March Volunteer Spotlight- Kellie Stines

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 Kellie Stines!

Kellie told us about the personal connections in her life that drew her to service with CASA, "My sister and brother-in-law were Foster Parents (and now adopted parents) to two amazing girls that had been removed from the home for neglect and being born drug addicted. I knew then I wanted to find a way to help other children in similar situations."

Kellie said she feels like she is making a difference and enjoys having the opportunity to meet other fabulous volunteers.

Kellie is an avid reader who enjoys baking (and eating, too) and loves traveling with her husband. Kellie and her husband moved to Knoxville in 2002. They reside with their rescue dog, Lulu, who Kellie says has been enjoying Kellie's 2021 retirement even more than Kellie herself. 

Kellie looks forward to traveling to Canada in June for her son's wedding, along with travel to Alaska later in the year. 

We are so grateful for you Kellie!

January Volunteer Spotlight-Yvonne Hanna

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 Yvonne Hanna!

For Yvonne, the work of a CASA is deeply personal.

"I have desired to volunteer with CASA since our daughter was very young. I knew I had to wait for her to be older before moving forward as an advocate. I've always loved children and have had a desire to serve them. While Grace was growing up I oversaw children's departments in churches as well as running homeschool co-ops. I always knew one day, I would become a volunteer with CASA.
My desire to help vulnerable children runs deep. I was a child from a broken home. My father was an alcoholic, who after discharging his gun and throwing my Mother and I through a glass door, abandoned us. My Mother became a poor, single Mother and at first we slept on the couches of whoever would take us. She was a hard worker and soon we moved to a small apartment and then to a home. However, my Mother, was also mentally ill, controlling and abusive. After an attempted suicide at 16, with the help of social services, a school guidance councilor and loved ones, I left home. I often times went without meals but it was far better than enduring the pain at home. I'm thankful to the Lord that my story does not end there! When I see children in tough situations, unloved, abused, abandoned, I want to tell them that their upbringing does not have to define them, that they have worth and value and their beginning does not constitute their end! I'm proof of that! 
Being a CASA advocate has been both what I expected as well as more than what I expected. I can honestly say, I've learned that no matter how "easy" a case may look at first, don't assume that it will be. Speculate that there could be "more to the story". There can be quite a bit of "detective" work that comes along with being a CASA. "

Yvonne says she gets great satisfaction out of knowing that a child is in a better place because of the time, care, and dedication they receive from their CASA. She says a CASA can help change the future of not only the children she serves, but of future generations as well. 

Passionate travelers, Yvonne and her husband immigrated to the US from Canada in 1990 and have continued their travels with Knoxville as their home base. Yvonne also enjoys volunteering at church, reading, fishing, and entertaining. 





We are so grateful for you Yvonne!

Four New Advocates Sworn in

November 30, 2022

Four new advocates were sworn in at Knox County Juvenile Court on November 30, 2022. This group of CASAs completed 5 weeks of training including court observation and mentorship.

July Volunteer Spotlight-Courtney Miller

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 Courtney Miller!

Courtney says she has enjoyed getting to know the children of each case. She told us, "I was drawn to the CASA program because I believe all children deserve a voice and someone to advocate for them. I hope to become a foster parent one day. And I hope my experience with CASA will help prepare my family and I for the challenges that come with fostering. So far, being a CASA advocate has not been what I expected. I have been lucky to work with good people who have been open to CASA’s help. Being able to help them has been very rewarding."

Courtney, her boyfriend, Chavez, and their three dogs (Wrex, Cooper, and Navy) reside in Knoxville. Courtney says she and her boyfriend enjoy hosting cookouts for friends and family, and she enjoys taking care of her indoor and outdoor plants.

Courtney and her boyfriend are looking forward to traveling over the next several months, first to St. Louis to visit friends and later to Jamaica for a fun vacation.



Thank you Courtney!

June Volunteer Spotlight- Amy Sanders

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 Sanders!

Amy has been a CASA volunteer since October 2021. We asked her what drew her to this work and volunteering as an advocate has lined up with her expectations.

