Currently resides in: Delaware County, PA
Position: Principal of Miller Verbano Reporting
Member since: 1992
Graduated from: Sierra Valley Business College, Fresno, Calif.
Theory: No idea. It was called “Computer-Compatible Theory” in the late ‘80s. Turned out it wasn’t entirely computer-compatible and the students had to make some things up as we went along.
Favorite tip
Keep ASCIIs of all the jobs you do on your laptop. It can be so helpful to do a quick desktop search and find people’s names you’ve worked with or case captions you’ve done in the past.
Why did you decide to become a court reporter? How did you learn about the career?
In high school, I always knew I wanted to be a music major in college, a clarinet major. My mother was the town librarian at the time and knew a girl who was going to court reporting school. She thought it sounded interesting, like something I might like. I went and talked to Maria, had her show me her machine and tell me all about it. But I still wanted to be a music major.
With about a semester to go on my music degree, I realized I was going to have to go to school for something, either a master’s in music or something else. It was then I decided that court reporting would be a perfect something else. I could have more control over my life and where I could live and work than if I were a classical musician. And as a court reporter, I could afford to play my music.
I graduated from college and two weeks later was enrolled in court reporting school.
What has been your best work experience so far in your career?
I did a trial on Guam. I flew out for the closing arguments, and then the parties flew my husband and son out so I could stay while the jury deliberated for four weeks. A great adventure!
Do you have a favorite gadget? If so, what is it, and why do you like it?
I love my WiFi hotspot! I will never go anywhere without the Internet again.
Favorite book or movie; or what book are you reading right now?
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League by Jeff Hobbs
Did you overcome a challenge in your career? Could you tell us about that experience?
I passed the CA-CSR in one sitting, the RMR in one sitting, and the RDR in one sitting. But the CRR took me four tries. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it and getting it done. And proud of the other ones, too.
Have you accomplished something not related to your career that you would like to relate?
Helping to guide my 16-year-old son through the autism spectrum and ADHD issues.
