Meet Our Team

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Our Team

Our Board

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Our Team

Kesha Waters

Executive Director

Learn About Kesha

Kesha Waters - Executive Director

Kesha Waters has been with CASA of the TN heartland for nearly ten years. First as a Board member and currently as Executive Director. She has a heart for service and a passion for helping and empowering the helpless, especially the children we serve in Anderson, Blount and Scott Counties. Kesha is active in our community by mentoring young women and men through programs designed for at-risk youth. She is a member of Altrusa International of Oak Ridge and serves as President-Elect and previously served as Programs Committee Chair. She is currently the Programs Committee Chair with The Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary Club. Kesha has served on the United Way of Blount County Allocations Panel for 3 years and is currently in Leadership Blount and Leadership Oak Ridge class of 2020. She is also a member of the Suburban Leadership Council for National CASA. Kesha attended Roane State Community College where she received an Associates Degree in Business Administration a graduate of the Haslam College of Business Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Business. Kesha is married to Sebastian and has two sons, Bryson and Bash.

Katherine Allison

Administrative Assistant

Learn About Katherine

Katherine Allison - Administrative Assistant

Katherine is the Admin-Assistant for CASA in the Oak Ridge Main Office. She has a Bachelor’s in Business Admin from King University. She is new to the Non-Profit world but is excited to learn and experience new things! She resides in Oak Ridge with her husband Xavier and their newest addition, Xavier Jr.

Michelle White

Anderson County Program Coordinator

Learn About Michelle

Anderson County Needs

Michelle White – Anderson County Program Coordinator

Michelle joined CASA as Anderson Co Program coordinator in 2021 after serving as a volunteer in Blount Co. Having a BS in Nursing and spending nearly 20 years as a Neonatal ICU RN traveling the country, she most enjoyed patient education and championed activities which empower at-risk families. Over the years, her volunteerism has extended from MOPS to Boy Scouts, disaster relief to construction rehab, and she is proud to now partner with volunteers in Anderson County to advocate for dependent children who find themselves before the court. She and her family have called east TN home for over 15 years.

Jackie Brown

Anderson County Program Coordinator

Learn About Jackie

Anderson County Needs

Jackie Brown – Anderson County Program Coordinator

Jackie has lived in the Knoxville area for over 20 years. She earned her Pharmacy degree from University of Colorado and Masters in Pharmacy degree from University of Iowa. As a pharmacist, Jackie enjoyed teaching nurses and physicians and working as an analyst in health information systems. As a volunteer, her efforts have been focused on working with children in various settings. After several years as a CASA, Jackie joined CASA of the Tennessee Heartland in 2016 as the Anderson County Coordinator. She believes that caring for children is critical to the success of our communities and feels privileged to be supporting the advocates who provide a voice for children in juvenile court.

Russ Nellis

Blount County Interim Program Coordinator

Learn About Russ

BLount County Needs

Russ Nellis - Blount County Interim Program Coordinator

Russ Nellis is our current a Blount County Interim Program Coordinator.

Russ has lived an admirable life being married for 36 years and raising two successful daughters whom he and his wife, as well as the community are very proud of. During his professional years he spent most of his career in the marine industry; 25 years with Brunswick/Sea Ray Boats, 6 years with Carrier Corp, and 7 years with Master Craft Boats. Russ has served in professional leadership roles over the years that have given him the knowledge and integrity he possess today. He serves those in his community on a regular basis and continues to be a beacon of light and hope for the abused and neglected children in the Blount County foster care system and to all who know him. We are grateful for Russ stepping in to help our program while we search for a permanent Blount County Coordinator.

Board of Directors

If you are interested in serving on the CASA board, please feel free to contact any of the current board members or the administrative office at 865.425.0888.

Amanda Ingle-President
Mark Watson- Immediate Past President
Hannah Fatheree – Secretary
Janet Jentilet – Treasurer
Roxine Behrens
Krysta Brown
Leslie Holmes-Leach
Michael Potter
Kate Shattuck
Ashley Strittmatter
Kelly Wiggins

Board Member Information

Click on the links below to review resources. If you would like to apply to be on the board, you can fill out an online application or download the PDF version to fill out.

Online Application

Board Member Application
Board Member Responsibilities
Board of Directors Pledge
Expectations of a Board Member
Mission, vision and Purpose Statement

Board Member Application

Please fill out the below information.

"*" indicates required fields

Personal Information

Full Name*

First Last

(Maiden)

Last

Prefer to be called

First

Birthdate*

Month

Day

Year

Sex*

Social Security Number*

(used for background checks only)

Home Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Email*

Home Phone

(please include area code)

Cell Phone*

(please include area code)

Fax Number

Preferred Forms of Contact*

Home Phone

Cell Phone

Fax

Times Easily Reached

Emergency Contact Info

Contact Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Contact Phone*

(please include area code)

Alternate Phone*

(please include area code)

Contact Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province ZIP / Postal Code

Current Employment

Current Employer*

How Long Have You Been Employed There?*

Position / Title*

(full or part-time)

Work Phone*

(please include area code)

Supervisor / Contact*

First Last

Responsibilities*

May we contact you at work?*

Yes

Does your employer have an employee volunteer time/donation matching plan?*

Yes

Please provide contact information for the department that handles employee matching

Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

(please include area code)

Education

High School*

Highest Completed*

College*

Highest Completed*

None

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Other

Major

Degree

Graduate

(if applicable)

Degree

(if applicable)

Board Information

Do you have any training or experience in any of the following?

