Attorneys

Amber M. Angel

937-581-9768
AngelA@mcohio.org

Amber graduated from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and holds a J.D. from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law in Ada, Ohio. Amber obtained her license to practice law in the state of Ohio in 2018. Amber was previously an Assistant Public Defender and Guardian ad Litem in Findlay, Ohio. She is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Association for Public Defense, and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Amber likes to spend her free time with her husband, family, and friends and her dogs and cats.

Nicole R. Breezley

937-496-6521
BreezleyN@mcohio.org

Nicole graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from Northern Kentucky University, and has been an attorney since 2019. Before coming to our office, Nicole worked as a bank manager and holds a National Mortgage License and Notary Public. Nicole has experience working with immigration law and held an internship at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE). Nicole is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and dog.

Kristine E. Comunale

937-496-7395
ComunaleK@mcohio.org

Kristine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Wittenberg University and holds a J.D. from the Toledo University School of Law. She has practiced as an attorney since 1993. Before coming to our office, Kristine worked for the Legal Aid Society of Toledo. Kristine is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association for Public Defense, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In her free time, Kristine enjoys watching her sons perform in theatre.

Charles T. Cromley

937-496-7483
CromleyC@mcohio.org

Charles graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and holds a J.D. from Ohio Northern University. He has been an attorney since 1997. Before coming to our office, Charles worked for five years in private practice. His professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Charles is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Michael P. Dailey

937-496-7488
DaileyM@mcohio.org

Michael completed his undergraduate work at Wright State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Michael was admitted as an attorney in 2010, and immediately started his career as a Public Defender. He is professionally affiliated with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. He has served as both the vice-chair and the co-chair of the Criminal Law Committee of the Dayton Bar Association. Michael is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and in the United States Supreme Court. He is also death penalty certified in Ohio. In addition to being named a Rising Star in February 2019 by the Dayton Bar Association, he has published two works in the Dayton Bar Briefs: “A Whole NEW Code” and “Getting Reckless.”

Anya E. Darmetko

937-496-7479
DarmetkoA@mcohio.org

Anya completed her undergraduate work at Seton Hall University in New Jersey with a Political Science degree and two minors in English and Business Law in 2016. Anya graduated from University of Cincinnati Law in 2023. Anya was recently admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio in 2023. In her free time, Anya likes to read various of books and spends time with friends and family.

Andrew T. Davenport

937-224-1718
DavenportA@mcohio.org

Andrew graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. and holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. He has been an attorney since 2001. Andrew is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing sports, reading, and writing for a Fantasy Football website.

Amanda L. Davis

937-496-7489
DavisAm@mcohio.org

Amanda graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in Psychology and holds a J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law. Amanda has practiced as a an attorney since 2007. Before coming to our office, Amanda was a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Amanda is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association of Public Defense. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Amanda is also an adjunct faculty member at Sinclair Community College. In her free time, Amanda serves as the head coach of the boys and girls high school tennis teams at The Miami Valley School and enjoys reading, watching true crime documentaries, and being active.

Michael E. Deffet

937-496-7476
DeffetM@mcohio.org

Mike completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton and continued his education there, receiving his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Mike has practiced as an attorney since 1991. Before coming to our office, Mike worked at the Long Island Advocacy Center for Disability Rights. Mike is professionally affiliated with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in Ohio and New York. In his free time, Mike enjoys gardening, creating art, and playing frisbee.

Lauren M. Dever

937-225-6189
DeverL@mcohio.org

Lauren completed her undergraduate work at Centre College, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as Art and Art History. Lauren holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. She has practiced as an attorney since 2017. Before coming to our office, Lauren worked as a clerk for Judge Mary Donovan in the Second District Court of Appeals. Lauren’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. Outside of work, Lauren coaches the women’s tennis team at Bellbrook High School.

William H. Ehrstine

937-559-6779
EhrstineW@mcohio.org

William, “Bill”, was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1979 and the Federal Bar, Southern District of Ohio, Western Division in 1979. Bill graduated from Ohio University with a BA in Sociology in 1974 and completed his JD at University of Akron in 1979. Bill is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Association, and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

 

Barry L. Gilmer

937-224-8650
GilmerB@mcohio.org

Barry completed his undergraduate work at Wright State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has been an attorney since 2019. He is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio.

