Horrible Experience
In my ongoing family court matter, Attorney John Larochelle suggested two potential names for a visitation supervisor: Julie Emmer (of Strengthening Family Foundations) and Tammy Scarcello. By sheer chance, I selected Tammy. What followed raised red flags.
The Guardian ad Litem, Patricia Murray-Rapoza, later told Attorney Larochelle that she had spoken to Julie Emmer—someone she acknowledged having a friendly relationship with—and that Julie allegedly did not know who Tammy was. This seemed odd, given that Tammy had worked with Strengthening Family Foundations in the past.
I was ultimately pressured to hire Julie Emmer and SFF. However, in one of our earliest conversations, Julie stated flatly that my then 11-year-old daughter would not be allowed to reunite with her half-brother—a position that felt punitive and entirely inconsistent with the best interests of both children. Faced with such an inflexible and, in my view, damaging stance, I fired SFF immediately.
The entire episode left me with deep concerns about the neutrality of those entrusted with such sensitive family matters. The suggestion of a quid pro quo dynamic—where professional relationships may override objectivity or where options are strategically invalidated—undermines the integrity of a system that should be focused first and foremost on the well-being of children and families.
I share this not to disparage anyone personally, but to shine a light on a system that sometimes feels less about truth and healing, and more about alliances, optics, and control. Families deserve better. Children deserve better.
