About Me
Mom
I am the mother to two beautiful daughters. Becoming a mother was transformative. It has taught me a level of love and patience that I wasn't sure I had in me. With love, however, comes the reality that being a mother is hard work, in the best of circumstances. It is even more difficult when your child has complex medical issues. But my daughter's medical needs bring out the best in me: persistence, grit, compassion, and love. Lots and lots of unconditional, unwavering, unstoppable love.
Advocate
I'm fortunate in that my career requires me to write, advocate, and argue. For the last ten years, I have practiced in state and federal courts in Arizona, including the Arizona Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. For the last four years I have also been involved with the Arizona Women Lawyer's Association, including, among other things, re-starting the Mother's Forum section of the group.
Momvocate
In late 2020, I was appointed by the Governor to the Arizona Developmental Disability Advisory Council ("DDAC"). The DDAC provides policy direction and oversight for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities. In addition, I've participated in a number of clinical trials to advance science. This includes, most recently, both processes to improve genetic testing and participating in Phase III of a COVID vaccine trial. The DDAC is also moving forward with a targeted campaign to get the State of Arizona and county health departments to vaccinate people who have severe disabilities or their caretakers. Updates on that effort to come soon!