Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Katie Sears, Fort Worth Teen Court

Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Katie Sears, Fort Worth Teen Court

Published on January 19, 2026

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I graduated high school in 2010, began my career in public service in 2013 and completed all higher education at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2022. Following the completion of my doctoral degree, I escaped "Sin City" in 2023 to accept the position of administrative services manager in Fort Worth Water Financial Services. I joined the Junior League of Fort Worth immediately after moving here and currently serve as treasurer on the Fort Worth Teen Court board of directors, which then introduced me to the City's volunteer program with Teen Court.

How long have you been volunteering with Teen Court?

Since spring 2024.

What inspired you to start volunteering there?

My career began in the municipal court system in 2013. Throughout that time, I helped develop specialty court programs for troubled populations, specifically young offenders (YO Court). I also facilitated a regional effort to align human services that supported homeless youth. This experience inspired me to join Fort Worth Teen Court in hopes of connecting with Fort Worth teens and empowering them to overcome existing challenges.

What's your favorite thing about it?

The teens! I enjoy hearing how the "defendant" teens learn from their mistakes and how they plan to fulfill court obligations, while also working to support their families and pursue future goals. The program also provides exposure to a real courtroom setting for other teens pursuing the legal profession. I think it's great that Fort Worth provides these diverse opportunities through a sanctioned court diversion program.

What does a typical volunteer shift look like for you?

Usually, I volunteer as a teen attorney trainer, which supports the teens who are acting as the mock prosecutor or mock defense attorney. Like actual court sentencing, we break off into groups where prosecution plans their case, and the defense team discusses the incident with the defendant teen to prepare for cross-examination. We then enter a real courtroom in the Fort Worth Municipal Court building for a mock trial. Teens are tried by their peers and asked to explain what happened and face the jury. The jury of teen peers then present their verdict of how many community service hours must be completed to dismiss the case and remove the charges from the defendant teen's record.

Describe a favorite memory or moment from your time as a Teen Court volunteer.

My favorite memory is the time I got to serve as the mock judge. I got to wear a real judicial robe and sit on the bench to preside over a real Texas courtroom. As a former pre-law student, it was a dream come true!

You also work full time for the City of Fort Worth. What keeps you motivated to continue your volunteer mission while pursuing your career?

As a new resident of North Texas, I enjoy public engagement and learning more about Fort Worth. I work professionally in public service, but I strive to branch out of my professional seat and contribute to other areas in the community as a volunteer. Volunteering motivates me to act, learn and contribute toward building the type of community I want to live in.

How has your volunteer work impacted your life or perspective?

While I was a high school student serving in National Honor Society and student government, my family was impacted by the 2008 recession. We were struggling financially, forced to start new careers, adjust without luxury and overcome hardship. I remember volunteering at Las Vegas Child Haven during that time. While I was reading books to the children, someone had donated a box of socks. As a 16-year-old, I will never forget how the place erupted with joy and excitement over a box of socks. While my family had to "cut back," these kids were thrilled over a brand-new pair of socks. Since that day, I've always felt an obligation to make a difference in my community and contribute in every way that I can. Volunteering reminds me to never take life for granted and help others feel as happy as those kids were that day.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering for Teen Court?

Try it! It's a unique opportunity to connect with teens and positively impact a memorable experience they will have for the rest of their life. The program also requires volunteers to sustain the volume of teens in need, and YOU can directly help keep the program be successful as a volunteer teen attorney trainer.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not volunteering?

When I'm not volunteering, I enjoy being a dog mom! My 2-year-old German shepherd, Dixie, and I recently started obedience training this year, with the goal of advancing to agility competitions. We love being tourists around the Metroplex visiting new parks, famers markets and restaurants. Soon, we'll be road tripping around the region … especially to Destin, Florida, to visit my folks in their retirement!

Visit the volunteer website to browse our programs and learn how you can invest in your community and in yourself.

Photos: Dr. Katie Sears

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• Volunteers