Professional Experience
16 years
Educational Qualifications
Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law
Judicial Experience
While I have not served as a judge before, I have regularly appeared before circuit and county judges in criminal, civil, family, and administrative proceedings throughout my career which have given me a firsthand understanding of effective courtroom management, professionalism, judicial temperament, and the importance of impartial decision-making.
Campaign Phone
(863)734-7129
I've built a broad legal career in public and private practice. I began as an Assistant State Attorney and then represented clients in criminal defense, civil, employment, constitutional, and family law. I've advocated on both sides. This diverse experience has prepared me to handle the wide range of cases heard in circuit court, which is particularly important because in our circuit, the judges rotate through each of the practice areas. I have also led teams of attorneys and managed high-volume litigation. My strongest qualities are preparation, integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to treating every person who enters the courtroom with fairness, dignity, and respect.
My commitment to public service extends beyond my legal practice. I've served in leadership roles with The Florida Bar, including as Chair of its Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. As a military spouse, I was active in civic and community events for service members and their families and was recognized by San Diego's Mayor for my advocacy of domestic violence victims. I have continued service in our Circuit. As a Lakeland native, mother, and military spouse, I've developed an appreciation for experiences and challenges facing the people our courts serve. These experiences remind me of the importance of listening carefully, treating everyone with respect, and approaching every case with humility, fairness, and impartiality.
Our area continues to experience significant population growth, which means increased caseloads and demand, yet the need to resolve matters efficiently and without compromising fairness or due process remains paramount. A judge must balance expediency with each person's right to be heard. I would address these challenges through thorough preparation, effective case management, timely rulings, and maintaining a respectful, well-run courtroom. Efficiency should never come at the expense of justice. Every litigant deserves the opportunity to be heard and the assurance that decisions are based on the facts, law, and Constitution.
Throughout my practice, I've taken time to explain the legal processes and courtroom procedures to my clients because I recognize that, while this is my profession, it is often their first experience with the legal system. I never expect them to come in as experts. Likewise, judges can educate by clearly explaining courtroom procedures and rulings. Additionally, a Circuit Court Judge can participate in appropriate educational programs, speaking with students and community organizations, and explaining the court's role and the rule of law and Constitution, while not advocating for certain outcomes. After all, an informed public is better equipped to understand and trust the judicial process.
I have seen firsthand how mental health and substance abuse present complex issues that intersect with the justice system. Courts address these issues by recognizing them when they arise, ensuring they are evaluated through the legal process, and applying the law to the individual circumstances of each case. When appropriate and authorized by law, specialized dockets and treatment-focused programs provide additional tools to monitor compliance and address underlying issues. Judges must protect the rights of all parties, make timely decisions, and balance fairness, accountability, and public safety. The goal is to uphold the law while ensuring justice is tailored to the facts of each case.
Professional Experience
Civil Traffic Hearing Officer; Attorney
Educational Qualifications
Juris Doctorate; Bachelor of Arts
Judicial Experience
Civil Traffic Hearing Officer
Campaign Phone
8636045013
My 13 years of legal experience have prepared me to serve as a Circuit Court Judge. I have handled thousands of cases in criminal, family, and Social Security disability law, tried more than 75 jury and nonjury trials, and served in leadership roles supervising and mentoring attorneys. As a Civil Traffic Hearing Officer, I have applied the law impartially, managed a high-volume docket, and issued well-reasoned decisions. My experience advocating for diverse litigants, combined with my commitment to fairness, integrity, preparation, and respect for every person who enters the courtroom, has equipped me to administer justice with competence, efficiency, and compassion.
My civic involvement has strengthened my commitment to public service and reinforced the importance of building trust in the legal system. As a founding member and past President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Chapter Representative of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers, and as secretary of the Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, I have worked to support the legal profession through mentorship, education, and community outreach. Participating in local events and serving organizations throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties has kept me connected to the people our courts serve and reminds me that every decision should reflect fairness, respect, and equal access to justice.
One of the greatest challenges facing the Tenth Judicial Circuit is maintaining public confidence while managing increasing caseloads. As highlighted in *The Ledger*'s discussion of the professional backgrounds represented on our bench, a judiciary benefits from diverse legal experience. My background as a public defender, family law attorney, Social Security disability advocate, and Civil Traffic Hearing Officer provides a broad perspective on the legal system and the people it serves. I would promote public trust through impartial decision-making, efficient case management, timely rulings, and by ensuring every litigant is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.
A Circuit Court Judge can educate the public by promoting transparency, clear communication, and respectful engagement while always remaining impartial. Well-written orders, clear explanations of courtroom procedures, and treating every litigant with dignity help people better understand how the legal system works. Judges can also participate in appropriate educational programs, speak with students and civic organizations, and support initiatives that improve public understanding of the judiciary and the rule of law.
Courts play an important role in balancing fairness, accountability, and public safety when mental health or substance abuse contributes to a person's involvement in the justice system. Judges should apply the law consistently while recognizing that, in appropriate cases, treatment and supervision can reduce recidivism and improve outcomes. Specialty courts and community-based treatment programs, when authorized and appropriate, promote accountability while addressing underlying issues. My early work helping individuals with mental illness and addiction, together with my legal experience, has reinforced that justice is best served by combining accountability with evidence-based solutions that enhance public safety.
