Lane Siesky – Attorney at Law
I always tell clients that nobody can tell their story better than them. They’ve lived it. This is my story.
I was born in Evansville in 1972 to Charles and Jan Siesky. My dad grew up in Pennsylvania (this is why our family are Pittsburgh Steeler fans) until moving to the Evansville area where he attended Bosse High School. My Dad was a track star and ran in college for Indiana University. His Dad and my Grandfather, Roy, also ran track in college for Penn St. University. After graduating, my Dad taught and coached track at Harrison High School for almost 40 years.
My Mother attended the University of Evansville and then was a teacher but quit to stay home and raise my brother, Brent, and I. She later sold Mary Kay cosmetics and did very well. In fact, I grew up riding around in a pink Cadillac.
As a kid, I also ran track and played basketball. I was not the athlete my dad was and never probably reached my potential in track. However, I ran for my dad in high school and our teams did very well.
My true love was basketball. I grew up watching Bobby Knight and rooting for the Hoosiers. So, I constantly played basketball in church league, the neighborhood, the gym or wherever. When I reached high school, I played basketball for Harrison but on the team were once-in-a generation athletes – Calbert Cheaney, Walter McCarty, Kevin Hardy, Brent Kell, Chris Lowery, etc. Therefore, I was pretty much a practice player for the varsity team with a front row seat for the games. Although not the high school basketball career I had envisioned, I learned a great deal from that experience.
Indeed, I learned that even though God had not gifted me the same way he did those athletes, I was a good student and very competitive. I therefore focused on school and was near the top of my high school class. When I began looking at colleges, I applied to the Air Force Academy. However, as time went on I decided to attend Indiana University with my friends.
At Indiana, I joined Sigma Nu fraternity and majored in Biology and minored in Psychology. When it came to decide what to do after undergrad, my Mother reminded me that I like to argue (lol) and suggested law school. And so, I ended up attending law school at Indiana University and graduated in in 1998. At that time, if you graduated with a law degree finding a job was not difficult and I decided to come back to Evansville and try litigation.
Not long after graduating, I was trying jury trials for Allstate Insurance company. The lessons I learned from my Dad and Mother and from sports helped practicing law. Specifically, I knew about hard work, competitiveness, dedication, working as part of a team, about winning and losing. As I gained experience in law, I transitioned to a Plaintiff’s practice and opened Siesky Law Firm in 2006.
I met my wife, Andra, in 1999 at a local gym. She and I got engaged and married in 2000. Andra is definitely my better half. She is a teacher with the EVSC. Andra has supported me through the highs and lows. I try to remember to tell her often she is the best Wife and Mother – ever. We have three children – Adelyn, Keaton and Kinley. As a family, we like to travel and the kids are all heavily involved in soccer. Outside of work, the kids are our focus.
Dan Gearhart – Attorney at Law
I was born and raised on the east side of Evansville in 1975. My dad was a systems specialist at Mead Johnson/Bristol Myers and my mom stayed at home until my sister and I were in grade school. She then was a school secretary at Evansville Christian School. I am the third of four children (2 older brothers and one younger sister). I attended Dexter Elementary until fourth grade when I transferred to Evansville Christian School where I received the remainder of my elementary education. I then attended Reitz Memorial High School where I graduated in 1993. I grew up attending Christian Fellowship Church, watching IU basketball, watching Don Mattingly play for the New York Yankees, and running around with neighborhood and school friends. My mom loved watching boxing, so we often hosted “watch parties” to see all the biggest fights.
In the fall of 1993, I attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. My sophomore year I was accepted into the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Honors Division. I graduated in 1997 from I.U. and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Although, I was interested in going to law school immediately after undergraduate school, I decided to take a job in Indianapolis, Indiana as a financial planner with John Hancock Financial Services. However, after approximately a year and a half, I decided that my gifts and talents would best be utilized by moving forward with obtaining a law degree. I moved from Indianapolis back to Evansville where I lived with my parents while preparing to take the LSAT test and applying to law schools. I worked at American General Finance in the interim to save up for law school. I also got married two months before starting my legal career at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. I achieved my law degree and passed the Indiana Bar Exam in 2003.
