Our community deserves a judge who is firm but fair.
That means knowing when to draw a hard line—and when to offer a lifeline. It means recognizing the difference between a mistake and a harmful pattern. It means holding people accountable while still believing in redemption.

That’s exactly the kind of judge I aim to be.

As someone who has spent years representing children in court, I’ve seen the best and the worst of what families can go through. I’ve also seen how a well-timed intervention—or a strong, steady presence—can change the course of a life. I believe that’s the role of a Family Court judge: to uphold the law with consistency, lead with conviction, and never forget the human lives behind every file folder.

A Childhood That Shaped My Calling

I wasn’t born into privilege. I was born in the summer of 1973 to two eighteen-year-olds who were very much in love but still figuring out how to raise a family. We moved often. My family leaned on public assistance, community programs, and my grandparents whenever possible.
By the time I was nine, I was often left alone or in the care of others while my parents worked long shifts. Some of those caregivers were kind. Some were not. I learned early how to look like I was okay—even when I wasn’t. And I learned how much it matters when just one adult takes the time to really see a child—and chooses to stay in their corner.

That’s the experience that led me to become a lawyer.

From the Gym Floor to the Courtroom

As a teenager, I found stability through sports. I worked hard, stayed focused, and used athletics to carve out a sense of identity. I went on to coach 13 youth basketball seasons and even spent time as a church league T-ball umpire. That job—teaching kids the basics while keeping them safe on the field—was my first real taste of what it means to lead with fairness and firmness. I made tough calls, stood by them, and always tried to do right by the kids in my care.

After high school, I attended the University of Arkansas and continued working with youth—at the Boys and Girls Club, with Girl Scout camps, and through my church. No matter where I was, I always seemed to find myself in roles where kids needed structure, guidance, and someone they could trust.

Eventually, that path led me to become an Attorney Ad Litem—a court-appointed lawyer representing the best interests of children. For years, I’ve stood beside kids in some of the most difficult moments of their lives—children caught in custody battles, living in foster care, or facing neglect and instability at home.
I don’t flinch when things are hard. I listen. I advocate. And I never forget what it’s like to be the child waiting for someone to show up and do the right thing.

Why I’m Running for Circuit Judge – Division Four

Our courtrooms are full of families who are struggling—some with addiction, some with instability, some who just need clear expectations and follow-through. And they need a judge who will bring both compassion and accountability to the bench.

I believe in:

• Personal responsibility

• The sanctity of family

• The dignity of every child

• The importance of faith, second chances, and doing what’s right—even when it’s not easy. Not every family situation can or should be “fixed.”

 
Sometimes what a child needs most is for the adults around them to face real consequences. Other times, they need those same adults to be given one more chance—but only when that chance is earned.
I’ve spent my career in this balance. And I’m ready to serve with wisdom, strength, and a steady hand.

A Message to Grandparents and Families
If you’re like many of the women I talk to—especially those in their 60s and 70s—you’ve seen the world change in ways that are hard to reconcile. You’ve raised your children, and now you’re watching your grandchildren grow up in a time filled with confusion, broken homes, and too many headlines about drugs and violence.

I believe you want someone on the bench who understands those struggles—but who won’t excuse them. Someone who believes in rules and boundaries, but also in second chances when they’re warranted. Someone who remembers that accountability is an act of love, especially when children’s lives are at stake.
That’s the kind of judge I will be.

I’m not running for a title. I’m running because I believe the next generation is watching—and they deserve a court that gets it right.