Tomi graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor of science degree with Honor in psychology and minors in sociology and political science. She then attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law for law school. After graduating from law school, Tomi obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology.

Tomi began her work in family law while still in law school. She clerked for two domestic relations judges in the 18th judicial district and worked for a summer at Truhlar and Truhlar, LLP. Tomi also worked as a student Guardian ad Litem at the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center representing the best interests of abused and neglected children.

After law school Tomi started her own private practice and worked for over four years as a Guardian ad Litem representing the best interest of abused and neglected children in dependency and neglect and delinquency cases. During this time, Tomi gained valuable experience working with families and children to advocate for the best interest of children in a variety of capacities including special education issues, medically fragile children, and a wide range of complex family dynamics including domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues.

Tomi then worked for about four more years as an Assistant County Attorney. In this position she handled cases involving dependency and neglect, adoptions, delinquency, child support enforcement, adult protection, and claims and collections of fraudulently obtained benefits. Many of these cases were high conflict and Tomi gained conflict resolution skills in this role through settlement conferences, mediations, and court facilitations as well as continuing to improve her litigation skills.

While working on her Master’s Degree, Tomi learned many useful skills such as administering psychological, cognitive, and personality testing, report and evaluation writing, and building therapeutic relationships with clients. She worked as a therapist with a psychologist that specialized in developmentally delayed and traumatic brain injured patients and also as an advocate for people with disabilities. She has experience working with experts in attachment and bonding, child development, and mental health. All of these experiences and skills give Tomi added insight and perspective when handling family law cases.

Tomi enjoys hiking, running, yoga, camping, reading, and traveling. She also likes listening to and playing music and attending concerts. Tomi is a former competitive figure skater who still enjoys ice skating and watching hockey.