Incumbent Judge Candidate

I chose to go to law school, with the goal of entering the courtroom and helping to resolve disputes in a fair, efficient, and effective manner.  To further that goal, I chose to work with the City Prosecutor's Dispute Resolution Program at night, while attending The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law by day.  During the summers, I worked with the Columbus Legal Aid Society to assist less fortunate individuals in their pursuit of justice.  During my third year of law school, I obtained a legal intern license, which allowed me to prosecute traffic offenses in the Municipal Courts' evening dockets. Following graduation, I worked full-time for the City Prosecutor's office, handling all types of misdemeanor offenses.   I also handled special assignments, in conjunction with local law enforcement, to help clean up the city through civil nuisance abatements.  When the City Attorney, Ron O'Brien, became the County Prosecutor, I stayed on his team and became an Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor.   In that job, I confronted some of the worst elements of our society, while prosecuting murders, rapes, and other serious felonies.  My main goal was always that the voices of the victims were properly heard, and that appropriate justice was served. Working with such a wide variety of individuals throughout the past 29 years has taught me how important it is for the Courts to protect the rights of all parties, pursuant to State Law and the State and Federal Constitutions.

Working many high-profile cases has taught me the importance of personal integrity and trust.   I have been fortunate to have earned the trust of my superiors, which has allowed me to serve in many different capacities.  I have earned the privilege of handling especially sensitive cases, based on my record of treating each and every victim with dignity and respect.    

As a senior prosecutor, I conducted trainings for newer members of our office.   I also provided them ongoing advice and guidance on how to most efficiently and effectively prepare their cases, and how to reach rational and reasonable resolutions to their pending cases. 

I instructed law enforcement at the Columbus Police Academy, the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy.  I was an adjunct professor at Columbus State Community College, in their law enforcement program.  I have also served as an instructor for Continuing Legal Education classes, teaching other attorneys from all areas of practice, about the intricacies of criminal law, and other topics, including trial preparation.  

Most recently, as a member of the vehicular crime's unit, I was routinely called to the scene of Homicide incidents moments after the wreck had happened and while the investigation was still ongoing.  These experiences have allowed me a unique perspective that few can obtain.       

I was born in New York, but due to my father's job, my family and I moved around.  As a result, I attended 6 different schools in a 7-year stretch.   I spent 4th and 5th grade living overseas.  After graduating high school, I spent 3 years in the Coast Guard (at the C.G. Academy in New London, Connecticut).   I then finished my undergraduate degree at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.  I came to Ohio in 1989 to attend The Ohio State University College of Law and decided to make Columbus my home.  

While I gained much from living in so many places, I made a commitment to stay in Franklin County and help build up our community.  I have served as a Charity Newsies volunteer since 1997.  I have coached soccer for the Whetstone Soccer league.  I assisted the OSU law school by serving as a Judge for both their moot court and mock trial competitions.  I also volunteered for the Victorian Village Society's annual home tour.   My kids, Katherine and Ronan, who will soon be graduating from high school, were also born here in Columbus.     

Both my professional career and my personal endeavors have been about serving, protecting, and aiding my fellow Franklin County residents.  I hope to continue that pursuit by retaining my seat as a 10th District Court of Appeals Judge.