While I considered working for a law firm in Indianapolis, we decided to move back to Evansville because that is where our families were located, and we knew it was a good place to raise a family. I was offered a position at a medium-sized firm in Evansville. I received a lot of experience in defending businesses/employers in labor and employment, worker’s compensation, and wage claims. I also represented individuals and businesses in lawsuits involving automobile accidents, environmental remediation, breach of contract, and family law (including divorce, child custody, guardianships, etc.) One of my favorite areas of the law was medical malpractice cases. While the circumstances were usually quite serious, I loved getting to learn the medical aspects of each case and apply that knowledge along with my legal experience to help my clients.
In 2009, the best thing that has ever happened to me occurred when my daughter was born. While she certainly changed my life, it has certainly been for the better. She has a terrific sense of humor and is soft-hearted. She makes friends easily, loves science fiction like her daddy, and she cannot get enough chips, salsa, and queso dip from her favorite Mexican restaurant!
Eventually, in 2013, I made the difficult decision to move from Evansville back to Indianapolis, where I took a position at a law firm that concentrated almost entirely on medical malpractice cases. I worked on hundreds of cases involving surgery, radiology, cardiology/electrophysiology, neurology, neurosurgery, OB/GYN, family medicine, chiropractic, and dentistry.
I worked in Indianapolis until 2017. After going through a divorce that year, I was at a bit of a crossroads. My daughter moved from Indianapolis to Evansville with her mom. So, at the end of 2017, I moved back to Evansville – hopefully for the last time – so that I could be close to my daughter. It was the best decision because I get to see her, be active with homework/school, attend her extra-curricular activities, and just be a dad!
Professionally, I also made a change in 2017. After being a defense attorney for fourteen years, I accepted a position at Siesky Law Firm, P.C., where I have worked on many types of cases, but mainly as a plaintiff’s attorney. I had known Lane (Siesky) from my years practicing in Evansville previously, and I always respected how he handled cases in a tenacious but professional and trustworthy way even though I had always been on the other side. Those are the values that I hold as an attorney and so it has been a great fit for me.
I continue to be excited for the opportunity to help people with problems for which my experience had prepared me. Since 2018, I have worked on hundreds of cases, including motor vehicle accident, wrongful death, medical malpractice, small business, and employment law cases. I truly enjoy getting to know our clients and working hard to get them the best result we possibly can. As I am now back in Evansville, achieving our clients’ goals also makes our community a better place to work and live!
Doug Briody – Attorney at Law
To say that Doug Briody is a native of the area is to put it mildly. While Doug and both of his parents were born in Evansville, his family’s roots in Warrick County go back to just after the Civil War and in Posey County to before Indiana even became a state.
Doug grew up on the northeast side of Evansville and attended Vogel Elementary School, where, in the 6th and 7th grades, he won back-to-back school spelling bee titles and placed third in the county-wide event both years. He went on to North High School, where he played trombone in the marching band and jazz band, participated in speech and debate, student government, and North’s celebrated drama program, and graduated at the top of his class. As a boy, he competed in nearly every youth sport offered in the area, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, bowling, and hockey.
Doug went to college at Harvard University, where he studied Government and graduated with honors, while continuing to take part in a wide range of extracurriculars, including music and drama, intramural athletics, and campus political activities. After four years on the east coast, he returned to Indiana to obtain his law degree from the Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington. There, he served as an editor of the Indiana Law Journal and as president of the school’s largest law fraternity and took advantage of as many of the campus’ and city’s athletic and cultural events as he could.
In 1994, Doug returned to Evansville and joined one of the city’s largest law firms, where he handled a wide variety of complex litigation and business matters. The year 2000 was an eventual one, as Doug helped launch both a new law firm and a new family. Doug and his wife, Sandra, were married just a month after the doors opened on a new kind of personal injury law firm for Evansville, focused almost exclusively on litigating medical malpractice and other catastrophic death and injury cases. Doug remained with that firm until 2008, when he went solo and opened the Law Office of Doug Briody. In his solo practice, which remains his primary legal venture, Doug handles mainly matters involving business law; wills, trusts, estate and Medicaid planning, and probate administration; commercial and civil litigation; non-profit organizations; and governmental and administrative law.
