Our Team
Robert Champion
Chief Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Robert Champion leads the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, providing dedicated representation to indigent clients and advancing the standards of justice across the region. With a commitment to fairness, professionalism, and community engagement, Robert works to ensure that every client receives quality legal advocacy and access to due process. He also oversees attorney training, compliance planning, and collaboration with local courts and partner agencies.
A graduate of Ferris State University and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Robert earned two Jurisprudence Awards for Trial Practice. With over 30 years of experience in criminal law, he has handled cases ranging from homicide to operating while intoxicated (OWI). His dedication to criminal defense has been nationally recognized, with his work featured in a Dateline NBC series.
Robert Champion
Chief Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Robert Champion leads the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, providing dedicated representation to indigent clients and advancing the standards of justice across the region. With a commitment to fairness, professionalism, and community engagement, Robert works to ensure that every client receives quality legal advocacy and access to due process. He also oversees attorney training, compliance planning, and collaboration with local courts and partner agencies.
A graduate of Ferris State University and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Robert earned two Jurisprudence Awards for Trial Practice. With over 30 years of experience in criminal law, he has handled cases ranging from homicide to operating while intoxicated (OWI). His dedication to criminal defense has been nationally recognized, with his work featured in a Dateline NBC series.
Geoffrey D. Harrison
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Geoff has been a part of the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office since its inception. He is committed to ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with the judicial system is treated fairly and professionally.
Geoff earned three majors at Alma College and obtained his law degree from the University of Detroit. He was in the last graduating class before U of D merged with Mercy College in 1994. He has handled a wide variety of legal matters throughout his career, including numerous civil and criminal trials in jurisdictions varying from the City of Detroit to the western Upper Peninsula. He brings this wealth of experience and life knowledge to bear on behalf of his clients on a regular basis.
Geoffrey D. Harrison
Chief Assistant Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Geoff has been a part of the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office since its inception. He is committed to ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with the judicial system is treated fairly and professionally.
Geoff earned three majors at Alma College and obtained his law degree from the University of Detroit. He was in the last graduating class before U of D merged with Mercy College in 1994. He has handled a wide variety of legal matters throughout his career, including numerous civil and criminal trials in jurisdictions varying from the City of Detroit to the western Upper Peninsula. He brings this wealth of experience and life knowledge to bear on behalf of his clients on a regular basis.
Robert Haertel
Assistant Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Robert Haertel is an Assistant Public Defender who has been with the Public Defender’s Office since January 2022. A graduate of Thomas M Cooley Law School, he was 10 years law experience. Prior to his employment at the Public Defenders Office he practiced a variety of fields of law. He now focuses of Criminal Defense in cases ranging from Traffic Misdemeanors through Capitol Felony Offenses.
Outside of work Robert spends time with his family and occasionally volunteers at legal clinics to further assist underrepresented members of the public with their legal needs.
Robert Haertel
Assistant Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Robert Haertel is an Assistant Public Defender who has been with the Public Defender’s Office since January 2022. A graduate of Thomas M Cooley Law School, he was 10 years law experience. Prior to his employment at the Public Defenders Office he practiced a variety of fields of law. He now focuses of Criminal Defense in cases ranging from Traffic Misdemeanors through Capitol Felony Offenses.
Outside of work Robert spends time with his family and occasionally volunteers at legal clinics to further assist underrepresented members of the public with their legal needs.
Taylor Ann “Anna” Fiorvento
Associate Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Taylor Ann “Anna” Fiorvento joined the Wexford-Missaukee Public Defender’s as an Associated Public Defender in 2025. Before joining our team, she operated a successful solo practice for five years where she specialized in abuse and neglect, juvenile defense, adult guardianships, and set asides. Anna completed her bachelor’s degree at Albion College in 2016. She then attended IU Robert H. McKinney School of law on a full tuition scholarship through the Albion College Law Scholars program. Anna graduated from law school and was licensed to practice law in 2019.
Anna is dedicated to ensuring meaningful access to justice for every client. She believes strongly in the constitutional principles of due process and equal protection, and she works to ensure that each client’s voice is heard, and their rights are fully protected. Her practice emphasizes client-centered representation, clear communication, and a commitment to helping individuals navigate an often-overwhelming legal system.
In addition to her courtroom work, Anna is actively involved in professional and community service. She serves as the Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Children’s Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as Vice President of the Wexford-Missaukee Bar Association. Beyond her legal practice, Anna enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at pro bono events, cooking, baking, and enjoying time outdoors.
Taylor Ann “Anna” Fiorvento
Associate Public Defender
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Taylor Ann “Anna” Fiorvento joined the Wexford-Missaukee Public Defender’s as an Associated Public Defender in 2025. Before joining our team, she operated a successful solo practice for five years where she specialized in abuse and neglect, juvenile defense, adult guardianships, and set asides. Anna completed her bachelor’s degree at Albion College in 2016. She then attended IU Robert H. McKinney School of law on a full tuition scholarship through the Albion College Law Scholars program. Anna graduated from law school and was licensed to practice law in 2019.
Anna is dedicated to ensuring meaningful access to justice for every client. She believes strongly in the constitutional principles of due process and equal protection, and she works to ensure that each client’s voice is heard, and their rights are fully protected. Her practice emphasizes client-centered representation, clear communication, and a commitment to helping individuals navigate an often-overwhelming legal system.
In addition to her courtroom work, Anna is actively involved in professional and community service. She serves as the Chair of the Amicus Committee for the Children’s Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and as Vice President of the Wexford-Missaukee Bar Association. Beyond her legal practice, Anna enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering at pro bono events, cooking, baking, and enjoying time outdoors.
