GEBHARDT EMERSON MOODIE BONANNO - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- SPECIAL COUNSEL
- Special Counsel at GEM
Alex is Special Counsel at GEM, heading the Firm's Estate Planning Department, where he counsels clients from a wide variety of backgrounds on estate, tax, and business planning. Alex uses these skills not only to assist GEM's estate, tax, and business planning clients, but also to provide invaluable assistance to GEM's dissolution of marriage and premarital agreement clients who have complex assets.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR PARALEGAL
- Senior Paralegal at GEM Family Law
Cathy is a Senior Paralegal at GEM Family Law, bringing over 27 years of experience, the last 25 years of which have been exclusively in the field of family law. Cathy has worked extensively on high conflict, complex asset cases and has considerable knowledge and expertise that allows her to assist clients in all aspects of their cases. She has great attention to detail and incredible compassion for supporting clients through what can be a tough legal process and life transition.
Cathy is a graduate of Temple University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Cathy then attended the Denver Paralegal Institute and received her ABA paralegal certificate. Cathy is currently a member of the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association and Co-Chair of the Family Law Section where she organizes monthly continuing education courses to keep Colorado paralegals at the top of their field.
In 2019, Cathy began working as a parenting time supervisor in high conflict custody cases. This work has allowed Cathy to assist parents and children in conflict and gives her deep insight into the needs of parents and children in custody disputes.
In her free time, Cathy enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, hiking and camping in the mountains.
Chelsea is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. Chelsea's goal is to help families reduce conflict, generate creative solutions to address contentious situations, and transition into new chapters of life with as much ease as possible.
Job Titles:
- First, Associate Board of Directors Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for the Rocky Mountain Children 's Law Center
Job Titles:
- PARALEGAL
- Paralegal at GEM Family Law
Elise is a paralegal at GEM Family Law, providing support to clients in the Firm's Estate Planning department. Elise comes to GEM after working in another Denver-area estate planning firm, where she gained invaluable experience preparing and editing hundreds of trust and estate plans, probate documents, and estate tax returns. Elise enjoys working directly with clients and attorneys to problem solve and create long-term solutions.
Elise transitioned to the legal field and obtained her Paralegal Certificate after a career as a school psychologist in Denver. Elise brings her compassion and understanding, as well as her outstanding organizational skills to her work at the Firm. Elise has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology.
In her free time, Elise enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, attending concerts and gardening.
Elizabeth Bonanno is a Partner at Gebhardt Emerson Moodie Bonanno, LLC, also known as GEM Family Law. Elizabeth practices exclusively in family law, having served hundreds of clients during her tenure with their divorces, parenting, and child support cases. Elizabeth's family law practice has focused on asset and business valuation, income valuation, complex divorce, parental responsibilities, child relocation, and child support matters, among others. Elizabeth speaks both Spanish and Italian and uses these skills to assist non-native speakers in navigating through domestic matters.
Elizabeth's outstanding legal work and professionalism has been recognized by her selection as a 2017-2023 Colorado Super Lawyer® "Rising Star", her inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America© 2021-2023 for both Family Law and Family Law Arbitration, by the judicial officers of Arapahoe County, who invited her to serve on their Best Practices Committee, and by Law Week Colorado, who named her as one of only seven "Up and Coming Lawyers" for 2015. She was also a finalist for the Gary McPherson outstanding young lawyer of the year award from the Colorado Bar Association in 2016.
Elizabeth graduated from the University of Colorado Law School with Honors in Juvenile and Family Law. Elizabeth practiced family law for seven years at Griffiths Law PC, and was a partner at the firm from January, 2017 through July, 2019, joining the GEM family on August 1, 2019. She received additional family law experience as a law clerk to Judge Norman D. Haglund on the domestic docket in Denver District Court.
Elizabeth trained in trial advocacy under Colorado Supreme Court Justice Nancy Rice (Ret.) and displays confidence and poise in the courtroom, having run many hearings and trials - Elizabeth is one of the foremost family law litigators. However, she is also a firm believer in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, assisting clients in settling matters before they reach the courthouse. Elizabeth is trained in Collaborative Law, whereby parties commit to resolving their dissolution of marriage cooperatively and without the court's involvement.