Doug has maintained an Of Counsel relationship with Siesky Law Firm, PC, since 2016. Here, his work centers primarily on the firm’s personal injury and wrongful death matters, while also serving the business and estate planning needs of the firm’s clients. He has also served as the attorney for the Vanderburgh County Election Board since 2005.
Doug and Sandra have two children, a son and a daughter, both living in Evansville. Doug is a past president of the Evansville Bar Association, and serves or has served on the boards of a number of non-profit organizations, including Community One, Inc., the Evansville-Area Trails Association, Inc., and Startup Weekend Evansville, all of which he helped found. His hobbies include bicycling, hiking, and paddle sports, as well as cooking, reading, and travel.
Rod Clutter – Attorney at Law, Of Counsel
While I was born here in Evansville, I grew up as an “Air Force brat” – meaning I lived in many places throughout the country during my father’s distinguished military career. I recall that my mother estimated that we lived in at least 20 different homes by the time I graduated from high school in 1971. That year, my father received an assignment to Hawaii, so I went to college at the University of Evansville where the rest of my family could “keep an eye on me.” I majored in Social Studies intending to coach high school basketball and teach history. However, as my senior year approached, I began to consider law school. In what would be the first of several “fork in the road” decisions in my life, I entered law school in 1975 at the Bloomington campus of Indiana University where I graduated in 1978.
While in law school, I considered becoming a military lawyer and, in 1980, I joined the Air Force. My first assignment was to Hurlburt Field, Florida, which was then headquarters for Air Force Special Operations. Among my first duties was providing legal assistance to widows from the failed Iranian hostage rescue attempt. My next assignment was to Osan Air Base in Korea where I primarily tried criminal cases involving blackmarketing. Another memory of my tour was serving as the on-scene representative of the Air Force near the DMZ where a hijacked Chinese airliner had landed. My most special memory, though, was my daughter’s birth at the 121st EVAC Hospital in Seoul; which many may remember from the TV show: M*A*S*H.
I left the Air Force in 1986 to come home to Evansville where I eventually became a partner at the law firm of Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald & Hahn. My primary responsibilities were representing defendants in personal injury cases and employers in employment law claims. I also became an adjunct professor at the University of Evansville teaching business law. During my 17 years at BFO&H, I had two more children: both sons.
In 2002, I made another fork-in-the road decision and decided to run for Judge in Warrick County. I lost in an extremely close vote. This loss, while painful at the time, led to another career change when I joined the law firm of Woods & Woods in 2004 as a personal injury attorney. I also became a mediator which involved helping other lawyers settle their own personal injury and business dispute cases.
I enjoyed my time at Woods & Woods, but in 2016, they decided to get out of the personal injury business. As a result, I opened my own solo-practice injury firm here in Evansville which I recently closed to accept this wonderful opportunity to join the Siesky Law Firm on an of-counsel basis. Here, I hope to further develop my mediation practice and continue to serve injured persons who contact me.
I can’t finish my story without mentioning my wife, Audria, and the rest of my family. Audria was my paralegal, and the first day she worked for me was 9/11. Obviously that day will always be remembered. We married in 2004 and we have worked together every day since – and we are still speaking to each other! Between us, we have five children and five grandchildren. We enjoy travelling and, of course, taking care of our grandkids.
Audria and I look forward to becoming part of Siesky Law Firm family – and to see where the next fork-in- the-road takes us.
Robert Garwood – Attorney at Law, Of Counsel
I grew up in Columbus, Indiana. Even though my family moved around a lot, we stayed in central Indiana. I attended high school at Columbus North High School and Jennings County High School before eventually graduating from Columbus East High School. I played several sports growing up, including football, basketball, wrestling, cross country, and track and field. Eventually, cross country would lead me to Evansville, Indiana, where I found a permanent home. I began attending the University of Southern Indiana (USI) in the fall of 2002 and spent all four years as a varsity cross country and track distance runner.
I’ve always been an avid fan of animation and cinema. As a child, I would draw and paint, hoping to one day animate for Nickelodeon or the Walt Disney Company. Because of that love, I focused on advertising and marketing when I began college. The advertising law and business law classes I took piqued my curiosity about the law and legal process.