Stephany Anderson
Manager of Finance and Grant Compliance
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Stephany began her career with Wexford County in May of 2015 as a Deputy Clerk in the Wexford District Court. When the Public Defender Office was established in October of 2018, she transitioned into the role of Office Manager, where she has since advanced into her current leadership position.
Stephany is passionate about serving her community and takes pride in helping individuals smoothly resolve their current challenges while finding a path to success.
Away from the office, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Stephany Anderson
Manager of Finance and Grant Compliance
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Stephany began her career with Wexford County in May of 2015 as a Deputy Clerk in the Wexford District Court. When the Public Defender Office was established in October of 2018, she transitioned into the role of Office Manager, where she has since advanced into her current leadership position.
Stephany is passionate about serving her community and takes pride in helping individuals smoothly resolve their current challenges while finding a path to success.
Away from the office, she enjoys relaxing at the beach, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Sierra Golden
Office Manager
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Sierra Golden joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2019 as an Office Clerk and has since grown into the role of Office Manager. Her firsthand experience in multiple positions within the office gives her a deep understanding of its operations and mission. As Office Manager, Sierra plays a key role in keeping the office organized, responsive, and focused on providing quality legal support to the community. She oversees administrative functions, supports attorneys and staff, and helps ensure the office operates efficiently day to day.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Sierra Golden
Office Manager
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Sierra Golden joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2019 as an Office Clerk and has since grown into the role of Office Manager. Her firsthand experience in multiple positions within the office gives her a deep understanding of its operations and mission. As Office Manager, Sierra plays a key role in keeping the office organized, responsive, and focused on providing quality legal support to the community. She oversees administrative functions, supports attorneys and staff, and helps ensure the office operates efficiently day to day.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Jordan Hibbs
Office Assistant
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Jordan joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2022 and serves as the Office Assistant. In this role, she manages discovery materials, including police reports, videos, and lab results, and processes court notices and judgments to ensure cases move smoothly through the legal process.
Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, Jordan worked as a Legal Assistant at an estate planning law firm, where she developed a strong foundation in client communication and document management.
Outside of the office, Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband, her family, and her dog, and she values opportunities to stay connected to the local community she serves.
Jordan Hibbs
Office Assistant
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Jordan joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2022 and serves as the Office Assistant. In this role, she manages discovery materials, including police reports, videos, and lab results, and processes court notices and judgments to ensure cases move smoothly through the legal process.
Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, Jordan worked as a Legal Assistant at an estate planning law firm, where she developed a strong foundation in client communication and document management.
Outside of the office, Jordan enjoys spending time with her husband, her family, and her dog, and she values opportunities to stay connected to the local community she serves.
Aaron Harman
Office Clerk
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Aaron joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2025 as the Office Clerk. In this role, he assists with client communication, court filings, and a variety of administrative tasks that help our attorneys effectively represent their clients.
Before joining the office, Aaron worked in a range of settings—from the television industry in Los Angeles to farms across the United States and Europe. Although new to the legal field, he is dedicated to supporting both our team and our clients.
In his spare time, Aaron enjoys cooking, watching movies with his wife, listening to podcasts, and reading. He is also in the process of starting a regenerative farm, where he hopes to contribute to our community’s sustainable local food production.
Aaron Harman
Office Clerk
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Aaron joined the Wexford Missaukee Public Defender’s Office in 2025 as the Office Clerk. In this role, he assists with client communication, court filings, and a variety of administrative tasks that help our attorneys effectively represent their clients.
Before joining the office, Aaron worked in a range of settings—from the television industry in Los Angeles to farms across the United States and Europe. Although new to the legal field, he is dedicated to supporting both our team and our clients.
In his spare time, Aaron enjoys cooking, watching movies with his wife, listening to podcasts, and reading. He is also in the process of starting a regenerative farm, where he hopes to contribute to our community’s sustainable local food production.
Brian W. Heyniger
Licensed Social Worker
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Brian W. Heyniger is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience in a clinical setting serving individuals with mental health, substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention services. A graduate of Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brian is dedicated to bridging gaps in care and ensuring that every client receives the support they need.
At the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, Brian’s primary focus is on ensuring that clients receive access to services and opportunities within the justice system. He finds fulfillment in advocating for clients and the belief that every person deserves the chance to be heard and supported.
Brian W. Heyniger
Licensed Social Worker
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Brian W. Heyniger is a Licensed Social Worker with more than 35 years of experience in a clinical setting serving individuals with mental health, substance abuse, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention services. A graduate of Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Brian is dedicated to bridging gaps in care and ensuring that every client receives the support they need.
At the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, Brian’s primary focus is on ensuring that clients receive access to services and opportunities within the justice system. He finds fulfillment in advocating for clients and the belief that every person deserves the chance to be heard and supported.
Arjay Schopieray
Investigator
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Arjay Schopieray serves as a dedicated member of the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, where he works to ensure that every client receives fair, thorough, and compassionate representation. Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to justice, Arjay supports the office’s mission of defending the rights of individuals throughout the community.
With a focus on public service and equitable treatment under the law, Arjay brings professionalism, clear communication, and a client-centered approach to his work. He contributes daily to building a justice system that is more accessible, fair, and humane for all.
Arjay Schopieray
Investigator
Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office
Arjay Schopieray serves as a dedicated member of the Wexford Missaukee Public Defenders Office, where he works to ensure that every client receives fair, thorough, and compassionate representation. Known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to justice, Arjay supports the office’s mission of defending the rights of individuals throughout the community.
With a focus on public service and equitable treatment under the law, Arjay brings professionalism, clear communication, and a client-centered approach to his work. He contributes daily to building a justice system that is more accessible, fair, and humane for all.