Emissary Biographies

Pearlene Anklesaria

I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I graduated from University of Oklahoma with a Public Relations degree (and a minor in Spanish). Because of my PR major, I spent most of my time in college working with other students, mostly recruitment for incoming freshmen, transfers, and football players. Then, I moved to Dallas and received a paralegal certificate and worked for the Dallas Mavericks. I still don’t know how I ended up in Kansas City! I don’t think these first few months of school would have been the same without the emissaries, and I’m not just saying that. My parents were sold on the school after talking with a few of them. And maybe I am biased, but I think I have the best one! I would like to settle down in Dallas one day, if not Kansas City, and would love to work for the NBA.

Jill Barton

I grew up in St. Louis and went to Mizzou, where I majored in journalism. After graduating, I moved to Florida and spent nearly 10 years working as a newspaper reporter. I started out working at a small newspaper on the East Coast in Stuart, Florida, where I wrote about education issues. A few years later, I took a job at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, where I ended up covering President Bush’s visit to an elementary school on the day of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A year later, I moved to West Palm Beach and began working for the Associated Press, the worlds oldest and largest news agency. At the AP, I was fortunate enough to interview political leaders, cover the Terri Schiavo right-to-die case, and watch the parade of celebrities attending Donald Trump’s wedding. Reporting offered me a chance to learn something new every day. Law school has brought more new challenges – just as exciting as those I found as a reporter in Florida. At Mizzou, I took advantage of the study abroad opportunities and traveled to Europe twice. I spent the summer after my second year in Madrid, Spain, taking in the culture and learning the language. I enjoyed it so much that I went to England the following semester. I spent four months studying at Oxford University and then went backpacking across Europe with friends. We made it to 10 different countries over four weeks. The highlights for me were getting lost in the maze of Venice’s alleyways and seeing the art throughout Florence. I really enjoy traveling and trying new adventures. After a career in reporting, I decided to try another adventure and enroll in law school. So far, it has been one of the most exciting and challenging adventures for me. I am really excited to see what the next three years bring.

Sara Butler

My name is Sara Butler, and I am the secretary and treasurer for the UMKC Law School Emissaries. I was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. I attended Wichita State University on a volleyball scholarship, and I majored in strategic communication. I decided to go to UMKC Law School because I love the Kansas City area and I wanted to stay close to my husband's family. So far my experience at UMKC has been amazing, and I never regret my decision of attending law school. I love being an emissary because I enjoy helping new students acclimate to the new environment and I love getting to know people.

Adam Caine

I am from the small Mid-Missouri town of Eldon. I then attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University). In college, I was very involved as a member of the debate team, University Ambassadors, held several positions in the greek community and other campus leadership programs. After graduating from MSU, I moved to Kansas City to pursue my Masters in Public Administration and Law degree. I attended UMKC last year as a full time MPA student and started law school this fall. I’ve had a great experience at UMKC so far, law school is challenging but legal community here makes the experience enjoyable. The interaction with fellow classmates and cooperative atmosphere is my favorite things about law school at UMKC.

Brennan Delaney

I am originally from a small town that is north of Kansas City on I-29 that is called Oregon, Missouri. I went to high school at South Holt R-1 and graduated from there in 2001. I received my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Truman State University in Kirksville. I now find myself at UMKC law school. I have been enjoying my experience there, though it has at times been tough. I have found the faculty, professors and my fellow students to be helpful in enduring the rigors of the first semester of law school. I feel that being at UMKC pursuing a law degree is exactly the right place for me.

Suzy Digby

I grew up in the piedmont of North Carolina and ended up in the Midwest for undergrad via my passion for basketball. Although I love the South and vow to have a vacation home on the coast of NC one day, I have grown to love the people and the atmosphere of the Midwest. I received my BA in psychology from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004. I was a member of the Varsity Women’s Basketball Team for all four years and was named a captain for the 2003-04 season. I was fortunate to be a part of an 81-game winning streak and a Division III National Championship. I was also involved in other activities such as Bears and Cubs (a volunteer program for underprivileged kids) and the senior class gift committee. In my free time I love doing anything that involves the outdoors and being active. I enjoy tennis, hiking, volleyball, softball, frisbee, and all water activities (especially wave-jumping in the ocean). I would like to be an emissary because I have felt welcomed and accepted at UMKC from the start and I want to make prospective students feel the same way. Everyone I have encountered has been more than willing to help and advise me in any way they can. Although law school has been a lot of work, my fellow classmates have made first semester entertaining.

