Education
BA in Sociology, Bowling Green State University 1992 - 1996, Specialty in Criminology Juris Doctor University of Akron School of Law 2000 - 2003
Training/Experience
Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court - January 2023 to Present Magistrate Summit County Probate Court July 2021 - January 2023 Magistrate and Court Investigator Summit County Probate Court October 2018 - July 2021 Ohio Adult Parole Authority December 2016 - October 2018 Practicing Trial Attorney in Summit County 2003 - 2018 Central Intelligence Agency Federal Officer November 1998 - August 2000 Ohio Adult Parole Authority February 1997 - November 1998
January 2023 to Present - Chief Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
October 2018 to January 2023 - Magistrate Summit County Probate Court
For 15 years as a practicing attorney, I appeared in courts of appeals in Ohio and in criminal and civil matters in trial courts throughout Ohio, California, Missouri, Alabama, and Illinois. As a lawyer I handled commercial and real estate litigation. I also helped families in estate planning and probate law.
In each case, I guided clients through an often-confusing process. An important aspect of legal representation is being able to clearly and concisely communicate orally and in writing. I honed those skills as a practitioner, and my ability to write professional and complete motions, briefs and other documents has prepared me to do the same as a court of appeals judge.
My years of experience as a law enforcement officer led me to analyze and understand people. At the CIA in Langley, Virginia, I oversaw security operations, interviewed people and investigated potential threats to the CIA and the United States, receiving the Exceptional Performance Award in January 2000 for superio
Service to my community informs my entire professional career and personal life. As a judge, I can continue this service. Court of appeals judges have the unique opportunity to ensure that decisions made by trial courts are legally correct so that people are treated equally, and in a fair and consistent manner. The court of appeals sets precedent that must be followed and my experience on the bench has prepared me to make these important decisions.
As a Magistrate in Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer’s Probate Court I have extensive experience dealing with family and complex legal issues that arise after someone dies. I apply the case law and statutes to make fair, just, impartial, and honest decisions that follow the law. This problem-solving experience has prepared me to take the next step in my judicial career.
I still believe that politics has seeped into our Judiciary. I reject that. As a judge, I want to ensure that our judicial system remains above politics and remains fair to all p
