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Message from the
Chief and Administrative Judge
September 2022
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The Circuit Court is proud to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15th in the United States, Hispanic Americans are honored and recognized for their extensive contributions, achievements and influence in areas, including history, academia, the arts and education.
What a legacy! When I think of the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Rita Moreno, the first Latina to win an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony Award, I am extremely proud to celebrate our fellow Americans who enrich our lives daily.
Thank you to the many Hispanic employees at the Circuit Court who provide excellent service to our citizens, many of whom are often Spanish speakers. Thanks to your diverse backgrounds and skill sets, we are able to serve this community in a professional manner. We appreciate your efforts and dedication.
Keep reading this edition of the Circular to learn more about the recent Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual Celebration that our Special Projects Committee hosted. Thank you to all participants and to the Committee for planning such a diverse and engaging program.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, and thank you for your continued dedication to the citizens of Prince George's County!
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- Judge's Chambers
- Directors' Updates
- Farewells & Retirements
- August Birthdays
- September Birthdays
- New Law Clerks
- New Employees
- Closing Words
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Circuit Court Celebrates Voices of Excellence and Culture During Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration |
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(Top row, left to right) Norberto Martinez, Special Projects Committee; Jocelyn Steele, Special Projects Committee; Nikita Richardson, Special Projects Committee; and Wendy Garrett, Special Projects Committee; (Middle row, left to right) Rebeca Alvarez Valdes, Panelist; Jenny Rodriguez, Panelist; Gregory Sanders, Special Projects Committee; Judge Gladys M. Weatherspoon, Panelist; (Bottom row) Erica M. Payne-Santiago, Deputy Court Administrator and Jury Commissioner; and Lisette DuPree, Special Projects Committee |
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The Special Projects Committee celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with an exciting virtual program. On September 20, 2022, the Committee hosted a panel discussion featuring Circuit Court Associate Judge Gladys M. Weatherspoon, Truancy Reduction Court Case Manager Rebeca Alvarez Valdes and Family Division Bilingual Information Clerk Jenny Rodriguez.
Moderated by Hispanic Services Liaison Norberto Martinez, the panelists shared information about their various backgrounds and cultures. They also shared what they love most about their cultures as well as who inspires them the most.
After the panel discussion, employees participated in Hispanic Heritage Month trivia. The variety of questions tested their knowledge of Hispanic historymakers, geographic locations and popular culture. Congratulations to Danielle McGowan, Executive Administrative Assistant for Judge Peter K. Killough, for winning the contest.
Finally, Angela Ingram, Founder of House of Culture and Soul Folklore Academy, performed Salsa with an Afro-Cuban flair. Through her art, Angela showed how the African Diaspora has heavily influenced many Latin dances, such as Salsa and Flamenco.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped the Court to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in such a special way. We encourage you to keep celebrating and honoring Hispanic Americans who have made a difference in this country and deserve to be celebrated not only during this month but each and every day.
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Judge Adams Celebrates Department of Corrections' New Medical Unit in
Prince George's County
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(Left to right) Lt. Col. Darren Palmer, Prince George's County Sheriff's Office; Mary Lou McDonough, Former Prince George's County Department of Corrections Director; Judge Adams; Corenne Labbé, Prince George's County Department of Corrections Director; Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George's County Executive; Judge Lisa Hall Johnson, Prince George's County District Court Administrative Judge; and Barry Stanton, Prince George's County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Public and Homeland Security |
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Judge Adams and Prince George's County District Court Administrative Judge Lisa Hall Johnson attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Prince George's County Department of Corrections for its new medical unit at the County jail on September 15, 2022.
The new unit is a 22,293 square foot state-of-the-art facility that will be used to provide medical services to inmates. It has eight beds for females and 19 beds for men. There are 22 isolation cells, seven exam rooms, a dental examination area and one dialysis machine. The unit is also equipped with a pharmacy, lactation room and two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) isolation cells. To conserve energy, the facility is also equipped with a green roof and a recreation area.
