HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN LAGUNA NIGUEL AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT IT?
My husband and I moved to Laguna Niguel in 2009. Laguna Niguel instantly felt like “home” and that this is where we belong. Even with over 66,000 residents, Laguna Niguel has that small-town vibe where people look out for each other.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WINSTEAD LAW GROUP, APC. WHAT DOES IT DO?
We practice exclusively in estate planning law, meaning that we primarily prepare Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directives, etc. as needed to address a person’s healthcare decisions upon their incapacity and smoothly transition assets upon their death. We also advise families following their loved one’s death.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO?
We do more than merely prepare legal documents. Every estate plan is unique and tailored to each client. I take pride in getting to know each of my clients, understanding their concerns, and providing legal advice ensuring that their documents accurately reflect their desires and accomplish their goals.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE A DIFFERENT JOB, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would be an Investigator for the Sheriff’s Department. I rarely take things at face value. Rather, I enjoy digging deeper and asking “Why” because it helps me make more fully informed decisions.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAINTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
I enjoy spending time with my family and volunteering to make our community better. Things don’t always balance perfectly, but whatever I’m doing, I devote 100% of my attention to it. The key is to make sure that my priorities rotate, and everything has a turn.
YOU ARE CHAIR OF THE LAGUNA NIGUEL PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION. WHAT’S THAT LIKE?
This is my third year serving on the Parks & Recreation Commission and I’m honored to serve as the Chair. I believe that access to parks and community activities makes life better. I enjoy working with city staff to add new activities for residents, including the Halloween House decorating contest.
WHAT OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH?
I started serving the City of Laguna Niguel in 2012 on the Investment, Banking and Audit Committee. For 6 years I served on the Traffic & Transportation Commission and served as Chair for 2 years. I also served on the Board of Directors for the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce and chaired the Chamber in 2019.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY... AND WHAT DO YOU ALL DO FOR FUN?
My husband and I have been married for 21 years and we have a 9-year-old son. We believe in the Work Hard - Play Hard lifestyle. Whether it’s boating, biking, building, baking, or bocce, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing. As long as we’re together, it’s fun.