A graduate of Bradley University and the Loyola School of Law, Judge Jerelyn Maher commenced practicing law in the Peoria area, becoming one of the first women in the area to concentrate in trial work. In 1995, she was appointed associate judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, and in 2001, she was appointed to fill a vacancy, becoming the first woman circuit judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Currently, Judge Maher is the presiding judge in the Domestic Relations Court in Peoria County hearing divorce, domestic violence, adoption and mental health commitment cases. She is also very proud of her work in creating the Visitation Center for the Tenth Judicial Circuit. An active author and lecturer, Maher is currently the chair of the Family Violence Coordinating Council for the Tenth Judicial Circuit and was recognized for her work in preventing domestic violence with the Partners in Peace award in 2002.
With a long resumé in the field of healthcare, Marilyn Oertley manages the Institute on Aging, Central Illinois Pain Center and Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at OSF Saint Francis Center for Health.
Recent trends toward “business casual” have altered the work uniform dramatically—permitting a change to pantsuits, throwing out the pantyhose, letting the hair down.
