HUNTINGDON, Tenn. — CASA in Carroll County just gained new advocates.
Four Carroll County residents took an oath Thursday morning to serve as the voice of children in the juvenile court system.
Danielle Johnson, Michelle Anglea, Cindy Gaylord and Ashley Hammer were sworn in by General Sessions/Juvenile Court Judge Michael King on the north side steps of the Carroll County Courthouse.
The volunteers swore to perform their duties to the best of their skill and ability, to follow Tennessee law, to keep confidential all information and reports revealed to them unless authorized by the court, and to faithfully protect and promote the best interest of each child they represent.
Each volunteer said they felt led spiritually to join CASA, and shared more personal reasons.
Johnson, a McKenzie resident and second-grade teacher in Weakley County, said her interest in the role grew out of years of experience.
“Being an educator, I see the need for the children to have a voice, and sometimes their voices are overlooked,” Johnson said. “I feel like I am able to step in and be that light for them and speak on their behalf.”
Anglea, who serves as HR director for the Town of Huntingdon, said she had followed CASA for years before her schedule allowed her to join.
“I thought, if I’m going to commit, I’m going to be all in,” she said.
Gaylord, who owns Bobby G’s Diner in McKenzie with her husband, said she grew up in foster care.
“When I first found out about CASA, it touched my heart so much,” Gaylord said. “I think I’ve got some insight for some young children.”
Hammer, a stay-at-home mother, said she and her husband had considered fostering but the timing wasn’t right.
“I want to help children in a capacity that works well with my family,” she said. “So I’m serving in a different capacity.”
CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for abused and neglected children, gathering information and making recommendations to help judges decide what is in each child’s best interest.
Carroll County is served by CASA of Henderson and Carroll Counties, which formed in July 2025 when CASA of Henderson County expanded into Carroll County.
Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can contact the Carroll County CASA office at 20565 East Main Street in Huntingdon, call 731-358-5774, or visit casahctn.org.