I was born February 22, 1962 in St. Louis, Missouri. I graduated from Pattonville High School in St. Louis County in 1980, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1986, a Masters Degree in Social Work from Washington University in 1988, and a Juris Doctorate Degree from Washington University School of Law in 1996.
My parents were both musicians, so I was encouraged from a young age to play the piano. As a young adult I was a keyboardist in a small contemporary jazz group which performed in various venues in and around St. Louis and I studied jazz piano at Webster University. Later, I worked as a social worker where I gained experience and training that I credit for my organizational, listening and problem solving techniques that serve my legal practice well. I make personal service and open and frequent communication with clients indispensable components of my law practice.
After law school, I worked as an assistant public defender with the Missouri State Public Defender's System from 1996 to 1998, serving primarily the Camden County area. I joined the Camdenton, Missouri law firm of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter & Welch, P.C. as an Associate in March of 1998 and became a shareholder of the firm in the year 2000. I have been a member of the Missouri Bar Association since 1996 and I am also a member of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the 26th Judicial Bench and Bar Association.
I practice in the areas of criminal defense, family law and general civil litigation. My criminal defense practice consists of pre-charge investigation representation, driving while intoxicated, boating while intoxicated, stealing, bad checks, robbery, burglary, assault, sex offenses, possession, manufacturing and sale of illegal drugs, illegal possession of prescription drugs, driving while license is suspended or revoked, child support and traffic citation representation. My family law practice includes divorce, custody, child support, paternity, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements and property settlements. My general civil practice includes personal injury, boat dock and property line disputes, probate administration and estate planning, real estate transactions, contracts and business formations.
My husband "Bob" and I have two growing sons. In addition to raising our sons, Bob and I enjoy bird hunting with our German Short Hair Pointer "Lady" and deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. My hobbies include gardening, listening to books on tape, scrap booking and attending Newcomers/Longtimers Club events.
