Deputy Public Defender

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. She completed leadership training through the Black Defender Leadership Institute (BDLI) 2.0 and Culture Learning Partners (CLP) Executive Training Program.

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 proudly serves on the Advisory Board of Montgomery County Juvenile Court Specialty Docket – Family Treatment Court, Dayton Bar Association Grievance Committee, Dayton Bar Association Bar Exam & Qualifications Committee, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Associate Board and the Project One Hope Community Dinner Committee at St. Peter Catholic Church.

Kelli has previously served on Ohio Supreme Court’s Task Force on Technology and the OSBA Indigent Defense Task Force, HB 150 Task Force on Ohio’s Indigent Defense System, the National Association of Public Defense Racial Justice Committee.

Child & Family Law Division Manager

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. Nikole has over 15 years of legal experience that includes her years of service at the Public Defender’s Office and her 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.

Manager of Social Work

937-224-8628
YatesA@mcohio.org

Alyssa graduated from Wright State University with a B.A. in Rehabilitation Services and also received her Master’s of Social Work at The Ohio State University. Alyssa is a licensed Social Worker and brings prior experience working with adults experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and alcohol and drug addiction. Alyssa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and National Association for Public Defense. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with family and friends.