Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan

Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates

from the Third Judicial Circuit

November 2025

Chief Judge Letter - Juvenile Mental Health Court
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
HR Holiday Open House for Employees
Judge Annette Berry Receives Award
Third Circuit Court in the Community
Welcoming New Referees Jennings and Woodruff
FOC Fall Conference and New Hires
Penobscot Praise
Criminal Courthouse Kudos
Family - Juvenile Team Hosts Nacho Luncheon
Criminal Division Celebrates Halloween and Honors a Late Colleague
Referees Mentor Law School Students
Tech Tips - Resetting Your Court Password
DEI Calendar

Impacting the Mental Health of Wayne County Youth in a Positive Way

Members of the Bench and court staff at the Fall Juvenile Mental Health Court Graduation include Edna Clark, Deborah Nelson, Sonja Ristic, ToieLynn Smith, Frank Hardester, the Hon Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, the Hon. Judge Hartsfield, and the Hon. Karen Y. Braxton.

Third Circuit Court celebrated our Fall Juvenile Mental Health graduation on October 28. There we recognized nine Wayne County students who displayed hard work, dedication, and a willingness to speak with others about their challenges by completing the Juvenile Mental Health Court program.

The mission of the Juvenile Mental Health Court is to identify youth with mental health issues and divert them from the formal court docket. The program connects participants and their family members to community resources to support children who struggle with mental health issues while in the juvenile system.

Mental health is a huge challenge for our country, our state and Wayne County. While the COVID pandemic brought the topic of mental health to the forefront in some ways, we still are looking at the best ways to support our neighbors impacted by it.

The Juvenile Mental Health Court is open to children ages 12-17 in Wayne County with parental consent. Reducing court contact and addressing the mental health challenges these young people experience has far-reaching benefits for them, their families, our court and the community at large.

I want to thank our Internal Presiding Judge, the Hon. Sheila Ann Gibson, as well as the Hon. Judy Hartsfield who oversees the Mental Health Court. I'd also like to thank Family – Juvenile Deputy Court Administrator ToieLynn Smith, Specialty Courts Coordinator Deborah Nelson and their teams for ensuring that our Juvenile Mental Health Court is a shining example of excellence in Third Circuit Court and our community. It is important work that should be noticed and celebrated!

Judge Patricia Perez Fresard

Recognizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in November

The Third Circuit Court Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Team’s Mission is: "We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice."

The Court’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team strives to ensure the values of its diverse bench, staff, and court users are acknowledged and reflected in our delivery of service as well as our work environment.

Veterans Day, observed each year on November 11, honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was established to mark the end of World War I and later expanded to recognize all who have defended our nation in times of war and peace. Veterans Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy are protected by those who have worn the uniform with courage and dedication. It’s a time to express our gratitude and show respect for their sacrifice and commitment.

As President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” This November, let us thank our veterans not only with words, but through continued support for their well-being and their families.

National Native American Heritage Month honors the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native peoples, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. The observance traces back to the early 1900s, when advocates such as Dr. Arthur C. Parker and Rev. Sherman Coolidge worked to establish a day recognizing the “First Americans.”

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month, which has since expanded to include all Native American and Alaska Native communities. This month serves as a time to reflect on their enduring strength, recognize their vital role in shaping our nation’s history, and celebrate their continuing influence in our shared future.

Source: U.S. Department of Interior Labor Affairs

National Adoption Awareness Month shines a light on the importance of adoption and the many children and youth waiting to find permanent, loving homes. It’s a time to honor adoptive families, recognize the dedication of professionals who support them, and raise awareness about the need for safe, stable family connections—especially for teens in foster care.

By increasing understanding and encouraging community involvement, National Adoption Awareness Month helps ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel the lasting security of belonging to a family.

Source: Heartbeat International

Judge Annette Berry Receives Award from Michigan Lawyers Weekly

The Hon. Annette J. Berry has been named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 “Influential Women of Law.” Judge Berry, a member of the Third Circuit Court’s Civil Division, is one of only two judges in Michigan to receive this prestigious recognition this year.

The “Influential Women of Law” award honors women attorneys and judges who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, professional achievement, and community service, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly The award highlights those who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and continue to inspire future generations of leaders.

