Judicial & Administration

Jennifer Wade – Court Administrator, Davidson County Juvenile Court

615-880-1809 Office
615-524-1102 Cell
jenniferwade@jisnashville.gov

Jennifer Wade serves as the Court Administrator for the Davidson County Juvenile Court, where she provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a staff of over 100 personnel. Since stepping into this role in late 2022, Mrs. Wade has been a driving force behind the court’s mission to become a national model for juvenile justice.

A cornerstone of her current leadership is managing the historic transition of court operations to the Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment (NYCE). This multi-building campus represents a shift in how the city supports at-risk youth, and Mrs. Wade is instrumental in ensuring the facility’s operations reflect a modern, rehabilitative approach to juvenile justice, grounded in national best practices for operating juvenile courts. She is particularly dedicated to organizational culture change and the implementation of high-impact juvenile justice models, to ensure consistency and better outcomes for Nashville families.

Mrs. Wade is committed to streamlining court operations to ensure that justice is timely and effective, while simultaneously implementing evidence-based frameworks that prioritize prevention over intervention. A central tenet of her work is the belief that the court should act as a bridge—not a barrier—to a student’s academic success and long-term well-being.

Mrs. Wade’s deep-rooted history with the Juvenile Court began as an intern while attending Tennessee State University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Her professional journey has been defined by a rare 360-degree view of the system: serving as a Family Services Probation Officer, a Legal Extern for the Department of Children’s Services, a Managing Attorney in private practice. Before becoming Court Administrator, she served as the presiding Magistrate and Director of the Metro Student Attendance Center (MSAC)—where she tackled the root causes of chronic absenteeism—and eventually a Magistrate presiding over neglect, delinquency, and the specialized Gang Resistance Intervention Program court dockets.

Mrs. Wade’s advocacy extends deep into the community. She serves as the Board Chair for the Rock Academy and holds board positions with Communities in Schools and PENCIL. These roles allow her to work at the intersection of education and justice, advocating for the resources students need to stay in the classroom and out of the courtroom. Her background as an Employee Relations Manager at Nashville General Hospital further informs her expertise in workplace culture, conflict resolution, and leadership development.

A sought-after speaker, Mrs. Wade has presented at the Tennessee Bar Association and the Metro Nashville Public Schools Equity & Diversity Summit on topics ranging from the “school-to-prison pipeline” to the impact of systemic challenges on youth. She remains a steadfast advocate for a juvenile court system that is efficient, proactive, and dedicated to the empowerment of every child it serves.

Reuben Dobson – Deputy Court Administrator for Campus Security

Reuben Dobson serves as Deputy Court Administrator for Campus Security at Davidson County Juvenile Court. A Nashville native and proud graduate of Hunters Lane High School, Mr. Dobson brings more than 25 years of experience in public safety and security leadership.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy’s Basic Police School.

Prior to joining Juvenile Court, Mr. Dobson served as Field Manager for the Office of Safety and Security at Metro Nashville Public Schools. In that role, he managed the training and deployment of security personnel, led district- and school-level emergency planning efforts, conducted safety drills, and oversaw the implementation of advanced security technologies. He is certified in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and crisis prevention, and he has participated in district-level threat assessment initiatives.

A third-generation public safety professional, Mr. Dobson enjoys cooking in his spare time and is an avid fan of the New England Patriots and Houston Rockets.

Nicole Whitlock – Deputy Court Administrator for Human Resources, Finance & Information Technology

Nicole Whitlock serves as Deputy Court Administrator for Human Resources, Finance, and Information Technology at Davidson County Juvenile Court. She brings more than 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience, strengthening organizational systems and advancing strategic initiatives across multiple departments.

Ms. Whitlock holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Kentucky State University. Throughout her career, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, identified cost-saving opportunities, and implemented process improvements designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable operational excellence across enterprise operations.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Whitlock is an active community volunteer and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Anthony “Tony” Smith – Public Information Coordinator/Community Outreach Supervisor

615-862-8055 Office
615-708-2765 Cell
anthonyfsmith@jisnashville.gov

Anthony “Tony” Smith received his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. While attending Tennessee State University, he was a member of the critically acclaimed and now, Grammy Award winning, Aristocrat of Bands. Being a native Nashvillian, Tony is also a graduate of Whites Creek Comprehensive High School, where he now serves as the representative for the Class of 1983 for the Whites Creek High School Alumni Network. Upon graduation from Tennessee State University, he earned the Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. Tony has also received certification as a Master Public Information Officer from the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.

Prior to joining the Juvenile Court family, Tony served as a Team of Experts (TEX) Coach at T-Mobile USA, Inc., spearheading community development, public relations, and communications. His achievements earned him recognition, such as being a T-Mobile ‘Red Carpet’ Symposium Honoree and the T-Mobile PEAK Achievement Award.