Along with her law practice, Elizabeth has authored articles for publications and has presented at seminars on family law topics. She is a member of several professional organizations, including Past President of the Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, an organization committed to the improvement of family law via the intersection of the mental health and legal fields, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, the Colorado Judicial Institute and the James E. Doyle American Inn of Court, and is a member of the Arapahoe County Best Practices Committee, an invite-only group of judicial officers, clerks and attorneys focused on improving family law in Arapahoe County.
Education
University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, Colorado
J.D.
Truman State University
B.A.
Job Titles:
- FOUNDING PARTNER
- Member of the Colorado Bar Association
Erika Alese Gebhardt is an attorney licensed in Colorado, who offers clients efficient and effective representation and tailors her services to the unique needs of each individual client. Erika's practice focuses exclusively on family law, where she both litigates and serves as a child-expert. Erika provides services to all counties in the Denver Metro area, as well as some of the front range and mountain regions. Erika's clients have the added benefit of her litigation experience in the areas of employment law and complex commercial litigation. Her previous experience in these areas provides her with a unique perspective and skill set, which enable her to successfully navigate more complicated issues that may arise in cases involving business interests and trusts.
Erika has a wide breadth of experience in family law matters, to include unique parenting time issues, non-traditional families, and high net worth families and individuals. Erika has extensive training and experience with LGBTQ+ issues, domestic violence, and children with sensory issues/autism. Erika works closely with her clients to ensure that their case is handled and resolved in a manner that enables them to transition smoothly beyond the legal system. Erika also works with the firm's post-decree Estate Planning department, to ensure that the assets clients receive in their dissolution of marriage are protected, even posthumously.
Given her passion for child advocacy, Erika has extensive experience working as a Child and Family Investigator, Parenting Coordinator and Decision Maker, Child Legal Representative, Special Master, and is one of the leading child experts in the state of Colorado. Erika strives to minimize the conflict in any case in which she is involved, given the significant harm being placed in the middle of parental conflict causes to children.
Whether she is working as a mediator, third party neutral expert, collaborating with other professionals, or advocating for her clients in court, Erika's strength is her tireless dedication to making sure that each client is heard and their needs and goals considered in the pursuit of the best possible results. It is Erika's philosophy that resolving family law cases outside of the courtroom offers families the best opportunity to move forward positively; however, she is the vigorous advocate clients need and trust when litigation becomes necessary.
Erika graduated from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where, due to her academic achievement, she was awarded membership to the Order of St. Ives. Prior to becoming an attorney, Erika began her legal career as a judicial intern for the honorable Judge Nancy Hopf in a courtroom dedicated to a domestic and civil docket. She also interned for Denver District Court Judge Robert McGahey, Jr., of the Second Judicial District, where she was able to gain valuable experience in motions practice and courtroom procedure.
Erika resides in Denver, CO with her two children. She hails from Milwaukee, WI and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Political Economy from Colorado College. Her hobbies include camping, travel, hiking, skiing, and the Green Bay Packers.
Ms. Gebhardt is an involved member of the Colorado Bar Association, the Arapahoe County Bar Association, and the Family Law Section.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- Parenting Coordinator
- Partner at GEM Family Law
Heather Landauer is a Partner at GEM Family Law. Heather is an experienced attorney, having practiced almost exclusively in family law since her admission to the Colorado State Bar in 2013.
Heather is creative and insightful, assisting her clients to identify their goals such that she begins working with them on a strategy to achieve their desired outcome at the outset of her representation of them. Heather encourages her clients to keep the "big picture" in mind, and to reduce the impact of emotions during their family law proceedings, in order to help them maintain focus and direction. She is compassionate, as she understands family law matters can be fraught with anger, frustration, and fear. Heather is patient with her clients while directing them to take action that will help them make the best decisions for their case and achieve their best results.
Heather is an experienced litigator who has tried hundreds of cases and is skilled in bringing matters before the Judge. However, she also recognizes the benefits of settlement, which is, quite often, the better option. The facts of each case, as well as the client's goals, will determine which route to take. Heather provides her family law clients with strategic advice every step of the way.
Heather is also a Child and Family Investigator. Her extensive experience with families in Colorado, as well as her specialized training as a CFI, enables her to provide thorough, creative, and child-focused advice to her clients. Additionally, her experience as a litigator gives her a unique perspective when she serves as a child expert and neutral in family law matters.
