I was born in Hartford, Connecticut, lived in Indiana, Virginia and Texas and happily became a North Carolina resident in 1988. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Roanoke College in 1975. In 1994, I obtained my juris doctorate degree from the North Carolina Central University evening law program, after working as a paralegal and federal court clerk during the day while attending law school at night. I have been practicing in the area of public benefits and Social Security law since 1996.

I am a former staff attorney and public benefits attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina and have practiced exclusively in the area of Social Security disability for the past 11 years. I am a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and North Carolina Advocates for Justice and I am admitted to practice in the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of the United States District Court.

My husband Dave and I are enthusiastic gardeners who enjoy travel, the performing arts and keeping up with our collection of cats.