2014 Guardian ad Litemof the Year

The 24 Nominees are…

Daniel has been a GAL since 2006. Exceptional, very active, well prepared,

always on time and passionate about the work

Daniel Bartos

David has been a GAL since 2008. Tenacious and a good listener – lets both

parents voice their concerns

David Bartos

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.

Ruth Brady

Candace has been a GAL since 2009. Exceeds expectations Conducts thorough investigations Doesn’t leave a stone unturned

Candace Brown

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

Mary Bush

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

Pinkie Clark

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”

Wildon Ellison

Carla has been a GAL since 1997. Does a great job Investigation and attention to detail

assisted the parties in resolving their case

Carla Golubovic

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!

David Goodwin

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”

Brenda Gray

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

Amy Habinski

Elba has been a GAL since 2011. Outstanding mediation skills. Excellent in every case

Elba Heddesheimer

Susan has been a GAL since 2007. Dedicated Takes an active role in negotiations Always provides current information to the

Court

Susan Jankite

Vickie has been a GAL since 1999. “The best written report I have ever seen” Performed her job thoroughly

Vickie Jones

Judy has been a GAL since 1993. “On every case that Judy has been GAL, she

has gone above and beyond for the youth”

Judy Layne

Kevin has been a GAL since 2013. “Kevin conducted a thorough investigation.”

Kevin Lenhard

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”

Anna Markovich

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 GALore

Program and does everything she can for all GALs’ wards.”

Anne McFarland

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

Don Ristity

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”

Nancy Sin

Michael has been a GAL since 2010. “Always present and prepared to proceed” Thorough in his investigations and knows

his wards

Michael Telep

Harvey has been a GAL since 1980 Exceed expectations Strong advocate for his wards

Harvey Tessler

Bill has been a GAL since 1985. “Excellent substantive report and overall

thorough work on the case which resulted in reunification”

Bill Weston

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”

Mark Witt

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.

Some of the qualities of this year’s GAL of the Year are:

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

Congratulations to the 2014GAL of the Year nominees!

And the 2014 Guardian ad Litem of the Year is….

2014 Guardian Ad Litem of the Year!

Mary Bush