University at Buffalo Law School

Fall Semester 2020

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I’m not sure how it’s possible, but I think I worked *more* during this weird, COVID-laden, socially-distanced semester than I ever have before – and not just in front of audiences! Once my loved ones finally convinced me that I did – in fact – need to purchase a ring light, I had to figure out how to use it :/ I also FINALLY understand how to unmute myself *and* how to “Join Video” 😉 I also started on the second draft of the sequel to Leaving Dorian , re-dedicated my novel, Sunrise and the Seven One Six , walked a socially-distanced 5K and joined yet another social media platform 🙂 Last, but certainly not least, I was happy to be reminded that a local women’s shelter (PASSAGE in Niagara County) requires all of their interns to read Leaving Dorian as a part of their training.

This was also my first semester back since trudging through some very serious life changes. Though I’ve never been happier {my life – wholly and completely – has never felt so “right”} even good stress is stress! As it turned out, I shouldn’t have given it a second thought; I’m giving this semester a 10/10: Highly Recommend 🙂

August 26 – Erie County Domestic Violence High Risk Team – Buffalo PD

28 – ECDVHRT – Horizon Health Services

September 8 – Niagara University – Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy – 74th class

15 – University at Buffalo School of Law – Family Violence Women’s Law Clinic

16 – Niagara University – Dr. Dana Radatz 590 Domestic Violence class

23 – ECDVHRT – BPD Police & Parole

24 – University at Buffalo School of Law – Dr. Michael Boucai – Family Law class

October – 14 – University at Buffalo Gender Institute Gender Matters podcast

16 – ECDVHRT – Legal Aid Bureau

21 – Trocaire College – Dating Violence Presentation for Community Coordination Response Team

22 – ECHRT (x2!)

29 – Speaker Series, It Takes A Community: A Survivor’s Story for Haven House/Erie County CFS

30 – ECDVHRT

November – 16 – University at Buffalo School of Law podcast

24 – University at Buffalo – Dr. Rob Keefe, Human Behavior class

December – Hamburg Middle & High Schools, Dating Violence Awareness Presentations

    Spring Semester 2020

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    Though Spring semester ended well before it was supposed to thanks to COVID19, I was busier than ever! I was so fortunate to be invited to work more than a dozen dates with The Erie County DV High Risk Team at Spectrum Mental Health Services, Best Self Behavioral, as well as for Assigned Counsel with the Erie County Court System. I also started working with The University at Buffalo Law School, and of course made my way out *very* early one morning to speak with Health classes at Hamburg High School 🙂 The most disappointing part of the semester was not being able to complete all of the dates scheduled. Hilbert College was cancelled completely, as was my trip out to Western Michigan University :/ Even my Skype session with students at Loyola University at New Orleans ended up needing to be cancelled. On the upside, we all figured out how to conduct really productive Zoom meetings and I even got to meet Sunny the Therapy Dog!

    One perk to COVID19? I suddenly have plenty of time to work on my new book, the sequel to Leaving Dorian. I’ve also decided to do an audio book, of sorts. It will be *free* and will be made available within the next couple of weeks. The formal announcement for that will be posted on all of my social media Monday, March 30.

    There’s always a silver lining, ladies and gentlemen; you just need to be willing to look for it. Or as Dolly is fond of saying, “You don’t get the rainbow without a little rain.”