Lynn Ebel

I am a 2L from St. Louis. My law school experience has been challenging but completely rewarding. Every case we brief is about real people and what the courts holds is a snapshot of what our society sees as just and where our society is at that time. Being intellectually challenged is just a bonus. Also, the environment of UMKC is more than just encouragement for the students. There are people who are willing to help you for every category of question a student may have. It is reassuring to always have someone to go to, who sincerely wants to see you to achieve your goals. I hope to be of those people for someone else when he/she needs help the most- before he/she realizes for himself/herself how positive an experience law school is and can be.

Lisa Eyberg

Hi! My name is Lisa Eyberg and I’m a 2L at UMKC. I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and went to St. Louis University for undergrad. Yes, St. Louis, the “most dangerous city in America.” While I was dodging bullets, I studied Criminal Justice and English. Somehow (with a little help from the LSAT) I ended up at UMKC and now, I couldn’t be happier. Of course, school has been stressful and my heart still stops when I get called on in class. Even though the classes are important, it’s the people that make UMKC Law School worthwhile. I am continually amazed at how much of a community the students are and how people work together to get through the stress.

Michael Foster

My name is Michael Foster, I am a 23 old and 1st year law student at UMKC. I grew up in the Kansas City area but spent my college years at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, majoring in finance. Growing up I never really gave much thought about being an attorney as I pretty much grew up with a golf club in my hand. At Drake, I kept busy as I spent probably thirty to forty hours a week on the golf course playing for the golf team and also was in a fraternity. I am currently enjoying contracts and property after my first semester of law school and would like to practice in that field. I chose UMKC because of its superior location to all the other schools I was considering. Knowing you can work in the city and go to classes was the tipping point in my decision. I have already made some of my best friends at law school and can only begin to tell you how nice everyone is at UMKC. If you ever have any questions you can email me at MSFM94@umkc.edu or as crazy as this sounds, you can facebook me, because I just got the thing and I hear it is addicting.

Reena Gopalji

My name is Reena Gopalji. I am from Coral Springs, Florida (25 miles north of Miami). I graduated from the University of Florida (that would be the Gators, not the Seminoles) in 2002 with a degree in Finance. After undergrad, I just couldn’t come to terms with working the 9 to 5 grind, so I opted for graduate school, again at UF. I studied Sports Management, and after graduating I got an opportunity to work for IMG Football in Kansas City. After living in the Midwest for almost a year, I applied to law school, ultimately to pursue a career in Sports Law, which brought me to UMKC. Aside from school, I enjoy being in the company of good friends, watching almost anything on television, and traveling. I am not a fan of the cold weather, but I have to say I was overly excited to see snow for the first time last year.

Robert Gordon

My name is Robert Gordon. I was born in Buffalo, New York, but grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After graduating high school, in 1995, I enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 7 years as an Army Ranger before moving to Kansas City. I completed my freshman year of college, only to be recalled to active duty for a Homeland Security mission. On my return, I finished my undergraduate degree and was accepted to the law school at UMKC. I have thoroughly enjoyed law school, thus far. The high stress environment is similar to the military, in which strong bonds of friendship are made. I have been surprised by the outpour of support that law school classmates have for one another and look forward to completing the mission with my new comrades at law.

Neil Gosch

Academics have always been a struggle for me. I feel like it never comes easy for me. It took almost flunking out of college to make me realize that in order for me to be successful I was going to have to work very hard. But, being a football player in college made it difficult to find additional time to dedicate to my studies during my undergraduate degree. But, a disciplined approach and a commitment to being successful allowed me to reach my goals. Having been married for four years, and celebrating the recent birth of our first son, there is no doubt I am going to have to carry over the same approach from undergrad to law school in order to be successful. And I know I am not alone in this endeavor. My assigned Emissary has been a tremendous help in making the transition to law school and I would like the opportunity to pay that kindness and generosity forward to the class of 2010.

Brandon Gutshall

My name is Brandon Gutshall and Kansas City (Platte City) has always been my home. I love this town and can’t imagine life elsewhere. After high school I attended Truman State University to play football. After two years at Truman, I transferred to UMKC where I graduated with a business degree. Sports have always played an important role in my life. When I wasn’t playing sports, I was coaching them, and when I wasn’t coaching I was watching them. However, I hit a point where I needed a new challenge in life, one of the intellectual variety. Law School has been just that. Even though I’m stressed, tired, and often overwhelmed, law school couldn’t be better. It resembles its own little community. Everyone knows everyone else and both faculty and the other students could not be more helpful. It was exactly what I was looking for. Just in case law school ceases to proved a challenge (very, very, doubtful) my wife and I are expecting our first child during finals week.

