Attorneys & Staff

Guardian ad Litem

-Serve as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for children involved in Dependency Court cases alleging abuse, neglect, and/or dependency.

-Advocate for the best interests of children in dependency, delinquency, probate, and criminal proceedings.

-Participate in all phases of dependency litigation, including trials, review hearings, and in-camera proceedings.

-Act as a parent surrogate and educational decision-maker for children receiving or requiring special education services.

-Collaborate with each child’s treatment team to determine and support the most appropriate course of care and services.

-Conduct regular visitations with children on the caseload in a variety of settings to assess safety, well-being, and progress.

-Prepare and submit comprehensive written reports and recommendations to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court.

Krista began her career as a Guardian ad Litem with the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office in 2014 after earning her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Kentucky University in 2013. She served as a GAL for more than seven years before transitioning to the corporate sector, where she worked as a Social Work Care Manager with Humana. Krista later joined the Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations Dispute Resolution Department as a Custody Evaluator, gaining additional expertise in family dynamics and court processes.

Ultimately, Krista’s passion for child advocacy guided her back to her roots, and she returned to the role of Guardian ad Litem in 2025. She is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio and a Certified Social Worker in the state of Kentucky.

Master of Social Work- The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Social Work- Northern Kentucky University

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Ohio

Certified Social Worker (CSW) in the state of Kentucky