Congratulations to the Department of Corrections and its leadership team on a job well done! This new unit will ensure that inmates, often some of the most vulnerable in the community when it comes to healthcare, receive safe and holistic medical care.
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County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks delivered remarks prior to the
ribbon-cutting.
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This is one of the wards equipped with beds that inmates will use. |
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During the tour of the new facility, Judge Adams got a closer look at the dental examination room. |
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This is one of the examination rooms in the medical unit. |
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Judge Adams Clarifies Misleading Statements Made During Recent County Press Conference in Interview with NBC4 |
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Judge Adams made the decision to interview with NBC4's Prince George's County Bureau Chief Tracee Wilkins to correct inaccurate, misleading and inappropriate comments that were made during the County Executive's press conference announcing a mandatory curfew for youth.
During the interview, Judge Adams explained the distinction between the three branches of County government (executive, legislative and judicial) and emphasized that the Prince George's County Council has no oversight, authority or control over the judicial branch.
To watch the full interview, please click the following link:
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The Courthouse Food Court Is Open and Thriving! |
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Get excited! The Courthouse Food Court reopened on Monday, August 29, 2022. The support has been outstanding! So, thank you to all employees who have visited thus far.
If you haven't visited the Food Court yet, what are you waiting on? You can enjoy a Chopped and Wrap Station, Grill Station, Grab & Go Station (sandwiches, salads and snacks), Fountain Drinks and Coffee.
The Food Court is open 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Monday - Friday. Now, you don't have to leave the Courthouse to find food or even bring your lunch, we have you covered. The current menu options are listed below.
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Join Us for the Upcoming MDEC Go Live Event |
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We only have 17 days until Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) goes live in Prince George's County! Next month, the Circuit Court, Clerk's Office and MDEC Go Live Planning Committee will host a special Go Live event to celebrate the launch on Monday, October 17, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. in the Courthouse Food Court.
Join us on the special day! You'll have the opportunity to win prizes during a special raffle, and you'll enjoy a light continental breakfast while it lasts. We can't wait to see you at the celebration!
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Court Administration
The Children's Waiting Room Is Open!
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The Children’s Waiting Room is open! The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Children’s Waiting Room serves as a safe and fun space for families with children ranging from ages 3 to 12 years, and children must be potty-trained.
For additional questions, please contact:
Esily Wilson
Children’s Waiting Room Coordinator
(301) 952-2609
Room D1007
Please note: COVID regulations will be in place to ensure a healthy environment for all children.
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Dark Matter
by: Blake Crouch
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Dark Matter is a science fiction thriller with the protagonist, Jason Dessen, as a college physics professor and family man whose world becomes unknown to him after a mysterious abduction.
After the abduction, he awakens to a new life where his wife is no longer his wife, his son was never born, and he is now a world-renowned genius. As he maneuvers through what he experiences as chaos, Dessen must decide what is real, what is an illusion, and what is science fiction. Various versions of his life exist simultaneously as he tries to decipher his next steps, and he is forced to confront what terrifies him the most.
The story is an adventure consisting of elements of shock, danger and clever twists. Author Blake Crouch pushes the reader to look beyond the surface, imagine the surreal and question the improbable.
Submitted by: Tonya Baroudi, Law Library Director
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FAREWELLS AND RETIREMENTS |
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The last couple of months have been filled with Circuit Court employee retirement and farewell celebrations. Congratulations to all former employees who have started new and exciting chapters! We wish them continued success! |
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Nancy Faulkner
Former Circuit Court Administrator
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During the celebration, Judge Adams presented Nancy Faulkner with a special gift for her service with the Circuit Court. Some of the Circuit Court Administration staff is also pictured. (Front row, left to right) Lacresha Buchanan, Human Resources Director; Ronald Flamer, II, Administrative Coordinator to the Deputy Court Administrator; Desheia Claggett, Judicial Support Services Manager; and Jocelyn Steele, Communications Specialist; (Back row, left to right) Joi Squire, Human Resources Generalist; and Wendell Smith, Mail Courier |
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Nancy Faulkner served as the Circuit Court Administrator for nearly a year. A surprise farewell celebration was held in her honor on August 16, 2022 in the Courthouse Food Court. Nancy is now the Deputy State Court Administrator for the Maryland Judiciary in Annapolis. Congratulations, Nancy! |
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Barbara Carter
Former Executive Administrative Aide for
The Honorable Nicholas E. Rattal
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Barbara Carter worked at the Upper Marlboro Courthouse for 32 years. She started in the Public Defender’s Office in 1990 - 1998.
