Jodie is a graduate of UConn with a PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences. She also holds a law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She worked at UConn for 12 years, teaching at the Storrs, Hartford, and Waterbury campuses, prior to joining CLC as an advocate for children of low-income and high-conflict families in the family courts. Her research has included the effectiveness of standards in the family and juvenile courts, including the standards for Guardians ad Litem and the best interest of the child. She has presented her research at various national conferences and is frequently an invited speaker at local conferences and trainings, including the State of Connecticut trainings for attorneys representing children. Jodie and her family live in Westbrook, CT where she is actively involved in her community. Jodie is the Chair of the Board of Directors for Westbrook Youth and Family Services, is a member of the Westbrook Juvenile Review Board, a member of the PTO at her children’s school, and a member of the Board of Directors for Connecticut Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). When not working, Jodie spends her time with her husband Elliot, their three young children, and her two stepchildren. She enjoys visiting her family in Maine, trips to visit friends, baking, elaborate holiday celebrations, and dreaming of future travel.