In my time at the Prosecutor’s Office, I have assumed many roles. In 2008, I began as an intern where I started participating in frequent court appearances, to include a jury trial. After being hired as a deputy prosecuting attorney in 2011, I worked in District Court and then in Juvenile Court where I received my certification in forensic child interviewing and participated in the Youth and Justice Commission. I then transferred to the property crimes unit and eventually continued on to major crimes where I prosecuted cases involving homicides, serious assaults, kidnapping, and other violent offenses.

In 2019, I was promoted to supervisor of the Involuntary Treatment Act Unit, where I dealt with achieving safe and legally sound options for individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse disorder crisis. In this role, I also worked to address legal and system-wide issues with court commissioners, public defenders, and healthcare professionals. I also assisted in the development of COVID-19 protocols for efficient filing of court documents and utilization of online hearings.

I was then promoted to supervisor of both the General Felony Unit and the Victim Witness Advocate Unit. I became a liaison for victim advocate services and I am an active participant in monthly crime reduction strategy meetings with the Spokane Police Department.

I started my education at Cataldo Catholic School here in Spokane, WA. I then transitioned to All-Saints Catholic School and eventually onto Gonzaga Prep for high school. Following my sophomore year at Gonzaga Prep, I decided to follow my passion for alpine skiing which led me to Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont, where I furthered my desire for competitive skiing and ultimately graduated from high school.

Missing Eastern Washington, I returned to attend Whitman College for my undergrad, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I was an academic all-American and a varsity member of their Division I alpine ski team. While at Whitman College, outside of my regular classes, I participated in a prison focus group, centering on preventing recidivism. I also volunteered in the community by working with Habitat for Humanity as well becoming a mentor to an elementary school girl.

I attended Gonzaga Law School where I received my Juris Doctor degree cum laude. During my time there, I was the vice-president of the William O. Douglas Society and received the CALI “Excellence for the Future Award” for my legal research and writing. I also volunteered with the Street Law program, which focused on connecting low-to-moderate income families with legal services. In addition, I became a law clerk for the US Attorney’s Office where I prosecuted the misdemeanor docket, as well as participated in multiple felony trials.

Since graduating, I have been asked to return to Gonzaga Law School to speak on topics of juvenile law and life as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. I was also invited to speak to an alternative high school on the juvenile justice system.

I have been blessed in my life with the ability to travel. As a nationally ranked alpine skier, I competed internationally in Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This experience exposed me to many other cultures.

The summer before law school, I traveled and hiked throughout east Asia, spending most of my time in Tibet and Thailand. The perspective those communities have on the world was eye opening and an experience I would not change for the world.

During my time at Whitman College, I took the opportunity to work at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. In that role, I supported academic research on international trade.

After graduating law school, Spokane County was in a budget crisis so I was unable to transition from an intern to a full-time employee at the Prosecutor’s Office.

Not wanting to be idle, I went to work for a Spokane-based plaintiff’s law firm, which had an emphasized practice in employment law, construction law, as well as creditor representation in Federal bankruptcy court. The firm allowed me to curate my own cases, to include criminal defense. This was a valuable experience as it allowed me to expand my knowledge base and gain more proficiency in advocacy.

When Spokane County was able to resume hiring, I transitioned to the Prosecutor’s Office, accepting a role as a full-time Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in District Court.

After graduating law school, Jeff and I married at a vineyard in Greenbluff. This place has a special place in my heart as I have fond childhood memories of apple picking and exploring the seasonal pumpkin patches.

After enjoying married life as a couple, Jeff and I decided to add to our family and have three wonderful boys who never fail to keep us on our toes. The experience of motherhood has provided me a balanced perspective on life choices and the consequences of those choices. It has also sharpened my skill in conflict resolution.

I recently lost my dad. He was born and raised in Spokane and founded Zappone Manufacturing in 1969. Those who knew him will tell you that he had a larger than life personality and loved his family and community fiercely. From an early age he instilled in me the value of hard work, dedication, and community service. I am committed to continuing his legacy of public service in my profession as well as through my boys.