Heather's skills have been recognized by Avvo, where Heather has received a 10/10 rating based on her experience, involvement in the family law community, and peer reviews. Heather has authored numerous publications, to include publications on lawyer ethics. Heather supports the community through pro bono services with Metro Volunteer Lawyer's Family Law Unbundled Program, providing legal advice with LawLine 9, and promotes animal adoption through her foster work with 4 Paws 4 Life.
Heather received her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and, during law school, was a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Jack Berryhill in the 1st Judicial District. Heather additionally demonstrated her commitment to children's issues as a certified student attorney through the University of Denver Child Advocacy Practicum and the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center. Also during law school, Heather interned with Metro Volunteer Lawyers, assisting clients in the Family Law Court Program, where she first developed her commitment to family law.
In addition to representing clients in Domestic Relations matters, Heather is also a trained Parenting Coordinator/Decision-Maker.
Education
University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Denver, Colorado
J.D.
University of Colorado at Boulder
B.A.
Honors: Certification in Peace and Conflict Studies
Job Titles:
- Colorado Court of Appeals, Law Clerk, 2018 to 2019
Jennifer joined GEM Family Law after working as a clerk for two years on the domestic relations docket of the Denver District Court. This experience is invaluable as Jennifer competently guides clients through the divorce and child custody process.
Prior to her time as a clerk, Jennifer working as a Court Judicial Assistant with the Denver District Court and also spent time as a legal assistant for a small, yet prominent law firm. Though her experience in the legal field is well balanced between DUI/DWI litigation and family law, Jennifer finds the later far more rewarding.
Jennifer is a Child and Family Investigator and also has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Learning. Jennifer's experience and training informs her understanding of the complex parenting issues that face parents and children going through family law disputes.
Jennifer is passionate and dedicated to providing the best support she can to the entire GEM Family Law Team. She is enthusiastic about contributing to an atmosphere of top-notch client-centered customer service and efficient, collaborative team building.
Jennifer's empathy for clients and her team members, coupled with an abounding dedication to all aspects of her work, set her apart from other professionals in the field.
Jennifer has lived in many different places; however, after moving to Colorado in 2017, she has found a favorite place to call home. Jennifer enjoys hiking, going to the movies with her husband, and backyard cookouts with her kids.
Job Titles:
- OFFICE MANAGER
- Office Manager and Billing Specialist at GEM Family Law
Kayla is the office manager and billing specialist at GEM Family Law. She joined the firm in 2022 and has previously worked exclusively in family law at another well-known Denver family law firm.
In 2020, Kayla began working as a parenting time supervisor in high conflict custody cases. She is passionate about helping children visit parents in a safe and healthy environment that is beneficial to everyone.
Kayla has a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Regis University and a bachelor's degree in Informational Technology from Colorado State University. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, jet skiing and snowboarding.
Kim is the Legal Assistant at GEM Family Law. She is the first point of contact for new and existing clients, and prides herself on ensuring that those contacting GEM Family Law are met with a positive and professional experience.
Kim is a Florida native who graduated with her Associates Degree in Legal Studies in 2014, after which she immediately entered the family law field. Kim has provided legal support to attorneys, paralegals, and clients in the area of family law since that time. She understands how difficult these matters can be and approaches them with sensitivity and professionalism.
Prior to her work in family law, Kim was in customer service management, where she honed her teamwork, leadership, and client care skills.
In her free time, Kim enjoys reading, creating art, and spending time exploring the beautiful state of Colorado with friends and family.
We realize that your divorce, child custody dispute, spousal support or other family law challenge is an extremely stressful time for you. Our goal is to take the worry away for you - to help you get clarity on the options available in your situation. Whether your case is complex and involves substantial assets, or you just need a strong advocate to help you get to the finish line, we are here to help.
Because we understand that each case is different and unique, the approach that we take is customized based on the facts of your case and your specific objectives. We are not going to simply tell you what we think you want to hear so that you become a client. Our Denver family law attorneys believe in being straightforward with you because we want you to get the information you need to make the right choices for your family.
Mary is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. Mary is passionate about advocating for her clients and helping them minimize the stress that often comes with navigating a family law matter.
Matt is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. Prior to joining GEM, Matt clerked for the Honorable Chief Judge Christopher J. Baumann of the Denver District Court. There, he obtained invaluable experience in the courtroom and in crafting orders for many litigation matters. Matt brings this important perspective - what judges want to see in the courtroom and how to present it - to his clients.
