On Friday November 20, 2020, 9 new Court Appointed Special Advocates were sworn-in at Knox County Juvenile Court by Judge Tim Irwin: making this the largest group sworn-in in 2020! Amid the current global pandemic, these advocates persevered through technical difficulties and case studies to become a voice for an abused and neglected child who needs them. These advocates navigated virtual difficulties to complete court hearing observations and shadow seasoned advocates as part of their required 33 hours of advocate training.
These advocates brought many diverse backgrounds and insights into the classroom; a retired attorney, a non-profit founder, and 4 former foster or adoptive parents. CASA advocates come from many walks of life, but share one ultimate goal- providing a voice for children to ensure that they find a safe and loving home as quickly as possible.
Welcome, new advocates! We at CASA of East Tennessee are thrilled to have you on board!
How and why did you initially become involved with CASA and choose to become involved in the board?
I worked with CASA briefly during my time as a foster parent and when we closed our home I felt it was a natural next step for me. I went through training to become an advocate and very quickly learned how important this work is. I am passionate about helping abused and neglected children so when I was asked to join the board of directors it was an easy yes.
As you look ahead in the next several years, what do you see as CASA of East TN’s priorities?
I think one of our greatest priorities is increasing the number of children that we are able to serve. Our ultimate goal is to serve every single child that steps foot in the courthouse.
What is the impact of philanthropy on our organization?
Our advocates work toward ensuring each child we serve has stability and permanency in a safe and loving home. I am not sure there are many things of greater impact to a child!
How and why did you initially become involved with CASA and choose to become involved in the board?
I had an attorney friend approach me about being on the board because they needed a CPA. Once I heard about the mission, I was in!
As you look ahead in the next several years, what do you see as CASA of East TN’s priorities?
Increasing awareness in the community
What do you think are the core components of CASA of East TN? What makes us a strong organization?
Caring volunteers
What’s your professional/ educational background?
Bachelor of Accounting from UT. Master of Tax from UT. I have worked in public accounting for 15 years with concentrations in the following industries: nonprofit, mining, real estate, low income housing.
What do you do in your free time?
Being outside-walking, swimming, reading
What’s something you’re passionate about?
Education
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Coffee
What's the most recent book you’ve read/ tv show you’ve binged?
28 Summers
How and why did you initially become involved with CASA and choose to become involved in the board?
Someone once said, “A best friend is the only one that walks into your life when the world has walked out.”
I like to say, “A CASA is a friend that walks into your life when it seems that the world has walked out.” I decided to become a CASA volunteer to join hands with abused and neglected children on their walk through adversity, as I, too, know what it means to grow up in an at-risk environment. I want to remind our youth who is hurting that there is opportunity in adversity.
As someone who grew up around children from at-risk communities, I am very much so aware of the role that trauma plays in the lives of abused and neglected children. Based on my own experiences and dedication to youth advocacy, childhood trauma is something that people never really get over, even as they enter the later parts of adulthood. The key, however, is not to get over it but to get through it and potentially help someone else through theirs.
Therefore, when someone asks me, “Why did you become a CASA volunteer in 2012” or “Why do currently serve on the CASA Board of Directors,” I respond: it is because our children need us, no matter who you are, to step in and step up. They need to know that there is someone on the other end fighting for them…that there is hope.
As you look ahead in the next several years, what do you see as CASA of East TN’s priorities?
There are 4 areas of importance that I see as being a part of CASA of East Tennessee’s priorities over the next several years They include: talent recruitment, development, and retention; technology advancement to further mission goals; innovative sustainability; and increased partnership with local businesses and community leaders.
What is the impact of philanthropy on our organization?
Philanthropy is essential to the organization’s success because it allows the organization to continue to affect change in lives of abused and neglected children. Without the acts of good works and charitable giving, CASA would not be able to provide our youth with the amount of time, resources, and advocacy needed to mitigate the traumatic experiences that our at-risk children face too often.
What do you think are the core components of CASA of East TN? What makes us a strong organization?
CASA of East Tennessee is a strong organization because it has a strong and committed network of volunteers, board members, and Juvenile Court leaders who are supportive, selfless, and compassionate about the needs of abused and neglected children residing in East Tennessee.
What’s your professional/ educational background?
I currently serves as the associate general counsel at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I earned my bachelor's degree in political science and psychology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
What’s something you’re passionate about?
I am passionate about juvenile justice and advocating for the needs of at-risk youth, including those who have/are being abused and/or neglected.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
I have been eating more frozen yogurt these days, but if it’s ice cream, I’d have to say butter pecan. It was a childhood favorite.
What's the most recent book you’ve read/ tv show you’ve binged?
The most recent book I have read is Dear Sonali, Letters to the Daughter I Never Had by Lynn Toler. Ironically enough, I am huge a Divorce Court fan, so I decided to try one of Judge Toler’s books. I’d recommend it to young ladies who are looking for something simple, yet powerful. Lynn Toler always shares positive and uplifting messages for young people; I think that is why I really like her character on Divorce Court.
∙ How and why did you initially become involved with CASA and choose to become involved in the board?
I served as a CASA volunteer in Virginia while I was in law school, and joined the Board of Directors for CASA of East Tennessee in 2013. My background is in education and as an attorney, I’ve served as a Guardian ad litem on many juvenile court cases with CASA involvement.
∙ As you look ahead in the next several years, what do you see as CASA of East TN’s priorities?
