About Us
Our Core Values
FAMILY FIRST: With our family at the center, we hope to serve your family for generations.
COMMUNITY: Southern Ohio matters. Big things are possible here.
COLLABORATION: We get further together. A rising tide lifts all ships.
TRUST: Clear communication, quality work, a fair price. You can count on us.
My Story
I have 23 years experience in the workforce, fourteen years in the legal field and nine years as a social worker. My work experience is unique and each opportunity has allowed me to grow my skill set and led me to exactly where I am today-experienced, well-rounded and here to serve you.
After graduating from Muskingum College, I spent my twenties at Pike County Children’s Services, Waverly City Schools and Western Local Schools. Serving the citizens of Pike County has always been close to my heart but law school was a dream unfulfilled. When the opportunity presented itself, I headed north to attend Capital University Law School with a toddler in tow.
During law school, I had the opportunity to pioneer an externship program at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and my hard work there parlayed into a position with the firm Schottenstein Zox and Dunn now known as Ice Miller. To keep things interesting, I married the love of life and my second son arrived just six weeks before the bar exam! After passing the bar, I went back to Ice Miller doing primarily government affairs, regulatory work and gaming law.
Balancing family and big firm life was a challenge. Eventually I was able to transition into a more family friendly role as Division Counsel for Business Services at Ohio Department of Development. Providing legal services to support businesses throughout Ohio was a privilege that I enjoyed very much.
While working at Development, my paths crossed with the dynamic Cara Dingus Brook. Her passion for Southern Ohio drew me like a moth to a flame. I quickly found myself working for her at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. I spent several very special years traveling the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio working with change makers in a variety of capacities-charitable gift planning, managing local county committees, fundraising, outreach, grantmaking and legal work. I couldn’t be more proud of the work that FAO does.
As much as I loved FAO, I missed practicing law in the traditional sense and got the chance to transition back into private practice right here in Waverly. It was wonderful to be back home serving a community that I love.
During the last year, life threw some major obstacles my way. Each requiring that I start looking at life in entirely new ways. I needed control of my schedule and work life especially while everything else felt out of my control. Family had to come first. Health had to become top priority. What started as an idea of “what if" quickly grew into a business plan. In a matter of days, things came together that often take months. They say it takes a village, and this village has indeed rallied around me. I could not be more thankful for that. I look forward to serving this community for decades to come.
My Experience
2020-2021 Attorney, Seif & McNamee Waverly, OH
Overview. Provided legal services in our Waverly office including estate planning, estate administration, collections, real estate, business transactions and other legal needs. Provided solicitor services for the Village of Waverly and the Village of Piketon.
2014-2020 Vice President, Local Impact and General Counsel, FAO Nelsonville, OH
Overview. Provided general legal counsel to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Led fundraising and outreach efforts throughout Southern Ohio and our 32 county service area. Managed a large portfolio of relationships with donors, potential donors and community leaders. Collaborated with local county committees and local nonprofits to expand philanthropy including outreach strategies, and fundraising efforts and events unique to their mission.
2012-2014 Division Counsel, Business Services, Ohio Department of Development Columbus, OH
Overview. Provided general legal services for the Ohio Development Services Agency. Developed related to numerous tax credit programs and economic development incentives. Drafted administrative rules, proposed legislative changes, drafted and reviewed incentive agreements, settlement agreements and conducted subsequent contract negotiations. Collaborated with the Business Services Division leadership and JobsOhio project team in order to assess, identify and address potential issues prior to offer and approvals of economic development incentives. Served as counsel for the Ohio Tax Credit Authority meetings.
2009-2012 Legal Intern & Attorney, Ice Miller (formerly Schottenstein Zox & Dunn) Columbus, OH
Overview. Worked in various areas of the law including administrative law, gaming, horse racing, liquor, contracts, election law, local government issues, zoning, economic development, drafting and legislation with primary focus on regulatory issues, compliance and gaming law. Worked closely with our government affairs team and coordinated petition management for statewide ballot initiative.
2008-2009 Public Policy and Government Affairs Intern, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Columbus, OH
Overview. Monitored legislative activity on bills of interest to MORPC and its members. Performed policy and legal research on various topics including energy, land use, environment, housing, transportation, prevailing wage and local government reform. Provided analysis of current federal and state legislation and administrative rulings.
2000-2007 Family Support Specialist, Ross Pike ESC Chillicothe, OH
Overview. Served as a liaison between school district, families, courts and various community service agencies. Coordinated wrap around services for at-risk youth. Provided program referrals to meet family’s needs and worked with families to remain in compliance with each program’s guidelines. Worked one-on-one with students and families to address barriers to success.
1999-2000 Ongoing Caseworker, Pike County Children’s Services Waverly, OH
Overview. Prepared for and participated in court proceedings. Developed and monitored case plans for each family. Served as a mediator in temporary and permanent custody situations. Coordinated community resources, visitation schedules and foster parent networks.
Education
2007-2010 Juris Doctor, Government Affairs Concentration Capital University
Accomplishments: Dean’s List. CALI award of Excellence in Negotiations. Admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2010.
1996-1998 Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Muskingum College
Accomplishments: Received my Bachelor of Arts degree at age twenty. Member of Chi Alpha Nu sorority.
1994-1996 Ohio University
1995-1996 River View High School Coshocton, OH
1992-1995 Western High School Latham,OH