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.

May Volunteer Spotlight-Megan

We asked Megan what drew her to CASA and she replied, "I was attracted to the CASA program because I wanted to be actively involved in advocating for children who are abused or neglected. My husband and I fostered for 3 years. During that time we fostered 5 children, adopted 1 sweet boy, and helped other foster families with respite. We experienced many things during our years of fostering but the most impactful and forever life changing event was fostering a little girl for 18 months, and helping reunify her with her biological family. Holding precious children in my arms who needed a safe place to be loved and cared for, will forever be the driving force I have to help encourage me to keep on keeping on even when cases seem hard and complex. These kiddos need someone advocating for them."

Megan also told us a little bit about why she enjoys being a CASA, "I have loved getting to know and learn from other people in our community that are also passionate about helping at risk children. We have some really incredible people we come into contact with! I’ve also loved getting to help encourage and empower families to be the healthiest and best caregivers for their children. But hands down the single greatest thing about being a CASA volunteer has to be the sweet smiles on the faces of my kiddos I've advocated for. Home visits can be more than just a gathering of information, there is plenty of time to get on the floor and play with the little ones or enjoy a conversation about my teen’s current passions."

Megan shares her home with her husband, Ben, and their three children, and their shih tzu, Molly. Megan has lived in Knoxville her entire life and says proudly, "Nothing beats Rocky Top" She enjoys spending time with her children, experiencing the outdoors, reading, and trying new restaurants around town.

Megan can't wait for hugs, concerts, large gatherings, and the moment she gets to meet her new niece face-to-face.

Thank you Megan!

CASA of East Tennessee's Executive Director, appointed to serve on National CASA/GAL Leadership Council

Serving a two-year term, Ada Hernandez-Bell, along with child welfare leaders from across the nation, will play an integral role in voicing the unique needs of 948 local programs that make up the CASA and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) network. In 2019, the CASA/GAL network, with its 96,929 volunteers, served more than 270,000 children who have experienced abuse and neglect. With more than 400,000 children in foster care on any given day, the leadership council will focus its efforts on ensuring that the network achieves its mission of serving all children through best-interest advocacy.

 The Leadership Councils are a vital part of our efforts to serve more children in the foster care system, while continually improving their outcomes,” said National CASA/GAL Chief Executive Officer Tara Lisa Perry. “We are so excited and grateful to have Ada providing her insight and expertise as we strive to move our mission forward on behalf of all children who have experienced abuse or neglect.”

 Ada Hernandez-Bell has over 14 years of experience working in the child welfare system in Knox County. Ada’s expertise ranges from developmental needs assessments, family and child systems, trauma informed care, co-parenting mediation, and domestic violence education. Ada brings a wealth of knowledge of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services protocol, policies, and procedures and excellence in foster care training standards. Throughout her career Ada has focused on the systemic and often generational impact of trauma incorporating a whole-family approach to assessment and planning for success individually focused on each family’s personal history, dynamics, and needs.  

“I am so honored to be appointed to this important national role,” said Ada. “As a member of the Knoxville community, I’m looking forward to bringing our successes and challenges to a network that help us get better as we improve our work across the nation.”

About the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, together with its 948 state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and have the opportunity to thrive. National CASA/GAL offers leadership and support to the network of programs and leads its continued growth. CASA/GAL volunteers and staff work every day to help change a child’s story. To learn more, visit nationalcasagal.org or follow National CASA/GAL on Facebook at facebook.com/NationalCASAGAL and @NationalCASAGAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Springtime Swearing-In

On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, CASA of East Tennessee proudly witnessed the swearing-in of a new group of volunteer advocates by Judge Tim Irwin.

These individuals brought with them a wide scope of experience such as an emergency room technician, a construction engineer, a foster parent, and even a former CASA. These volunteers were brought together by a passion to serve abused and neglected children in Knox County. They shared their own professional and personal experience as they learned from each other as well as their instructor, Lauren Herrmann, Volunteer Coordinator.

These advocates participated in court observations, mentorship, 33 hours of training, and a panel made up of CASA staff, attorneys, and other child welfare professionals. CASA of East Tennessee looks forward to the service each of these incredible volunteers will provide to the children of Knox County.

A few new CASA volunteers shared their feelings about how training prepared them to take on their role as Court Appointed Special Advocates:

“The CASA training was very thorough and pretty eye-opening about the cases we may encounter and how we need to respond to those. It helped me better understand our role as CASA volunteers.”

— Cassy Goldston

“I wanted to become a CASA to come along side children who have no one else to advocate for them and their best interest(s) within the judicial system.

I felt like our training was outstanding even though we couldn’t meet in person. The curriculum was thorough and the case studies were engaging and led to lots of additional discussion. I feel as prepared as possible to take on this new role. Thank you Lauren!”

— Susan Presnell

Thank you, Winter Class of 2021. We are so excited to have you join our team!