Alysia A. Goss

937-224-3708
GossA@mcohio.org

Alysia graduated from Washington State University and holds a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Alysia has practiced as an attorney since 2010. Additionally, she supervises externships and internships at the office. Alysia’s professional affiliations include membership with the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and in the United States Supreme Court and is death penalty certified in Ohio. Alysia was named a Rising Star in February 2019 by the Dayton Bar Association, and in her free time, she coaches and serves as the legal advisor for the Mock Trial team at Centerville High School.

Charles L. Grove

937-496-7472
GroveC@mcohio.org

Charles attended Wilmington College and Wright State. He holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law and has been an attorney since 1981. He is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Charles is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Theresa G. Haire

937-496-7478
HaireT@mcohio.org

Theresa graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. and holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. She has been an attorney since 1982. Before becoming the Montgomery County Public Defender, Theresa served as Deputy Director of the Ohio Public Defender for five years. Prior to that, Teresa practiced law as an Assistant Public Defender at the Ohio Public Defender’s Office, successfully litigating cases at every judicial level in state and federal court. Theresa is also a member of the National Defender Training Project Trial School faculty. Theresa’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Rachael E. Herrle

937-224-8626
HerrleR@mcohio.org

Rachael graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Creative Writing and holds a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Rachael obtained her license to practice in 2021. In law school, Rachael was a founding member of the UC chapter of the National Lawyers’ Guild, the chairperson of Student Legal Education Committee, a program assistant for the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, and worked full-time in food service. Before becoming an attorney, she taught English in Bandung, Indonesia. She is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Cincinnati Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Association for Public Defense, and the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Rachael is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. Her free time is spent reading, listening to music, hiking, singing karaoke, and chilling with her German Shepherd, Habibi.

Jykia D. Hooker

937-496-7457

HookerJ@mcohio.org

Jykia D. Hooker graduated from Alcorn State University with a bachelor’s degree in History in May of 2020. She recently obtained her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law in May of 2024. Currently, she is awaiting bar result for the August 2024 Ohio Bar. In Law School, Jykia was a committee member for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion board and was the president of Lambda Legal Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys reading, sleeping, and spending time with family.

Ryan M. Houston

937-224-3702

HoustonR@mcohio.org

Ryan graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Ryan has been an attorney since 2011, and has experience working as a research fellow with the Ohio Innocence Project. During his time in law school, Ryan was a member of the Moto Court Executive Committee. Currently, he is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Ryan is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio as well as Washington, D.C.

Kelli R. Howard

937-225-5572
HowardK@mcohio.org

Kelli graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. She has practiced as an assistant public defender for over 20 years and is currently the Deputy Director of Montgomery County Public Defender Office.

In addition to her career as a Public Defender, Kelli taught for ten years as an adjunct instructor at Sinclair Community College, Central State University, and Union Institute and University. She taught courses on Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Business Law, and American Federal Government.

Her professional affiliations include membership with the National Association of Public Defense, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, the Black Public Defender Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. Kelli is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Kelli also proudly serves on the HB 150 Task Force on Ohio's Indigent Defense System, the Advisory Board of Montgomery County Juvenile Court Specialty Docket - Family Treatment Court, the National Association of Public Defense's Racial Justice Committee, and Dayton Bar Association Grievance Committee, Dayton Bar Association Bar Exam & Qualifications Committee and the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Associate Board.

Kelli has previously served on Ohio Supreme Court's Task Force on Technology and the OSBA Indigent Defense Task Force.

Georganne E. Huber

937-238-1310
HuberG@mcohio.org

Georganne graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in Crime, Law, and Justice. Georganne holds a J.D. from Ohio Northern University Petit College of Law. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio. Georganne has been an attorney since 2006. Her experience prior to coming to our office includes serving as a Magistrate in Darke County Common Pleas Court for nearly seven years. Georganne’s duties included serving on both criminal and domestic dockets. Georganne’s professional memberships include the Dayton Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Ohio State Bar Association.

