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
Legal Practice Supervisor, 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.
Sharla Svennes
Child Advocate Attorney
Sharla Svennes is an experienced litigator and dedicated child advocate attorney committed to protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable children. Her legal practice has spanned complex family law, affirmative civil rights, and appellate work, giving her an understanding of the challenges children and families face within the legal system. In addition to her experience as an attorney, Sharla has served as a foster mom, which experience profoundly shaped her perspective as an advocate and strengthened her commitment to ensuring every child has a voice and a future filled with opportunity.
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