Following my college running career, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a cross-country coach or an attorney. The classes I took as an advertising and marketing student motivated me to learn more about how the legal process truly worked. While unsure of where my professional career would lead, I became an assistant coach at USI, while working on another degree in political science. That way, I could make an informed decision of whether coaching or the law had hold of my heart.
After three more years in Evansville, I had not shaken my love of the law. My studies in political science had only furthered the curiosity devoted to the legal system. Therefore, I decided that attending law school was the best path forward. In 2014, I attained my law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, in Indianapolis, Indiana. During my time in law school, I was awarded the Mary H. Mitchell Outstanding Service Award for 100+ hours of Pro Bono Service, selected for the 2012 Order of the Barristers in the IU McKinney Moot Court Competition, I was a member of the 2013 National Health Law Moot Court Competition team for the law school, and I was a 2013 Moot Court Judge for the Stanton Moot Court Competition as part of the Moot Court Board.
I am the first person in my immediate family to graduate college and am only the third person in my family to have received a bachelor’s degree. I’m also the first person in my family to attain a professional degree. Coming from a humble background is important to me and is why I know the “little guy” needs a voice.
The great thing about the law is that it allows me to also continue the love of coaching principles. As an athletic coach, you are trying to guide an athlete into peak fitness and achieving personal bests. As a plaintiff’s attorney, you are helping folks untangle the legal process that could otherwise be confusing and overwhelming. Your goal is the same as that of a coach: help your clients achieve the best results for themselves.
When I’m not practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two wonderful kids. Family is the most important thing in this world. I’m still an avid lover of animation and cinema and continue to paint, sculpt, and draw just like I did as a child. Additionally, I enjoy playing musical instruments. I love sports and always cheer on the Indiana Hoosiers, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts, Manchester United, Wrexham AFC, and watching golf. I also enjoy shooting baskets with my son and daughter, playing golf, and going on short runs of a couple miles.
Why am I at Siesky Law Firm? Because I feel that everyone should have a voice, whether you understand the legal system or not. I know this firm is devoted to making sure that every client gets the same voice. The law is a profession where you can never stop learning. The law is a humbling profession that offers a new puzzle to solve every day. Insurance companies will try to capitalize on the general public’s lack of understanding about insurance and injury law. I want to be in a place where people—like my own family who do not have legal backgrounds—are given an opportunity to fight against big insurance and big industry from even footing. Here, I know I’m encouraged to keep learning and to keep fighting for justice.
Heidi Munselle
– Director of Operations and Paralegal
I was born and raised in Fairfield, which is a small town in Southern Illinois. My parents are, Richard and Mary Hase. My dad owned his own business, Hase Interiors, but is now retired. My mom is a medical billing and coding specialists at Fairfield Community Health. I have a half-sister, Heather, and two brothers, Justin and Jonathan. Growing up I played softball, cheered, played the clarinet, was a flag girl, and ran track. We are a very tight-knit family so we are always spending time together, whether that be, spending every holiday together, cookouts, weekend camping trips or vacationing together.
I started school at just four years old and attended North Side Elementary, Center Street Grade School and Fairfield Community High School. After high school I attended Frontier Community College for one year. I started working at Airtex as a timekeeper in 1997 but made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom from 1999-2011. From 2011 – 2019 I worked in the coal mine staffing industry. With this job, I had all the responsibilities of a human resource manager. In 2019, I decided it was time to move on from the staffing industry and completely change my career path. I saw an ad for an office manager position at Siesky Law Firm so I decided to apply. I have been with Siesky Law Firm since April 2019 and couldn’t ask for a better place to work. Lane has great values in place for our law firm and I love how our firm is very client and community focused.
I am a lucky mother to my three amazing children, Bryce, Ethyn and Jordyn. Bryce is a 2019 North High School graduate; Ethyn is a 2022 North High School graduate and Jordyn attends Mater Dei High School. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, boating, camping, having cookouts, bon fires, playing corn hole, kayaking, riding four wheelers and side by sides, going to concerts, attending baseball, hockey and football games, but most of all, traveling.
