I am very fortunate to have had a very solid foundation and great role models. My parents, Paula and Mick, raised me in a small town in East Tennessee. From a young age they instilled a strong moral compass and the value of hard work. They exemplified doing things the “right way” for the betterment of not just oneself but also for those around them. My grandfather was an even bolder example of being a self-made pillar of the community, growing up during the Great Depression he was determined to do what was right for his family and his community as a small business owner. My family imparted these same principles in me throughout my school years, where I focused on academics, leadership roles, sports, and volunteering with organizations to help those less fortunate in our community.

 

After studying business in college, I realized my passion and purpose in life was to help people by being an attorney. I interned with a judge before law school and saw firsthand the impact one can make in their community. I took a leap of faith and began studying law in Florida in 2012. I fell in love with the people and knew I wanted to focus my practice of law on helping the Pasco and Pinellas communities. After graduating from the Florida Coastal School of Law, I joined the Sixth Circuit State Attorney’s Office in Clearwater as an Assistant State Attorney. My dedication to maintaining the integrity and fairness of our justice system and my love for this community fuel me every day.

 

Currently, I am assigned to the Special Victims Unit. We handle cases ranging from child sexual exploitation/molestation, aggravated child abuse, homicides involving children victims, and human trafficking. I have served as a Pinellas County Assistant State Attorney for over eight (8) years in various departments. I have also been a member of the Traffic Homicide Unit, which responds to and prosecutes cases such as DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or leaving the scene with death. I have personally tried more than 65 jury and bench trials and handle the civil commitment of Sexually Violent Predators under the Jimmy Ryce Act. The intense work we do on a daily basis matters.

 

On a personal note, I married my college sweetheart, Tyler, and we have an amazing three (3) year-old son Deacon. Tyler is a dedicated engineer who currently works on a job associated with Tampa International Airport. On weekends, we both enjoy spending time playing with Deacon at parks, going on our Saturday morning walks in our neighborhood, and attending church. We hope to instill the same values in our son that my family has exhibited through the generations.

 

Although my job at the Criminal Justice Complex is demanding, I am blessed to have unwavering support in my personal life so that I can “show up” daily for the victims I represent. I approach each day with compassion and a humble heart, knowing that not everyone is as fortunate. These struggles and concerns play a role in our courts, and my experience, persistence, perserverance and perspective have prepared me to serve as the next Pasco-Pinellas Circuit Court Judge. My dedication to our community is steadfast, and I would be honored to earn your support.