Whenever someone asks me where I am from, I respond that I grew up in southeastern North Carolina on dirt road. Folks from the nearby town, Whiteville, which isn’t much bigger, used to say they had to pipe the sunshine into where I lived.

By growing up in a small rural township with economic hardships, I learned so many lessons about the power of community working together to lift one another up—particularly in times of need. In my professional experience, I find that people often seek out a lawyer when they are experiencing some form of suffering and searching for a solution. I believe compassion is the necessary foundation an attorney needs in order to become part of the solution. The power of compassion is a guiding principle in my life and has led me to my professional journey today.

After attending Wake Forest University and earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, I decided to attend law school after shadowing my uncle in his law firm for several summers. He had a thriving Social Security Disability practice which I admired and felt comfortable working in that area of the law. Although I had originally intended to work as a District Attorney, I discovered that was not my path. Instead, I accepted the challenge of leading a growing firm’s Social Security Disability practice where I remained at the helm for over 17 years. I feel privileged to have been able to help so many people navigate a very complex appeal process and secure the benefits they had earned.

Now, I am answering a call to continue helping people navigate other difficult and complex areas of the law known as Elder Law. I believe my knowledge, skills, values, and experiences will enable me to help seniors and their families find solutions for some of the most difficult times of life.

When not working, I enjoy exploring our beautiful state and taking photographs of nature and family. I also enjoy singing with my church choir, playing my trumpet and hanging out with my daughter, Ella, and our dog, Tilly.