Candidate for
Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 4

I currently represent Hamilton County's Fourth Judicial District. I was elected in November 2011 in a landslide victory in which I carried 77 of 86 precincts and took over 60 percent of the vote.

The Cincinnati Enquirer named me as one of the "Women to Watch in 2012," and noted that with my election I became the "youngest of the 14 Hamilton County Municipal Court judges, achieving a growing respect as a courthouse leader and political force."

Throughout my career, I have shown a commitment to public safety. Prior to joining the bench, I was a senior member of the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office. I successfully tried over 50 common pleas jury trials.

As a prosecutor, I was a courtroom pioneer in prosecuting child predators. In a past case, I persuaded the court to allow closed circuit television for the live testimony of a child victim. This allowed the child to testify in a separate room so as not to be intimidated by his offender, while at the same time protecting the defendant's constitutional rights. The jury voted to convict due to the child's testimony.

It is this type of innovative thinking that was rewarded by the Hope in Heels Organization, a group that recognizes those who advocate for victims of crime. I was the recipient of the Peggy Caldwell Award for my professionalism, creativity, and determination in working with victims of violent crime in 2009.

Prior to joining the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office, I was a Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. I diligently prosecuted those who violated the obscenity laws, while also protecting free speech. I successfully negotiated the closure of a business that sold pornography and obscene materials. I also prosecuted the largest child pornography case in Butler County history, as of 2003.

I was born and raised in the coal country of western Pennsylvania. I am the youngest of eight children, and earned my bachelor of arts degree from Kent State University in 1995 before going on to earn my law degree from the University of Cincinnati's College of Law in 2000.

I frequently lecture at schools and civic groups. I have supported the Cincinnati Living Hope, an organization that provides transitional housing for homeless women and their children. I am a member of St. Mary Church in Hyde Park. I reside in Cincinnati with my husband and son.