Board & Staff

Christina GriffinExecutive Director

Christina is proud to serve as Executive Director of CASA of Northeast TN. With more than 18 years of experience as an educator and a background in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, she has dedicated her career to helping people and strengthening communities.

As a middle and high school English teacher, former foster / adoptive parent, and CASA volunteer, Christina knows that every child has a story - and that sometimes, what a child needs most is an adult who believes in them, listens to them, and refuses to give up on them. That belief is at the heart of her passion for CASA.

Christina is passionate about bringing people together to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect. She believes that CASA volunteers can be a steady, caring voice for children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and is honored to help grow that network of advocates across Northeast Tennessee.

Outside of CASA, Christina enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and attending live concerts. She is excited to call Northeast Tennessee home and to get to know the people and communities that make the region special.

Elias HensleyVolunteer Coordinator

Elias earned her Bachelor of Psychology degree from East Tennessee State University and first became involved with CASA as an intern. During her five month internship, Elias developed a passion for CASA’s mission and the important role community volunteers play in advocating for children involved in the court system. Following her internship, she joined the CASA of Northeast TN team as Volunteer Coordinator and has served in that role since April 2024.

As Volunteer Coordinator, Elias focuses on recruiting, training, and supporting CASA volunteers throughout their advocacy journey. She enjoys connecting with individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and helping them discover how they can use their time and talents to make a lasting impact.

Elias believes that every child deserves to have a caring and consistent adult in their corner. She is passionate about building a strong community of volunteers who are willing to speak up for children, ensure their voices are heard, and advocate for their best interests.

Emily TesterProgram Coordinator

Emily has been with CASA NETN since 2012. She is the Program Coordinator for Johnson City, Washington County, and part of Unicoi County.

Lanetta WhiteProgram Coordinator

Lanetta has been with CASA NETN since February 2023. She is the Program Coordinator for Greene County and part of Unicoi County.

Michael joined the board in July 2025. As a resident of Erwin, Michael is a local business owner, real estate agent, and alderman. Michael is passionate about serving his community and dedicated to the mission of CASA of Northeast Tennessee. As both a husband and father, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors together.

President
Amy joined the CASA NETN board in June 2024. Amy is committed to empowering individuals and communities to live happier and healthier lives. She is the Outreach and Physician Integration Manager with Ballad Health Behavioral Health. Amy is focused on advancing social justice through service and policy action for marginalized groups and disenfranchised populations throughout the community.

Treasurer
Bambi Garland joined CASA of Northeast Tennessee’s Board of Directors in October 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from East Tennessee State University. Bambi has worked in finance for over 11 years and currently provides oversight of all financial operations for ETSU’s College of Nursing. She has extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, forecasting, and budgeting.
A native of Anderson County, TN she currently resides in Afton, TN with her two grown daughters.

Paula Jackson began her service with CASA NETN in July 2021. Paula is VP and General Manager at WJHL with Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Paula's background in sales and marketing aid CASA NETN in growing community awareness and successful fundraising. Paula is committed to the mission of CASA NETN and to providing safety for all children in our community. A lifelong resident of the tri-cities area, Ms. Jackson is also an alum of Northeast State Community College and East Tennessee State University.

Secretary
Holly began her service with CASA NETN in April 2024. She is a Greene County native and has been a local educator since 2008. Holly is dedicated to family and community, and counts it a blessing to use those passions to support CASA NETN and our local children and their families.

Vice President
Craig joined the CASA NETN board in February 2025. Craig graduated from Milligan College with a BS in Economics and Business Management. Craig began his banking career with Carter County Bank in 2013, and began his tenure with First Horizons in 2016. In 2021, he transitioned to First Horizon's Wealth Management team and is now a financial advisor specializing in money management and retirement planning. Craig cares deeply about our community, strives to make it a better place, and is devoted to the CASA mission.

Caleb joined the CASA NETN board in July 2025. He is the Director of Membership and Business Development with the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. Caleb is an ETSU alum with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications and an MBA, as well as a 40 under 40 honoree. Caleb is a father and a community servant who is eager to help CASA NETN carry out its mission to advocate for abused and neglected children.