I have been focused on criminal law since 1997. For several years, I worked as a public defender in Missouri where I had a special assignment to juvenile court. I am licensed in Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. In 1986, I graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy and spent eight years of commissioned service afloat and ashore. Interestingly enough, I went to law school at night while guarding our coasts by day.Eventually, I settled back home in Kansas City and found my calling working for the Missouri Public Defender’s Office in Clay County where I was honored to be a part of the committee that created the Clay County Drug Court and Veterans Court. I'm also a big believer in restorative justice and the possibility of redemption. I strongly advocate the mission of the area drug courts, mental health courts, and family drug courts.