Natalie Stalmach | Women of Impact 2025

NATALIE STALMACH

Chief Development Officer

CASA of Tarrant County

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tarrant County is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children because they want them to have a brighter future. Currently we have more than 400 dedicated community volunteers. However, there are still about 500 kids each year waiting for a CASA, because there aren’t enough volunteers to meet the demands of the child welfare system.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I come from a family of servant leaders, so giving back to your community is ingrained in my being. My skills are more business-minded, so being able to help children build a more positive future by working for CASA of Tarrant County was the perfect place for me to serve in my area of expertise.

Biggest challenges in my career

Every day is a challenge in so many ways, but the hardest one is that there is such a dire need for support for child welfare. There is still such a lack of awareness of our purpose and needs at CASA, so everyday I work to move that wall just a little more.

My first job and what it taught me

Working at the Rangers Ballpark with my best friend. While it was a fun summer job, I learned so much patience and about people by working in customer service. And it was amazing to see the community come together for one cause no matter who they were! Go Rangers!

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about

CASA of Tarrant County. I meet at least one person every day that has never heard of CASA or how we help our community. Tarrant County has the third-highest confirmed number of cases of abuse and neglect in Texas. From helping siblings find permanent placement together, to finding a child a stable home with a relative, to uncovering positive information that helps a loving family reunite, to something as simple but yet important to that child as ensuring that their shoes are not too tight for their feet, volunteer advocates make incredible differences in the lives of children.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Every time I hear a story from an advocate, a family member, a child or a judge about how CASA of Tarrant County has made an impact in the future of a child, I know that we must continue to do what we do, no matter the challenge.

Best career moment so far

Last year we met this amazing young woman who signed up to be a CASA after volunteering alongside her entire TCU sorority. Later she shared she had her own CASA advocate during her childhood which helped her and her family. Now as a community leader beginning her career in law, she wanted to help make a difference for children as had been done for her. We don’t always get to see the full circle of having a CASA advocate and then becoming a CASA volunteer, so it was beautiful to see the success come together.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Being on TV. I’ve always been a “spokesperson” for CASA, but being on TV is a different skill altogether. Thankfully I have great support to be able to help me continue to strengthen my skills.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Yoga. Hands down. I used to teach in my spare time, but I think it taught me so much more. A deep breath can really change the trajectory of your entire day.

Best advice I ever received

Surround yourself with people who make you smile. They will help support you and keep you from burning out. This is both good for my professional and personal life.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

The work is never done. There are always more volunteers needed because there are always more kids to help.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

I’m able to have a few trusted mentors/board members who can always walk through it and redirect my direction.

IN THE DETAILS