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.'"