fresh fruit. After a brief introduction, we'll outline the plan for the day, so you know what to expect.

  • 11:00-13:00

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  • 13:00-15:00

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  • 15:00-17:30

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Register for the Conference

Become a 2026 Partner

It takes all of us to ensure every child has someone in their corner. When your organization partners with Michigan CASA, you connect with hundreds of child welfare professionals, CASA volunteers, and community advocates - and you send a clear message that your community takes care of its children.

Partnership Tier Investment Key Benefits
Stand Up Sponsor $6,000 Event recognition at all 2026 events, speaking opportunities, newsletter feature, vendor table
Show Up Champion $3,500 Event recognition, newsletter feature, vendor table, gala table
Speak Up Advocate $1,500 Event recognition, vendor table, social media recognition
Transformation Champions $500 Small business recognition across platforms, year-round website recognition, 2 gala tickets

Venue

About Michigan CASA

Michigan CASA is the statewide association supporting a network of 30 local CASA programs across Michigan. Since 1984, we have trained and supported Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. At the state level, we provide funding, training, and capacity building so that every local program can serve children effectively - and so that every child who needs a CASA, has one.

656

Current Michigan CASA Volunteers

1,388

Michigan Children Served

10,000

Michigan Youth in Foster Care