"When my husband and I became empty-nesters, I wanted to do something I felt was useful with my extra time. I have family members that volunteer as GALs in another state and heard their stories about situations some children find themselves in due to no fault of their own. It broke my heart! So I contacted CASA to see what it would take to be a part of helping children in Knoxville that find themselves in similar situations. So here I am, loving every minute of being a CASA and helping the children in my cases by advocating for them in the court system. My expectations going in as an advocate were that I would be skimming the surface of the cases, but mostly just visiting the children. It has been so much more interesting than I thought it would be. I love digging into the details of my cases and learning the background of the parties involved. It helps me better understand how and why the situations are the way they are."

Amy enjoys the feeling of making a difference in the lives of children. Outside of volunteering with CASA, Amy likes traveling, reading, and gardening, and says she's looking forward to home grown tomatoes and cucumbers this year. Amy and her husband have three children and two dogs, Milo and Oakley, who Amy says are very spoiled (the dogs, not the children).

Amy is looking forward to vacationing at the beach this summer, and she's planning a tropical getaway with her husband between Christmas and New Year's Day.



We are so grateful for you Amy!

May Volunteer Spotlight- Jeanie Gee

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 Jeanie Gee!

We asked Jeanie what attracted her to the CASA program and what she enjoys about her role as an advocate:
"There are so many things happening today with the children. My desire is to make a difference in one child's life. To keep them from harm in any way possible. Being a CASA volunteer has been a eye opening experience. Sometimes it can be a cut and dry case. But, sometimes it can be more than you expected or experienced. I learn something new in each case. I love seeing and spending time with the kids. They are all so special and unique, as unique as their case."

Jeanie has lived in Knoxville 23 years and is retired. In her spare time she enjoys fishing, swimming boating, and travel. She also enjoys reading and attending church.

Thank you for your service Jeanie!

March Volunteer Spotlight- Damaris Figueroa

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 Damaris Figueroa!

Damaris told us that she was attracted to CASA because it allows everyday people like her to be a part of a bigger process simply by giving some of their time and heart.

We asked her what she enjoys about being a CASA and she said, "I've enjoyed a lot of things but the one that resonates the most with me is getting to see a small part someone's recovery and growth. The changes the clients go through is inspiring."

Damaris loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. After living in Miami and Denver, Damaris moved to Knoxville 20 years ago. She is currently living with her daughter as she searches for her new dream home.

Thank you Damaris!

First Swearing-In of 2022

“Today’s swearing in ceremony feels like such an honor. The training CASA provided was thorough and so informative. I feel inspired and ready to help the cases I’m given. All of the volunteers in our class show the love and commitment to making a difference in our community.”

— Kellie Stines, CASA Volunteer

A crowd of court staff, attorneys, magistrates, CASA board members, volunteers and staff, along with the new advocates’ friends and family, gathered at Knox County Juvenile Court on a rainy Wednesday morning. The excitement in the court made attendees quickly forget the weather outside as eight new advocates stood before Judge Tim Irwin.

Judge Irwin passionately instructed these volunteers to keep the confidentiality of their clients sacred, and emphasized the value of their work to the court. The new advocates raised their right hands proudly and swore to perform their duties as CASA volunteers with fidelity, and to the best of their abilities.

One volunteer, Kellie Stines, said this of her experience: “Today's swearing in ceremony feels like such an honor. The training CASA provided was thorough and so informative. I feel inspired and ready to help the cases I'm given. All of the volunteers in our class show the love and commitment to making a difference in our community.”

CASA of East Tennessee is proud of this group of new advocates, a mix of six new volunteers and our newest staff members, Amanda Wolfe and Kailee Kirkland.

Welcome new advocates!

February Volunteer Spotlight- Monica Irvine

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 Monica Irvine!

We asked Monica what drew her to volunteer with CASA of East Tennessee and she said,
"About 25 years ago, I became aware of child abuse that was occurring with some children in my family. It was devastating. As we all recovered from the experience, I finally decided that I needed to do something positive with the pain I felt from our experience. So I started looking for a program where I could help children in possibly similar situations. That is what led me to CASA. Over the years, being a volunteer has brought healing to my soul. It is not an easy volunteer position. To me, it is extremely difficult at times. However, what leads me to continue on this journey (which has now been over 18 years), is knowing that I have and can play a role in literally saving children. That makes the hard days and difficult cases worth it. These children needs us so much. We can’t let them down."