Then, Barbara served as Judge Maureen M. Lamasney’s Executive Administrative Aide from 1998 - 2015. Her most recent stint was as Judge Nicholas E. Rattal’s Executive Administrative Aide in 2015 - 2022.
Barbara asked to share the following message with Circuit Court employees.
“Working at the Courthouse was a wonderful experience. I grew professionally and met a great group of people over the years. My departure is definitely bittersweet. I’d like to express my gratitude for the nice farewell celebration, and I want to thank everyone for their kind expressions. I will miss my Courthouse family.”
Barbara is currently working in the Office of the County Executive.
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(Left to right) Barbara Carter and Lesley Holmes, Executive Administrative Aide for Judge Michael R. Pearson |
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(Left to right) Barbara Carter and Donna Coldsmith, Executive Administrative Aide for Judge Sean D. Wallace |
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(Left to right) Raymond Watson, Bailiff; Barbara Carter; Judge Nicholas E. Rattal; and James Moore, Bailiff |
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(Left to right) Barbara Carter, Judge Nicholas E. Rattal and Esterleta Wilson, Executive Administrative Aide
for Judge Rattal
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(Left to right) Barbara Carter and Linda Randall, Executive Administrative Aide for Judge William A. Snoddy |
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Robin Watson
Former Official Court Reporter
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(Left to right) Daysha Holmes, Court Technologist; Phyllis Hernandez, Chief Court Reporter; Khalilah Blyden, Court Reporter; Robin Watson, Former Court Reporter; Sherelle Bradley, Court Reporter; Margaret Reams Miller, Court Reporter; Susan Milton, Court Reporter; and Barbara Chappell, Retired Court Reporter |
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Congratulations to Robin Watson on her retirement. Robin retired after 16 years of service as a Court Reporter. The Court Reporter's Office, and many other Circuit Court employees helped to celebrate Robin during a celebration held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 in the Courthouse Food Court. What a celebration! |
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(Left to right) Robin Watson and Erica M. Payne-Santiago,
Circuit Court Deputy Administrator
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Arnita Foster
Former Circuit Court Information Desk Clerk
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Court Administration hosted a celebration on July 29, 2022 to honor Former Information Desk Clerk Arnita Foster. She retired after ten years of service with the Circuit Court. Onward and upward! |
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(Front row) Arnita Foster and Diane Woods, Administrative Aide II;
(Middle row) Joi Squire, Human Resources Generalist; Danita Claggett-Estep, Bail Bond Assistant/Court Administration Receptionist; Debra Manning, Information Services/Volunteer Coordinator; and Nancy Faulkner, Deputy State Court Administrator; (Back Row) Harry Smith, Bailiff
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Since we did not disseminate a Circuit Court Circular in August, we were not able to acknowledge employees celebrating birthdays. However, we're still celebrating this month. Happy Belated Birthday to all of our special August Birthday honorees! We hope your birthdays were filled with excitement and joy!
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Tierra Boulware
Candice Edwards
Sally Reed
Cassandra Wills
Sharon Wilder
*To be featured in this section, employees had to provide written consent.
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The following employees are celebrating birthdays in September. Please extend them well wishes! May each of your special days be filled with joy, excitement and abundance!
Happy Birthday from your co-workers at the Circuit Court!
