Beth Cardina: A heart for helping others

Akron Children’s President and CEO Chris Gessner presents Beth Cardina with the 2025 Trailblazer Award.

Beth Cardina, licensed social worker, received the “Trailblazer” award at the Oct. 1 Akron Children’s More childhood, please.™ Awards event. Not only has Beth’s heart for helping people guided her through a 40-year career in child welfare – but it’s helping her honor her son’s memory. 

Beth’s beginnings

When she was in elementary school, an older man and his sister lived in the house behind Beth’s home. “I liked to go to their house on Sundays, sit with them and hear their stories,” she recalled. “Even at that young age, I was drawn to listening to people.”

When Beth went to Kent State University, she started out in gerontology. After a summer job in a nursing home, Beth decided caring for kids and families would be a better fit. She graduated in May 1988 with a degree in social work, and she started working at Summit County Children Services 2 months later.

In 2007, she took a position with the Summit County Juvenile Court. She has served as the director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) program for the past 18 years.

“My entire career has been in child welfare. I love it and cannot imagine doing anything else,” Beth said. “My career path also led to me meeting my husband, Bill, as he was a fellow social worker at Children Services.”

Beth with her husband, Bill, and kids, Will and Isabella.

Building CASA/GAL

The program supports court-appointed community volunteers. These volunteers advocate for the best interest of abused, neglected and dependent children involved in the juvenile justice system through no fault of their own. CASA/GAL volunteers speak with the child, family members, teachers and others. Then, the volunteers provide a report to help the court make informed decisions to ensure each child’s needs are met.

The Summit County Juvenile Court and CASA/GAL Board Volunteer Association, Inc. fund the program. “We’re lucky we have a nonprofit arm because a lot of CASA programs don’t,” Beth explained. “Our amazing board members ‘get’ the work we do and ensure staff – along with the volunteers – have the training and support we need.”

Beth’s team is among the largest CASA/GAL programs in the state. “Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio sets the tone, and she’s a great leader,” Beth said. “We have a large staff of 20 people and great volunteers. It’s important to surround yourself with good, compassionate people who support one another.”

The CASA/GAL team doesn’t leave work at the office. “If what these kids go through doesn’t bother you, that’s a problem,” she said. “Some days are better than others – and you do have to find a balance between work and your personal life. But you always wonder if the kids you’re working with are OK. It’s such a responsibility to do what we do.”

Beth celebrates the Trailblazer Award with Bill and Isabella – along with friends and co-workers (L-R) Polly Daher, Kandy Monroe, Maggi Blischak and Sara Kinsinger.

The More childhood, please. Trailblazer Award

The CASA/GAL board nominated Beth for the award, which recognizes someone who has demonstrated a commitment to the health and wellness of children.

“I’m used to giving awards, not receiving them,” Beth said. “I didn’t get into this field for recognition, but I’m very honored and humbled by the Akron Children’s award. Our daughter, Isabella, was in town from New York City the night of the award ceremony. It was special that she attended with Bill and me.”

Retirement plans

Beth will retire in 2026 at the end of Judge Teodosio’s current term. While some retirees look forward to traveling or relaxing, Beth will continue helping people.

“Our son, Will, took his own life in February 2025. It’s been a rough road,” she shared. “Will was a musician and artist. Bill and I started a nonprofit called ‘Will Call’ where people can record messages to their loved ones. Messages can be uploaded to a platform for others to hear – or they can have the message for their own, private use. We just got the nonprofit registered with the state, and we’re getting a van to take to different places for people to record.

“I have grief energy, and it has to land somewhere positive,” she continued. “Bill is already retired, so we’ll both put our time and efforts into Will Call.”

Beth and Bill started their nonprofit organization, Will Call, to honor their son’s memory.

Thankful for community partnerships

Beth says northeast Ohio is blessed with more community resources than other places have. “Akron Children’s Hospital was a great partner when I worked for Children Services,” she said. “It’s wonderful that Akron Children’s is expanding so much, especially in rural areas. So many people come together in the communities we serve. There’s not competition – we all just really want to help kids and families.”