Denise Bouschor works full-time in the transportation industry as a freight broker, but her career path has been diverse and unconventional. Her background includes experience in hospitality during the 1970s and early 1980s, substitute teaching within Montana school systems, and later, becoming a medic. She served as a wildland firefighter and worked underground as a hardrock miner/medic until she aged out of those physically demanding roles. Throughout her career, Denise broke many glass ceilings and maintained a strong commitment to community service. Her volunteer efforts have included ambulance services, search and rescue, disaster victim advocacy, and serving as a debate judge for School District 2. Alongside raising a daughter, she has mentored and supported young people. Her personal therapy and passion have been found in raising foundation quarter horses and participating in minor competitions and shows. Her current passions include gardening and being a “mom” to 2 rescued dogs and 3 cats.
Denise’s decision to become a CASA volunteer was inspired by many conversations with her daughter, who is a law enforcement officer in Billings. Her daughter often spoke about teenagers who needed advocates and positive role models, encouraging Denise to explore the CASA program. Though not the typical candidate CASA expected, Denise’s readiness to face challenges, speak truth to power, and advocate for unconventional solutions made a strong impression. She has now been a CASA volunteer for over a year and is supported by a program staff member who has helped navigate the unique challenges presented by her case.
Denise is currently working with a teenager who has spent much of her life in foster care and residential treatment facilities. This young person is intelligent and personable, with great potential, but struggles to overcome an institutional mindset developed from her upbringing. She is learning independent life skills and working to overcome a tendency to make poor choices. Because she has had no long-term relationships in her life, trust is understandably difficult for her to establish.
Denise’s primary goal is to build this young woman’s confidence and help her believe in herself. It is an ongoing process, supported by close collaboration with the girl’s social worker and attorney to ensure her wishes and needs are fully expressed and addressed. The most gratifying part of Denise’s CASA experience is feeling that she is part of the solution rather than a bystander to dysfunction.
Throughout her time as a CASA volunteer, Denise has found encouragement and guidance from other CASA volunteers, an excellent case manager, and supportive training and office staff. This network has made the experience both meaningful and sustainable.
When asked what advice she would give to new or prospective CASA advocates, Denise emphasizes the importance of making a difference: if there is a chance to positively impact the trajectory of even one child, it must be taken. She reminds others that while adults represent the past, children are the future.
