Wendy Jill Spence

Wendy Jill Spence has served in several roles with the Tennessee CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Association since 2009. In her current position as the Director of Professional Development, Ms. Spence leads learning initiatives promoting high-quality advocacy and sustainable nonprofit organizations for a network of 31 statewide local CASA programs serving 59 counties. Her role advances the mission of Tennessee CASA to support, develop, expand and unite local CASA programs in recruiting and training volunteers to advocate for Tennessee's children who have been abused and neglected.

Prior to joining Tennessee CASA, Ms. Spence worked for United Way of Rutherford County in the First Call for Help program and spent several years in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. In 2020, Ms. Spence completed the Children’s Law and Policy Executive Program at Loyola University Chicago.

Ms. Spence actively participates in statewide councils. She is a member of the Tennessee Young Child Wellness Council, Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee Advisory Council, Youth Transitions Advisory Council and the Mid-Cumberland Council on Children and Youth.