Monica is a Knoxville native who enjoys adventures with her husband and grandchildren. She told us she feels gratitude for every day she gets to spend with her family.

Monica is CASA of East Tennessee's longest serving volunteer, having been with us for over 18 years!

Thank you Monica!

January Volunteer Spotlight- Pam Phipps

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 Pam Phipps!

Pam shared her inspiration for becoming a CASA volunteer, "I wanted to be able to be the voice in court for children who are the innocent victims if the parent’s current situation. Being a CASA has been more than I expected. I have had the opportunity to help children but also to help the parents as well."

We asked Pam what she enjoys most about being an Advocate, "I have enjoyed meeting and spending time with the kids the most. They need as many support systems as possible during a difficult time in their young lives."

Pam moved to Knoxville with her husband, Billy, in May 2021. They enjoy a wonderful church family at City Hills Church and they are looking forward to visiting Italy in September.

Thank you Pam!

December Volunteer Spotlight- Jessica Sibley

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 Jessica Sibley!

We asked Jessica how she heard about CASA and how it may have met or challenged her initial expectations: "I was initially exposed to the CASA program through my experiences as a foster parent. While none of my prior kiddos have had an advocate, the topic has come up several times with other foster parents and in foster parent support groups. Being a CASA has been pretty similar to what I expected; however, I don't think I quite understood the impact that CASA could have on a case until my first hearing as an advocate."

Jessica has a beautiful heart for children in the court system. She told us, "I love getting to know the families I'm working with. Being able to work with families to ensure that the kids' needs are being met and they are in a good place is incredibly rewarding to me."

Jessica has lived in Knoxville her whole life and spends her time as a part time substitute teacher, a full time mom, and she also enjoys working with the Isaiah 117 House organization. She enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and being with her family.

Jessica's home is bustling with activity. "My home is ever changing and a little bit crazy! We have a "core group" that consists of myself, my husband David, and my 13 year old biological son, Gabriel. I also have three foster children living with me right now. I have a 17 year old foster son who is about to turn 18 in December and try his hand at adulthood, parenthood, and being out in the world on his own. I also have a foster daughter who will be 2 years old in December. She has lived with us for almost a year and a half now. She is full of sass and as the only girl, she definitely rules the roost at our house. We also have an infant foster son who just joined us and is keeping us all on our toes. Last but not least we have Abby, our 7 year old Great Dane and Cherry our 3 year old cat. My oldest foster son is about to make me a Grandma(ish)! I'm super excited to meet this little peanut."

We are so grateful for you Jessica!

November Volunteer Spotlight- Kathy Henry

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 Kathy Henry!

Kathy and her three sons

Kathy shared a little bit about her experience volunteering with CASA: "I was drawn to CASA because of the organization‘s mission to give a voice to a child’s needs and the goal of keeping the family unit intact. After training I was surprised at the scope of different cases, but having excellent support from the staff helped [me] overcome all the challenges. Since being a volunteer I have enjoyed meeting all the diversity of families, and especially loved meeting all the children. Getting the support of staff and getting to know them has been very enjoyable!"

Kathy also told us a little bit about herself and her family: "I have lived in Knoxville for seventeen years after having moved all over the country during my husband’s military career. My three boys and their families keep me busy, especially having seven grandchildren and another on the way! In my free time I volunteer with Mobile Meals, am in a Bible Study, am taking a stain glass class, and I make quilts for Project Linus. I am excited for the upcoming holidays; I will travel and meet the newest grandson!"

Thank you Kathy!

Fall 2021 Swearing-In Ceremony

Autumn Swearing-In

On October 28, 2021, six new volunteer advocates were sworn in by Judge Tim Irwin at Knox County Juvenile Court. These volunteers participated in hybrid classes, with some volunteers learning virtually and others joining sessions in-person. Each volunteer participated in mentorship, court observation, case studies, and class discussions.

