Tessa is proud to be an Assistant Federal Public Defender. Following her graduation from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, Tessa served as a judicial law clerk in the Southern District of West Virginia. Tessa then entered private practice as an associate attorney at a boutique law firm, gaining valuable experience in civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts. Prior to joining the Roanoke office, Tessa had the honor of working as a public defender in Cabell County, West Virginia.

In her free time, Tessa prefers to be outdoors.