December Volunteer Spotlight- Jason Bise

Every few months, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Jason Bise!

We asked Jason to tell us what attracted him to the CASA program, and how being a CASA has met or challenged his expectations. 

Jason said, "My wife was a CASA in Denver. Having always had a calling to help others, and these kids being in greatest need, it's always been a goal of mine to join CASA and help. Now that I am a CASA, and have had an opportunity to complete a couple of cases, I can say that this is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done." 

Jason told us that the thing he has enjoyed most about being a CASA volunteer is the kids he has served, "The ones I've worked with have been so full of energy, excited to talk about themselves and show off their favorite things. Its been one of the greatest honors in my life to invest my time and help make their lives just a little bit better." 

Jason has lived in Knoxville for three years. He resides with his wife (who he says is pretty cool) and their two dogs, Ziggy and Lola. Recently retired from 27 years of service with the military, Jason spends his spare time hanging out with his wife and practicing Jiu Jitsu, which Jason says is kind of like folding clothes with people in them.


We are so grateful for you, Jason!

November Swearing-In

On November 20, 2024, Judge Tim Irwin swore in new CASA volunteers at Knox County Juvenile Court.

We are so proud to announce the swearing-in of two new advocates, and two new court dog volunteers!

Jackie and Olivia are our two newest Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Tonya and Olive Ann are our two newest court dog volunteers. This group is excited to begin serving at Knox County Juvenile Court and we are excited to have them join our team!

September Volunteer Spotlight - Brooke Anguiano

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Brooke Anguiano!

We asked Brooke about her motivation for volunteering with CASA and how this experience has lined up with her expectations.

"I was looking for a way to make a more consistent and direct impact in my community and CASA provided that. Being an advocate has been more challenging than I expected, pushing me to balance fact with personal opinion, but it has also been extremely rewarding. I have learned so much and I am honored to support these incredible children, each having impacted my life directly." 

We also asked Brooke what she enjoys about volunteering as a court appointed special advocate.

"I have really enjoyed how being a CASA volunteer has pushed me out of my comfort zone. It has taught me to be a strong advocate, even when it feels uncomfortable or too intrusive. The moments when I get to see the kids smile and laugh remind me why this work is so important."

When she's not volunteering with CASA or working at her new job at the East Tennessee Foundation, Brooke enjoys biking around town, spending time with her pets (two cats and two dogs), and hot yoga. Brooke says she loves being outdoors and finds it somewhat necessary to allow her to stay present during her hectic day to day schedule. She says she is always excited to try new things.

Originally hailing from Austin, Texas, Brooke has lived in Knoxville for three years. She resides with her boyfriend and their little zoo- a golden retriever named Knox, a Golden Doodle named Athena and two kitties, Bobbie and Willow. She says she always walks into the door with a huge welcome which she wouldn't trade for anything. 


Thank you Brooke! We are so grateful for you!

July Volunteer Spotlight- Jared Eisenhower

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Jared Eisenhower!

We asked Jared some questions about his experience volunteering with CASA, as well as some questions about his life outside of volunteering.

Q. What attracted you to the CASA program and has being a CASA advocate been what you expected?

A. I was initially attracted to CASA because I wanted to find a way to get more involved in helping Knoxville’s underprivileged communities. CASA has been more challenging and rewarding than I had originally expected. It takes commitment and effort to properly advocate for a child’s best interest, but seeing that impact and helping a child is an incredibly rewarding experience.
 

Q. What have you enjoyed about being a CASA Volunteer?

A. Being a CASA volunteer is very rewarding when you start to make a connection with a child and see them understand that you are there to help. There is a great community of volunteers and staff that help at every step along the way.  


Q. What do you do with your free time outside of volunteering with us?

A. I enjoy drawing, exercising, going to concerts and watching the Vols.


Q. How long have you lived in Knoxville?

A. I lived in Knoxville for the first 22 years of my life. After college, I moved to New York City for 6 years and recently moved back in 2021.


Q. Who do you live with? Do you have any pets?

A. I live with my wife, Taylor, and my dog, Midnight.
 

Q. Is there anything big coming up in your life that you're excited about?

A. My older brother is getting married this fall and my sister-in-law is also getting married this upcoming spring. There is a lot of wedding talk happening in both households so it is a fun and exciting time for the families!

June Volunteer Spotlight- Jennifer Thompson

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Jennifer Thompson!

We asked Jennifer what drew her to volunteering with CASA and how it has impacted her life.