Brian D. Huelsman

937-224-8624
HuelsmanB@mcohio.org

Brian graduated from the University of Dayton with a B.S. in Business Administration and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has been an attorney since 1991. Brian has practiced criminal defense for 21 years, and also has experience working with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. He is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

J. Joseph Hyde

937-224-3724
HydeJ@mcohio.org

Joe graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Ethics and Public Policy, and he holds a J.D. from the University of California Berkeley. He has been an attorney since 2015. Joe has worked as a Public Defender with experience in other offices, including the Contra Costa County Public Defender’s Office (California) and the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office (Ohio). His professional affiliations include membership with the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association for Public Defense. Joe is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In his free time, Joe enjoys playing games and sports, working out, and playing music.

Melissa Duke Jones

937-496-7310
DukejonesM@mcohio.org

Melissa completed her undergraduate work at Wright State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. She has been an attorney since 1998. She is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association.

Olivia G. Kilby

937-496-7647
KilbyO@mcohio.org

Olivia, a Dayton native, graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies. She also earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Sinclair College and holds her J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Olivia was recently admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio in 2023. During school, Olivia took part in the Montgomery County Reclaiming Futures program, Women in Law and Leadership, and still serves as a motivational speaker for high school students who struggle with academics and those who have an interest in the law. During her free time, Olivia spends quality time with her ten siblings, traveling, watching football, and reading.

Amanda M. Kuhn

937-224-8623
KuhnA@mcohio.org

Mandy graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in Sociology and holds a J.D. from the Florida Coastal School of Law. She has been an attorney since 2005. Mandy has practiced as a Public Defender working in Jacksonville, Florida before joining our office. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In her free time, Mandy enjoys traveling and listening to live music.

Elizabeth A. Lewis

937-225-5438
LewisE@mcohio.org

Elizabeth graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in History. She went on to complete law school at the University of Dayton with admittance to the Ohio Bar in 2020. She has previous experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Clermont County before joining our office in 2023. Elizabeth is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the National Association for Public Defender, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. In her free time, she enjoys reading, and spending time with friends & family.

Tama Lexine

937-224-3637
LexineT@mcohio.org

Tama Lexine recently joined The Law Office of the Public Defender as an Assistant Public Defender. Tama is of Haitian descent and one of eleven children, so family has always been very important in her life. Tama observed her father’s dedication to serving the community as a Pastor for over 37 years, and her service alongside her father taught her that there is an intrinsic reward that can be gained from helping others. Tama obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and later graduated from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Tama is licensed to practice law in Washington D.C. and Ohio and is a member of the Federal Bar Association, National Association for Public Defense, Dayton Bar Association, and Black Public Defender Association.

During law school, some of the positions Tama held were Senior Preemption and Screening Editor of the WMU Cooley Law Review, Associate Editor of the WMU Cooley Journal of Practical & Clinical Law, Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law I and II, LexisNexis Student Representative, Themis Bar Review Student Representative, 2L Senator of the Student Bar Association, and Treasurer and Vice President of the Christian Legal Society. In addition to her many responsibilities as a student leader, Tama worked as a Legal Intern for a Solo Practitioner, competed in Mock Trial and Moot Court Competitions, and served as a member of several student organizations, local organizations, and committees.

Since law school, Tama has worked as a Personal Injury Attorney at a private firm, handling the firm’s intake, pre-litigation, and settlement matters, and as a Staff Attorney at a Legal Aid, where she served vulnerable and underrepresented populations in the areas of housing, public benefits, and consumer law. Tama spends most of her time off volunteering, exercising, thrifting, watching her favorite shows, catching up with friends and family, and going into the office to get a little bit more work done before the new week starts.

Hillary Livingston

LivingstonH@mcohio.org

Hillary graduated from Mills College with a B.A. in Anthropology/Sociology and she holds a J.D. from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State. Hillary is a member of the Dayton Bar Association. Prior to law school she worked doing research on criminal courts. In her free time, Hillary enjoys cooking for loved ones, traveling to foreign lands, and learning about plants. 

Carla M. Maragaño

937-496-7480
MaraganoC@mcohio.org

Carla graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in Political Science, and she holds a J.D. from the University of Akron. She has been an attorney since 2013. Before coming to our office, Carla practiced civil law at a private firm in Cleveland, specializing in workers’ compensation claims, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Carla has practiced as a Public Defender for seven years and is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. Her professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Carla also enjoys being involved in the community and is a member of the City of Dayton Landmarks Commission, which encourages and promotes historic preservation and historic district revitalization. She is also involved with one of the Dayton City Commission’s Police Reform Groups, addressing systemic racism in the community and police department and focusing on police oversight. In her free time, Carla enjoys hiking, cooking, camping, and visiting with family.

