About Me
For more than a decade, I dedicated my legal career to helping individuals and families make informed, meaningful decisions about their estates and legacies. My work at prominent law firms included guiding high-net-worth clients through complex tax and trust issues, establishing private trust companies, and crafting tailored estate plans to address unique personal and financial circumstances.
Although I’ve stepped away from practicing law, my 12 years as a trust, estate, and tax attorney have provided me with the insight, experience, and expertise to make a broader, more meaningful impact. Today, I help individuals and families prepare for the realities of death and dying with compassionate, personalized guidance.
For senior citizens, family caregivers, and anyone feeling overwhelmed, I simplify estate organization, demystify end-of-life processes, and provide step-by-step support—ensuring clarity and comfort through every decision. I offer a unique blend of legal insight, empathy, and hands-on help that goes far beyond conventional checklists. With my guidance, end-of-life planning transforms from a daunting, impersonal task into a meaningful, manageable experience—focused on clarity, legacy, and family harmony.
Originally from upstate New York and raised on Long Island, I attended Dartmouth College before living and working in New York City, then earned my law degree at Vanderbilt Law School. After several years practicing law in Nashville, I moved to Michigan with my husband, daughter, and three dogs to be closer to his family. I’m continually inspired by the resilience, care, and love I see in the families I serve.
A Mentor’s Wisdom: The Origin of Oversimply
The name Oversimply traces its roots back to the very beginning of my career in law, when I had the privilege of working under one of the most remarkable mentors I could have asked for, Harlan Dodson. A seasoned attorney with more than five decades of experience, Harlan embodies the heart of the legal profession: not just drafting documents but solving real problems and providing his clients with the tools to navigate everyday legal issues.
Harlan’s wisdom is as vast as his Southern drawl is charming. He taught me patiently, weaving complex legal concepts into practical lessons. And he had a knack for making even the most intimidating topics accessible, always starting his explanations with the word “Oversimply.”
It was a phrase that did more than introduce his explanations; it put people at ease. Whether he was breaking down the nuances of Internal Revenue Code §199A, detailing the application of the generation-skipping transfer tax, or clarifying the tax benefits of sales to a grantor trust, Harlan always began with “Oversimply,” signaling that understanding was within reach.
Harlan’s lessons extended beyond the courtroom, often infused with humor. He frequently joked about my over-sized rescue dog, Oliver, who accompanied me daily to work. Harlan affectionately called him the “forms hound,” claiming Oliver oversaw the drafting and updating of the firm’s form documents. To this day, Oliver’s legacy lives on in placeholder names like “Oliver Dog, LLC.” Harlan would even quip that Oliver was his investment advisor, skillfully turning bones into steak.
Harlan’s ability to simplify the complex left a lasting impression on me. I was not only lucky to learn from him but to carry forward the values he embodies: clarity, compassion, and a belief that the most complex ideas can—and should—be made simple.
Naming my business Oversimply is my way of honoring Harlan, my mentor and good friend, and reminding myself of the power of simplicity. It’s a reflection of the philosophy he taught me and a promise to the people I serve: that no matter how complicated the journey, I’ll make it understandable and approachable.
With Oversimply, I aim to carry forward the spirit of Harlan’s lessons, simplifying the complexities of life and law for those who need it most—just as Harlan has done for me throughout my career and continues to do to this day.