(please check all that apply)

Medicine

Mental Health

Counseling

Findraising

Psychology

Child Care

Law Enforcement

Substance Abuse Programs

Social Work

Advertising or Public Relations

Child Development

Computers

News Media

Meditation

Graphic Design

Writing

Other Languages Spoken*

Hobbies / Special Interests*

Professional / Civic / Social Affiliations*

How did you become aware of CASA?*

Why are you interested in joining our organization?*

What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses that you would bring to this program?*

Have you served on any other organization boards?*

Yes

Please list the organizations and any office positions you held*

Is there a committee you would like to serve on or a particular area of interest?*

Have you had personal experience involving any of the below?

(please check all that apply)

Child Abuse or Neglect

Department of Human Services

Department of Children's Services

Juvenile Court System

Foster Care

Adoption

Agencies offering services to a child

References

Please provide 3 personal references with mailing addresses (include PO box number and zip code) *References cannot be related to applicant.

Reference #1

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

Reference #2

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

Reference #3

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

As a part of the background investigation, we may conduct a criminal records check, a monitor vehicle division record check, education, employment history, credit history, and/or child protective services check. Please complete the authorization for this and certification.

Authority to Obtain Information

I authorize CASA of the Tennessee Heartland to obtain information concerning my suitability to become an employee of this agency from the Department of Children's Services; the Child Abuse Register; the Department of Corrections; the District Attorney's office; juvenile, civil and employment history; credit history, and any other screening agency.

*ADD SPOT FOR SIGNATURE*

Information obtained under the above release shall be held in confidence and shall be used exclusively to determine the suitability to serve as an employee.

Have you lived outside the East Tennessee region in the past 5 years?*

Yes

Please list your previous addresses for the past 5 years.

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Have a second address?*

Yes

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Have a third address?*

Yes

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Certification of Suitability

I, the undersigned, hereby certify, that I have had no convictions resulting from a criminal offense (excluding traffic violations) nor is there any criminal action or investigation pending. I further certify that I have had no convictions or changes pertaining to child abuse or child neglect nor have I ever been investigated by any social services agency regarding allegations of child abuse or child neglect.

*ADD SPOT FOR SIGNATURE*

If you are ineligible to certify the above please describe the circumstances below

Board Member Application

Please fill out the below information.

"*" indicates required fields

Personal Information

Full Name*

First Last

(Maiden)

Last

Prefer to be called

First

Birthdate*

Month

Day

Year

Sex*

Social Security Number*

(used for background checks only)

Home Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Email*

Home Phone

(please include area code)

Cell Phone*

(please include area code)

Fax Number

Preferred Forms of Contact*

Home Phone

Cell Phone

Fax

Times Easily Reached

Emergency Contact Info

Contact Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Contact Phone*

(please include area code)

Alternate Phone*

(please include area code)

Contact Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province ZIP / Postal Code

Current Employment

Current Employer*

How Long Have You Been Employed There?*

Position / Title*

(full or part-time)

Work Phone*

(please include area code)

Supervisor / Contact*

First Last

Responsibilities*

May we contact you at work?*

Yes

Does your employer have an employee volunteer time/donation matching plan?*

Yes

Please provide contact information for the department that handles employee matching

Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

(please include area code)

Education

High School*

Highest Completed*

College*

Highest Completed*

None

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Other

Major

Degree

Graduate

(if applicable)

Degree

(if applicable)

Board Information

Do you have any training or experience in any of the following?

(please check all that apply)

Medicine

Mental Health

Counseling

Findraising

Psychology

Child Care

Law Enforcement

Substance Abuse Programs

Social Work

Advertising or Public Relations

Child Development

Computers

News Media

Meditation

Graphic Design

Writing

Other Languages Spoken*

Hobbies / Special Interests*

Professional / Civic / Social Affiliations*

How did you become aware of CASA?*

Why are you interested in joining our organization?*

What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses that you would bring to this program?*

Have you served on any other organization boards?*

Yes

Please list the organizations and any office positions you held*

Is there a committee you would like to serve on or a particular area of interest?*

Have you had personal experience involving any of the below?

(please check all that apply)

Child Abuse or Neglect

Department of Human Services

Department of Children's Services

Juvenile Court System

Foster Care

Adoption

Agencies offering services to a child

References

Please provide 3 personal references with mailing addresses (include PO box number and zip code) *References cannot be related to applicant.

Reference #1

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

Reference #2

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

Reference #3

Name*

First Last

Relationship*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Daytime Phone*

(please include area code)

Email*

Authority to Obtain Information

*ADD SPOT FOR SIGNATURE*

Information obtained under the above release shall be held in confidence and shall be used exclusively to determine the suitability to serve as an employee.

Have you lived outside the East Tennessee region in the past 5 years?*

Yes

Please list your previous addresses for the past 5 years.

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Have a second address?*

Yes

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Have a third address?*

Yes

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Certification of Suitability

*ADD SPOT FOR SIGNATURE*

If you are ineligible to certify the above please describe the circumstances below