Judge Berry has served on the Third Judicial Circuit Court since 2000, presiding over both criminal and civil matters. She has served on the Business Court, having first been appointed in November 2022 and reappointed in January 2025. Before joining the bench, Judge Berry also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan, earning a reputation as a skilled trial attorney. Over the course of her career, Judge Berry has also been an active mentor and advocate for young lawyers and law students.

Congratulations Judge Berry!

Third Circuit Court Visits Highland Park and Plymouth Township

Our community outreach efforts continued in October. The Hon. Donald L. Knapp, Jr. presented before the Plymouth Township Board of Trustees on October 14 and the Hon. Chandra Baker-Robinson presented at Highland Park City Council on October 20. Both judges provided an overview of the services available to residents from Third Circuit Court, including the jury services process.

Third Circuit Courts thanks these communities, members of their leadership team, and residents for letting us speak at these regular meetings. We have additional community meetings scheduled for the coming months as well!

Welcoming Referees Jennings and Woodruff

The Friend of the Court recently hired two new Family - Domestic referees, Anita Jennings and Patricia (Patty) Woodruff.

Referee Jennings (right with Chief Judge Fresard) most recently served as a FOC Staff Attorney in the legal department. Prior to that position, she was previously in private practice focused on family law and estate planning. Referee Jennings earned her joint J.D. and MBA from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. She was sworn in by Chief Judge Fresard on September 30.

Prior to practicing law, Referee Jennings worked for Ford Motor Company in Human Resources, and lived overseas for many years in Thailand and China. In her free time, Referee Jennings loves salsa dancing, bowling and traveling.

Prior to joining Wayne Friend of the Court, Referee Woodruff (right with Chief Judge Fresard) was a referee in Washtenaw County. She previously served as a judicial attorney in the family division of Third Circuit and as a staff attorney with Lakeshore Legal Aid. Referee Woodruff was sworn in by Chief Judge Fresard on October 15.

Referee Woodruff is proud to rejoin the court's family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, following our Detroit sports teams, and watching almost everything on Bravo TV.

Welcome to Referees Jennings and Woodruff!

FOC team members are honored at the Fall Family Support Conference

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Lindsay Carr, Juanita Hawkins, David McPhail, JaVonne Ransom, Leslie Murphy, Deidra Gilbert, Daydrea Dennard, Renee Nash, Shanita Johnson, Kimberly LePoudre, Victoria Glenn, Vickie Huguley, Jared Hocker, Denise Gaston, Helen Hsu, Shaun McParland, Dyamone Smith, LaShan Bradley, Ieisha Moore.

Several Friend of the Court staff members attended the 2025 Fall Michigan Family Support Council Conference, an event held in northern Michigan that brings together child support professionals from all over the state to learn and network. This year’s conference was held at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan and featured workshops on legislative and caselaw updates, fatherhood engagement, intergovernmental topics and domestic abuse.

Wayne County Friend of the Court was well represented when Michigan Family Support Council presented their annual awards. Kimberley LePoudre (on the left in the accompanying photo), an Information Specialist II in the Case Establishment department was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award. Kim was nominated by her Manager, Dominique Peacock.

Vickie Huguley (on the right on the accompanying photo) was nominated for and won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Vickie was nominated by her supervisor, LaShan Bradley. Kim and Vickie are important assets to the Friend of the Court and staff members who supervisors, managers and staff alike turn to for advice and assistance. Congratulations Kim and Vickie!

Friend of the Court Hires Two New Staff Attorneys

Dan Clark joins Friend of the Court from the private sector where he worked in insurance defense. Prior to that, Dan worked for the City of Detroit Law Department for over five years. He earned his undergraduate in political science from Western Michigan University, his master’s in project management from Central Michigan University, and his Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. When not working, Dan enjoys playing music, spending time with his family, fitness, and gaming with friends.

Rebecca Hershock earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State Law School. After graduating, she spent time practicing insurance defense law at Anselmi, Mierzejewski, Ruth & Sowle as an associate attorney. Rebecca then worked as an attorney practicing labor and employment law at Gregory, Moore, Brooks, Clark & Helton. Rebecca married her husband last April and enjoys reading and archaeology. Welcome to Dan and Rebecca!

