I’ve spent my entire career in service roles—whether scooping ice cream, leading a fast-paced restaurant team, or running my own small business, I’ve always thrived when helping others. That instinct to serve eventually led me to the legal field, though not in the most conventional way. When a friend told me a local attorney was looking for a legal assistant, I hesitated. His “office” was a barn with a folding table piled with paper, and I knew nothing about the law. But I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge.

That leap of faith turned into a career—and a home—I’ve loved for over 20 years. I started in our Ithaca office, quickly fell in love with Stokes Wagner’s client-centered approach, and worked my way from legal assistant to paralegal to Director of Litigation Services. Along the way, I supported attorneys at trial, handled high-stakes litigation, and helped shape the way we deliver service to our clients.

Today, I serve as Executive Director of Operations. In this role, I focus on the firm as a whole—our people, our systems, our growth, and the culture that ties it all together. I quite literally grew up here, and that perspective matters. I understand where we started, what we’ve built, and what it takes to move forward without losing what makes us who we are.

While operations, strategy, and structure are central to my work, people remain at the heart of it. I’m deeply committed to fostering a culture where our team feels supported, challenged, and valued. Strong systems create stability—but strong relationships create staying power. Protecting and strengthening both is a responsibility I take seriously.

Outside of work, my greatest joy is my family, including my three grandsons, who keep life dynamic and perspective sharp. They remind me daily that what we build should last—and that how we build it matters just as much.

As Stokes Wagner continues to grow, I’m proud to help lead a firm grounded in integrity, service, and community—while positioning us thoughtfully for the future.