Taylor Thomas – Medical Paralegal
I was born in Bloomington, Illinois in 1999 and was the firstborn child to John Thomas (firefighter) and Tina Thomas (ESL teacher). I have a younger brother (Clayton) and a younger sister (Corinna). Throughout my school years, I was involved in swim, dance, band (flute), color guard, church choirs, Miller Park Zoo’s Junior Zoo Keepers program, and the Ardent Tillers 4-H Club. During my ten years in 4-H, I became well-rounded through projects in leadership, communications, public speaking, child development, intercultural studies, cooking, cake decorating, sewing, fashion, modeling, and visual arts.
Though I have always been academically driven, I didn’t settle on a career path until later in high school. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer during my freshman year of high school and had to have his entire leg amputated, I saw just how much of an impact healthcare providers can have in the lives of those who are battling physical, mental, and emotional challenges. I’ve always had a serving heart and wanted to impact patients in the same way that some of my dad’s providers had an impact on him. For this reason, I chose to pursue becoming a physician assistant.
Before my dad’s diagnosis with cancer, he had been seen by a city doctor who claimed that he was a malingerer. Having seen how much pain my dad was in at home as he struggled to limp around the house, I was furious with the accusation that my dad, who adored his job as a firefighter, was faking such excruciating pain. After his cancer diagnosis and amputation, my dad got a lawyer. This doctor’s skepticism of my dad’s pain led me to develop an interest in the legal side of medicine and the standard of care that patients should receive in their most vulnerable moments.
To gain experience in healthcare, I volunteered in the Emergency Room and the Acute Rehabilitation wards and worked as a research intern at Illinois CancerCare. When it came time to choose a college, I was drawn to the University of Evansville. During my freshman year of college, my dad went downhill fast. I was determined to pursue my goal of becoming a physician assistant and used my grief as the driving source of my academics. I hoped to one day become a compassionate and diligent PA to help ensure that other families didn’t have to suffer a hole in their hearts like I did.
I dealt with the loss of my dad by leaning on the relationships with my family and friends and staying focused on my classes and extracurriculars. Throughout college, I played flute, sang as a praise band vocalist, served as president of UE’s College Mentors For Kids program and the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, and got involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I worked as a swim instructor, an academic coach, and a teaching assistant for psychology research methods. In the spring of 2019, I studied abroad at Harlaxton College, which expanded my worldview and exposed me to people of diverse cultural backgrounds. While studying abroad, I explored England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Iceland, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and the Netherlands. I have also traveled to Australia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Belize, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Canada, and Kenya. My love for traveling inspired me to get a world map tattoo on my back, and I hope to visit every continent.
In the summer of 2020, I focused on looking for a job with a personal injury law firm. My part-time position with Siesky Law Firm allowed me to gain knowledge about the medical field by drafting settlement demands and reviewing medical records while teaching me a great deal about the legal field by exposing me to complaints, discoveries, investigations, expert reports, mediations, and depositions. Siesky Law Firm’s client-focused practices and desire to serve as advocates for community members model the kind of dedication I hope to always give to those in my care.
In December 2020, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Evansville with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. I continued my education at UE through their physician assistant master’s program. I was interested in delivering primary care to underserved populations and was selected as a National Health Service Corps scholar. During PA school, I applied for and was awarded a PA Foundation Global Outreach Grant, which allowed me and three other PA students to travel to Kenya for an initiative with OVI Children’s Hospital. I completed my masters in May 2023 and was inducted into Pi Alpha, the physician assistant honors society honoring students with a high standard of character and conduct for their dedication to academia, leadership, research, and service.
My fiance, Grant, and I moved to Savannah, Georgia, after graduation. Grant began his job at Automation Systems & Controls Inc. as a mechanical engineer and I started my career as a family medicine physician assistant at Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care. I am currently working and training to care for pediatric, adult, obstetrics, and gynecology patients. Outside work, we enjoy doing house projects, trying new restaurants and experiences, playing with our two dogs, and traveling. Our wedding is planned for September 2024, and we’ll travel back to Europe for our honeymoon! As I dive into my career as a PA, I look forward to continuing to work remotely with the Siesky Law Firm team as a medical consultant.
