[1] She received a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in 1988 from Grambling State University.

She received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Southern University Law Center.

She began her legal career serving on active duty as an assistant staff judge advocate for the United States Air Force, from 1991 to 1995.

Since 1995, she has served as an assistant staff judge advocate for the United States Air Force Reserves, currently holding the rank of lieutenant colonel.

She served as acting deputy criminal chief from 2008 to 2009 and senior litigation counsel from 2007 to 2010.