I live in Lewiston with my husband Steve and our dog Penny.  My favorite activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, fishing (at our camp on Monson Pond), reading, cycling, and spending quality time with my grandchildren. 

I was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, where I graduated from high school with honors and from Western Iowa Tech with an Associates’ Degree. I have lived in Maine since 1977, and initially worked for attorneys who practiced in the areas of family and real estate law. I also worked at the Lewiston District Court and assisted with the Child Protective caseload.  

My calling, though, was in the area of Social Security Disability law. I worked for Attorney Michael Bell as his paralegal since 1987. I assisted him with medical and legal research, conducting intake assessments, performing case analysis, and drafting pre-hearing briefs. I also assisted him with Appeals Council appeals, and Federal Court briefs.  Attorney Bell retired on October 31, 2018; his clients at that time were confident of my experience and skill level and chose to have their claims remain with me.

My experience includes being a faculty panel member at a seminar on Social Security Disability sponsored by the Maine State Bar Association in 1992.  I have regularly attended conferences sponsored by NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives) since 2004 in order to stay up-to-date on current issues involving Social Security Disability law. Although I have worked in this field since 1987, the conferences allow me to keep me current regarding the ever-changing rules and regulations, continue my learning process, and network with others in the field from all over the country.  I feel extremely confident of my ability to represent individuals who need assistance with their disability claims.  I am a current member of both NOSSCR and NADR (National Association of Disability Representatives).

I am a huge believer in giving back to the community. I was a past volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters and was awarded School Mentor of the Year in 2001. I was a local hospice volunteer for 12 years. My dog, Daisy, was a licensed therapy dog and enjoyed visiting the residents at local nursing homes and the Auburn Hospice House until her passing in September 2018. One of my future goals is to share my path in becoming an entrepreneur with young women.