As a child, I attended grade school and middle school in Yamhill, Oregon, and graduated from Yamhill-Carlton High School in 2004. I started my family a few years after graduating and later commuted from McMinnville to Portland State University where I majored in Communications and took great interest in learning Russian. When I found out I had received a substantial scholarship to attend Willamette University, College of Law I was in disbelief. While at Willamette, I focused on dispute resolution and I received a certificate upon graduation for my efforts. Additionally, in my final year, the Willamette Moot Court Board granted me the award of Best Trialist. You might have seen me around the community; I put myself through college as a waitress working at many local restaurants. I have coached many youth soccer, basketball and volleyball teams, mostly with McMinnville Parks & Rec. and I have volunteered my time at the Salvation Army food bank. I love keeping busy almost as much as I love my community. Having spent almost a decade as a single mom of two children, I understand from a very personal level the stresses that can go with that experience. The struggle to financially support your family, the effort to successfully co-parent, the sleepless nights wondering if you are "doing it right" and the fear that despite your best efforts, it won’t be enough. This is why I decided to focus my practice on family law. I understand that each family is unique and can take many different forms and I understand that every relationship looks different from one to the next. I remember how difficult divorces and custody battles are to navigate and I know how much children can benefit from a positive co-parenting relationship. I look forward to using those very personal experiences to guide others through the maze that can be our legal system.​