Director

Margaret (Megan) Brunarski was admitted to the practice of law in 2013 and has dedicated her career to safeguarding the Constitutional Rights of indigent people accused of committing a crime.  In December 2021, Megan was appointed as the Director of the Ashtabula County Public Defender’s Office.  Since her appointment Megan has started an Intake Program, A New Beginning Expungement Clinic and has shifted the focus of client representation to a more holistic approach.  Megan deeply cares about the rights of individuals and equal access to justice for poor and low-income people.  Over years of practice, Megan has developed an understanding of the issues that contribute to her clients becoming involved with the criminal justice system and assists them in obtaining the recovery services that lead to successful behavioral change.  Megan assists clients charged with felonies in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court.  Megan is a member of the Ashtabula County Mental Health Recovery Services Board and is an advisory committee member for specilaized docket courts.  In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, living a healthy lifestyle, trying new foods and spending time with her dog Eddie.

Attorney

Born and raised in Geneva, Ohio, Tina graduated from Geneva High School in 2006. Tina attended The University of Akron and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010 with a BA in Political Science: Pre-Law track, a minor in Theatre Arts and a Certificate in Political Conflict from the Center of Conflict Management. Tina then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2013. She began her career as an intern with Biales Delchin Law and worked primarily in Domestic Relations. She then joined Kurt Law Office where she received her certification as a Guardian Ad Litem and worked primarily in Domestic and Juvenile court. Tina worked for The Spitz Law Firm dealing with state and federal employment law matters prior to joining the Public Defender’s Office in 2021.  Tina assists clients charged with misdemeanors in Ashtabula Municipal Court and Conneaut Municipal Court.  

Attorney

Michael is licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Michael graduated from Capital University Law School in 2020 and received his state license to practice law that same year and federal license the following summer. He has a Bachelor's of Science in International Studies with a focus in Security and Intelligence and minor in Environmental Sciences from The Ohio State University. Michael is committed to providing high quality representation to indigent people accused of a crime. He represents clients in misdemeanors, felonies, and appeals. 

Legal Secretary/Paralegal

Kaitlyn joined the Ashtabula County Public Defender's Office in 2022 and has become a perfect addition.  Kaitlyn is a graduate of Clarion University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a focus in paralegal studies.  Kaitlyn offers support to the attorneys by managing their schedules and drafting documents.  Kaitlyn is often the first point of contact for clients.  Kaitlyn's calm and compassionate disposition with clients is invaluable.   

Officer Manager

Jenny has been with the Public Defender's Office for 20 years and is pivotal to the operation of the office.  Jenny manages the daily operations of the office, maintains attorney schedules and offers support to the staff.  As the supervisor for the administrative staff, Jenny provides guidance and training to the support staff.   

Attorney

Phil is a career criminal defense attorney and has been with the Ashtabula County Public Defender's Office since 2000.  Phil prides himself on safeguarding the rights of each and every client he represents.  

Client Engagement Specialist

Shannon graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the Ashtabula County Public Defender's Office, Shannon was employed at Lake Erie Correctional Institution from 2017 through 2021 where she started as an officer and quickly advanced to a supervisor. During her time at Lake Erie Correctional Instititution, Shannon  was certified in defense tactics and subject control. Shannon also completed the academy for SRT (Special Response Team). From 2021 through 2022, Shannon was a probation officer for Ashtabula County.  Shannon's experience brings a unique perspective to the office and it has been a wonderful tool to offer more holistic representation.  Shannon is the first point of contact between the office and clients seeking representation.  

Attorney

Melissa is a career public defender, having been employed by the Trumbull County Public Defender for 20 years prior to coming to Ashtabula County.  Melissa is passionate about social justice issues and human rights issues.  Melissa treats her clients with respect and offers zealous advocacy on behalf of her clients.  

Attorney

Tia grew up in Newark, Ohio. As a child, she knew she wanted a career in the legal field. In 2016, she was one step closer when she became a student at Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated in 2019. She obtained a position as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Juvenile Division of the Prosecutor's office in Licking County, Ohio, shortly after passing the Ohio State Bar Exam in 2019. In 2021, Tia became Assistant Prosecutor in Mahoning County stationed at Mahoning County Children Services to further pursue her passion and mission to help juveniles and families who find themselves involved in the Juvenile Justice System. In 2023, she joined the Ashtabula County Public Defender's Office to continue her journey and passion to help others.