The document lists 24 nominees for Guardian Ad Litem of the Year and provides brief summaries of their qualifications and experience. It describes how long each nominee has served as a GAL, ranging from since 1979 to since 2011. It provides positive feedback and commendations for each nominee's work, emphasizing their dedication, thorough investigations, advocacy for children, and efforts to resolve cases effectively. Mary Bush is announced as the 2014 Guardian Ad Litem of the Year.

1. The 24 Nominees are…

2.  Daniel has been a GAL since 2006.
 Exceptional, very active, well prepared, always
on time and passionate about the work

3.  David has been a GAL since 2008.
 Tenacious and a good listener – lets both
parents voice their concerns

4.  Ruth has been a GAL since 2009.
 “outstanding investigation and written report”
 Ruth retired in 2014. When notified that she
was nominated, Ruth replied,
 “Serving the children of Cuyahoga Count
was the most rewarding work I did in my legal
career.”
 Ruth is becoming a CASA in San Francisco.

5.  Candace has been a GAL since 2009.
 Exceeds expectations
 Conducts thorough investigations
 Doesn’t leave a stone unturned

6.  Mary has been a GAL since 1991 in the
Domestic Relations Court and since 1995 in
the Juvenile Court.
 Very engaged with her wards
 Always prepared
 Takes the time to show support during the
children’s major life events

7.  Pinkie has been a GAL since 1993.
 Prepared with up-to-date information
 Through her investigation, learned
information about the children yet unknown
to the Agency

8.  Wildon has been a GAL since 1998.
 “Mr. Ellison’s work in these children’s cases
was amazing! He was quite the investigator
and court advocate”
 “He deserves a round of applause”

9.  Carla has been a GAL since 1997.
 Does a great job
 Investigation and attention to detail assisted
the parties in resolving their case

10.  David has been a GAL since 1984.
 “Outstanding GAL report, which was helpful
in deciding the matter”
 The children and families can always count on
David!

11.  Brenda has been a GAL since 2011.
 “Has incredible insight into the problems her
wards/families face.”
 “Attends extra meetings pertaining to the
youth”
 “Very good problem solver”
 “Extensive, thorough, and accurate reports
and recommendations”

12.  Amy has been a GAL since 2007.
 “Goes above and beyond what is customary
as a GAL including personally searching for
AWOL wards and confronting perpetrators on
her ward’s behalf”
 Takes the necessary time to obtain a
favorable resolution for her wards

13.  Elba has been a GAL since 2011.
 Outstanding mediation skills.
 Excellent in every case

14.  Susan has been a GAL since 2007.
 Dedicated
 Takes an active role in negotiations
 Always provides current information to the
Court

15.  Vickie has been a GAL since 1999.
 “The best written report I have ever seen”
 Performed her job thoroughly

16.  Judy has been a GAL since 1993.
 “On every case that Judy has been GAL, she
has gone above and beyond for the youth”

17.  Kevin has been a GAL since 2013.
 “Kevin conducted a thorough investigation.”

18.  Anna has been a GAL since 2005.
 “…very reliable when it comes to
investigating the background on all the
parties.”
 “…committed to doing what is in her ward’s
best interest”

19.  Anne has been a GAL since 1979.
 “…keeps up to date on all procedures and
asks questions if she isn’t sure”
 “…dedicated to her wards and all the kids
involved in the Juvenile Court system”
 “…works tirelessly on the Books GALore
Program and does everything she can for all
GALs’ wards.”

20.  Don has been a GAL since 1978.
 “I always feel reassured to learn that he is my
GAL for any case that I am assigned.”
 “Consistently provides a thorough,
compassionate and reasoned analysis of the
people and issues”
 Genuine concern for the children in his
charge and his commitment to guiding the
Court to act in their best interests

21.  Nancy has been a GAL since 1997.
 “She has had several of my “hard” cases and
takes them in stride”
 “Willing to try cases to reach the best possible
outcome for her ward, but is always looking
for compromise amongst the parties to avoid
unnecessary litigation”

22.  Michael has been a GAL since 2010.
 “Always present and prepared to proceed”
 Thorough in his investigations and knows his
wards

23.  Harvey has been a GAL since 1980
 Exceed expectations
 Strong advocate for his wards

24.  Bill has been a GAL since 1985.
 “Excellent substantive report and overall
thorough work on the case which resulted in
reunification”

25.  Mark has been a GAL since 1987.
 “…have never met or heard of a GAL who
approaches the work with such zeal and
determination to do what is right for the
youth involved”

26.  Advocates passionately for the ward.
 Goes the extra mile for every child and
parent.
 Is always trying to improve situations for the
wards and other GALs.
 Smiles even in difficult times.
 Enjoys helping people.

27.  Daniel Bartos
 Ruth Brady
 Candace Brown
 Mary Bush
 Pinkie Clark
 Wildon Ellison
 Carla Golubovic
 David Goodwin
 Brenda Gray
 Amy Habinski
 Elba Heddesheimer
 Susan Jankite
 Vickie Jones
 Judy Layne
 Kevin Lenhard
 Anna Markovich
 Anne McFarland
 Don Ristity
 Nancy Sin
 Michael Telep
 Harvey Tessler
 Bill Weston
 Mark Witt

29. 2014
Guardian Ad Litem of the Year!
Mary Bush