Meet Our Current Fellows

Lucy Chandler graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University where she was a research assistant for Ph.D. candidates in psychology helping with experiments, research, and collection of data. Lucy also studied abroad in Australia and was a part of DanceWorks, a Syracuse University performing dance organization. Prior to beginning law school, Lucy was a child welfare caseworker for Franklin County Children Services, where she worked with abused, neglected, and dependent children and their families to ensure their safety and healthy development.

“The Adoption Law Fellowship has given me a real sense of direction during my course of study at Capital University Law School. My close contact with the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy has been invaluable, and a great support as I pursue my interest in child welfare and adoption law.”

Laura Austen is a graduate of Wittenberg University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Laura spent the past three years as a mental health case manager for South Community Behavioral Healthcare of Dayton, Ohio, where she worked with children and families to develop treatment plans, provide crisis intervention, and conduct home and school visits. She also served as a Youth Leader at Oesterlen Services for Youth, which is a mental health treatment facility in Springfield, Ohio, where she continues to be involved in their foster care program.

“The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy is what drew me to Capital. I am extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen as a Fellow and look forward to the numerous opportunities available to me to learn from the Center’s knowledgeable staff.”

Autumn Hacker graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Sociology. Autumn currently works for Permanent Family Solutions Network, a manage care facility for Franklin County Children Services, where she provides support services to caseworkers in the form of client referrals, background checks for relative placements, and absent parent searches. Autumn also volunteered with CASA of Franklin County where she served as a guardian ad litem for abused, neglected, and dependent children.

“Upon learning about the Adoption Law Fellowship, I immediately knew it was something that I needed to pursue. It embodies everything that I hope to obtain from my legal education. I feel very honored to be given the opportunity to take advantage of all that The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy has to offer.”

Tierra Poindexter graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with a minor in Social Stratification and Inequality. Tierra is especially proud of her accomplishments as a first generation college graduate and professional school student. She also participated in a study abroad program in Quito, Ecuador in addition to various extracurricular activities such as the Phi Alpha Delta International Pre-Law Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, OSU/Nationwide Diversity Leadership Transcript Program and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

“The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy is an exceptional resource to Capital and the legal community. I am honored to have been chosen as an Adoption Law Fellow and excited to pursue my dream of advocating for tomorrow’s leaders.”

Charlyn Bohland graduated summa cum laude from The University of Akron with a degree in Political Science, and served as president of the Pre-Law Club and a member of the Honors College.  Charlyn also worked as the office manager/program assistant for Summit Education Initiative, a non-profit organization which focuses on the educational challenges that face students in Summit County, where she helped to develop and evaluate programs, wrote grants, and conducted research on education reform.  Charlyn spent her senior year working on an in-depth research project connecting the concept of restorative justice with drunk-driving offenders and victims.    
"It has always been my dream to become an advocate for children.  Capital University Law School's outstanding reputation and its involvement with the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy will help me realize that dream.  Receiving the Adoption Law Fellowship is an honor and I know my future is already brighter because of the individuals and experiences I will learn from as a result of this Fellowship.  When I leave Capital I will be fully prepared to start my career in child advocacy."