Specializing in insurance coverage, her considerable experience includes structuring national insurance programs, managing captive insurers, directing litigation, drafting and negotiating contracts, claims advocacy, civil litigation and appellate argument. She earned undergraduate degrees from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Queens College and a law degree from New York Law School. Bernadette volunteers as an arbitrator in the Small Clams Court of NYC, and as a shelter volunteer at Bideawee Animal Shelter. Her dream is to open a residence, on the water, for abandoned, elderly and sick dogs to enjoy their remaining time in peace. She enjoys yoga, pilates, swimming and hiking, and lives on the Upper East Side with her two rescued dogs, Pluto and Pumpkin.