As I look back on the last few weeks, one word keeps coming to mind: grateful. I’ve had the chance to attend some amazing community events—each with its own unique theme but all sharing a common goal. Whether I was cheering with families at the Saint Ignatius Loyola School auction, wearing an Andy Warhol-inspired outfit at the Farm to Tableaux benefit, or standing with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania for their inspiring Take The Lead ceremony, these experiences remind me why I cherish Berks County so much.
At the Girl Scouts’ event, we celebrated women who uplift others—like Regina Rinehimer, who received recognition for her unwavering dedication to supporting families and promoting women’s professional growth. As a woman in the legal field and a mother who’s devoted her life to advocating for children and families, I found her words incredibly moving. They highlighted that true leadership often begins not in boardrooms, but in kitchens, classrooms, and courtrooms—where ordinary people make the choice to do right by others.
To me, community involvement isn’t just about showing up for a quick photo; it’s about consistently being there, in both big and small ways, because I believe our systems function best when we really listen to those they serve. That’s why I still gather with my family around the dinner table on Sunday nights, discussing the challenges facing our neighbors. It’s also why I’ve spent the last 20 years working in every division of our court—I want to be the type of judge who understands not only the law but also the personal stories behind each case.
When people ask why I participate in so many community events, my answer is straightforward: because it matters. The health of a community thrives on connection, trust, and the belief that we’re all in this together.
I remain devoted to being present, involved, and committed to making Berks County a place where justice, fairness, and compassion go hand in hand—both in the courtroom and beyond.