Staff
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & HR REPRESENTATIVE
Nicola Lewis
937-224-8721
LewisN@mcohio.org
Nicola graduated Summa Cum Laude from Franklin University with a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management, and a B.S. in Management & Leadership. Nicola is certified in Employee & Labor Relations, and Strategic HR Leadership. Nicola has over eighteen years of professional experience working in the Judicial System in many different facets. Nicola’s affiliations include the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), Ohio Public Employer Labor Relations Association (OHPELRA), National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), The Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College, and The Children’s Dyslexia Center Of Dayton. In her free time, Nicola enjoys family time, art exhibits, and poetry.
Starla Wilson
Executive Administrative Assistant
937-225-5478
WilsonSt@mcohio.org
Starla “Star” graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Forensic Science from Salem University. Star started her career with Montgomery County Juvenile Courts in the Probation Department. Star started off as a Work Detail Coordinator and after three months, received a promotion as a Diversion Officer within the Evening Reporting Center. Star stay with Juvenile probation from 2018-2022 with another promotion as the Probation Officer IV for the ERC program in 2021. Star is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In her free time, Star likes to make art (rugs, paintings, etc), spend time with family, and attend events with her fellow sorority Sorors.
INVESTIGATORS
Shawn L. Gaulding
937-496-7487
GauldingS@mcohio.org
Lineal D. Gaulding is an investigator for the Montgomery County Public Defender, and is a Dayton area native. He has been part of our office since 2016 after leaving the banking and financial private sector. Gaulding is a John H. Patterson Career Center Graduate, and is graduating from the historic Wilberforce University in 2023. Gaulding is a member of American Youth Foundation & DECA, and he also works with various non-profit and charitable groups. Gaulding believes in equality and equal rights for everyone regardless of faith, color, economic, social-economic background or social status.
Avery M. Moeller
937-496-7394
Avery completed his B.A. in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences, both from Wright State University. He has been with the office since 2019, with previous work interviewing and locating hard-to-reach individuals. Avery’s professional affiliations include membership with the National Association for Public Defense and National Defense Investigator Association. In his free time, Avery enjoys playing ultimate frisbee, woodworking, and spending time with his family and friends.
PARALEGAL
HOLISTIC DEFENSE TEAM
Alyssa Yates
Social Work Manager
(937) 224-8628
YatesA@mcohio.org
Alyssa graduated from Wright State University with a B.S. 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.
Kelsey Over
Mitigation Specialist
(937) 224-3876
OverK@mcohio.org
Kelsey graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Kelsey bring prior experience working for Montgomery County, having previously worked in Community-based corrections, inpatient treatment, and the Courts in a Case Management capacity. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with family, reading and gardening.
Paul (Budd) Nerone
Housing Case Manager
(937) 224-3707
NeroneP@mcohio.org
Budd began working with our office during the summer of 2022 after spending 14 years working various jobs in homeless outreach between Ohio and Colorado. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Dayton in 2007. In his free time, Budd can be found playing with his 3-year-old and newborn.
Stephanie Sanders
Diversion Specialist
937-224-8620
SandersS@mcohio.org
Stephanie attended Sinclair Community College for four years. Before coming to our office, Stephanie taught yoga and group fitness to ladies at the Ohio Reformatory for Women and was a rescue dog volunteer. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling to West Virginia to visit family.
Alexis L. Jones
Social Worker
326-202-8997
JonesAl@mcohio.org
Lexi L. Jones, MSW, is a committed advocate with a passion for social justice and a solid foundation in legal advocacy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Social Work from Ohio University. Since then, she has devoted her career to supporting individuals within the legal system, particularly those who face significant barriers to justice. Lexi’s work is driven by her belief in the potential of people to overcome obstacles and create positive, lasting change.
As a member of both the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), Lexi continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals in need. She works diligently to ensure equitable access to justice for all. In her free time, Lexi enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, camping, and watching true crime shows.
Francesca Westermann
Social Worker
937-496-6623
WestermannF@mcohio.org
Francesca S. Westermann has been with the Public Defenders Office in the Holistic Defense Team since December 2024. She holds an Associates in Chemical Dependency and an Associates in Mental Health from Sinclair Community College and is beginning her Bachelors of Social Work in the Fall. Francesca has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for ten years, connecting individuals struggling with mental health or addiction with life-saving treatment. In her free time, Francesca enjoys traveling, cooking, gardening, and spending time with family.
Reva Dudley Loveless
Child & Family Court Liaison
937-496-7482
LovelessR@mcohio.org
Reva is currently a Notary at the Public Defender’s Office. She completed the Realest Program at Sinclair Community College and was on the trustee board for County Corp. Housing for over six years. Prior to being part of our office, Reva was a Certified Medical Assistant. She served 33 years as a Case Manager/Clerk in Courtroom for Montgomery County Juvenile Court. Once she retired, she worked as a Job Coach at JFS. Today, Reva enjoys being with her grandchildren and helping out her granddaughter’s drill team, as she loves sports. Additionally, she helps manage rental properties for a family member.
NaKesha S. Thompson
Community Resource Specialist
937-224-3612
ThompsonN@mcohio.org
Kesha is currently in the Social Work/Chemical Dependency Program at Sinclair Community college. Outside of professional duties, Kesha is actively involved in Kesha’s Kommunity which is a nonprofit organiztion she created to help the less fortunate. Kesha is committed to helping individuals overcome obstacles and improve their quality of life.
In her free time, Kesha enjoys traveling (cruises) and spending time with her two children and family.
CLIENT ENGAGEMENT
Name | Phone (937) | |
Cynthia Packet - Team Lead | 224-3709 | packetc@mcohio.org |
Stavion Byrd | 224-3716 | byrdst@mcohio.org |
Jamie Iker | 225-4652 | ikerj@mcohio.org |
Marsha McDaniel | 496-6623 | mcdanielm@mcohio.org |
Dana Singer | 224-3704 | singerda@mcohio.org |
Rachel Thompson | 224-8616 | thompsonr@mcohio.org |
Farrah Twitty | 225-5440 | twittyf@mcohio.org |
Riley Weng | 224-3718 | wengr@mcohio.org |
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
Name | Phone (937) | |
Samantha Andrews | 496-3227 | andrewss@mcohio.org |
Debra Burs | 224-3717 | bursd@mcohio.org |
Beth Curton | 224-3711 | curtonb@mcohio.org |
Syeta Davis | 225-4640 option 3 | davissy@mcohio.org |
Amy Deam | 224-3713 | deama@mcohio.org |
Sherra Howard | 224-3721 | howards@mcohio.org |
Jennifer Johnson | 496-7578 | johnsonjen@mcohio.org |
Regina Phillips | 224-1715 | phillipsr@mcohio.org | Vicki Reed | 224-3943 | reedv@mcohio.org |