James Hayes

Hello, my name is James Hayes. and I am currently a third-year student at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law. I grew up in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO. I earned my undergraduate degree from Evangel University in May 2001, receiving a B.B.A. in Accounting. I worked for a CPA firm for four years and quickly realized that crunching numbers all day was no way to live. I love Kansas City, and my desire to practice law in the area was the driving force in my decision to attend UMKC. I am active with the Midwest Innocence Project and a member of the Student Bar Association.

Breahn Henderson

Hi! My name is Brea. I have always lived in KC. I love it here and try to get everyone I know to move back here after they graduate. I went to Oak Park High School and then went to Mizzou. I basically have done everything in my life really fast. I got married when I was 20 and graduated from college when I was 21. I still hang out with most of my high school friends. (However, the only people I see anymore are my friends from law school.) My favorite part of law school has been hanging out with the people I’ve met here. I like law school and everything, but nothing beats shopping, coffee, and eating out.

Kevin Humiston

My name is Kevin Humiston, and I am a second year law student. I am from Grand Island, NE, and graduated from Grinnell College in 1993 with a degree in General Science with a concentration in Physics. Shortly after graduation, I got engaged to my wife and was married the following year. In 1999, I was hired by the Iowa City Police Department and worked for four years with the department while my wife completed medical school. We moved to Milwaukee, WI, for her residency and I worked for the Waukesha Police Department for the next four years. After her residency, we moved to Kansas City to be closer to our families as we were expecting our first child.

I decided to attend UMKC because of the community atmosphere and reputation in the area. I am currently a justice on the law school’s Honor Court. Our daughter, Megan was born on September 1st, two weeks into my first semester of law school. It was a huge change in our lives but has been a wonderful experience. It didn’t take us long to figure out that she runs the household. Attending UMKC was a great decision for me as a non-traditional student. The faculty, staff, and students have all been very helpful and supportive. I am yet to decide exactly which field my legal education is going to take me into but have enjoyed the experience so far.

Kevin Jones

My name is Kevin Jones and I am a first year law student at UMKC. I received my undergraduate degree in finance from Truman State University, where I was co-captain of the rugby team. I enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and generally any outdoor activities.

Making the choice about which law school to attend is difficult, but I feel I am in the right place here at UMKC. My first year has proved to be very demanding, but also very rewarding. The student body is very friendly and easy to get along with. I have met many new people from diverse backgrounds. Also, the faculty here has proved to be an invaluable asset to the students. They go above and beyond what is expected of them in order to help you. UMKC also has plenty of opportunities to get involved with your interests. I belong to the Environmental Law Society and Delta Theta Phi law fraternity. I also have interests in civil litigation and estate planning, but who knows what might peak my interest next semester.

Luke Kopmeyer

I got my undergraduate degree of a B.S.B.A. in Corporate Communication from Hawaii Pacific University. While there, I decided to go to law school, and UMKC was my first choice. I never had a chance to meet one-on-one with an Emissary at UMKC until the first day of orientation. So far at UMKC, I’ve had an amazing experience. Coming in, we all hear horror stories about how competitive it is, and how your fellow classmates can be because of that competition, but I have yet to fully experience that here. My classmates at UMKC have shown an amazing appreciation for one another by helping out a struggling classmate with an outline, or notes, or by simply raising their hands in class to save a lost friend under the gun. UMKC has a special community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Jennifer Loraine

My name is Jennifer Loraine and I am from Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. I am quite the lake rat…I water ski, wakeboard, cliff jump, etc.

I went to Saint Louis University for undergrad and moved to Kansas City following graduation. I currently live in Westport.

At UMKC, I am involved in SBA and am a staff member on Urban Lawyer. I have enjoyed my law school experiences, although it has been a lot of work. The professors are fantastic, my fellow classmates have turned out to be some of my best friends, and I am intellectually challenged each day.

Any emissary is more than willing to offer any advice, so be sure to just ask!

Adam Maxwell

I am originally from St. Louis, but I haven’t lived there since I was 18 and went to college and Springfield, MO, at Missouri State. My experience in law school so far has been at times frustrating, rewarding, eye-opening, and challenging, albeit a positive one overall. I wouldn’t change a thing; except my grade on the first legal writing assignment.

