I was born and raised in Lake Bluff, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. I have one sister, Cyndi Peterik, with whom I am delighted to be working. I went to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, for two years, after that I moved to New York City to pursue a career in ballet, where I was an apprentice for the Harkness Ballet and a scholarship student at the Jeoffrey Ballet. After pursing a career in dance, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked on Capitol Hill in the House and then the Senate, working for the Majority Whip. I finished my undergraduate work at George Washington University and went to law school at Georgetown University Law Center. I was admitted to the DC and Virginia bars in 1983. My early career was in communications law, primarily in the broadcasting field. I then broadened my scope to include corporate and contracts law. In 1997, I moved to Florida and focused primarily on criminal defense, handling major felony cases. I formed the Right to Justice Center to help fund the defense work for those who could not afford representation. Throughout my career, I have attempted to help those who need it most. In 2008, I moved to Colorado where I again have my own practice. I am enjoying being in this wonderful state! Chris, my better half, and I love the wildlife around our mountain home. We like to motorcycle camp, tour the state, and enjoy the peace and serenity of the mountains.