What I Like to do Outside of Work:
I like to have experiences with friends and family. I love to attend sports events in Chicago, I love stand-up comedy, and I love being with people that enjoy laughing.
My Favorite Movie:
Pulp Fiction. I’m a huge Quentin Tarantino fan. I’ve always been drawn to his movies because of the dialogue, but Pulp Fiction was the first one that I fell in love with. I have loved every one of his movies that have come out and I look forward to the next one!
Favorite Musician:
I would say at any given time, my top pick could change between The Beatles, Nirvana, and Stone Temple Pilots.
Favorite Sports Team:
Anything Chicago, probably depends upon the season. Blackhawks, Bears, White Sox, Bulls, and Notre Dame.
Favorite Book:
This is tough for me because I’m always reading or listening to something great. I’d have to say See You at the Top, by Zig Zigler. It’s kind of a motivational book, but its messages ring true, it’s timeless.
Favorite Thing to do in Chicago:
I have loved the Chicago skyline for as long as I can remember, so just driving downtown gives me joy, and being able to see the skyline. I also love to eat at one of the many great restaurants, seeing a good show, and Garrett’s Popcorn.
Favorite Influence:
My parents. I guess it would be very difficult to put into a short paragraph, but my parents taught me a lot. Work ethic, how to laugh when you need to laugh, and cry when you need to cry, and so much more.
Why I work Here:
Many years ago, I had to face a custody battle, right when I was hired by the Cook County state’s attorney. I was a brand new attorney, and I was suddenly involved in a custody battle. I was scared. I didn’t expect to be in the situation, and I didn’t know what to do. Many people think that lawyers know everything, but the reality is I didn’t know anything about child custody at that time, so I was scared! I sat on the other side of the attorney-client table, I didn’t know what to expect or what to do. After gaining custody of my son, I learned how to help people in a similar situation. I used my personal experience, and then I gained additional professional experience with the state’s attorney, as well as in private practice. I have taken these personal and professional experiences and I went out on my own, because I believe there’s a better way that we can help people through these difficult times in their life.
What I Love Most About My Job:
Helping people find the solution that improves their life. When you come into our office, there is not a “cookie cutter” answer to your problems because your situation is different and unique. It often takes a great perspective of trying to understand and diagnose what you really want, and then crafting solutions to help improve your life.
My Experience:
I was a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. As a prosecutor, I successfully upheld convictions of murder, home invasion, and burglary. I spent also two years in the Juvenile Division where I worked closely with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), the Office of the Public Guardian, and the Public Defender to find permanent solutions for Illinois families involved in suspected child abuse, neglect, and/or dependency.
