Describe yourself in one sentence.

​

​​​I am a hardworking, diligent advocate and I have a positive attitude.

​

Are you originally from Atlantic County?

​

​​I am from Cape May County; I grew up in Ocean City and attended Ocean City High School. I went to Bryn Mawr College for my undergraduate degree and then attended Rutgers School of Law - Camden.

​

Did you always know you wanted to be a lawyer?

​

​​Junior year in college, I was home for the summer and wanted to find a summer job that I could ride my bike to (who wouldn’t want to ride their bike to work in a shore town!) I found an internship with Richard Russell, who practices family law and is the Ocean City Municipal Court Judge.

​

How did you decide that you wanted to a lawyer?

​

​​​It was really through my internship with Richard Russell, who was a great mentor to me. I got to see the inter-workings of how a law practice works and observe in the courtroom. It was in the municipal courtroom that I saw criminal law and decided that was what I wanted to do.    ​

​

What do you like most about the practice of law?

​

​I really like that everyday is a unique challenge.

​

What do you find most challenging about the practice of law?

​

It is very much a balancing act. As an assistant prosecutor in the Gangs, Guns & Narcotics Unit, I always have to balance the needs of public safety, victims, my adversary and court staff to do what is just.

Who was the most important mentor in your personal and professional life?

​

I have three important legal mentors. The first being Richard Russell. The second being Ret. Judge Dennis Braithwaite, who was my professor at Rutgers School of Law - Camden. The third is Ret. Judge Michael Donio, who I clerked for in the Criminal Division after law school. All three of these men taught me the importance of professionalism and to always be courteous and prepared. In my personal life, my mentor is my Mom.  She taught me the importance of being kind and helpful to everyone, because you never know the challenges someone else is going though.

​

Do you recall any challenges you faced as a young attorney?

​

As a young attorney, and still to this day, it is challenging learning on the job. The way to face this challenge is to find good mentors and ask for help.

If you could give young attorneys one piece of advice, what would it be?

​

My advice would be to find good mentors and follow their lead. Meet them at Inn of Court meetings, Bar Association events, and watch them in court. Continue to cultivate those professional relationships.

How do you spend your free time?

​

I spend most of my free time with friends and family. I am on a masters crew team, called Under the Bridge Rowing Club. I enjoy cooking and baking because I come from a family of bakers. I’m also a mosaic crafter and I create glass and tile artwork. I enjoy surfing and stand up paddle boarding. Living in South Jersey, I like to spend time outdoors and take advantage of living so close to the beach.

What is your dream job?

​

“I have it, I’m really living a dream working at the prosecutor’s office.”

Where do you see yourselves in 10, 20 years? What goals or aspirations do you have? Or bucket list items?

​

I see myself continuing to work at the prosecutor’s office and making a positive impact on my community. I also want to continue to travel, enjoy my hobbies, and spend time with friends and family. 

 

​