Nora McEwen

My name is Norie (or Nara depending on who you are talking to) McEwen and I am a 22 year old 1st year law student. I am originally from Topeka, Kansas and have three sisters, two brothers-in-law and eight nieces and nephews with one more on the way. I graduated from the University of Kansas in 2006 with a degree in English. I am an avid Jayhawk fan, which makes attending school in Missouri a little difficult at times. I currently live in Brookside with three girls who all have jobs and don’t understand the joys of law school, but it is a lot of fun and a good break from the stress and competition of school. My experiences at KU were great, and many of my memories stem from all of the extracurricular activities that I was involved in. Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club and Kappa Kappa Gamma allowed me to give back to my community and I look forward to doing the same while in Kansas City. I am excited to get involved at UMKC. I have really enjoyed getting to meet all of the new and different people at UMKC. Everyone has been more than helpful with advice and while school is tough at times, the people I have met have made my experience so far enjoyable.

Rob Megraw

I came to UMKC after graduating from SMS/MSU last May. While in undergrad, I majored in Criminology and minored in Business. I realized my interest in law during a sophomore year political science class. I decided to come to UMKC because I am from the area and had heard great things about the school from attorneys I worked with in an undergraduate internship. Law school was intimidating at first because you realize that everyone around you has excelled at every level of education. I was relieved when we began getting to know each other and erasing the snap judgments we had developed when we all met. Contrary to what I assumed in the beginning, there are so many great people around this school to just hang around with. I've been extremely impressed with the social aspect of law school. Classes and tests are a different story so far but I hear they will only get better. That's a nice feeling for someone like me. Kansas City is an awesome city to live in. There are so many things to do here. I love to go out with friends from school on the weekends. During the week, I enjoy getting exercise usually playing racquetball here at the campus recreation center. Probably the most fun I've had in my first semester was the Law School Softball tournament. The events put together by committees here in the school have always been a lot of fun. I've actually had a great time at UMKC.

Christopher Mirakian

I am a 23 year old Kansas City native. I grew up in Lenexa, Kansas where I graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 2001. While in high school I served as a student council representative for four years. Following graduation, I attended college at Kansas State University. While at Kansas State I was involved in several activities among which was my active role in Beta Theta Pi fraternity. During my time in Beta I had the opportunity to participate in various leadership functions; most notably of which was my capacity as recruitment chair from 2002-2003. After two years at Kansas State, I studied abroad in Venice, Italy. Upon my return, I was given the opportunity to work as an ambassador for the Kansas State study abroad office recruiting and educating potential study abroad candidates. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I geban my first year of law school here at UMKC. While my first year of school scared me to death, I am being worked to death in my second year. During my second year I have joined PAD legal fraternity and have taken on a role as a mentor for a 1L. In addition, I am currently clerking part time for the criminal defense firm Wyrsch, Hobbs downtown. My experience clerking at a criminal litigation firm has been great. Starting in the spring, I am beginning to take courses required in the litigation emphasis area.

Jennifer Ogle

It’s funny how life leads you to the exact path you are supposed to take. It was never my original intention to attend law school at UMKC. However, after following my “city girl” dream to New York City, I decided that the unfriendly atmosphere, distance, and traffic jams were not for me. I made my way back to the Midwest and found my place at UMKC Law. My first year of law school has been interesting to say the least. From late nights slaving over Contracts to those “happy hours” that turn into “all-nighters,” I have enjoyed my time as a little 1L. I never imagined I would meet so many great people in such a short period of time. I also never imagined that I could consume so much coffee. Having grown up in Russell, KS and attended a small, private university, I have always been accustomed to being a part of a close-knit community. UMKC Law and Kansas City offered the luxuries of a big city, but yet the comforts of the “community” I have always loved. I know the next two and half years will be just as exciting as this semester has been. I am looking forward making many new friends and memories here at UMKC Law.

Joanie Peterson

I am Registered Nurse in the Kansas City community. Nursing has been my life since 1984. I applied to Law School with many prayers and with the hope that I could continue to make a difference in people’s lives. Through my years in the workers compensation arena, I have first hand knowledge of the need for good attorneys to represent both the insurance company and the injured worker. I hope to make contribution to this area of the law with my background in nursing and my network of medical professional friends.