Mallory Deckard – PC Family as an Of Counsel Attorney
Mallory joined the Siesky Law Firm, PC family as an Of Counsel attorney. In this position, she works with the firm on a part-time basis. Mallory brings over a decade of experience in personal injury law and insurance litigation, as well as her sincere compassion for her clients. Outside of Siesky Law Firm, PC, Mallory owns and operates her own solo practice, Deckard Law LLC, where she primarily handles matters of family law and immigration.
Megan Higgins – Director of Outreach and Medical Paralegal
Hi! I’m Megan, a mom of three who’s always on the move, thanks to my kids’ activities and my love of adventure. My oldest, Jayden, recently graduated from Reitz High School, while Jade and Cael, my middle schoolers, keep busy with Student Council, soccer, and volleyball. My partner, Justin, is the Director of Mechanical Operations at MelKay, and we have a dog named Aria. I’m originally from Southeast Missouri, but I’ve called Evansville home for the past 13 years.
In my spare time, I enjoy camping with my family, volunteering, practicing yoga, and traveling. We are working our way to each of the MLB Stadiums, and I never need an excuse to visit Walt Disney World. As a self-proclaimed “Disney Adult,” I’ve explored Disneyland, Disney World, Aulani, and recently went on a Disney Cruise—and now I’m excited to visit their international parks!
I believe in meeting people where they are on their journey and extending empathy and respect to everyone I encounter. My purpose is rooted in supporting others—whether lending a helping hand to a neighbor, advocating for those who can’t speak up for themselves, or simply listening. Personal growth is key for me; I strive to become the best version of myself, advocating for mental health and encouraging others to focus on their well-being for the good of the community.
Challenges don’t intimidate me; I approach each with optimism and a “glass always full” outlook. I’m passionate about finding creative, out-of-the-box solutions to help others in need. I hope to leave a legacy of kindness and positivity, a story of bringing light to the world and making a difference, however big or small, in the lives of others.
My values align deeply with those of Siesky Law Firm, making it a privilege to be part of a team committed to client care and community impact. At Siesky Law, we endeavor to create a space where clients feel supported and heard throughout their journey, which resonates with my belief in meeting people where they are and advocating for those in need. The Firm’s dedication to open communication, continuous improvement, and community engagement mirrors my passion for building strong relationships and creating a positive, lasting difference in people’s lives.
I’m excited to bring my empathy, energy, and creativity to a team who truly values these qualities and shares a purpose of helping clients heal and move forward. Together, I believe we can make a meaningful impact on every person we serve.
Jennie Jolley – Paralegal
I’m an Evansville native and Reitz High School grad. After a 20-year stint as a military spouse and working in a lot of different businesses, I returned home and joined Siesky Law Firm, PC, as a full-time paralegal from 2012 – 2015. I’ve now returned to working with the firm part-time.
My husband Chris and I live in a log cabin in St. Wendel, where we have a great little homestead with three lively chickens and an adopted feral cat (who’s now decided she likes it inside better than outside!). We attend and/or watch a lot of sporting events – partly due to grandchildren playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, and jiu jitsu – and partly to being big fans of high school football, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Indianapolis Colts, IU Hoosier basketball, and the Golden State Warriors.
Together, we have five children and four grandchildren, and we love hanging out and making memories with them. On weekends, you’ll find us visiting area wineries, enjoying local musicians, going on side-by-side rides, gardening, and for Chris – making birdhouses.
I can’t recommend the team at Siesky Law Firm highly enough, and I’m honored to be helping improve the lives of our clients one at a time.
Fouad Hamami – Director of Technology
I was born in Evansville, Indiana, and was the firstborn to Bashar and Tiffiney Hamami. My dad operated his own business while my mother took care of me and my younger brother Omar until she passed away in March of 2012.
We attended Holy Rosary Catholic School, and in 2016, my dad remarried and Natalie Hamami is my second mother. She encouraged me to attend Signature School, ranked as the #2 Most Challenging High School in the Nation, according to the Jay Matthews 2022 Challenge Index.
It was here that I learned my love for history and writing and how to truly learn. It’s also where I gained an appreciation for volunteering. A minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service were required each year to stay at Signature School and I chose to volunteer at Oasis Dementia Care. I would play piano or help with activities for the residents. After graduating in 2022 with Academic Honors, I started my college journey at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) with nearly 30 credit hours because of the rigors of Signature School.
