Celeste attended Arizona State University where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in economics and business law. Following her undergraduate studies, Celeste went on to attend the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU. Celeste returned home each summer to intern at the Apache County Attorney’s Office. Celeste was awarded several accolades while in law school, including CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Arizona Criminal Law and Victims in Criminal Procedure, the 2018 Aspiring Prosecutor Scholarship from the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Council, as well as the 2019 Arizona State Bar Criminal Justice Section Future Practitioner Award. At graduation, Celeste was also recognized by the American Board of Trial Advocates with the Trial Advocacy Award.

Upon graduating from law school, Celeste joined the Apache County Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. During her tenure with Apache County, Celeste prosecuted hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases, ranging from DUI and domestic violence offenses to sex crimes and homicides. Celeste served as the Chief Deputy County Attorney from 2022-2024 where she oversaw criminal prosecutions and managed a staff of attorneys and victim’s advocates. In recognition of her work as a prosecutor and commitment to public service, Celeste was awarded the 2022 Rising Star Award from the Public Lawyers Section of the Arizona State Bar. 

Celeste started the Center for Rural Arizona Justice because she saw an opportunity to utilize her prosecution experience to serve the broader needs of rural communities across the state. Celeste is committed to helping where needed to administer justice in rural communities.

Garet earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Northern Arizona University. He then attended the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. While in law school, Garet interned with the City of Mesa Attorney’s Office and spent his summers working at the Graham County Attorney’s Office. He was also recognized with the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in The State Attorneys General course.

After graduating from law school, Garet began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Graham County Attorney’s Office. Over the years, he handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases, including DUIs, domestic violence, sex crimes, and homicides. In 2023, he was promoted to Assistant Chief Deputy County Attorney, where he oversaw and supported a team of attorneys. His dedication to public service earned him the 2021 Rising Star Award from the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys’ Advisory Council. In 2024, Garet took on the role of Lead Prosecutor with the Apache County Attorney’s Office, where he was responsible for supervising and training other attorneys.

Motivated by a desire to address the unique legal needs of rural areas, Garet founded the Center for Rural Arizona Justice. He brings his extensive prosecutorial experience to help support justice efforts in underserved communities across the state and remains dedicated to strengthening legal resources in rural America.

Cecilia’s professional journey began shortly after she graduated high school, when she joined the Apache County Attorney’s Office. Over the years, she quickly advanced her career, starting as a part-time Legal Assistant and ultimately serving as the Chief of Staff. With over a decade of experience as a Legal Assistant and Victim Advocate, Cecilia possesses extensive knowledge in criminal prosecution and victims’ rights.

In her commitment to professional development, Cecilia has completed the Basic Victim Assistance Academy and Advanced Academy through the Arizona Coalition for Victim Services. She prioritizes staying current on victims’ rights issues by regularly attending training sessions hosted by the Office of Victim Services in the Attorney General’s Office.

Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University, Cecilia is set to graduate in May 2025. Her experience and education equip her to effectively address the needs of rural communities across the state.

Cecilia founded the Center for Rural Arizona Justice to leverage her skills and experience to serve those in need, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to administering justice and advocating for victims in rural areas.