"I’ve always enjoyed working with children. Especially those going through tough times. It is always a joy to see deserving families reunited."

Jennifer and her husband, David, have lived in Knoxville for 27 years. They are parents of 12 children and grandparents of 4. Their youngest child and 3 year old grandchild currently reside in their home, along with their 160 lb Bernese Mountain dog and Addie, their Bernedoodle.

In their free time, they enjoy traveling, especially going on cruises. They look forward to a trip to Barcelona in September of this year.




Thank you Jennifer!

Spring Swearing-In

On May 14, 2024, a group of new advocates were sworn in at Knox County Juvenile Court.

These seven individuals completed an accelerated training class which took place over the course of two weekends.

One of these new advocates, Emma Stewart, had this to say, “For quite some time, I have had a desire to help children going through difficult periods in their lives, and CASA offers the ability to advocate for these children and help ensure the court makes the best possible decision to set them up for success in the future. I am grateful for this opportunity and am very excited to start on my first case very soon.”

CASA of East TN is so grateful for this incredible group of dedicated volunteers!

May Volunteer Spotlight- Liz McBee

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Liz McBee!

We asked Liz about what attracted her to the CASA program how being a CASA has measured up to her expectations,
"Shortly after I retired one of my former co-workers called me, after hearing a segment about CASA on NPR in Chattanooga. He thought I would find the work interesting and fulfilling. I followed up with CASA of East Tennessee and found out they were just getting ready to start a new training class. I was able to get into that class. I really didn’t know what to expect but it has been a great experience. It has allowed me to use some of my work experience skills like interviewing and writing and has given me a new perspective of the need for more and better resources to support children and families."

Liz says she has enjoyed getting to know the children and their families, stating,
"I have particularly enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to work on followup cases where the parents have been able to progress to unsupervised visits and return of custody of their children."

  Liz moved to Knoxville in 1973 to attend the University of Tennessee. She has lived here with her husband most of the time since, but she says they enjoy traveling the world. Liz and her husband just returned from a trip to Australia and New Zealand where they celebrated their 50 year anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

 
Thank you Liz!

April Volunteer Spotlight-Jim Carrell

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Jim Carroll!

We asked Jim what attracted him to the CASA program, and how has being a CASA advocate met or challenged his expectations. 

Jim: "The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who really need help. A family member had shared his father's experience as a CASA volunteer in Florida and how both gratifying and challenging the experience had been. My experience with the children, parents, and Court has been eye opening, but thanks to the extensive training not unexpected.  

Jim told us what he has enjoyed about being a CASA volunteer:

"I've worked with a range of children from toddlers to teens, boys and girls, and am amazed at their resilience despite difficult situations. It makes you happy to be able to help ensure their health and safety.  It's also been great to work with folks who give unselfishly of themselves. I just like nice people!"

Jim lives with Vicki, his wife of 38 years. He is looking forward to an upcoming trip to NYC for a weekend birthday celebration with his brothers and his two sons. They'll be seeing a game at Yankee Stadium, which is especially meaningful because Jim was raised in the NYC area and attended his first Yankee game nearly 60 years ago!

Jim travels between Knoxville, Little Rock, and Atlanta to spend time with with his four grandchildren. Jim has lived in Knoxville since 1998. He says it is easy to remember, since that was the year Tennessee became National Champs and forever converted his entire family to Vol Fandom.


Thank you Jim!

Sweet Swearing-In

What a sweet swearing-in! Katie Kelley and Brooke Anguiano were sworn in as CASA volunteers on this beautiful spring morning. Judge Irwin sat down with this small class of new advocates to tell them how valuable they are, and to remind them of the importance of protecting client confidentiality.

We are so excited to see these new faces around the court and the community as they serve Knox County children.

Welcome to our new Advocate Supervisor!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our new Advocate Supervisor, Hailey Jones!

Hailey Jones was born and raised in Ocala, Florida and moved to Knoxville in 2023. She has an Associates Degree in Social Work and is working towards her Bachelor’s in Human Services.
Hailey has always had a strong passion and drive to support children going through traumatic and vulnerable situations. She has shown her dedication through her previous work in child advocacy, group counseling with teen girls who were victims of sexual assault, and an initial shelter program with DCF. 

In her free time, Hailey enjoys taking her Bordernese dog, Bennie, on hikes, spending time with her boyfriend, weekend trips, and home renovation projects.

February Volunteer Spotlight- Erin Gittings

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Erin Gittings!

