WHY DID YOU BECOME A PROSECUTOR?

I became a prosecutor because I wanted to work with police and victims in our community. I felt like I could make a difference in helping victims navigate the criminal justice system. I spent many years specializing in sexual and physical assaults of children. 

 

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK?

I believe the most rewarding part of my work is when I or my staff can see that our efforts have made a difference. For victims, when we have been able to stand up for them and hold a defendant accountable for his or her actions. It is also rewarding when I cross paths with defendants later and discover they have become productive members of the community.

 

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR WORK?

The most difficult part of our job is working with victims and witnesses when they are dealing with trauma. We unfortunately, see people when they are dealing with some of the most troubling and stressful issues they will ever face.

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WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU AND THE WORK YOU DO?

I personally believe, and I instill in my staff, that our goal is to seek justice. We realize that the decisions we make have a tremendous effect on people’s lives. We do not always seek the maximum penalty. We try to make sound decisions based on all the facts of each case. We do our best to protect the community. We respond on site to fatal traffic crashes, homicides and many other incidents to assist the police in putting together cases that can be successfully prosecuted.

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WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE COMMUNITY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM?

I would like the community to better understand the impact of Sentencing Guidelines and the limitations they exert on what we can recommend for the outcome in a criminal case.

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DO YOU HAVE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES IN WHICH YOU PARTICIPATE?

I am on the board of directors of the Children’s Advocacy Center. I am the Board Chair of the Rogue Valley YMCA. I participate in many non-profits in our community. I am a member of the Public Safety Coordinating Council in Jackson County. I have also felt it important to be involved in statewide organizations. I am on the Oregon District Attorneys Association Board. I also serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Public Safety.

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DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING HOBBIES, SKILLS OR TALENTS?

I have a variety of hobbies from pottery to antiquing. I also enjoy gardening and working in my yard. When time allows, I love the opportunity to travel with my husband..

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WHAT WORK OF YOUR OFFICE MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD?

They work hard for the citizens of Jackson County. They have very stressful jobs at times. They are also very involved in the community, through coaching, non-profits and volunteering. As an office we have competed in the Dancing with the ARC stars raising money for this organization.

Diversion Programs and/or Alternative Sentencing Programs and community engagement programs.  
 

As an office we were/are instrumental in the creation of or participate in the following programs:

 

• Mental Health Court.

• 416 downward departure program in cooperation with Community Justice.

• Adult Recovery Opportunity Court

• Community Family Court

• Family Sentencing Alternative Program

• Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program

• Participate in the Jackson County Sheriffs Citizen Academy

• Participate in the Medford Police Department Latino Citizen Academy

• Participate in the Neighborhood Livability Project

• Participate in Southern Oregon Financial Fraud and Securities Team

We are a pilot county for Grand Jury recording