Penobscot Praise: Rosemary Christian

Rosemary Christian, an Information Specialist II in the Friend of the Court’s Information Services Department, was the recipient of October’s Penobscot Praise program award. Rosemary was nominated by several coworkers for this honor. Rosemary's coworkers said the following about her work:

"(She is) a very loving, kind caring person, you would definitely want her on your team."
While I have always been appreciative of Rosemary's calm presence and no-fuss willingness to assist, it was especially noteworthy in the context of the Customer Service window when she was dealing with an aggressive and aggrieved man face-to-face and handled the situation with empathy, calm and patience. Rosemary delivered exceptional service to her customer by taking the initiative to contact me and then to continue to work with me to address the problem, demonstrating both teamwork and leadership.
Rosemary shows concern, is empathetic, and passionate about her ability to assist members with their problems. She goes above and beyond to find answers to difficult questions and follows up until she has a solution. She applies herself with the knowledge and understanding of the Court and its processes and utilizes such to help prevent future problems.
She is the poster woman for service with a smile.

The Friend of the Court is honored to have Rosemary on the team!

Criminal Courthouse Kudos: Barbara Robinson

The Criminal Division announced that Barbara Robinson was named its October Courthouse Kudos recipient!

According to the colleague that nominated her, “Barbara is an incredible well of knowledge, whenever anyone has a question about policy, process, or protocol the answer is always – Let me go ask Barbara. She works fast and fierce and has the light heartedness that makes her an incredible teacher, leader, and communicator. I have seen her defuse many high pressure situations both on the phone and at the court services counter window providing immense support for her staff. She’s truly a force to be reckoned with!”

Join us in recognizing Barbara for her exceptional leadership and the positive impact she brings!

Barb, thank you for what you do!

Let's Continue to Celebrate One Another.

Small Moments Make a BIG Impact!

Family - Juvenile Team Hosts Nacho Luncheon

Family Division-Juvenile Judge Adrienne G. Scruggs hosted a Detroit Lions themed luncheon called “NaCho Regular Tailgate”, a nacho bar with all the fixings. Judge Scruggs, in tandem with Team A.R.C. Productions (Judge Adrienne Scruggs; Robert Jeffries, Court Clerk 3; and Clarice Mehundrew, Judicial Secretary 3) welcomed juvenile judges, their teams, support staff, and Wayne County Sheriff's Department deputies to show appreciation for all of their hard work and to root for our hometown team by wearing Lions gear.

This is the 2nd Juvenile event hosted by Team A.R.C. Productions. Future events are on the way!

Criminal Division Holds Two Halloween Celebrations...

Members of the Bench and employees in the Criminal Division had an early start to the Halloween season with a fun 5th Floor Halloween Mixer on Friday, October 24. The celebration included a full lunch comprised of wings, roasted chicken, salad, pasta, fruit salad and plenty of desserts and candy.

It was a great opportunity for conversations, music and more as a well to celebrate the “spooky season.” A wonderful time was had by all who attended.

And Honors a Colleague's Memory...

Nacole Coplen (top), and Kathryn Eckel (bottom, left) participated in an event to honor their colleague the Criminal Division Halloween party in honor of their colleague, Mark Knight. Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy Francis O’Neal (bottom, right) is impressed with the spread.

This year’s Halloween festivities at the Criminal Division were more than just spooky fun—they were a heartfelt tribute to our late colleague, Mark Knight, whose joy for the season and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all court employees he encountered.

In honor of Mark’s tradition of hosting candy giveaways with a smile and a costume, the team, led by Clerk V Shakia Lee, organized a festive giveaway filled with treats, laughter, and joy! Employees came dressed in their most creative costumes, from classic ghouls to pop culture icons, and gathered around many candy stations throughout the departments decorated with pumpkins, cobwebs, cake, and beverages.

It was a sweet way to celebrate the season and keep Mark’s joyful legacy alive—reminding us that sometimes, the smallest gestures (like a fun-sized Snickers) can leave the biggest impact."

Court Referees Mentor Law School Students

Friend of the Court Referee Eric Ratkowski, Referee Christina McPhail-Stockdale, Chief Referee Stephanie Witucki, and Staff Attorney Courtney Marshall

Employees from Friend of the Court enjoyed an evening mentoring students from Michigan State School of Law at the MentorJet event on October 15. Among those in attendance were Chief Referee Stephanie Witucki, Referees Christina McPhail-Stockdale and Eric Ratkowski, and Staff Attorney Courtney Marshall.

This event was hosted by the National Association of Women Judges - Michigan Chapter and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. It connects students and emerging legal professionals with experienced members of the bench and bar in a “speed mentoring” format. The Friend of the Court participants shared their experiences and insight with Michigan State law students.