Barbara J. Martin

937-224-1750
MartinB@mcohio.org

Barbara holds a J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She became an attorney in 1992. Her professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Barbara is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio.

Julia J. Mauk

937-224-3926
MaukJ@mcohio.org

Julia graduated from the University of Dayton with a B.A. in Philosophy and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Julia has been an attorney since 2008, and has practiced as a Public Defender for nine years. Before coming to our office, she was the Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow at Legal Aid of Western Ohio. Julia’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. In her free time, Julia enjoys Irish dancing and being involved in the community, where she sits on the board of directors for both The House of Bread and Rainbow Elder Care of Greater Dayton.

Kaila L. McClellan

937-496-7481
McClellanK@mcohio.org

Kaila graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A in Criminology and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Kaila has been an attorney since 2017. She is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. Kaila is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. Outside of work, she volunteers for an addiction recovery and support organization called SMART Recovery, and is a trained Storm Spotter through the National Weather Service. In her free time, Kaila enjoys learning about meteorology, anything involving live music, and playing with her golden retriever.

Elizabeth R. McKinley

937-224-8621
McKinleyE@mcohio.org

Elizabeth graduated from Miami University with a B.S. in Zoology and holds a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. She has been an attorney since 2020. Elizabeth has experience clerking for the City of Cincinnati’s Legal Department as well as with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Public Advocacy. She has also interned for the Federal Public Defender’s Office (Southern District of Ohio) and the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. Elizabeth is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. Additionally, Elizabeth is published with the University of Cincinnati Law Review, for her 2019 article “The Importance of Drug Quantity in Federal Sentencing: How Circuit Courts Should Determine the Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances in Light of United States v. Stoddard.”

Arvin Miller

937-496-7475
MillerA@mcohio.org

 

V. Gayle Miller

937-225-4640
MillerG@mcohio.org

Gayle began working with our office as our Probate Resource Attorney in 2022. She was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in May of 2014, and was then admitted to the Southern District of Ohio Bar in December of 2014. Previously, Gayle earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications & Media Arts from Antioch College in 1990. She went on to Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law to earn her Juris Doctor in 1998. In 2013, she earned her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.

Andrea Dewar Oladi

937-224-1749
DewaroladiA@mcohio.org

Andrea completed her undergraduate degree in Social Work at McGill University in Montreal and continued on to obtain her Master’s of Social Work and J.D. from McGill as well. Andrea has been an attorney since 2005. She is a member of the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association for Public Defense. Andrea is also an adjunct faculty member for the University of Dayton School of Law as well as a faculty member for the National Public Defender Training Project. She is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Ohio, and she is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In her free time, Andrea enjoys being in nature, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Michael R. Pentecost

937-496-7473
PentecostM@mcohio.org

Michael graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from the University of Akron. He has been an attorney since 1986. Prior to joining the office, he worked as a private criminal defense attorney and as a staff attorney in the Ohio 12th District Court of Appeals. Michael’s professional affiliations include membership with the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association for Public Defense. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the United States Supreme Court. Additionally, Michael is currently the only active practicing attorney in Montgomery County to be so certified under Rule 20 as lead trial counsel for appointment in death penalty cases and one of only two attorneys in the entire Second Appellate District. In his free time, Michael enjoys collecting baseball cards and researching genealogy.

Julie B. Peppo

937-496-7477
PeppoJ@mcohio.org

Julie graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. She has been an attorney since 1986. Prior to joining the office, Julie was an attorney at Lexis-Nexis and practiced at private law firms, specializing in general practice including personal injury, medical negligence, business and employment law, and criminal law. Julie’s professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association for Public Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association (member of the Animal Rights Committee), the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association.

Melissa A. Pfahler

937-496-7646
PfahlerM@mcohio.org

Melissa graduated from Ohio University and holds a J.D. from Widener University. She became an attorney in 2010. Melissa’s professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio. In her free time, Melissa enjoys running, reading, and baking.

Daniel B. Rhodes

937-224-1714
RhodesD@mcohio.org

Dan graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Psychology and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has been an attorney since 2012.. Dan’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In his free time, Dan enjoys cooking and grilling.

