Stephanie Batcheller, Senior Staff Attorney, has worked at NYSDA since 1998. She provides Backup Center Direct Defender Services, responding to requests for legal assistance and research. Her professional practice interests include trauma-informed advocacy and secondary trauma. She has lectured on these and other topics along with assisting in NYSDA’s continuing development of client-centered representation training strategies. Spanning a nearly forty-year career, Stephanie has practiced privately and as a public defender in the state and federal courts of New York and Georgia, and the federal courts of Maryland. She has extensive specialized training in criminal defense litigation including from the National College for Criminal Defense Trial Practice Institute and American Bar Association Appellate Advocacy Training program. Stephanie was a 2020 recipient of the Well College Association of Alumnae and Alumni Award for Distinction in Law and Public Service. She has twice received President’s Commendations from the NYS Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers for her work on amici briefs filed on behalf of NYSDA, NACDL, and others. She received her J.D. from Mercer University and her B.A. in Economics from Wells College, and she is a graduate of The Emma Willard School.

Kimberly Bode, Family Court Staff Attorney, joined NYSDA in January 2019 after 17 years of exclusive practice in the public interest sector. Before NYSDA, Kim had worked for the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York as a staff attorney in the Senior Legal Services program, representing senior citizens in various civil matters. She had also worked at Nassau/Suffolk Law Services in the David Project, representing individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in family court. Social Security, welfare, and housing matters. Over a decade of Kim’s career was spent as a family defender with the Family Court Bureau at the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, where she fought daily to preserve her client’s parental rights. She has represented litigants in all family court matters and proceedings, including neglect, custody, and visitation, termination of parental rights, child support violations, paternity, and family offenses. She is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Touro Law Center.

Natalie Brocklebank, Deputy Director, joined NYSDA in 2019 as an Attorney and became Deputy Director in June 2021. Before joining NYSDA, Natalie was a public defender and began her legal career at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS). She was selected as a partnership lawyer on rotation at the Orleans Public Defenders in the years following Hurricane Katrina when OPD was being restructured. When Natalie returned back to her home state of New York, her work included time in NYC as an Attorney and Investigations Supervisor at the Bronx Defenders as well as her practice upstate in Saratoga County and at the Office of Indigent Legal Services during year one of the expansion of the Hurrell-Harring reforms. Prior to practicing law, Natalie was a defense investigator for the former law office of Rochon Roberts and Stern in Washington, DC and as an intern investigator at PDS. Natalie has served as an Adjunct for SUNY Empire State College teaching Media Ethics and the Law. She is a graduate of Siena College, where she completed a Justice Semester through American University. Natalie is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law. During law school, she was a legal assistant for Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett and Dunner where she worked exclusively with the firm’s pro bono program assisting clients charged in Superior Court for the District of Columbia.

Susan C. Bryant, Executive Director, has worked at NYSDA since 2007. After working as a NYSDA staff attorney for several years, she became Special Counsel, was appointed Deputy Director in July 2017, and became Executive Director in May 2019. As Executive Director, she manages the operations of the Association, the Public Defense Backup Center, and NYSDA's special projects. Previously, she clerked for the then-Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut, worked as an honors program attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, and was in private practice. In 2012, she received the Kevin M. Andersen Award from the Genesee County Public Defenders Office. She serves on various committees and task forces, including the Judiciary’s Supreme and County Court (Criminal) Advisory Committee on E-filing, the Criminal Defense Advisory Group and Appellate Defender Council for the NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services, the New York State Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section Executive Committee and the Task Force on Mental Health and Trauma Impacted Representation, and the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act Task Force. She previously served on the Judiciary’s Task Force for the Voluntary Reform of the Justice Courts (2012-2015). She received her J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law and an M.S. in Information Science from the University at Albany.

Yairelis Burgos, Ph.D., joined NYSDA’s Veterans Defense Program (VDP) as a Mitigation Specialist in April 2025. Prior to joining the VDP team, Dr. Burgos served in the United States Army from 2008-2022, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. She is a combat veteran who proudly served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF XII-XIII). With over 15 years of combined military, federal, and civilian experience, she is a dedicated advocate for justice-involved veterans and has extensive first-hand knowledge on military culture and challenges that servicemembers and veterans encounter. Dr. Burgos has served in a variety of roles including as a Forensic Social Worker, Paralegal Specialist, and Veteran Mitigation Specialist. She brings deep expertise in military culture and trauma-informed assistance. She has a B.S. in Justice Studies, an M.S.W., and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, where she conducted original research and authored a dissertation titled “The Challenges of Reentry and Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Veterans.”

