For over 25 years, the practice of law remained a constant focus of my professional life whether it was as a municipal planner or a private practicing attorney. My life’s travels created unique and wonderfully fulfilling opportunities to cultivate a unique perspective and skill set in the legal and planning communities and beyond. For many years as the Associate Planner for the Town of Londonderry, I worked and promoted economic growth with commercial and residential developers, engineers, real estate agents, community members and property owners who were navigating the process of developing and redeveloping their property. I provided assistance through all aspects of the planning & zoning processes including reviewing and analyzing countless site and subdivision plans, lot line adjustments, waivers, and conditional use permits. Inevitably, with the planning process comes maneuvering through the zoning process.
As a municipal planner, I was tasked with the management of the zoning board of adjustment and researched an endless number of applications brought before the zoning board whether it was a variance, appeal of administrative decision, special exception, or an equitable waiver of dimensional requirement. This role led to the drafting of zoning ordinances, and site and subdivision plan regulations. My planning experience included my involvement and management of other land use boards such as the conservation commission and heritage/historic commission. The Town of Londonderry provided me with a distinctive opportunity, along with a team of other professionals, to be a part of the planning, growth and economic development of Woodmont Commons, a 600 plus acre planned unit development, where as a part of this team, we cultivated growth, accommodated development in an environmentally responsible manner, facilitated choice among citizens as to where and how they want to live, and worked within a framework that allows for substantial and commercial mixed-use development.
My skill set jumped to new levels when I assisted with projects and the development of land belonging to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. This work placed me in the midst of various governmental and federal regulations as well as navigating through an inter-municipal agreement, layers of regulations and land use intricacies. Additionally, my knowledge of the complexities of municipal government entailed an in-depth knowledge of right-to-know requests, employee labor relations and collective bargaining matters.
Prior to my work as a municipal planner, I was a general practitioner with a focus on real estate transactions, corporate formations, estate planning and probate, family law and non-profit work. I have an outstanding record of success in helping developers, engineers and landowners overcome obstacles to their projects by finding creative and practical solutions while at the same time guiding lenders, investors, and developers through the process of dealing with maze-like government regulations. I assisted with the development of industrial complexes, office parks, shopping centers, affordable housing, farms, agritourism, conservation preservation easements and land stewardship. The combination of my role as a municipal planner with in-depth knowledge of planning and zoning regulations and procedures, my service as a 20+ year member of my town’s zoning board of adjustment, and my decades of experience as a private attorney equips me with invaluable experience and a unique skill set formulated to create positive results for my clients.
Apart from my professional work as a municipal planner and an attorney, I recognize the spirit of giving back to the community. I serve as a volunteer in multiple capacities whether in town government or helping non-profit organizations. I assisted in the start-up of St. Gianna’s Place, a non-profit organization, acted as its first president, and serve as its legal advisor in a pro-bono capacity. I am an active participant in my church. As a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association Legislative Committee, I review pending legislation and provide recommendations for passage, and offered similar feedback and guidance as a former member of the New Hampshire Municipal Association Legislative Committee. I am also a compatriot of the Daughters of the American Revolution – Matthew Thornton Chapter.
I am blessed with a loving husband, two amazing sons and one granddaughter all who provide me with endless joy and love. There are no better moments than the time spent with my family. I enjoy reading, hiking, and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. I recently taken up playing piano as a hobby and that has been quite the adventure! Being admitted to practice law in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts has provided me with opportunities to reach out across state lines in assisting countless people and businesses. I have been fortunate in my twenty plus years of practice to meet some incredibly amazing people and recognize that these relationships have enriched me both professionally and personally. It is the people that you meet and the lives that you touch that make all the difference.
I look forward to assisting you with your unique situation and providing you with the utmost service, professionalism, and expertise.
