2024 40 Under 40: Sara Walraven

Last edited 4:33 p.m., March 25, 2024 [Editor's note: Sara Walraven has worked at CASA for 11 months, not 11 years.]

Being clubhouse director for CASA of Southwest Missouri takes a giving heart but also a mind for growth and improvement.

Sara Walraven, 35, has been with CASA for 11 months, advocating for children who have been abused and neglected. In the new director role, she creates activities for children in foster care, as well as policies and procedures to help them have quality interactions with others in a safe environment. She says partnerships formed with local organizations make this possible.

Previously, she worked at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks in administration and quality improvement, giving her tools she’d need at CASA. Civically, she was appointed in 2022 by Gov. Mike Parson to the Child Advisory Council for a one-year stint, which she still says is one of her accomplishments to date that she is the most proud of.

Your first job? A Walmart cashier! Bananas: 4011. The customer service component taught me so much.

Your proudest moment? Watching my children navigate the world with curiosity and goodness. Being a mom is such a gift!

What did you learn the hard way? People will hurt you, but pain can serve a purpose for good. Love conquers all.

Favorite local food order? Anything from Cafe Cusco! You really can’t go wrong.