Kiarra Coleman, Legal Assistant with the Discovery and Forensic Support Unit, joined NYSDA in April 2024. Kiarra has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from SUNY Albany. Kiarra served as a legislative intern for Assembly Member Demond Meeks during the 2023 legislative session while completing her bachelor’s degree. This experience further solidified her commitment to public service. Passionate about advocating for marginalized communities, she plans to attend law school to become a public defender, ensuring access to justice for those most in need.

Mardi Crawford, Senior Staff Attorney, has worked for NYSDA since 1996. She writes various NYSDA materials on public defense issues, edits the Backup Center REPORT, and responds to Direct Defender Services requests and other inquiries. She has worked with the NYS Indigent Legal Services Office on standards development. Mardi began her public defense career at Michigan's State Appellate Defender Office in Detroit, representing clients in state appellate courts and remand proceedings in trial courts. In 1987, she moved to Washington, DC to become a staff attorney at the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) and helped draft NLADA standards, including the Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation published in 1995. She has a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School and a B.A. from Western State College (now Western Colorado University). Outside the office she participates in grassroots coalitions and collaborations on justice issues including the NYS Jails Justice Network. Being married to an artist helps keep her connected to a broad range of human endeavors.

Brian Cummings is a Digital Evidence Resource Attorney with the Discovery and Forensic Support Unit. He specializes in digital forensics and electronic discovery, focusing on evidence obtained from mobile phones, wireless networks, and video cameras. Prior to joining NYSDA, he worked as an attorney and investigator in the Monroe County Public Defender's Office in Rochester, NY. Brian has received training and certifications in digital forensics from Cellebrite, CellHawk, the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association, and the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. He received his J.D. and B.S. from SUNY Buffalo.

John Cutro, NYSDA RJP Restorative Practitioner, conducts restorative practice trainings as well as case-specific processes. He is an IIRP certified trainer and has presented at many national and international conferences in Canada and the United Kingdom. Using restorative, relational and trauma-focused practices, he has helped interrupt and transform life-threatening violence and trained communities and schools, including , the Albany and Ulster County District Attorney Offices, Albany and Ulster County Probation, the Ulster County Human Rights Commission, Schenectady Center for Community Justice and Community Accountability Boards of NYS University at Albany and in Newburg, NY. Previously, he was a homicide investigator, mitigation specialist, and victim liaison with the NYS Capital Defender Office, and used restorative practices in death penalty cases. He graduated from SUNY Albany with a B.S. in Physics and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. A Sage College adjunct criminal justice teacher, he also taught biostatistics and scientific research methods on the faculty of Albany Medical College. He has been a NYS licensed criminal investigator for two decades.

Diane DuBois, Executive Assistant, has worked at NYSDA since 2008. She is involved in organizational management and program coordination. Previously, she was the Assistant to the NYS Defenders Justice Fund Campaign Manager and worked on the Campaign for an Independent Public Defense Commission. Prior to that, she worked for The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group as Manager of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer, and later as Lead Coordinator of the Client Support Center. Diane graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology and Women Studies from SUNY Albany.

Nancy Farrell became Director of NYSDA’s Veterans Defense Program in January 2024 after serving as a staff attorney. Prior to becoming a part of the VDP team she practiced criminal and parental defense in Ontario County as an Assistant Public Defender and as the Public Defender in Schuyler County. Nancy’s familiarity with veterans developed during her time as the primary defense attorney in the Ontario County Veterans Treatment Court. In 2014 she started her Family Court practice at Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse, NY. She is the recipient of the 2017 NYSBA Denison Ray Defender Award and the 2018 Ella B. Family Justice Award, for her role in ensuring parents were represented at removal hearings in Syracuse, NY. Nancy graduated from Western New England University in 2011. Nancy has been a regular CLE presenter for NYSDA since 2015.