I have enjoyed the spirit of youthfulness and ambition pervasive in the halls of the Law School. I enjoy the opportunity to further my education to reach my goal to serve others in a new capacity. I enjoy the camaraderie between students and the faculty--I never expected that benefit in returning to school. The students have accepted me as a “peer”, even with the 20 years I have on the majority! I share study groups, laughs, frustrations with my new circle of friends.

I have enjoyed the new discipline in my life. I am one of the FLEX students here at UMKC. It will take me a little longer to get my degree, but it will allow me to balance a family, a career, and law school. UMKC is a unique school in that it offers a flexible program for the non-traditional student. The faculty has helped me with a class schedule that fits into my schedule as a wife and mother of 5 children, 4 which are in primary and secondary school. I spend many Saturdays at the soccer or football fields with my law books.

Please e-mail me if you would like to know more about the FLEX program here at UMKC and to discuss studying law and managing a family life too. I would be happy to give a tour and answer any questions you may have. Just believe… and you too can do it!

Jenny Riedy

After growing up in Lebanon, Mo, I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Political Science. During undergrad, I was very involved in many activities such as Tour Team, Kappa Delta, and Tiger Hostess, as well as many other activities. After graduation, I decided to take a “year off” and it ended up being the best decision I could have made. I moved to St. Louis to work on various political campaigns. However, I got tired of the “real world” and wanted to go back to school. I had always known that I wanted to go to law school, and I decided I wanted to practice in Missouri, which is what brought me to UMKC Law. Any apprehension about going to UMKC was quickly relieved as I learned that not only was this a great atmosphere for me to learn, but it was a great atmosphere for me to live and make great friends that I will be working with for the rest of my life. I am currently in my second year at UMKC and am involved in Emissaries, SBA Representative, Delta Theta Phi, and the International Law Society.

Katrina Rogers

Howdy!! My name is Katrina Rogers and I am a 2L at the wonderful University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law!!! I grew up all over the Midwest and somehow ended up going to college in Iowa. I studied biology and ethics in undergrad and decided that was not for me. So one day, I was fed up after arguing with my friends about politics and decided to go to law school.

After Packing my bags and moving to Kansas City, almost sight unseen, I started law school. Since starting at UMKC I have made the best friends I’ve ever had and am more certain that the law is right for me. Even though I am a small town girl in the big city I am fast becoming adapted to my life a s a Kansas City-an and a law student. I love being able to correct people and say, “ Oh, I’m not in grad school….I’m a law student”, and impress all my hick friends in Iowa by the fact that I can take a cab and go shopping on the plaza.

Overall, the UMKC law experience has been the most challenging but most rewarding in my life. If you work hard, it can be an amazing time. GO LAW SCHOOL!!!

Matt Slone

My name is Matt Slone and I’m from Kansas City, Missouri. I graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in May 2005 with a degree in Economics. Over the course of my undergraduate years I was heavily involved in the SMSU community. I was very involved in Greek life serving as president for both my fraternity and the Interfraternity Council. I was also very involved with the campus community in general through my role as a freshmen orientation leader where I helped with freshmen orientation and registration for three summers.

I always told myself that after college I’d stay as far away from Kansas City as possible. In fact my goal in life was to get away from the Midwest. It’s not that I didn’t like this city, or even this state. I just hate snow. I even made plans to move to Florida for law school where the slightest dip below fifty-five degrees sends people into a panic for their parkas. Needless to say, I was surprised when I ended up here at UMKC. After the first day of orientation, however, I realized that UMKC really is an incredible place to study the law. Though I still have to deal with the snow (I’m slowly working through it), and there are still the little anxieties everyone has about law school in general, the students, faculty, and administration have a wonderful way of easing the tensions normally associated with legal education and making sure that the incoming students feel comfortable.

Andrew (Drew) Veatch

The voluptuous Aretha Franklin once sang, “the only one who could ever reach me, was the son of a preacher man”. Aretha was right. Raised as the “sweet talking son of a preacher man” in Missouri’s state capital, Jefferson City, it has always been my goal to reach people through involvement at school and in my community. At my undergraduate institution (Missouri State University), I served as the President of my fraternity, the President of the Interfraternity Council, and as a member of the Student Government Association Executive Board. Upon graduation, I set off for the wonderful world of jurisprudence at UMKC. Thus far, the experience has been great. The closeness camaraderie of the legal community at UMKC is second to non and Kansas City is a great place to live (Go Chiefs) and reach out to the community. I couldn’t have picked a better place to spend the next 3 years of my life.

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