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Court and Community News and Access & Fairness updates
from the Third Judicial Circuit
July 2026
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- Chief Judge Letter - We Take Security Seriously
- Access & Fairness Updates
- Introducing the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room
- Law Day Recap
- STAND Gradaution
- Judge Knapp Speaks at Law Enforcement Memorial Event in Livonia
- William Booth Legal Aid Clinic Walk for Justice
- Court Referees Attend State Conference
- Referee McPhail-Stockdale Speaks at Detroit School's Career Day
- Welcome New Employee Chris Wasczenski
- Access & Fairness Committee Update
- Criminal Division Volunteers for Public Survey Support
- Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Leigh Anne Spaman
- Tech Tips - Get Rid of Spam
- Access & Fairness Calendar
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Security remains a critical part of our court’s operations
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Every day, hundreds of employees, judges, attorneys, jurors, litigants, and members of the public enter our court facilities with the expectation that they will be able to conduct important business in a safe and secure environment. Providing that security is one of our highest priorities, and it is a responsibility shared by many dedicated professionals across the Third Circuit Court.
Court security extends far beyond the screening stations at our entrances. It requires careful planning, constant coordination, and ongoing communication among our Court Security team, Wayne County Sheriff's Department personnel, court leadership, facilities staff, and many others who work together behind the scenes. Together they identify potential risks and respond effectively when situations arise.
Security also depends on each of us. Remaining aware of our surroundings, following established safety procedures, promptly reporting suspicious activity, and participating in emergency preparedness training all contribute to maintaining a secure workplace. Even small actions can make a meaningful difference in protecting our colleagues and the public we serve.
I want to thank every member of our security team for their professionalism, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to keeping our court facilities safe. Thank you to our sheriff’s department deputies, supporting security professionals, and all administrative and court staff for your collective awareness. Some of the behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential to fulfilling our mission of delivering fair, accessible, and efficient justice.
Thank you also to the judges, referees and court team members who have reported their concerns to me and our administration. The more we know, the more diligent we can be in providing the security that everyone deserves.
As our court continues to evolve, we will remain committed to strengthening our security efforts through collaboration, training, and thoughtful planning. Together, we can ensure that the Third Circuit Court remains a safe place for everyone who enters our doors.
Judge Edward Ewell, Jr.
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Access and Fairness in July
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The Third Circuit Court Access and Fairness Committee, formerly the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team, guides, coordinates, and monitors initiatives that promote fairness, accessibility, and inclusion across all divisions of the Court.
The Committee’s mission is:
The Third Circuit Court advances justice through fairness, accessibility, and respect. We are committed to serving the public with integrity and accountability, ensuring that every person, whether staff, judicial officer, or court user, can engage with the Court equitably and with dignity.
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Taking a closer look at the ADA
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Each year on July 26, we recognize the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law that has helped create more accessible workplaces, public spaces, and opportunities for millions of Americans since its passage in 1990.
The ADA reminds us that inclusion is about more than meeting legal requirements—it's about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and thrive. Accessible workplaces, thoughtful accommodations, and a culture built on respect benefit not only individuals with disabilities, but our entire team.
As we commemorate this important milestone, we encourage everyone to consider how small actions can make a meaningful difference. Whether it's ensuring meetings are accessible, communicating clearly, or supporting colleagues with different abilities and perspectives, each of us plays a role in fostering an inclusive workplace.
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Public Satisfaction Survey Highlights Community Feedback
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By Sharonda Simmons
Earlier this spring, the Court participated in the State Court Administrative Office's Public Satisfaction Survey, collecting approximately 900 responses through online and paper surveys across all four court locations. We gathered feedback through survey tables, QR codes, paper surveys, and virtual participation opportunities in early May.
The results were encouraging. Respondents frequently described court employees as professional, respectful, helpful, and courteous, with many taking the time to recognize staff, judicial officers, and security personnel for their commitment to public service. Court users generally reported positive day-to-day interactions with court personnel and feeling treated fairly throughout their court experience.
Several consistent themes emerged, including the importance of clear communication, understanding next steps in the court process, and access to information and resources. These themes closely align with priorities already identified through the Court's Strategic Plan, including court user experience, procedural fairness, communication, accessibility, and public trust.
The survey provides an important opportunity to hear directly from the individuals we serve. As we continue reviewing the results and identifying opportunities for improvement, the feedback collected will help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen services, enhance communication, and improve the overall court user experience.
Thank you to the many employees who supported survey administration and to the court users who took the time to share their experiences and perspectives.
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The Hon. Nicole Castka Recognized by Local Nonprofit for Excellence
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The Hon. Nicole Castka was recently named as the Best Judge for 2026 for Umoja Debate League.
Umoja Debate League is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses debate as a vehicle to teach Detroit youth, ages 11-18, transferable life skills. These skills include, but are not limited to, critical thinking, confidence, conflict resolution, increased literacy, and self-expression.
The organizaion provides young people with opportunities to articulate their thoughts and ideas to an audience, develop interpersonal skills in a team environment, and grow into transformational leaders.
Congratulations to Judge Castka on this recognition!
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Family-Domestic Team Members Participate in 2026 Family Court Forum
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L to R – (back row) Hon. Regina Triplett, Referee Stacey Selleck, Hon. Christopher D. Dingell, Referee Jared Hocker, Chief Referee Stephanie Witucki and (front row) Hon. Carla G. Testani, Assistant Director-Family Assessment Services, Dr. Lindsay Yeager Carr, PhD, LP, Legal Director-Assistant Friend of the Court, Jillian Fitzgerald, Forensic Family Clinician, Denise Gaston, Referee Alicia Bianchi, Hon. Nicole N. Goodson, and Referee Anita Jennings.