CASA of East Tennessee will continue to serve families that need our help, and speak up for children who may otherwise not be heard. This is the true mission of our organization: to serve as a voice for the voiceless and to protect children, the most vulnerable population in our community.
∙ What is the impact of philanthropy on our organization?
Without our generous donors, the great work that CASA does wouldn’t be possible. Each day, it costs over $750 for CASA to operate.
This ensures that children who are vulnerable and at risk of abuse or neglect continue to have adults who are looking into their individual circumstances and ensuring that their needs are met. CASA is fortunate to have a strong community of volunteers, but we rely on our donors’ continued commitment to children in order for us to provide advocacy for children.
∙ What do you think are the core components of CASA of East TN? What makes us a strong organization?
At its core, CASA thrives because of our commitment to helping at-risk children. From our strong donor base, to community volunteers and our Board of Directors, we all have a passion for child advocacy. Our board is comprised of members that have a variety of contacts in the community, and all of our volunteers have a variety of life experiences upon which to draw in order to connect with families.
∙ What’s your professional/ educational background?
My undergraduate degrees are in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education. I previously taught in an alternative education program in West Virginia. I went to law school in Virginia where I met my husband, who is a Knoxville native. I’ve lived in Knoxville for almost ten years now and practice family law and civil litigation.
∙ What do you do in your free time?
We have a three-year-old and a two-year-old, so I do a lot of laundry and chase toddlers.
∙ What’s something you’re passionate about?
I love going to see live music and shows! During the last few months, my husband and I have been streaming old shows and are looking forward to seeing some of our favorite bands soon.
∙ What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Anything with Reese’s peanut butter cups. I’ve also enjoyed S’mores Blizzards from Dairy Queen this summer.
∙ What's the most recent book you’ve read/ TV show you’ve binged?
I have read a lot of books from the ‘Read with Jenna and Reese’ Book Club selections. I’m currently listening to “American Dirt” on audiobook. I watched the Perry Mason series on HBO that ended recently and I highly recommend it.
This year’s Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was unlike any we’ve done before, but was no less festive! CASA of East Tennessee staff and board delivered meals for two, provided by Rothchild Catering, along with CASA tote bags, balloons, and other swag to the homes of volunteers. Its always a pleasure to have the opportunity to show our advocates some love and remind them how much we value the work they do for abused and neglected children here in Knox County. Click on the photo below to see slideshow.
It’s a CASA tradition to honor our volunteers for their years of service. This year, we presented certificates to the following advocates:
Richard Perkey- 9 years
Nanette Rouse- 8 years
Marcia Bailey- 6 years
Sue Mathews- 4 years
Susan Meehan- 3 years
Valerie Roberts- 3 years
Jake Wentzel- 2 years
Darrell Trimble- 1 year
We are exceedingly grateful for their continued commitment to the most vulnerable children in Knox County. Thank you to every single CASA of East Tennessee Volunteer. You are the heart of our organization, and we literally could not fulfill our mission without you!
On Tuesday, June 9th, Judge Irwin swore in 8 new Court Appointed Special Advocates. These eight people chose to step up and train via video conferencing in the middle of a pandemic because they saw a need so great that it couldn’t be ignored. “This training was very unique to us, but it worked out thanks to the flexibility and excitement of each student. They did a great job of studying independently in order to make our valuable time together productive,” said Lauren Herrmann, Volunteer Coordinator.
New advocate Sarah Segal had this to say about her experience: “When I interviewed to be a CASA volunteer in February 2020, I had no idea that I would be a member of the first virtually-trained CASA cohort! While it would have been nice to connect in person with my fellow CASAs-in-training, Lauren was very adept in her ability to transfer the course materials to an online presentation medium and we were able to successfully contribute both individually and collectively on coursework. I was unprepared for the wave of emotion that hit me in meeting my cohort today and in standing before the judge for the swearing in; I felt so appreciated, and the weight of my input as a CASA was never more clear to me than in this setting. I am very excited to continue on this journey, with court observations and case assignment, and hope to provide your organization with the diligent service it deserves!”
Welcome, new advocates! We at CASA of East Tennessee are thrilled to have you on board!
CASA of East Tennessee hosted our 8th annual Red Shoe Gala on February 8, 2020 at Jackson Terminal in Downtown Knoxville. A delicious dinner provided by All Occasions was washed down with signature cocktails by Sugarlands Distributing and craft beers from Craft Distribution Company. Local band Remedy played as guests danced their red shoes off all night. A huge thanks to Alaina René Photography for the awesome photos seen here!
Volunteer Advocate Clay Shwab was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award at CASA of East Tennessee’s 8th annual Red Shoe Gala, held on February 8, 2020 at Jackson Terminal in Downtown Knoxville. Program Manager Andrea Weaver has this to say about Clay’s service:
“Clay is dedicated to his work as a CASA volunteer advocate in every way. His focus on obtaining the best possible outcome for the children he serves is evident in all aspects of his work. He is determined, caring, honest, and fair as he maneuvers through his casework and carries out his duties with passion and conviction.
All cases, whether simple and clear cut or more complex in nature, receive the same dedication and attention from Clay. He is always willing to take on new cases when asked and delivers the information requested in a timely and accurate manner. Clay does not shy away from difficult cases that CASA staff ask him to take on.”
Congratulations, Clay. The work you do truly helps to “Change a Child’s Story.”