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!

May Volunteer Spotlight- Tracie Stalvey

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 Tracie Stalvey!

We asked Tracie what attracted her to CASA and to tell us a bit about her experience in this role,

"I was attracted to the CASA program because I am passionate about advocating for children and their rights. They often don't feel as though their voice isn't heard (or don't yet have a voice) and I love the idea that I can step in and be their voice for them. I think overall it is what I expected. However, I did not expect to form the bond that I have formed with the child(ren) on my cases. It is not always easy, but I truly am grateful to be able to volunteer with such a great organization. 
One of the things I have enjoyed most, is just learning so much. Our training is amazing and we learn an overwhelming (but valuable) amount of information but getting to work on a case as a CASA, I am able to interact with children and their families and ask more questions to better do the job I've volunteered for. I may bug our supervisors to death, but every question I am asked by my families, is an opportunity to learn and grow. As a teacher, I love kids, but I love being a CASA because I can truly advocate for children." 

Tracie is a dog mom to a six month old Aussie named Oliver, and she enjoys time outside playing with him and working in the garden. She also enjoys reading, working out, spending time with friends, and listening to true crime podcasts.

As a teacher, Tracie is understandably looking forward to summer! She is also excited to be going on a trip to Portugal and Spain with her brother, Ben, this coming December.

Thank you for your service Tracie!

Swearing in a New Group of Volunteers

CASA of East Tennessee watched proudly as five new advocates were sworn in at Knox County Juvenile Court.

These fantastic individuals completed 30 hours of training, court observation, mentorship, and court report writing practice.

This group is made up of four volunteers and CASA’s new Advocate Supervisor, Lisa Givonetti. We asked Lisa to tell us how she felt about getting sworn in at Knox County Juvenile Court and she said,

“I am honored to be able to say that I am a CASA in three counties now! Each county and court is different and poses different challenges. I am excited to be learning about Knox County and to get to work with all our amazing volunteers.”

The entire CASA of East Tennessee team is so grateful for the passion and dedication of these new advocates and we look forward to witnessing the impact they will make on Knox County children.

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!