Abilene People: Lee Ann Millender

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Our guest on this episode of Abilene People is Lee Ann Millender, Executive Director of Big Country CASA.

Originally from the small East Texas community of Opelika, Lee Ann has spent her career advocating for children, first with Child Protective Services and later with CASA. Just over five years ago, she was recruited to lead Big Country CASA here in Abilene.

CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, serves children in foster care by giving them a voice in the legal system. While CPS represents the state, parents have their own attorneys, and children have lawyers to defend their legal rights—CASA volunteers speak for the best interests of the child.

In this episode, Lee Ann explains how CASA works and why volunteers are truly the heartbeat of the organization. She discusses the growing need for volunteers, the realities of children caught in traumatic situations, and the hopeful outcomes CASA strives for. The ultimate goal, she says, is always for children to return safely to their biological families, where they can heal, stay connected, and thrive.

Lee Ann also reflects on the difficult decisions judges must make when a child cannot remain at home. In those moments, CASA volunteers step up to “stand in the gap,” giving the court critical insight into each child’s life and needs. It’s a powerful example of community members coming together to protect and uplift the most vulnerable among us.

We live in a world that can be broken, but people like Lee Ann Millender and the staff and volunteers at Big Country CASA remind us that healing is possible—when we choose to get involved. She invites all of us to join her in this vital work: to speak up, to serve, and to make a difference for children who need it most.