Ashley Hart is a Staff Attorney with the Discovery and Forensic Support Unit.  She brings an extensive legal background working with experts and reviewing large volumes of discovery in her previous civil practice. Ashley has also assisted in post-conviction representation. Prior to law school, Ashley was a Senior Research Specialist and Lecturer at the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute where she worked on matters relating to DNA analysis, laboratory procedures, & associated technologies. Ashley holds her J.D. from Albany Law School, a M.S. in Forensic Biology from SUNY Albany, and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Vassar College. 

Gary A. Horton, Special Counsel with the Veterans Defense Program, has worked at NYSDA for 10 Years serving as the Director of the Veterans Defense Program. As Special Counsel he now provides training, support, and legal assistance to justice-involved veterans and service members, and the public defense attorneys representing them. Previously, his legal practice centered on public defense for over 30 years, serving 20 years as Public Defender of Genesee County. He served on NYSDA’s Board of Directors for 12 years, including as Board Vice President. He received the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York Special Service Award in 2005, the NYS Bar Association Criminal Justice Section David S. Michaels Award in 2006, NYSDA’s Wilfred R. O’Connor Award in 2011, the 2016 Criminal Justice Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness-NYS, and in 2018, the Kutak-Dodds Prize for Outstanding Service in Public Defense by the National Legal Aid & Defenders Association (NLADA). He has a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Hobart College.

Asaph Ko came onboard NYSDA in March 2019 and is a Senior Information Systems Specialist for our Public Defender Case Management System (PDCMS) in our Albany office. Asaph has a BS in Physics from Siena College with a minor in Math. He has taught and mentored with the Urban Scholars Program at Siena College and co-taught classes at Loudonville Elementary School in computers. He interned at XOS and has worked with Habitat for Humanity and volunteered at the Salvation Army and for NYSDA's Basic Trial Skills Program (BTSP).

Amanda Luce, Veterans Defense Program Case Manager, Amanda served in the U.S. Air Force from 2003-2009 as a Nondestructive Inspection Journeyman on miliary aircraft and deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 for six months. She discharged as a Staff Sergeant. She has extensive firsthand knowledge of the many issues that veterans face, especially female veterans, and knowledge of military culture, VA Health and Education Benefits. It has been her goal to assist Veterans.

Tess Malova, Legal Training Coordinator at NYSDA, graduated from Bard College's Written Arts program in 2019. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, she has called upstate New York home for over seven years. Tess joined the NYSDA staff in June 2024, and she is excited to bring her extensive experience with program management and event planning to support the work of the team. Prior to joining NYSDA, Tess was the Program Coordinator for the Economic Democracy Initiative at Bard College. She is currently based in Albany, NY, and in her free time enjoys reading and writing fiction, yoga, and hiking.

Oneil McDonald was born in Jamaica West Indies and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He joined NYSDA in November 2022 and is a Software Training and Testing Specialist for the Public Defenders Case Management System department. Oneil graduated with an A.A.S and certification in Cybersecurity from Westchester Community College in May 2019. Prior to his start at NYSDA, Oneil worked in information technology for New York Edge and Federal Express. Besides working in the tech industry Oneil is very active in his local church where he serves in various departments and programs. Oneil is very passionate about music. He’s a self-taught drummer and music producer who has toured with various artists and musicians. Currently, Oneil serves as visual, audio, and technical director at The Temple of Restoration Churches throughout the New York City tri state, New Jersey, and Westchester areas. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Deanne Quinn Miller, Program Coordinator of NYSDA’s Veteran’s Defense Program, Dee assists with trainings and expert referrals, provides mentoring, and navigates the VA and Department of Defense systems to obtain military records for veteran cases. She has extensive knowledge of veteran issues and benefits. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Genesee Veterans Support Network. She received the VA of Western New York’s Women Veterans Justice System Award in 2016, and a Women of Distinction Award in 2017 for her work with veterans. In 2025, she will be completing her 11th year with the VDP. She is Director of the Forgotten Victims of Attica and completed her memoir in 2021, The Prison Guard’s Daughter, My Journey through the Ashes of Attica.

Rebecca Murphy, Legal Research Librarian, joined NYSDA in September 2019. Before signing on with NYSDA, she was the Technical Services Librarian at Albany Law School for 16 years, providing systems and software support and legal reference assistance. Prior to that she was a Law Librarian at the firm of Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP for 5 years, supporting over 50 attorneys with legal research. She will be overseeing the NYSDA library operations and providing legal research for the association community. Rebecca received her Masters of Library Science from the University at Albany.