CASA staff and board members, along with KCJC staff, attended the swearing-in ceremony. Amy Jackson, Executive Director, stated: “I am always excited to see a new group of volunteers sworn in. It’s a special day!”

Welcome to the team new volunteers!

October Volunteer Spotlight- Stephanie Wade

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 Stephanie Wade!

Stephanie told us some of her thoughts on her work as an advocate, "I know from my own life experience how frustrating and helpless it can feel to not have a voice. A child stuck in an adverse situation needs someone to listen, to hear, and to speak on their behalf. If I can be that person for one child, it is an honor. The situations can be difficult but the work is often satisfying. I recently received an uplifting update from a family that I served last year and that makes everything worth it."

We asked Stephanie what she enjoys about being a CASA volunteer and she said, "I have met some incredible people through CASA. Parents who made mistakes in the past but are working towards reconciliation through the court and with their kids. It's hard to turn your life around and overcome those mistakes. Those people are my heroes."

Stephanie recently started a wonderful new job at a non-profit agency and resides in Knoxville. She enjoys kayaking, biking, playing the piano, and spending time with her husband and their Pyrenees.



Thank you Stephanie!

September Volunteer Spotlight-Butch

September Volunteer Spotlight

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 Butch Yates!

We asked Butch how he got involved with CASA of East Tennessee and if being an advocate was what he expected. Butch told us he reached out to CASA after being referred by a mentor at his church and he had no idea how much his life would be enriched by the children on his cases.

When asked what he enjoys about being a volunteer, Butch said, "I would say that the learning process of each case. For example interacting with the GAL, DCS and my supervisor has made me more aware of how I go about handling each case."

Butch has spent most of his life in Knoxville and now resides in Corryton with his wife and 3 dogs. He enjoys volunteering with Justice Knox, participating in church activities, and spending time with his family swimming in Norris Lake. He looks forward to seeing his three-year-old granddaughter getting excited about Christmas this year.

We are so grateful for all you do, Butch!

August Volunteer Spotlight-Suzanne

August Volunteer Spotlight

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 (virtual) round of applause to Suzanne Eaton!

We asked Suzanne what attracted her to volunteer with CASA and what she enjoys about volunteering with CASA.

"Several years ago a co-worker approached me about becoming a CASA. At the time I didn't know anything about it. But after walking alongside several young couples who were fostering children, I got a glimpse of how important the CASA role can be to the welfare of a child. I genuinely enjoy meeting and getting to know new people from all walks of life, and being a CASA has certainly allowed me to do that."

Suzanne has lived in Knoxville for over 30 years and resides with her husband, Chip, and their "very spoiled" Staffordshire Terrier "Spot" whom they rescued about three years ago. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys boating with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She says her role as "Mimi" to her grandchildren is the one she treasures most, and any time she spends with them is her favorite.

We asked Suzanne if there is anything big coming up in her life that she is looking forward to and she told us, "I am excited about the possibility of returning to Nicaragua before the end of the year. I've spent some time there doing mission work, but due to Covid have been unable to go in over a year. We are hoping to go this Fall!"

Thank you Suzanne!

August Swearing-In Ceremony

As summer drew to a close and children prepared to return to school, a new group of CASA volunteers celebrated the completion of their advocacy training.

On August 5, 2021, Judge Tim Irwin swore in six new advocates and encouraged them to serve the children of Knox County well. Friends and family looked on and each advocate listened proudly, excited and anxious to put their training into practice.

While the majority of these volunteers were being sworn in for the first time, one is continuing the service she began some time ago. Pam, a new Knoxville resident, was a CASA for two years in Georgia and is looking forward to advocating for Knox County children. She, along with her fellow CASAs, will begin working with children from Knox County Juvenile Court right away.

The CASA of East Tennessee is excited to welcome this wonderful group of new advocates to the team!

July Volunteer Spotlight- Amie

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 (virtual) round of applause to Amie Stone!

