I was born and raised in Sussex County, New Jersey, where my family owned and operated a well-known hardware store for over 40 years. I attended Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1988.  While attending Rutgers, I worked as a pharmacy technician in a large teaching hospital where I first learned medical terminology and the art of reading medical records – which helps me to pinpoint objective evidence of my clients’ medical impairments to support their disability claims. During my college years, I also volunteered for an agency that provided education and counseling services to individuals with substance use disorders.

I graduated from Seton Hall University Law School and passed the New Jersey Bar in 1996. I am also admitted to practice before the NJ Federal District Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. I am qualified to represent Social Security Disability and SSI claimants throughout the U.S.

Before opening my own law office in which I limit my practice to assisting Social Security Disability and SSI claimants, I gained a broad range of legal experience in a variety of settings.

I co-authored a legal practice manual, Mental Disorders in Social Security Disability Practice, available from James Publishing Inc., which establishes my knowledge and experience in, and passion for representing those with mental health disorders.  I also present legal seminars for Social Security Disability representatives nationally.

I was appointed by the NJ Supreme Court as a volunteer member of the Character Committee, which assesses NJ Bar candidates’ fitness for admission to the Bar.

I serve my community as a volunteer member of the Sussex County Mental Health Board, whose mission is to promote access to and availability of efficient, adequate, integrated health care services for adults with serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders and for children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and mental health disorders.

I am a sustaining member of NOSSCR (National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives) and a member of NADR (National Association of Disability Representatives). I am also a member of the New Jersey Bar Association, and the Sussex County Bar Association.

I live in Sparta, New Jersey with my husband, John, and our Senegal parrot, Miles. In my downtime, I enjoy listening to music, observing wildlife, and making art out of found objects.