Heather Rapp started as NYSDA’s Program Assistant in December 2022. She serves as the primary point of contact for questions regarding membership, online account access, and event invoices. She provides administrative support to our Staff Attorneys and helps to coordinate the handling of Backup Center requests for defender support. Additionally, she provides general office support, including maintenance of accurate contact information for defenders and defense team members, membership correspondence, and the coordination of mailing lists for various NYSDA publications. Heather is NYSDA’s liaison to public defense offices, legal aid organizations, and assigned counsel programs regarding staff and assigned counsel panel lists and contact information. Before joining NYSDA, Heather was the Administrative Assistant for the New York State Council of School Superintendents for five years. Before that, she worked provided Customer Service in the health insurance industry. She can be contacted at hrapp@nysda.org or by calling (518) 465-3524 extension 13.

Elyse Sheehan is a Staff Attorney with the Veterans Defense Program in the Long Island office. She graduated undergrad from SUNY New Paltz and received her JD from Hofstra Law School. At Hofstra, she focused on Public Interest Law, interning with The Safe Center Long Island and Suffolk County Legal Aid’s Children’s Law Bureau. Throughout her attendance in law school, she was a member of the Pro Bono Scholar Program with her placement at Nassau/Suffolk Law Service’s Domestic Violence Project. Her most immediate employment prior to joining the VDP was at the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society District Court’s Criminal Division as a Staff Attorney safeguarding the rights of the indigent and assuring equal access to criminal justice.

Shelbey Smith joined NYSDA in October 2025 as an Information Systems Specialist for the Public Defenders Case Management System. She graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from SUNY New Paltz, where she also worked in the campus IT Department to provide hardware and software support to faculty, staff, and students. As a life-long resident of New York, she is committed to assisting her community through technical education and advancements. Outside of work, she enjoys art, writing, video games, and hiking with her dog.

Juan Sosa (Army Reserves), Veterans Defense Program Case Manager, Juan mentors veteran clients by providing guidance, support, and expert referrals, as well as support to the VDP legal staff in the Long Island office. He has a Biology degree from Mercy College. In 1993, he joined the U.S. Army Reserves as a Motor Transport Operator and deployed to Iraq twice, in 2002-03 and 2006-07. He has extensive firsthand knowledge of military culture and the many issues that veterans face. In September of 2022, Juan was called up to EUCOM Command for 10 months. He will be deploying again in December 2024. He is currently a Master Sergeant with the 301st Information Operations Battalion and is credited with over 30 years of service.

Dandre Wheeler, Director of the PDCMS. With over nine years of experience at the New York State Defenders Association (PDCMS), he has held positions as both an Information Systems Specialist and a Senior Information Systems Specialist. His extensive knowledge and expertise significantly contribute to the team's effectiveness. Dandre earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Marist College, with a concentration in Information Systems. In addition to his professional commitments, he actively participates in soccer as both an official and a player.

Moe Whitcomb (they/them) joined NYSDA in July 2025 as an Executive Assistant. Moe earned their B.A. in Women’s Studies and Sociology from SUNY Albany. Most recently, Moe was the Assistant to the Executive Offices at the New York State Bar Association. They are passionate about prisoner rights, advocacy, and trauma-informed care for people who are impacted by the criminal legal system. Previously, they were a PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) counselor and caseworker working with survivors of sexual violence in NYS prisons. They have also held positions at Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York, The Legal Project, Osborne Association, and a local family law firm. Moe is currently based in Albany, NY, and in their free time enjoys hiking, kayaking, writing, reading, and knitting.  

Michael White, USMC (Retired), Veterans Defense Program Senior Case Manager, Michael mentors veteran clients by providing guidance, support, and expert referrals, as well as support to the VDP staff at the Batavia office. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant in 2014 with 22 years of military experience, including deployments to Haiti, the Philippines, Korea, and Afghanistan. He has extensive firsthand knowledge of the many issues that veterans face and extensive knowledge of military culture, and VA health and education benefits. He has an Associate’s Degree in Human Services and a B.A. in Health and Human Services Community Mental Health.