I grew up in Belleville where I attended Signal Hill Grade School; then I moved to Chesterfield, MO and attended Parkway West High School . After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I began work as a retail manager for 2 years. Deciding to further my education in an area where I could assist people, I went to law school at St. Louis University School of Law. In the more than 20 years as a solo practitioner, my office has aided many people with their legal problems.

I have been a member of the Illinois Bar Association since I began practicing law; and have been volunteering my professional time to Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance for pro bono family law work for the last 7 years and recently asked to assist the Belleville Area Right to Life organization. In addition, I currently serve as an arbitrator with the St. Clair County Arbitration Center to effectively evaluate legal issues raised by both parties and decide a fair resolution and award. From 1997 to 2001, I was employed to defend indigent people accused of Federal crimes under the Criminal Justice Act.

My personal life has included involvement in Boy Scouts as the Cubmaster of Pack 11 and Committee Chairman for Troop 11; I have been in leadership positions at my church, and Grand Knight, and founding member, of Cathedral of St. Peter Knights of Columbus Council #15746.

I am also a trained Intervenor in the Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP) which assists lawyers who have alcohol and drug abuse, or mental health problems in St. Clair County, IL.