Joseph M. Rusch

937-225-5437
RuschJ@mcohio.org

Joe graduated from Ohio University with a B.A. in English and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. He has been an attorney since 2011. Before joining our office, Joe practiced law as a staff attorney at the Montgomery County Child Support Enforcement Agency, served as the legal service coordinator/staff attorney with the Talbert House Fatherhood Project, and worked as an attorney at a private firm. Joe is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In his free time, Joe enjoys reading, skiing, and golfing.

Susan F. Souther

937-225-5423
SoutherS@mcohio.org

Susan graduated from Northern Kentucky University and holds a J.D. from Capital University Law School. She has been an attorney since 1992. Prior to joining our office, she worked at a private firm. Susan’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. She is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio.

Steven D. Strain

StrainS@mcohio.org

Steve holds a B.A. from Wright State University and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Steve has been practicing since 2015 in both the private and public sector. Prior to joining the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, he initiated a pilot program through the Montgomery County Veteran’s Services office where he provided legal aid to Ohio veterans. Steve is a veteran of the United State Marine Corps, having served from 2005-2009 where he completed two tours of duty in Iraq. He is a member of the Dayton Bar Association where he served as chair of the Young Lawyers Division and is a graduate of their Leadership Development Program.

Molly L. Stitsinger

937-496-7471
StitsingerM@mcohio.org

Molly graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.A. in Psychology and holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. Molly has been an attorney since 2002. Her professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. Molly is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. In her free time, Molly volunteers with Girls on the Run and enjoys reading, boating, and traveling.

Christopher W. Thompson

937-224-8633
ThompsonC@mcohio.org

Christopher graduated from Miami University and holds a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University. He has been an attorney since 1991. Christopher also has prior experience as a law clerk at the City of Cleveland Prosecutor’s Office and as an attorney at the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. His professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. Christopher is licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In his free time, Christopher enjoys gardening and spending time with his dogs.

Navay M. Vaughn

937-496-7484
VaughnN@mcohio.org

Navay completed her undergraduate work at the University of Dayton, and also holds a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. She has been an attorney since 1989. Navay’s professional affiliations include membership with the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Public Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Navay is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio.

Nicole Vega

937-225-5434
VegaN@mcohio.org

Nicole began working with our office in September of 2022. Prior, she earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati, and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in October of 2022. Nicole is currently a member of the Dayton Bar Association, and is working towards a membership with the Ohio State Bar Association. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her dogs, playing badminton, and spending time with family & friends. Nicole is also fluent in Spanish.

Madison S. Westermeyer

(937) 225-5477
WestermeyerM@mcohio.org

Madison graduated from the Ohio State University with a B.S in Psychology and minors in Molecular Genetics and Spanish. She holds a J.D. from the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law. Madison is pending admission to the Ohio Bar and expects to be admitted in November 2024. In law school, she held leadership positions in OUTLaw and UK’s American Constitution Society chapter. She also completed and externship with the Kentucky Innocence Project. In her free time, she enjoys participating in various outdoor activities, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

David A. White

(937) 224-8627
WhiteD@mcohio.org

David completed his undergraduate work at The University of Dayton and holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University’s Law School. David also received a Certificate of Non-Profit Management from Duke University. David has been an attorney since 1988, and he served as a Magistrate in Montgomery County Probate Court for over 17 years and as a Magistrate in Montgomery County Juvenile Court for over 5 years. David is a member of the National Association for Public Defense, the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Dayton Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio.

Nikole E. Xarhoulacos

937-224-8617
XarhoulacosN@mcohio.org

Nikole graduated from the University of Dayton with a B.A. in Political Science and holds a J.D. from Capital University Law School. She has been an attorney since 2005. Her experience prior to coming to our office includes five years as a Magistrate in Montgomery County Juvenile Court. During her tenure at Juvenile Court, Nikole presided over the nationally recognized Family Treatment Court program and she continues to advocate for those who are struggling with the disease of addiction. She has been an adjunct instructor at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio for seven years and has taught courses on Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Constitutional Law, Probation and Parole, Juvenile Delinquency, and White Collar Crimes. Nikole was recently inducted as a Fellow for the Ohio State Bar Foundation and proudly serves as a Board Member for the Dayton Mediation Center. Nikole’s professional affiliations include membership with the Dayton Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association (past Chair of the Juvenile Law Committee), the Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association for Public Defense. Nikole has been licensed to practice in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

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