We asked Erin what attracted her to CASA, and if being a Court Appointed Special Advocate has been what she expected,

"The personal involvement and potential impact on a child’s life to be their voice in one of the most traumatic and scary times of their life. Yes and no - the role and what’s expected of an advocate is what I thought it would be. However the reward of helping and giving back in my community is much greater than I expected."

Erin says she has enjoyed getting to know the children and families well enough to be able to help them have the best outcome possible.

Erin has lived in Knoxville for seven years and enjoys cooking and baking. She has a three year old Cavapoo and has just started taking Spanish lessons.
This year she is hoping to be able to see the Northern Lights!




We are so grateful for you, Erin!

January Volunteer Spotlight- Amy Pettit

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Amy Pettit!

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Amy Pettit!

We asked Amy what attracted her to the CASA program,

"I have always had a heart for advocating for vulnerable children. This role as child advocate has been reflected in my 30 years as a Pediatric Nurse, working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. After I “retired” from the bedside, I missed working with children. I heard about CASA on an episode of Dr. Phil ��. Once I investigated what the CASA advocate does, I really believed it would be an opportunity for me to continue to advocate for children."

Amy shared some of her favorite things about serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate,

"I have enjoyed many different aspects of the volunteer role. I feel like I am using my strengths in a way that benefits others. I feel appreciated in the role. I am working with the court system, which has given me a new and different connection to my son, who is a lawyer. I get to just be an advocate – I don’t have to make judgements, hard decisions, or “take it home” with me. And the best: I have met some fantastic people through CASA and through the family I have worked with."

When she's not volunteering with CASA, she spends her time reading, watching movies, finding ways to get to a beach, and hanging out with her husband. She also enjoys doing volunteer work in her church nursery and leading pre-marriage counseling with her husband.

Amy is a Knoxville native and has lived here most of her life. She is now an empty-nester, and lives with her husband and two cats, Molly and Simba.

Thank you Amy!

#ChangeAChildsStory #casaofeasttn #knoxville #knoxvilletn #casaofeasttennessee

December Volunteer Spotlight - Simone Williams

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Simone Williams!

Simone is pictured here (back row, middle) with her dear sorority sisters.

"Having worked in the Social Services field so long, I’ve seen so many children and youth impacted by the justice system and feeling hopeless and unheard. Becoming a CASA Advocate has given me the opportunity to plant seeds of possibilities in the youth I worked with and looking at things from a different perspective. Being a CASA Advocate is more than I expected, I’m on my second case and the court proceedings are helping me to understand the importance of family law and having someone to speak on behalf of the youth that they feel seen and their voices matter."

Simone also told us her favorite things about being a CASA volunteer:

I am honored to volunteer with CASA and be part of a team making even the smallest difference in the life of a young person. Having a Coordinator, Manager and Supervisor who makes time to answer the smallest questions makes a huge difference when sometimes I’m not sure what the next step should be and understanding working as a team is how we make a difference as a CASA Advocate.

When Simone is not working or volunteering, she says she is dedicating her time to learning better self-care, whether that means disconnecting from social media to reading books, writing in her journal, or walking to stay healthy.

Simone has lived in Knoxville for four years and fills her home with pictures of her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. She is looking forward to going home to visit family and friends. Most importantly, she says, she is looking forward to getting some Curry Goat, Oxtail and Potato Salad from her favorite Jamaican Cuisine store!




We are so grateful for you, Simone!

Swearing In on Giving Tuesday

Maybe it's no coincidence that our swearing-in ceremony occurred on Giving Tuesday. These volunteers are givers of their time, energy, and passion, and we could not be more grateful!

Please join us in welcoming Chaunquita, Sarah, Dawn, Becky, and our new four-legged friend, Finley!

November Volunteer Sptlight- Karen Wilson

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Karen Wilson!

We asked Karen what drew her to the CASA program, "I felt a strong urge to commit to be a volunteer with CASA. I just knew when starting this journey I would be able to help children during some of their toughest days." 

Karen shared a little bit about her experience as a volunteer advocate, "After being a volunteer for 4 years, I can honestly say it is definitely rewarding and challenging at the same time. The impact I feel I have made in the life of the children is huge! To know that I am the voice and light that a child needs is a blessing to me, as well. I feel I am a positive influence and encouragement for the parents as well. It is satisfying to watch the growth within the families I serve." 

Karen and her husband have lived in the Knoxville area for 26 years. They share two grown children and a "grand kitty."

In her free time Karen loves to quilt, read, spend time with her kids, and travel with her husband.

