About Me

Legal Career

In 1990, as an assistant district attorney, I was chosen to lead the Child Protection Team in the office of District Attorney Ronnie Earle. Previously, I prosecuted numerous felony child abuse and family violence cases. I also served in the juvenile division handling serious and violent offenses with complex legal and family issues.

In 2003, Judge Meurer encouraged me to apply for an Associate Judge position. I was chosen from 60 applicants and for the last four years have served as an Associate Judge, presiding over all family law matters, including hundreds of family violence and child abuse and neglect cases.

My experience in family law is extensive, but this court decides not only family matters but also complex civil and business matters. As an attorney for 20 years, I have litigated hundreds of cases and was lead counsel in over 30 civil and criminal jury trials. As an experienced trial lawyer, I understand the complexities of trying a case and the important role of the trial judge in this process.

In a recent judicial evaluation poll, which also included my opponent, I was rated the top Associate Judge in Travis County. Additionally, I was rated third in overall performance out of 18 countywide civil judges.

To read more about my accomplishments, please click here.

Thank you for your consideration and support. I respectfully ask for your vote on March 4, 2008.

Personal History

I was born in Reno, Nevada, in 1959, to a career military family. As a child, I moved all over the country, finally coming to Texas in 1979, and Austin in 1985.

I have a younger brother and sister living in East Texas. My father, now retired, lives in San Anotnio.

For the past decade, my inspiration has been my son, Nicholas. His birth mother asked me to adopt him so he would not go into foster care. Adopting him was the best and the hardest thing I have ever done.