Staff

Lauren Rozyla is the Office Administrator for the Family Defense Center. She received her degree in television broadcast journalism from Columbia College Chicago in May 2009. While at Columbia, she mentored and advised high-risk college students on issues including cultural identity, social and financial concerns, academics and professionalism, helping them to make healthy choices.

Staff Attorney

Jessica Brissette is a Staff Attorney at the Family Defense Center.  Jessica received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in May, 2008.  While at the University of Michigan, she served as a mentor in the Organization of Public Interest Students and was awarded a Student Funded Fellowships grant for her work in and commitment to public interest law.  Jessica received her bachelor of arts degree in English Language and Literature and a minor in History from the University of Michigan. 

Melissa Staas is a Staff Attorney at the Family Defense Center. Melissa received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in May, 2007, where she was the Editor-in-Chief of the Children's Legal Rights Journal. Prior to attending law school, she gained valuable experience as a grant-writer with Centro San Bonifacio (a grassroots, not-for-profit organization in Chicago, IL) and coordinator with Disability Services at the University of Minnesota. Melissa received her bachelor of arts degrees in Psychology and Women's Studies from the University of Minnesota.