Board & Staff

Melanie FeathersExecutive Director
Melanie has been with CASA NETN since January 2017, first as the Unicoi County Program Coordinator then moving in to the Executive Director role in 2022. A graduate of Milligan College, Melanie has dedicated her career to non-profit service and particularly sought opportunities to serve at-risk children and their families. The mission of CASA speaks directly to Melanie's passions, and being a part of the team at CASA NETN is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Elias HensleyVolunteer Coordinator
Elias earned a Bachelor of Psychology degree from East Tennessee State University in 2023, and subsequently interned at CASA NETN for 5 months. In April 2024 Elias officially joined the team as Volunteer Coordinator. Elias focuses on volunteer recruitment, training, retention, and community awareness.

Erin Miller-GoinesUnicoi County Program Coordinator
Erin recently joined CASA NETN in October 2023, and is the program coordinator for Unicoi County Juvenile Court.

Emily TesterWashington County Program Coordinator
Emily has been with CASA NETN since July 2012, and is the program coordinator for Washington County Juvenile Court and Johnson City Juvenile Court.

Lanetta WhiteGreen County Program Coordinator
Lanetta has been with CASA NETN since February 2023, and is the program coordinator for Greene County Juvenile Court.

Board Secretary
Nana began her service with CASA NETN in October 2019. Nana earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Radford University and bring expertise in public relations, recruitment, and marketing to CASA NETN. The mission of CASA is paramount to Nana because children who are struggling have so much at stake, yet, they have so little control or say in things that happen to them. Nana is honored to be a part of that effort and having the opportunity to get to know and work with its committed and talented staff, advocates and board members. Working with CASA NETN has been and continues to be a rewarding and inspiring experience.

Board President
Jim began his service with CASA NETN in February 2019. As CEO of Griffin Home Group, Jim brings his expertise in marketing, team building, and leadership to CASA of Northeast Tennessee. Jim has implemented new successful fundraising ventures at CASA NETN and is passionate about protecting children in our community.

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.

Board 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.

Wendy Rice Hensley graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from East Tennessee State University in 1994. After practicing social work for two years, she went on to earn a Master of Science in Social Work with a focus in non-profit management and community development from the University of Tennessee. Wendy has used this education in a variety of ways, but much of her work has remained focused on the issues facing children and families. She has been teaching social work at Milligan since 2015. Preparing students to serve others in the field of social work is both a passion and honor.

Board Vice Chair/President-Elect
Chris Hyder was appointed to the CASA Board October of 2022.
Chris graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1997 with a Master of Science degree. He obtained two Bachelors of Business Administration (BS) degrees from East Tennessee State University with a concentration in Accounting and Finance during 2001 and 1994 respectfully. He joined Summers-Taylor, Inc., in August 2013 as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for all accounting, financial, and human resource activities. Prior to joining Summers-Taylor, Inc., he was Corporate Controller for Concrete Supply Company, a subsidiary of Martin Marietta Materials Inc. Working as a finance and human resource professional, he brings to CASA experience in risk management and assessment, an understanding of state and federal tax laws and economic patterns. Chris has also completed the 35 hour advocate training course, giving him unique insight to the work of CASA volunteers. Additionally, he serves on the boards of Johnson City Public Building Authority, and Johnson City Development Authority.

Brooke began her service with CASA NETN in October 2022. Brooke is an Assistant Vice President/Chief Operating Officer with Ballad Health Behavioral Health Division. With an MBA and over 25 years of experience, Brooke brings expertise in Human Resources and Business Management to the CASA board. As a leader in the mental health arena, Brooke is passionate about building resiliency and reducing trauma among children and youth in our area.