This cushion of hours allowed me to take classes that interested me, such as international politics. During my second semester, I missed the mock trial team I had experienced in high school. So, with the help of one of my professors we created the class, and it filled in just two days of being offered.
Also, during this time, I learned about the student trustee position for the Board of Trustees. After multiple interviews and essays, which concluded with an interview at Governor Holcomb’s office, I was appointed to serve on the Board until 2025. And in August of this year, I restarted the Muslim Student Association at USI.
I want to attend law school after undergrad and so I am excited to join Siesky Law Firm as a legal intern.
Stephanie Lefler – Nurse Paralegal
I was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana, and am the youngest of three children. My father recently retired after practicing law for over fifty years, and my mother worked as a nurse until the birth of her first child, my brother, who also happens to be an attorney in northern Indiana.
My life has been a somewhat humorous example of how God does things we can never imagine. Growing up, I had no specific “callings” and no interest in any particular occupation until I worked as a TV Hostess at the local hospital. I collected $2.50 from every patient in the hospital daily, allowing them 24 hours of television (that was 35 years ago!). Working as a TV Hostess introduced me to the hospital setting and allowed me to experience what it would be like to work in a medical setting. So, I went to nursing school at Valparaiso University and graduated with my Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1995.
After nursing school, I worked in Michigan City as a telemetry nurse and moved to Chicago to work on the cardiomyopathy (heart transplant) unit and cardiac intensive care units. From Chicago, I moved to Indianapolis, where I worked as an ER nurse in a traditional hospital setting and an emergency room more concentrated on women, children, and infants.
In 1995, I had twin daughters and eventually moved to Evansville, where I met my husband of almost eighteen years now, Jimmy. Marrying Jimmy allowed me to be a stepmom to his three children. I have three granddaughters and two grandsons! They all live here except for the youngest who lives in Nashville, TN, with my daughter and her husband. Her twin and my other daughter is a second-grade teacher in Evansville.
Since being in Evansville, I have worked as an ER nurse, nurse educator, Injury Prevention Coordinator for the Trauma Center, Director of Trauma Services, Nursing Supervisor, and Process Improvement Coordinator in Trauma Services. My roles in Trauma Services allowed me to travel all over southern and central Indiana to discuss the importance of trauma preparedness within rural hospitals and help guide them to prepare for injured patients from car crashes, farming injuries, childhood incidents, burns, and many other mechanisms of injury that can change lives forever. It’s important to realize that prevention is critical in reducing death and disability in our communities.
Nonprofit work is also important to me. I graduated in 2008 with my Master’s in Public Service Administration from the University of Evansville. I have been on several nonprofit boards, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Weekday Christian Education. I have worked closely with Youth First and chaired their annual fundraising event. I also started a nonprofit called Safe Kids Vanderburgh/Warrick that helps keep children safe through injury prevention, such as car seat safety, ATV safety, and bike/helmet safety. I am proud to say that through Safe Kids Vanderburgh/Warrick, we provided hundreds of free car seats to parents for their children and ensured they were installed in their cars correctly.
Utilizing my skills to help others has been my priority for my whole family. We have traveled to Myanmar over ten times, where I led and assisted medical teams in bringing medicine, health assessments, treatment, and education to over twelve orphanages, a widow’s home, and a facility for girls rescued from human trafficking. My husband and I have enjoyed playing a part in the main orphanage loom house business, which employs older orphans by giving them jobs and housing. My daughters have also participated by serving on the sports teams and helping their mom on the medical team.
I must mention my three-year sabbatical from healthcare when I worked as a realtor in Evansville. I thoroughly enjoyed helping others sell and find their homes. But ultimately, my heart was always in helping others through my skills as a nurse.
Why am I at Siesky Law Firm? I’ve always been interested in law, which may have been influenced by my father and brother. In 2005, I took classes and passed the difficult exam to become a certified legal nurse consultant. It was fascinating to learn about how the worlds of law and healthcare merge. I am excited to be a part of Siesky Law Firm, where I can continue to help others while utilizing my nursing and healthcare experience and my passion for legal nurse consulting