Get to Know Patsieann Misiti: Our 2026 Champion for Children
Patsieann Misiti’s favorite CASA of New River memory actually begins with anxiety. She was preparing for her very first phone call with a teenager in West Virginia’s foster care system. As a CASA Advocate, she would spend the next several months studying his case files, getting to know him and helping a judge make decisions in his best interest.
Judges often look to children when deciding whether to place them with foster parents, extended family, a group home or back in the care of their biological parents.
As you can imagine, it’s incredibly stressful for a child or teenager to sit in a courtroom alone and make such a big decision. CASA Advocates make sure they always have a supportive, trusted adult in their corner, someone who can fight for what they need.
But how do you get a teenager to tell you what they need? How do you help them open up? How do you show them they can trust you?
Patsieann really wasn’t sure where to start.
But to her relief, her phone conversation with the teenager lasted more than half an hour. And it became the beginning of a connection that steadily grew.
“We stayed in touch through texts and regular visits, eventually turning our meetings into a routine. Sunday brunch became our time to connect,” Patsieann said. “A few months in, during a stressful period for him, he reached out to me first just to talk. That moment meant everything. It was when I truly felt his trust.”
About eight months later, Patsieann accompanied the teenager to a College Discover Day at West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) in Beckley.
As they were leaving, he shared something that Patsieann says she will always carry with her: “I don’t tell you enough, but I really appreciate everything you do for me.”
We know CASA Advocates make a difference because of stories like these, but the research backs it up, too. Children with CASA Advocates are less likely to reenter the foster care system. They tend to do better in school. And they’re more likely to have a hopeful outlook on life.
Every CASA Advocate can change a child’s story. But Patsieann has gone above and beyond in her dedication to the children of Raleigh County. Her commitment to volunteering doesn’t stop at the courthouse. It extends to brunch, first-day-of-school jitters and questions about college.
We are beyond excited to announce that Patsieann Misiti is our 2026 Champion for Children Awardee. She will be receiving the award alongside our other champions being honored, including Delegate Bill Roop and Judge Andrew Dimlich, at our “Bet on a Child’s Future” fundraiser on May 2nd at the Historic Black Knight in Beckley.
This Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser will feature delicious food, a "Run for the Roses" silent auction, live music by West Virginia's first lady of soul, Lady D, and a cash bar.
Every ticket will support CASA of New River's mission to provide trained advocates for children who've experienced abuse and neglect. You can purchase yours here.
About Patsieann Misiti
Born in West Virginia, Patsieann moved back to the Mountain State a decade ago. She lives with her husband Keith, who she met while they were both training for a Marine Corps Marathon. They share life with their sweet, actively aging pup, Red. Patsieann runs her own business, Seniors Living Well, where she provides consulting services for families going through senior living transitions. Her approach is simple but powerful: guiding families step-by-step so they never feel alone in the process.