The 24 Nominees are…

Daniel has been a GAL since 2006.

Exceptional, very active, well prepared, always on time and passionate about the work

David has been a GAL since 2008.

Tenacious and a good listener – lets both parents voice their concerns

Ruth has been a GAL since 2009.

“outstanding investigation and written report”

Ruth retired in 2014. When notified that she was nominated, Ruth replied,

“Serving the children of Cuyahoga Count was the most rewarding work I did in my legal career.”

Ruth is becoming a CASA in San Francisco.

Candace has been a GAL since 2009.

Exceeds expectations

Conducts thorough investigations

Doesn’t leave a stone unturned

Mary has been a GAL since 1991 in the Domestic Relations Court and since 1995 in the Juvenile Court.

Very engaged with her wards

Always prepared

Takes the time to show support during the children’s major life events

Pinkie has been a GAL since 1993.

Prepared with up-to-date information

Through her investigation, learned information about the children yet unknown to the Agency

Wildon has been a GAL since 1998.

“Mr. Ellison’s work in these children’s cases was amazing! He was quite the investigator and court advocate”

“He deserves a round of applause”

Carla has been a GAL since 1997.

Does a great job

Investigation and attention to detail assisted the parties in resolving their case

David has been a GAL since 1984.

“Outstanding GAL report, which was helpful in deciding the matter”

The children and families can always count on David!

Brenda has been a GAL since 2011.

“Has incredible insight into the problems her wards/families face.”

“Attends extra meetings pertaining to the youth”

“Very good problem solver”

“Extensive, thorough, and accurate reports and recommendations”

Amy has been a GAL since 2007.

“Goes above and beyond what is customary as a GAL including personally searching for AWOL wards and confronting perpetrators on her ward’s behalf”

Takes the necessary time to obtain a favorable resolution for her wards

Elba has been a GAL since 2011.

Outstanding mediation skills.

Excellent in every case

Susan has been a GAL since 2007.

Dedicated

Takes an active role in negotiations

Always provides current information to the Court

Vickie has been a GAL since 1999.

“The best written report I have ever seen”

Performed her job thoroughly

Judy has been a GAL since 1993.

“On every case that Judy has been GAL, she has gone above and beyond for the youth”

Kevin has been a GAL since 2013.

“Kevin conducted a thorough investigation.”

Anna has been a GAL since 2005.

“…very reliable when it comes to investigating the background on all the parties.”

“…committed to doing what is in her ward’s best interest”

Anne has been a GAL since 1979.

“…keeps up to date on all procedures and asks questions if she isn’t sure”

“…dedicated to her wards and all the kids involved in the Juvenile Court system”

“…works tirelessly on the Books GALoreProgram and does everything she can for all GALs’ wards.”

Don has been a GAL since 1978.

“I always feel reassured to learn that he is my GAL for any case that I am assigned.”

“Consistently provides a thorough, compassionate and reasoned analysis of the people and issues”

Genuine concern for the children in his charge and his commitment to guiding the Court to act in their best interests

Nancy has been a GAL since 1997.

“She has had several of my “hard” cases and takes them in stride”

“Willing to try cases to reach the best possible outcome for her ward, but is always looking for compromise amongst the parties to avoid unnecessary litigation”

Michael has been a GAL since 2010.

“Always present and prepared to proceed”

Thorough in his investigations and knows his wards

Harvey has been a GAL since 1980

Exceed expectations

Strong advocate for his wards

Bill has been a GAL since 1985.

“Excellent substantive report and overall thorough work on the case which resulted in reunification”

Mark has been a GAL since 1987.

“…have never met or heard of a GAL who approaches the work with such zeal and determination to do what is right for the youth involved”

Advocates passionately for the ward.

Goes the extra mile for every child and parent.

Is always trying to improve situations for the wards and other GALs.

Smiles even in difficult times.

Enjoys helping people.

Daniel Bartos

Ruth Brady

Candace Brown

Mary Bush

Pinkie Clark

Wildon Ellison

Carla Golubovic

David Goodwin

Brenda Gray

Amy Habinski

Elba Heddesheimer

Susan Jankite

Vickie Jones

Judy Layne

Kevin Lenhard

Anna Markovich

Anne McFarland

Don Ristity

Nancy Sin

Michael Telep

Harvey Tessler

Bill Weston

Mark Witt

2014 Guardian Ad Litem of the Year!

Mary Bush