We are so grateful for you Karen!

October Volunteer Spotlight- Becky Rodrigues

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Becky Rodrigues!

Pictured: Becky, her 8-year-old daughter, and Becky's fiance.

We asked Becky what attracted her to CASA of East Tennessee and she said,
"I wanted to be able to make a real difference as a volunteer and to learn more about helping kids (I am a social worker in my day job). My brother-in-law was a CASA volunteer in North Carolina and it sounded like such a rewarding experience."

Becky went on to share what she has enjoyed about volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate,
"I've enjoyed getting to really know my families and to know that the magistrate/judge takes our hard work very seriously when it comes time for court. Our reports are read and referenced by members of the court and that is refreshing and so unique."

Becky moved to Knoxville in 2013 and lives with her 8-year-old daughter and a plethora of pets (2 sassy guinea pigs, 5 fish, 2 aquatic frogs, 1 aquatic crab, and approximately 12 aquatic ghost shrimp). 
She enjoys playing with her pets, along with traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.

Becky is looking forward to adopting a bearded dragon and planning her daughter's first international trip over spring break.



We are so grateful for you Becky. Thank you for all you do!

August Volunteer Spotlight-Alice Grosserode

We asked Alice what attracted her to CASA of East Tennessee: "I had already been looking for a volunteer opportunity that would enhance my learning as a social work student at UT, so when CASA came to give a presentation at one of my class seminars, I knew it’s what I’d been looking for. It gives so much valuable experience working with children and their families, advocating within the child welfare and legal system, and working with the court. Being a CASA volunteer has had its challenges, but it’s definitely been more rewarding than expected." 

Alice also shared with us something that sticks out to her about being an advocate: "I’ve enjoyed forming relationships with the children and those who love them most. More specifically, I have loved witnessing cases where a biological parent has shown tremendous growth and is awarded their petition." 

Alice loves to read (historical fiction, thrillers, and romance mostly) and spends time at the pool, going on walks, and she recently taught herself to crochet.

Alice moved to Knoxville in the fall of 2019 to begin her first semester at UT and is looking forward to moving to Latvia for 9 months to complete a Fulbright English teaching assistantship starting in September.




We are so grateful for you, Alice!

Swearing in Four New Volunteers and One New Staff Member

We are excited to introduce our newest group of CASAs!

On August 29, 2023, Judge Tim Irwin swore in Sam, Amy, Jared, Erin, and our new Program Manager, Colby. 

This group spent five weeks learning about the challenges and rewards of serving as a CASA. They engaged in class discussion, case studies, court report writing, and court observation. 

We are so excited to welcome this group of fantastic individuals to the CASA Team!

June Volunteer Spotlight- Margo Sembach

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Margo Sembach!

Margo told us what brought her to CASA and how this experience has impacted her, "I retired a few years ago and recently thought about doing some volunteer work. I was scrolling through a volunteer website and saw CASA. Since I had never heard of if, I read the description and knew immediately that that was I what I wanted to do and I have not been disappointed. I love working with people and I enjoy helping kids and this allows me to do both." 

An avid reader, Margo also likes watching older TV shows with her boyfriend, Daniel. They reside with their three year old Yorkie, Gizzmo. Margo moved to the Knoxville area about four years ago and enjoys close proximity to her sister. 



Thank you Margo!

April Volunteer Spotlight- Meg Gruver

Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Meg Gruver!

We asked Meg how her experience as a CASA has impacted her life and she said,  " My time as a CASA has been meaningful, both heartwarming and heart wrenching and most importantly fulfilling! I have seen children reunited with deserving parents. I have witnessed the vital role that the legal process plays in protecting and advocating for Knox County Children. And to say I have a great appreciation for DCS workers would be an understatement."

Meg shared about one meaningful experience during her tenure as an advocate, "I recently just finished a case that I was on for nearly two years and in that time I can honestly I experienced ALL aspects of what it means to be a CASA! I discovered what it truly means to be an advocate for these children in the system and how vital our role is. I saw the children through various placements, assisted one of the guardians with various programs available, discovered how informative CFTM meetings can be (again....thank you DCS!) and learned quickly how much the Magistrates really do value our court reports!  This case felt daunting and dire when I first was assigned and when it ended there were tears of joy for the safety, health and wellness of the children involved!"

An avid reader, Meg recently got back to her love of teaching reading to elementary students. She and her husband are loyal Ted Lasso watchers and they love traveling and raising their two teenage boys.


We are so grateful for you Meg!