Our Group

Why did you choose to work in Family Law?
Family Law chose me. I started as an office runner and did the court filings. I
was promoted up to uncontested divorce and bankruptcy legal assistant. After I had
my son, I wanted to get my degree and as I was already in the law field, I chose to go to night school and obtain my Associates in Paralegal Sciences. As my job turned into a career, it became apparent to me, family law is where I felt most comfortable. As my career grew, so did my drive to be the best paralegal. Family law cases are fraught with mixed emotions from our clients, and those emotions
change daily, if not hourly. It is a choppy sea and I enjoy helping our clients navigate it, whether it be the calm before the storm, the hurricane, or the peace after.

What is your greatest fulfillment in working in family law?
There has not been a single greatest fulfillment in my career, but rather many small ones. When the time I expend on a case, assisting the attorney for the betterment of our client, that is a fulling moment every time. I enjoy the research aspect of contested cases as to financial matters and delving into what the opposing party may be hiding or trying to get away with.It is a very personal fulfillment as I find the most rewarding aspect of any action, I do is just knowing I helped someone who needed it.

How do you get away from stress and separate your work from your home life?
There are days when my work and home life collide whether I like it or not. I am always eight plates on two hands. To help me balance this, I have established a space in my home that is strictly for work purposes. This allows me to “close the door” on my work or home events. I leave affirmations all over the house and in the car. I repeat them in moments of heavy stress. I remind myself to get up and take a walk or a short drive. I sing out loud my favorite songs. I come home and turn on some music and just dance like no one is watching. It helps free up the tension in my brain and body.

Who is your hero?
I have a fondness for teachers. I grew up with the most amazing and supportive
teachers. They don’t know it, but they helped me as I went through very tough times. The most steadfast teacher I admire is Anne Sullivan. Her patience teaching Helen Keller how to “speak” and “see” despite having lost her hearing at the age of 19 months. Sullivan’s dedication to Keller went beyond her calling. She never lost hope or gave up. She treated Keller not only as a student, but a daughter and then a friend.

What is your favorite quote?
I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.
-Agatha Christie

What do you do in your spare time?
I read mysteries, thrillers, and some fantasy. I love to cook and bake. I love movies of all kinds, even the really bad ones. I learned to crochet from my great grandmother and try to do that as much as possible. I try to get some quality time in with my adult son when he can. I drink too much coffee, and too little tea, and take care of my two very fat cats, when not enjoying a true crime podcast.

What do you like about working at Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.
I appreciate my co-workers and the flexibility this office provides. I work with some of the most intelligent, talented, hardworking, and kind people. We truly support each other in this office both with work and home life. I could not ask for a better work family. Gwen allows us to work both at home and in the office. She trusts us to make those decisions for ourselves as long as the work is getting done. I don’t feel micromanaged.

What is your favorite holiday and why?
I love Thanksgiving, for the food and family time if affords. It comes with no presents or baubles. Just good food to enjoy, or bad food to laugh about. I love pie and this is the perfect time for one.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would be an elephant. They take care of their children and are very protective. They do not forget anything, although they might not forgive. I have read they are stubborn which fits me perfectly