From Experience to Purpose
The Story Behind the Legal Beagle
I am a storyteller with lived experience. My journey has taken me from a life of comfort to the edge of homelessness—collecting cans from dumpsters to survive—and through seventeen years in prison. Along the way, I’ve encountered all kinds of people: caring friends, true Christians, inspiring individuals, manipulative sociopaths, and stone-cold killers. Those experiences taught me that every person has a story worth hearing. Today I use writing, books, videos, advocacy, and grant writing to encourage others, preserve forgotten stories, and help organizations that change lives.
My Professional Profile
Summary
I’m a diligent and successful professional with many years of experience as a grant writer/manager, author and paralegal with a background in administration.
Experience
- I’ve worked as a Grant Management Specialist for the House of Mercy from 2023-Present.
- I’ve owned and operated the Legal Beagle Press & Service business from 2022-Present.
- I worked as a prison approved Paralegal from 2009-2021
- I was also the Senior Editor of the prison monthly newsletter from 2010-2014 and published three (3) books.
- I worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs organization from 1987-2002, and as an Executive Director from 1995-2002.
Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies Cum Laude from Ashworth College in Norcross, Ga. on April 9, 2018.
- Attended Dekalb (Georgia) Community College from 1987-1989.
- GED from the Adult Education Center in Clarkston, Ga. in 1987.
- Certificate: DOJ Grants Financial Management training in 2023.
- Certificate: Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator in 2024.
- Certificate: Paralegal Studies from Blackstone Career Institute in 2010.
Education
- From 2023-Present, I’ve managed a U.S. Department of Justice BJA (DOJ) Community-Based Reentry Grant, and in 2024 we received a preferred status for future DOJ grants for exemplary work on their current grant.
- From 1996-2002, I personally prepared and submitted numerous grant applications that resulted in the acquisition of over $1.2 million for my organization, acquired another $2.8 in local contributions, and assisted other organizations to acquire another $2 million in grants.
- From 1990-1994 while working for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward Florida, I assisted in the planning and implementation of numerous successful fundraisers like the Honda Golf Classic, International Auto Show, Fisher Island Extravaganza, and local Golf tournaments.
Abilities
- To formulate logical solutions to problems.
- To follow instructions, and complete task in a timely manner.
- To prepare documents, motions, briefs, analysis and summaries.
- To conduct actual and legal research.
- To construct arguments in support of specific conclusions.
- Staying focused on a goal amid pressure and deadlines.