We asked Amie what she likes about being a CASA, and she said:
"Being an advocate for CASA has moved me so much more than I ever expected. For me, to be so intimately involved in the family's lives that I work with is a privilege and an honor. The vulnerability and trust my CASA families have shown me takes great strength, particularly during an already stressful time. I am humbled to be part of their journey. Once a case is closed, the peace I feel knowing I have been able to be the voice for a child is priceless but, there is a little hole in my heart where that child and family once resided. Nevertheless, I know that Sheridan or Andrea have another sweet family waiting in the wings, and I become excited to start the journey all over again."

When Amie is not volunteering with CASA, she is often contributing to our community in other ways. She shared: "Outside of volunteering with CASA, I also volunteer with Friends of Literacy teaching adults in the Knoxville area basic literacy or improving in deficit skills. In addition, I am starting to volunteer with East Tennessee Children's Hospital in hopes to earn enough volunteer hours to become a "baby cuddler" in the NICU. When I am not giving back to the Knoxville community, I love spending time with friends and family on the lake, and I have been learning to play golf, which I am quickly learning is a lifestyle, not just a game! Fun fact: I also am an avid baker, and cook and have completed every "technical challenge" on the Great British Baking Show!"

Amie is a Knoxville native and says she's quickly becoming an empty-nester. Sticking around the house are her 8th grade step-son and the family's pets: "Our large family (pictured) enjoys the crazy antics of being the humans for Lucy, an adopted red Doberman from Young Williams, and Darwin, a pure-bread, soon to be show-dog cardigan Corgi. We also have a very cat-like-cat, Charlotte, who we see 'cat-loafing' in the sun every now and then, and Fern, a wild, maincoon who prowls the yard in search of 'treats.'"

June Volunteer Spotlight- Tina

We asked Tina what she likes about being a CASA Volunteer:

"What I enjoy about being a CASA volunteer is being able to meet new people and families. Also, being able to help these children that are in need of help in all aspects of life. It does bring a smile to my face to think that if I can help just one child through my advocating and looking at what is in this child’s best interest, then I know that I have truly done my part."

Tina, along with her husband, son, and grandson, calls Knoxville home. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, gardening, visiting new places, and having peace and quiet at the end of the day. Tina also has a daughter living in Florida, and the whole family looks forward to celebrating the completion of her new home in Cape Coral in September.

Thank you Tina!

Swearing-In New Advocates

May 28, 2021

Pictured: Courtney, Ramona, and Stephanie along with Judge Tim Irwin.

CASA of East Tennessee proudly gathered for the swearing-in of three new advocates. These volunteers began training in April and participated in a hybrid class comprised of online and in-person attendees.

“This group was engaged, excited, and so much fun to teach. They asked great questions and took advantage of everything offered to them. Whether it was critically thinking through case studies, connecting with their volunteer mentors, or just coming to each class with an open mind, each of these new volunteers made the most of every opportunity to learn.

I know this group of volunteers will make terrific advocates.”

— Lauren Herrmann, Volunteer Coordinator

These volunteers participated in 30 hours of training over the course of 5 weeks. We asked Ramona to share her thoughts on CASA training and she had this to say:

“Going into applying for CASA, I was well-aware of the mission and had a strong commitment to being a part of it. But my one drawback was that I felt I was not personally equipped, trained or had relevant experience to handle the calling. The CASA leaders immediately set my mind at ease, as they want volunteers who are ready and willing and then they’ll provide all the necessary training, support and resources! I was amazed at how thorough the training was.

Even before training began, all of the prospective volunteers and I identified questions we had and gaps we wanted to fill in our knowledge. By the end of training we returned to those questions and realized we had not only answered all of them, but had corresponding resources to address any future questions.

Throughout training, I have consistently told those around me that the training I was receiving was incredible and I wish everyone could partake in it. We covered domestic violence, mental illness, poverty, cycles of attachment, foster care laws, stages of growth and many more areas that I feel it would do well for everyone to understand. We were also given multiple additional short videos, books, podcasts, movies and articles to supplement our in-class training. We were able to ask questions and dialogue as a group and connect with board members and our CASA supervisors, which assuaged my worries of being isolated in this endeavor. All in all, I could not praise this training enough and stand by the fact that I feel everyone should learn what we have learned even if they do not want to become a CASA. ”

— Ramona

CASA looks forward to seeing each of these volunteers flourish as advocates for Knox county children.