Your Kalamazoo Defenders

Your Kalamazoo Defenders

We are dedicated and passionate public servants, fervent truth tellers, and creative problem solvers, bringing awareness to intentionally overlooked issues and finding integrated solutions to complex problems. We believe every member of our community deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we challenge systems that do not offer that respect to everyone.

Kalamazoo Defender LEadership staff

Brittany Chambers

Human Resources Manager

Jasmine Cooley

Lead Client Navigator

Samantha Davidson

Legal Staff Administrator

photo of SaConna Johnson

SaConna Johnson

Director of Client Advocacy

Janet Karpus

Special Projects Manager

Susan Luthy

Chief Investigator

Christin Mehrins-Carlin

Assistant Public Defender / Felony Supervisor

Jennifer Peck

Office Manager

Ragan Savara

Chief of Finance and Operations

Mary Anne Simmering

Assistant Public Defender / Misdemeanor Supervisor

Rachel Suhrbier

Chief Defender

photo of Matt Wait

Matthew Wait

Executive Director

photo of Mel Woods

Melody Woods

Director of Collaborative Engagement

Taylor Young

Lead Mitigation Specialist