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     I am a mother of three boys and wife. For the past 13 years, I have had the privilege of serving my community as a prosecutor, wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding families and holding career criminals accountable for their actions. 

     I knew I wanted to become a lawyer when I was in the 6th grade. I also was keenly aware that my family could not afford to send me to college. Through determination and hard work, I earned a scholarship to Carthage College. By day I went to class and played on the softball team, and at night I washed our college’s sports uniforms to pay my way through school. 

     After obtaining a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Business Administration, I enrolled in Northern Illinois University College of Law. I worked multiple jobs to pay my way through law school by waitressing and bartending. Upon graduation from law school, I began my legal career at an established Joliet private practice firm, but I felt a calling to go into full-time public service. I accepted a position with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. Over the past 15 years, I’ve handled nearly every area of law in local courthouses, from domestic violence, child support enforcement, organized crime, felony prosecution, civil litigation, and beyond.

     I have always had a special place in my heart for protecting the most vulnerable among us, especially children, and assisting those who are working hard to make a living and support their families. It is deeply personal for me because I have been in challenging times myself and faced financial difficulties, as well as family distress. I understand how important a helping hand can be in times of need. It is this desire to improve other’s lives that drives me in my career and personal life. It is why I founded the charity, Blessings Bandits, because our community can always use random acts of kindness and support. I am also honored to serve as a child programming director/volunteer with Love Moves.Us, a foster and adoptive family support organization.

     I have devoted countless hours to delving deep into the intricacies of trauma responses because I believe addressing childhood trauma is the most potent catalyst for improving our society. It is an unfortunate reality that within our justice system, the responses of children and victims of trauma are often gravely misunderstood. What may seem like irrational or illogical behavior are ofttimes merely a trauma response, an inherent survival method. An informed comprehension of trauma empowers us to shield and support our children and victims but also equips us to hold offenders accountable in a just and effective manner. 

     As a part of my commitment to this goal, I facilitate trauma response initiatives for law enforcement agencies and attorneys. I will continue to be a vocal supporter for training on awareness of and tools for navigating complexities of trauma.

     I love serving Will County. I thought I would serve in the Will County State’s Attorney until retirement. After all, protecting the community is my primary objective. However, due to the changes I have seen recently, I realized I have to do more because I refuse to give up on Will County. My family has set roots in this community, so I am ready to fight to keep it safe for my family and yours.

     As your future judge, I will help set the tone in the legal community to prioritize justice, personal responsibility, and respect for all people. I will fearlessly delve into the heart of every matter, safeguarding the integrity of our laws and championing the rights of the most vulnerable among us. My unwavering commitment will ensure that every voice is heard, every individual is accorded the utmost respect, and justice is relentlessly pursued for all, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or gender.

     Politicians have made it easier to commit crimes and harder to prosecute them. They hampered law enforcement’s ability to protect its citizens. I see criminals being emboldened like never before, all while our neighborhoods became less safe, our small business are hurt, and addiction and overdose rates skyrocket. I’m not a politician, and I strongly believe that politics have no place in the courtroom. Our county cannot afford to have the justice system politicized. I simply focus on doing what is right. Since childhood, I have always seen a stark contrast between right and wrong. As judge, I will maintain a focus on justice for all.

     I’ll prioritize efficient justice and speedy trials, as most cases should not entangle their participants for years. Victims, offenders, litigants, and families deserve swift justice, so they are not forced to spend valuable time in court instead of being productive citizens and family members. One of the first steps that can be taken to alleviate the congested court calls for Will County taxpayers is to move cases along more quickly. 

     I am asking for your valuable vote for the position Will County Circuit Court Judge. Our community deserves judges who are unwaveringly dedicated to principles of equal and efficient justice. Together, we can forge a path towards safer Will County communities by ensuring justice is swift, responsive, and tailored to the needs of all our residents.