Part of 
Our team
Our multi-disciplinary team includes four attorneys, as well as our legal secretaries, unit specialist and social worker.
MaryBeth Forwood, JD, CWLS
Chief Assistant, Child Advocate Attorney
Our legal team is led by attorney MaryBeth Forwood, who joined us in April, 2023. Mrs. Forwood is Certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist by the National Association of Counsel for Children. MaryBeth has an established reputation as a passionate child advocate. Her experience includes serving as a special victims unit prosecutor, juvenile court Attorney/Guardian ad litem, and family law attorney. Child welfare work has been her focus in each of her legal positions throughout her 35 years of practice. Her extensive trial and appellate practice experience, well-rounded expertise, true sense of justice and comfort in the courtroom, benefits every child she represents. MaryBeth earned a bachelors degree in Social Work, cum laude, and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wyoming. Born and raised primarily in New Mexico, MaryBeth spent many years “out west” but truly enjoys and appreciates the climate, intrinsic warmth and hospitality of the southeast.
Wendellyn S. Wright, JD, MA, NCC
Child Advocate Attorney
Wendellyn Wright has over 20 years of experience working in defense litigation and prosecution for both the military and civilian sectors. She is a Major in the United States Army Reserve in the Judge Advocate Corps. Mrs. Wright holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health, in addition to her Juris Doctor.
Sirica McIntosh, JD
Child Advocate Attorney
Sirica McIntosh joined the CAO in January 2026. Sirica relocated from Atlanta where she has most recently been with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation as a Staff Attorney with the Safe and Stable Families Project. Prior to her position at AVLF, Sirica was a Staff Attorney with the Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice in New York where she represented youth in child welfare matters. Originally from New York, Sirica moved with her family to Georgia when she was in 7th grade and she remained in Georgia through College completing her undergraduate degree at Spelman College. From there she went to Washington D.C. and attended and graduated from Law School at Howard University, earning the Pro Bono Scholar distinction for her commitment to serving underserved populations. She was also recognized during Law School for her dedication to the study of family law issues by being awarded a Family Law Certification.
Jennifer Feathers, JD
Child Advocate Attorney
Attorney Feathers joined the CAO in October of 2024 after 15 years in private practice where she primarily focused on civil litigation and pro bono indigent work. She graduated Order of the Barrister from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2009. During law school she clerked for a local family law firm and served as research assistant for the acclaimed forensic scientist, Andre Moenssens. Prior to law school she attended Kennesaw State University where she obtained a B.S. in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Sciences. She served as an advocate and intern for CASA Cherokee for her senior thesis project while at Kennesaw State which sparked her interest in child advocacy.
Djamila Acklin
Legal Secretary
Jaid Ragland
Legal Secretary
Lenaida Green-Leggett
Social Worker
Christina Murray
Unit Specialist