Larissa Gordon is a passionate CASA Mental Health volunteer, supporting children’s mental health by dedicating both her time and artwork. 
Larissa began volunteering for CASA in February 2024 and has provided more than 60 hours of childminding assistance to clinical programs and groups. Childminding for patients, siblings and families during therapy appointments reduces barriers for the parents and caregivers, allowing them to fully participate without being distracted or concerned about their child’s safety and wellbeing.
Outside of volunteering, working as a registered nurse and studying for entrance to medical school, Larissa is a Métis beader who combines her interests in human anatomy and the art of traditional beadwork. At a CASA volunteer appreciation event in March 2025, she donated several of her custom pieces – which take between four and 15 hours to complete – as draw prizes. Most recently, she donated her artwork for a CASA staff raffle.
What motivated you to get involved as a CASA volunteer?
When I first started exploring volunteer opportunities I came across CASA and was immediately intrigued. As I learned more about its mission and wide range of programs it offers for children youth and families, I knew I wanted to be involved. As a nurse, most of my experience has been in adult mental health so CASA presented for me a meaningful opportunity to expand my knowledge in children and youth mental health. It’s an area I always want to grow in.
The great thing about being around children is they remind me to find the joy in small moments and continuing to model kindness and compassion. I’m a proud mother of three boys so I have a deep appreciation for the importance of mental health support for children and families.
What has been your favourite part of volunteering with CASA?
I mostly do childminding so there’s just tons of laughter and fun I have with the kids.
After my first childminding shift, I knew CASA was right for me. We played Mouse Trap for three whole hours. It was my first time playing, and the kids patiently taught me the rules of the game. We spent the entire session laughing and smiling together; the moments reminded me that volunteering wasn’t just about the impact I made on others but also the incredible impact children have on me.
With so many great organizations to support, why should others choose to support CASA?
There are so many great things about CASA, so many different opportunities and many flexible hours … and I know that a lot of volunteers are students. Everybody at CASA is so great and understanding. They communicate very well and they’re very compassionate and grateful for everybody who volunteers.
How do you take care of your mental health?
I’ve learned that it’s so important to take care of your mental health. Beading has become my therapy and creative outlet. I combine my love for human anatomy and my traditional Métis beadwork to create pieces like hearts and brains that celebrate both my culture and science, which I’m deeply passionate about as a nurse.
The process is deeply meditative for me. There’s something so healing about the rhythm of stitching each bead down, following the flow of the pattern. When the final thread is tied off, I love running my fingers across the surface, feeling the bumps and grooves knowing there’s a story of time, dedication and connection there.
Outside of beading, I recharge by spending time with my boys, whether it’s going for walks, having movie nights or taking family trips on a tropical vacation once a year. Those simple and joyful moments help keep me balanced and remind me why I do what I do.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer like Larissa, visit casamentalhealth.org/volunteer.