John Burkhardt
Tamika Clark
Julisa Cunningham
Bridget Gazelle
Norberto Martinez
Kimberly Short
*To be featured in this section, employees had to provide written consent.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Shelia R. Tillerson Adams
Hometown?
Miami, Florida
Law School?
Howard University
School of Law
College?
Florida State University, 2018
What was your undergraduate major? Finance and Real Estate
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests. Hobbies include traveling, gardening, and cooking
What are your career goals?
To help underprivileged communities
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Sean D. Wallace
Hometown?
Potomac, MD
Law School?
Graduated from UMD Law in 2022
College?
University of Michigan, 2018
What was your undergraduate major?
Biology
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Guitar, Music Production, Gardening, and Mountain Biking!
What are your career goals?
To promote a healthy agricultural system through sensible food labeling and regulation
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Michael R. Pearson
Hometown?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Law School?
I graduated from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
College?
I attended Penn State University and graduated in 2017.
Undergraduate Major?
Labor and Employment Relations
Hobbies?
Basketball, music, and exercising
What are your career goals?
I would like to work as In-house counsel in the entertainment sector.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Tiffany H. Anderson
Hometown?
Libertyville, IL
Law School?
I attended American University Washington College of Law and graduated in May.
College?
I attended University of Illinois Urbana Champaign for undergrad and graduated in 2019.
What was your undergraduate major?
I double majored in English and Creative Writing
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
I enjoy going on nature walks/hikes, painting and drawing at home, watching horror and romance movies, and going to concerts in DC.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to become an Intellectual Property and Entertainment lawyer for major production studios.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Carol A. Coderre
Hometown?
York, Maine
Law School?
The George Washington University Law School
College?
Brandeis University, 2008
What was your undergraduate major?
Women’s and Gender Studies
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Long distance running
What are your career goals?
To be a public defender
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N. Alexander Martin, Esq. |
Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable Karen H. Mason
Hometown?
Knoxville, Tennessee
Law School?
University of Baltimore, School of Law, graduated 2021
College?
Austin Peay State University, graduated, 2017
What was your undergraduate major?
History
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Biking, traveling
What are your career goals?
To practice labor law and represent unionized workers in conflicts with management
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable Krystal Q. Alves
Hometown?
Bridgetown, Barbados
Law School?
Penn State Law
College?
University of Maryland, College Park, 2015
What was your undergraduate major?
Community Health
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Reading, spending time with family and friends, and thrifting
What are your career goals?
Federal Attorney at Department of Justice
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
April T. Ademiluyi
Hometown?
Pittsburgh, PA
Law School?
The George Washington University Law School, Class of 2022
College?
Drexel University, class of 2015
What was your undergraduate major?
International Area Studies; Minor in Spanish with a certificate in writing and publishing
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Watching jeopardy, cooking and hosting dinners with friends, and exploring DC!
What are your career goals?
Ultimately, I want to work in FOIA litigation either in the government or at a non-profit.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Wytonja L. Curry
Hometown?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, but I grew up in Columbia, Maryland.
Law School?
I graduated from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law this past May of 2022.
College?
I attended the University of Maryland, College Park. I graduated in May of 2018.
What was your undergraduate major?
My undergraduate major was in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a pre-law focus.
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
I am a singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist, and I am very passionate about music and the arts. I am also a video game player, streamer and content creator. I also love animals, especially my three year old cat, Penelope (Penny).
What are your career goals?
I have a strong interest in Intellectual Property Law, specifically Copyright and Trademark protection and litigation.
I aspire to either work as an attorney for a firm or as in-house counsel for a technology or music recording company/agency litigating intellectual property and contractual disputes.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Nicholas E. Rattal
Hometown?
York County, Pennsylvania
Law School?
I just graduated from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.
College?
I attended American University and graduated in 2019.
What was your undergraduate major?
I majored in journalism and international studies.
