Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer? I was born and raised in Lake City. There, two women in particular were inspirational to my decision to become a lawyer: Attorney Teresa Byrd Morgan and Judge Leandra Johnson. I worked for Teresa, and she gave me many opportunities to learn and grow. Judge Johnson was the mother of a classmate of mine. Even as a young girl, I could see and admire how she was successful as a mother and as a lawyer. Both women inspired me then and now.
Other than your spouse, who inspires you now? My mom, a retired elementary school teacher for special needs children. She loved her job and was good at it. She paid keen attention to even the smallest of details of her day-to-day work while always keeping her eyes on the big picture.
How do you relate your undergraduate degree to your practice on the bench? My undergraduate degree was in public relations. When I think about my major, I am appreciative of the education I got at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. It provided a solid foundation of technical writing, communication skills and critical thinking. All these I use on the bench.
What community service have you pursued and why? I am on the board of directors for a nonprofit organization that hosts camps during school holidays for at-risk youth.
Do you currently serve on the JBA in any committee? I’m looking forward to getting involved in the Judicial Relations Committee.
What is your favorite book? “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
What is your favorite movie? Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.” Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly playing amateur detectives and nosy neighbors in New York City - what’s not to love?
Do you have any special talents? I started playing the clarinet in the second grade, before my fingers would even reach all the keys. I played in an orchestra from the fourth grade until I started law school. I still play occasionally, but it’s only for the entertainment of my daughter.
If you weren’t a judge what do you think you’d be? Having been a certified nursing assistant while in high school and having begun as a nursing major at UF, I’d likely be a nurse practitioner.
If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why? I can think of many people in history I’d love to meet, but I’d prefer to meet someone whose story is not as well documented. For example, there’s a woman named Deborah referenced briefly in the Old Testament. She was a judge for the Israelites. Though some scholars have written about her, I think it’s mostly speculation. I’m intrigued that she was in such an important position at a time when history tells us that women didn’t typically have that type of authority.
What’s your favorite food? I recently read “Eat to Live,” so it is with great shame that I say: French fries. The saltier the better.