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Several Third Circuit Court Family-Domestic Division Judges, Friend of the Court Referees, Directors, and Family Assessment Services Clinicians were invited to attend the 2026 Family Court Forum in Ann Arbor on June 5th at the Travis Pointe Country Club.
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh was present to extend greetings from the Michigan Supreme Court, Hon. Anthony McDowell, 7th Circuit Court, moderated, and Judges, referees, attorneys, and mental health professionals presented and held lively and informative panel discussions on the topic of exploring parental estrangement, alienating behaviors, and reunification in the family court realm.
Judicial attendees also earned continuing judicial education credits for attending the forum.
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10 Minutes for Justice Program Visits the Cities of Gibraltar and Trenton
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The Hon. Kathleen McCarthy presents our court's story and information about jury services to the Gibraltar City Council.
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The Hon. Mary Beth Kelly does the same in front of Trenton City Council Members.
Thank you to Judge McCarthy, Judge Kelly, and all judges who have and will continue to present our story to communities in Wayne County!
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Our Court Retreat Date is Set for September 18
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Third Circuit Court Retreat, taking place on Friday, September 18. This year's retreat theme, The Power of the Third: United to LEAD, reflects the collective strength of our Court community and our shared commitment to Leadership, Excellence, Accountability, and Diversity. Throughout the day, Judges, Court employees, and Court contractors from across every division will come together to connect, collaborate, learn, and celebrate the important work we do in service to our community.
This is a great opportunity for our entire Court community to gather in one place are rare, and we look forward to spending this day together as One Court.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, July 15
Registration takes less than two minutes to complete.
To register:
- Log in to the Agency Resources/Outside Agency Web Access using your Third Circuit Court credentials.
- Open the Training Application.
- Select Court Events and click Sign Up for the Court Retreat.
- Complete and submit your registration form.
As a reminder, the Court will be closed on Friday, September 18, and attendance at the retreat is mandatory for all Judges, Court employees, and Court contractors, as previously announced.
Over the coming weeks, we'll share additional information about the retreat, including our keynote speaker, panel discussion, Spirit Week activities, event highlights, and other details to help you prepare for the day. Contact Sharonda Simmons with questions. Regular updates about the retreat will soon be available on CourtWeb.
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Referee Brandi Taylor Elected to Referees Association of Michigan Board
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Referee Brandi Taylor (above, right) has been elected to the Referees Association of Michigan Board by her fellow RAM members. She and Referee LaChelle Logan (above left) recently represented Third Circuit Court at a RAM Conference that was also attended by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh.
Referee Taylor to her position was elected by the attending members to the RAM Board. In that capacity she will serve as a leader for her profession while advancing RAM's mission of supporting Michigan's domestic and juvenile court referees through education, professional development, networking, and advocacy.
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FOC Welcomes New FOC Staff Attorney Fatma Nassar
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Fatma Nassar has joined Friend of the Court as a Staff Attorney. She was admitted into the State Bar of Michigan in November 2025 and has had four months of private family law experience before accepting this position. Fatma previously worked in many areas of law including personal injury, automobile no-fault, and estates and trust.
Through these experiences, Fatma has determined that family law is the area she wants to practice because she believes it is important to help individuals and to serve them during their difficult transitions in the familial setting.
Outside of work Fatma enjoys readings, spending time with family, traveling, and hiking. She is excited to be working for the Friend of The Court and looks forward to contributing to the important work being done here.
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Senita Jackson-Tarver and Paul Smith Arrive as Our Newest Probation Officers
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Third Circuit Court has hired three new probation officers to its team: Senita Jackson-Tarver, Paul Smith and Selena Singleton.
Senita is joining the Juvenile Mental Health Court in her new role. She brings a strong educational background and a passion for serving youth and families. She earned both her bachelor's degree and Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Prior to joining the court, Senita served as a Child Protective Services Specialist in Western Wayne County, where she worked closely with children and families navigating challenging circumstances. Through that experience, she developed a deep commitment to supporting young people and helping them recognize their strengths and potential.
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As she begins her new role, Senita looks forward to continuing her service to the community by encouraging youth, fostering positive outcomes, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families the court serves.
Paul was born and raised in the City of Detroit and has a long career of public service. He is joining the Family Division- Juvenile Section Status Diversion Department as a probation officer where he looks forward to helping others in need. Paul's career has included working on political campaigns in several states.
Paul is a graduate of the College of Central Florida and Ferris State University and is on track to complete his Master of Public Policy from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs this year.
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Selena will also serve as a Probation Officer in the Family Division–Juvenile Section Status Diversion Department. She is a limited licensed master social worker (LLMSW) with nearly nine years of experience in human services, serving older adults, homeless families, teen mothers, and children.
Selena earned her Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 2021 and is working toward full licensure. Passionate about helping others, Selena is dedicated to connecting individuals with the resources they need to succeed. Outside of work, she enjoys self-care activities, DIY projects, painting, and spending time in nature.
Welcome Senita, Paul and Selena to Third Circuit Court!
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Tips from ITSB - Purge Your Mobile Apps
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Take a quick glance over your mobile apps, see what you have installed there.
Remove any apps you haven’t been using – they are vulnerabilities for your security and privacy.
Revoke permissions for apps that require access to sensitive information – why would a flashlight app request access to read your messages, for example?
Keep your apps update – this lowers the chances for malware to take advantage of their vulnerabilities.
And remember to never install apps from anywhere else but the official app store. In Android, there’s a setting that also doesn’t allow apps from third parties to be installed.
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July 2026
Access and Fairness Calendar
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