Throughout my life, I’ve stood up for fairness, for dignity, and for justice, even when it was hard. I’ve spent nearly two decades in our courtrooms advocating for those with no voice, and today, I’m honored to serve as a judge, ensuring that everyone who enters my courtroom is treated with respect and compassion.

For over 18 years, I worked as a public defender, fighting for the most vulnerable people in our legal system. I saw firsthand how every person, no matter their background or the charge they faced, had a story worth listening to. I came to believe that we are all more than our worst moment. Everyone deserves to be treated as a person, not a case file.

That commitment to justice led me to apply to become a judge numerous times. I never gave up, and eventually, I was honored to be appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court, with the support of Justice Mary K. O’Brien. I now serve in the felony division, where I strive every day to ensure fairness, integrity, and access to justice for all including both defendants and victims.

But I know the work isn’t done. The courtroom must be a place where people feel seen and heard, regardless of race, class, or zip code. Justice must be equal and accessible. And that means having judges who bring experience, empathy, and independence to the bench.

I am one of those judges. I am running to continue serving because I believe deeply in the promise of our legal system when it is grounded in fairness and humanity.

My Roots Are Right Here in Illinois

I was born at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago to my parents, Gail and Jim Vertelka. My mom stayed home to raise me and my two sisters, Jill and Heidi. My dad worked for the CTA as a proud member of the Amalgamated Transit Union. I attended public schools in Burbank and Harwood Heights and graduated from Ridgewood High School, where I excelled in math and science.

When I was 16, I was selected to serve as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives. That experience changed my life. It was my first real glimpse into public service, and I was hooked. I later attended American University in Washington, D.C., where I earned my degree in Communications, Law, Economics, and Government, with a minor in Psychology. While in college, I interned again in the U.S. House and also served in the White House Office of the Special Counsel under President Bill Clinton.

A Life Built on Service and Family

I met my husband Eric while in college. I joked that I was looking for someone with a last name that started with “C” so my initials would be ABC and the rest is history.

We’ve lived in Aurora since 2001 and have raised three wonderful children. Our son Bennett just graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Our daughter Lindsay holds a degree in Community Health from the University of Illinois and is continuing her education in global public health. Our youngest, Grant, is finishing high school and exploring a future in the trades. Eric works at Argonne National Lab, and we’re proud to call Will County our home.

Why I’m Running

I’m running for judge because I believe that courts should work for everyone. It should not work just those with resources or connections. I’ve spent my career ensuring that people are treated with fairness, and I want to continue that work on the bench. I’m proud to be trusted by my circuit and appointed by our state’s highest court. I’ll never take that trust for granted.

This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a calling.

Because every person deserves justice. And every courtroom deserves a judge who sees the humanity in everyone.