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
The Bachelorette, weightlifting, cooking, Hockey (the Capitals specifically), my soon-to-be adopted pup named Rocky
What are your career goals?
I applied to work for Judge Rattal because of my passion for public defense work. I hope to be a public defender after this year!
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable Peter K. Killough
Hometown?
Clarksburg, MD
Law School?
Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in May 2022
College?
Graduated from Penn State University in May 2019
What was your undergraduate major?
B.S. Accounting
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
I love to travel and learn about different cultures. I play basketball and soccer. On weekends, I like to spend my time doing outdoor activities such as kayaking or karting.
What are your career goals?
I would like to pursue transactional/corporate law. My goal is to be in a position where I can create change and give back to my community.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Dorothy M. Engel
Hometown?
Singapore
Law School?
Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America
College?
University of Miami, 2017
What was your undergraduate major?
English
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Reading, traveling
What are your career goals?
To become a successful attorney
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Robin D. Gill Bright
Hometown?
Lawrenceville, NJ
Law School?
Catholic University Columbus School of Law, May 2022
College?
Hobart College in Geneva, New York
What was your undergraduate major?
Classics and European Studies
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Cooking, amusement parks, strength training, reading mystery novels, football, baseball and basketball
What are your career goals?Not sure yet. I am hoping this clerkship can help me narrow my focus.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Crystal D. Mittelstaedt
Hometown?
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Law School?
Graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law
College?
University of Maryland College Park, 2015
What was your undergraduate major?
Government & Politics
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Traveling
What are your career goals?
To become a business attorney
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Cathy H. Serrette
Hometown?
Concord, MA
Law School?
GW Law (graduated 2022)
College?
Boston College, class of 2017
What was your undergraduate major?
International Relations & Political Science
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Boston sports; basketball; backpacking; fantasy/sci-fi content
What are your career goals?
I hope to do criminal justice reform and civil rights work.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
Gladys M. Weatherspoon
Hometown?
Brooklyn, New York
Law School?
David A. Clarke School of Law
College?
SUNY College at Buffalo, 2009
What was your undergraduate major?
Psychology
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests. Photography, jogging, yoga
What are your career goals?
To help shift the legal field, either as a Public Defender or Prosecutor
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable William A. Snoddy
Hometown?
Rockville, MD
Law School?
The City University of New York School of Law; Graduated in May 2021
College?
St. Johns University; Graduated in 2017
What was your undergraduate major?
Legal Studies
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
I like to travel and experience different cultures. I also enjoy Yoga.
What are your career goals?
Finding a place in a legal capacity in the world of community economic development.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable
ShaRon M. Grayson Kelsey
Hometown?
Newton, MA
Law School?
I graduated from George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School
College?
West Virginia University
What was your undergraduate major?
I majored in International Studies and minored in Economics and Italian Studies
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
My hobbies/interests include reading science fiction and fantasy novels, cooking, hiking, and martial arts
What are your career goals?
I would like to become a prosecutor and someday work on criminal and child welfare reform.
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Which Judge will you clerk for at the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County?
The Honorable DaNeeka Varner Cotton
Hometown?
Falls Church, Virginia
Law School?
The Catholic University of America, 2022
College?
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2015
What was your undergraduate major?
B.A. Political Science
Please list some of your hobbies and/or interests.
Soccer, Golf, Rock climbing, Photography
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to work in-house with a sports brand, such as Nike, Adidas or Under Armour.
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The Circuit Court would like to welcome the following new employees! We're pleased to work with you! |
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Mark Atwood (not pictured)
Executive Administrative Assistant to
The Honorable April T. Ademiluyi
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Zachary Gazelle
Security Desk Information Tech
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Shante Mayle
Reentry Case Manager
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Rebeca Alvarez Valdes
Truancy Reduction Court
Case Manager
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Esily Wilson
Children's Waiting Room Coordinator
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Circuit Court Circular September 2022 Staff
Writer
Jocelyn Steele
Special Photography
Gregory Sanders
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