Meagan K. Moodie is a prominent family law attorney and founding partner of Gebhardt Emerson Moodie Bonanno, LLC ("GEM Family Law"). She is licensed in Colorado, offering her clients practical and effective representation during complicated legal matters. Meagan focuses her practice on family law as an Attorney, Mediator, Child & Family Investigator, and Parenting Coordinator/Decision Maker.
Meagan handles a wide range of family law cases, from divorces and post-decree modifications, to protection orders and collaborative divorces. She specializes in difficult cases such as those involving domestic violence, addiction, mental health, and relocation out of state. As a partner attorney with Project Safeguard, Meagan is particularly well versed in obtaining and defending Civil Protection Orders. Meagan deliberately takes on these challenging matters with the hope of helping parties come to a resolution that would otherwise be unlikely.
Meagan brings a practical and personal understanding to her family practice. She's had extensive training to become a certified Child & Family Investigator, a certified Mediator, and a Parenting Coordinator/Decision Maker. Meagan has also had significant training in domestic violence, child abuse, and in trauma survivors. Meagan's previous work experiences include the family division of Colorado Legal Services, the family division of the Saint Louis University Legal Clinic, as a clerk in the Denver District Court, and at her solo law practice, The Moodie Law Firm.
Meagan is a Colorado native who was born and raised in Denver. She graduated from Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colorado and completed her undergraduate studies at Regis University in Denver. In 2012, Meagan graduated from Saint Louis University School of Law, passed the Colorado Bar, and soon moved back to her hometown. She now lives in Denver with her husband, their son, and their rescue pups. Meagan spends her free time camping, hiking, gardening, traveling, cooking, and cheering for the Colorado Avalanche & Denver Broncos!
Meagan is on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Women's Bar Association and co-chairs their Public Policy Committee. Meagan belongs to the Colorado Bar Association, the Denver Bar Association, the Colorado Women's Owned Law Firm (WOLF) organization, the Family Law Section of the CBA, the Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, the Metro Denver Interdisciplinary Committee, the Junior League of Denver, and the board of Family Tree, Inc. She is a partner attorney with Project Safeguard, a Metro Volunteer Lawyer, a volunteer for LAWLINE 9 and "Legal Night" and is involved with the modern law practice initiative of the Colorado Bar Association. She is committed to helping both her clients and the community through her involvement in many Denver Metro organizations.
Education
Saint Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri
J.D. - 2012
Regis University, Denver, Colorado
B.A. - 2008
Memberships
Colorado Bar Association, Board of Governors Member, Executive Council Member, Joint Management Committee Member, Family Law Section Member
Colorado Women's Bar Association, Board of Directors, Co-Chair Programs Committee
Denver Bar Association, Active Member
Arapahoe County Bar Association, Active Member
Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee, Active Member
Colorado WOLF (Women Owned Law Firms), Active Member
Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer
Metro Denver Interdisciplinary, Committee Member
Colorado Collaborative Divorce Professionals, Active Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association
- SENIOR SUPERVISING PARALEGAL
Melinda is the Senior Supervising Paralegal at GEM Family Law. Melinda joined GEM Family Law in August, 2018, after working for another prominent Denver family law firm for a number of years. Melinda has been a paralegal for over 13 years, and the vast majority of her career has been dedicated to family law.
Melinda is committed to assisting clients through every step of their case and supporting the GEM Family Law attorneys in providing top-notch service to their clients. It is her goal to ensure that each client is receiving the support and attention they deserve in their family law matter.
Melinda is detail-oriented and client-focused, drawing on her extensive experience to assist GEM Family Law's attorneys to thoroughly prepare cases for trial and settlement discussions alike.
Melinda's patience, attention to detail, and her unparalleled level of organization set her apart among family law professionals and paralegals.
Melinda is a Colorado native, and loves spending her free time exploring our beautiful state with her two children. She also enjoys reading, baking unique desserts, and spending time with her family.
Melinda earned her Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies in 2006. Melinda is a member of the Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association.
Mia is an Associate Attorney at GEM, practicing in all areas of family law. Prior to transitioning her practice to GEM, Mia worked as an Associate Attorney at another Denver family law firm. From her time in law school, Mia has dedicated her career to family law and to advocating for families in crisis. Mia has trial and mediation experience in dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, adoption and guardianship matters. She is an energetic and passionate attorney, driven to provide clients the best options possible to resolve very difficult conflicts.