Tony is married and is the father of 6 children. He enjoys playing golf and cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

As the Public Information Coordinator for Juvenile Court, Tony facilitates the communication of the court’s work toward fulfilling their mission to the public at large. Tony also facilitates responses to inquiries from the public and stands waiting to meet you and share information with you.

Magistrate Yvette Y. Cain

juvenilecourtdivisionv@jisnashville.gov

Yvette Y. Cain received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. While attending Tennessee State University, she was a member of the Tennessee State University’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands and participated in various organizations. She is also a graduate of Whites Creek Comprehensive High School in Whites Creek, Tennessee. Upon graduating from Tennessee State University, she went on to obtain her Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas.

After graduating from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Magistrate Cain returned to Nashville. She served as a judicial law clerk in Chancery Court for Davidson County for Chancellor Robert S. Brandt and Chancellor Irvin Kilcrease, Jr.

After completing her clerkship, Magistrate Cain worked as an associate attorney in the Law Office of Davis, Watkins, and Sneed before becoming a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Yvette Y. Cain. During this time, her practice was primarily in the areas of family and juvenile law.

Prior to her appointment, Yvette served as Special Master for the Eighth Circuit Court for Davidson County. As Special Master, she was responsible for the case flow management of all non-jury and jury cases and for conducting case management conferences for all cases assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court. During her tenure as Special Master, she successfully completed the Metropolitan Police Department Armed Guard/Special Police Training for court officers in the judicial system. She also was a member of the Belmont University College of Law American Inn of Court.

Magistrate Cain has been named one of Nashville’s African American Women of Distinction in the Legal Profession. She is a founding member of the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators (TAPM) and a former listed Rule 31 Family Mediator.

Yvette is married, and they are the proud parents of a son and a family dog, Que.

Magistrate Alan Calhoun

juvenilecourtcourtroommsac@jisnashville.gov

Magistrate Calhoun has served since his appointment to the bench in October of 2002. His current duties include presiding over the Metro Student Attendance Center as well as Family Treatment Court.

Magistrate Calhoun received his B.A. from Duke University in Political Science in 1989 and his J.D. from UCLA in 1994. After graduation from law school, he accepted employment with the Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office in Nashville, TN where he remained until his appointment as a magistrate. While at the Public Defender’s Office, he practiced adult criminal defense for the first four years of his employment. He was then offered a lateral transfer within the office as the newly created position of Metro Guardian Ad Litem, a position he held immediately prior to coming aboard with Juvenile Court. In this capacity, he represented children’s best interests in child welfare proceedings before the Juvenile Court.

Magistrate Calhoun resides in Nashville with his family.

Magistrate J. Michael O’Neil

juvenilecourtdivisioniv@jisnashville.gov

Magistrate O’Neil has served on the Davidson County, Tennessee Juvenile Court Bench since 1998. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology from Vanderbilt University and is an Honors Graduate of the University of Tennessee, College of Law. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Magistrate O’Neil practiced law with a commercial litigation firm in New Orleans, Louisiana and was also a solo practitioner. Magistrate O’Neil has received additional training at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the National Judicial College, and the Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management.

He is married and is the father of two.

Magistrate Julie Ottman

juvenilecourtdivisionvi@jisnashville.gov

Magistrate Julie Ottman received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994 from Marquette University. She received her Juris Doctor in 1998 from the University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law. After graduating from law school, Magistrate Ottman moved to Nashville, TN and was appointed as Assistant General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In that capacity, Magistrate Ottman prosecuted dependent-neglect and abuse cases on behalf of the State of Tennessee. In 2003, Magistrate Ottman was hired as an Attorney for Policy Studies Incorporated where she remained until her appointment as a Juvenile Court Magistrate in 2011. Magistrate Ottman is married and is the mother of two sons.

Magistrate Paul Robertson

juvenilecourtdivisioni@jisnashville.gov

Paul E. Robertson is a graduate of Tennessee State University, Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking and the Nashville School of Law. He has specialized in Juvenile and domestic law since 2006. He has served as a Magistrate since 2013.

Magistrate Robertson was employed for 30 years in the banking and regulatory fields and retired as Assistant Deputy Comptroller with the U. S. Treasury Department, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency with responsibilities for regulatory supervision of 26 nationally chartered community banks within 5 southern states. He also served as a southeast district Bank Information Systems manager for the Office of the Comptroller of Currency and recipient of the Southeast District Managers Leadership Award.

Magistrate Robertson formerly served on the Board of Directors of Traders National Bank, Tullahoma, TN and was a CASA volunteer for several years.

As a member of the First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, Magistrate Robertson served on the Board of Trustees for over thirty years and most recently as the Chair of the Board and Church Administrator. Magistrate Robertson has been married to Diane J.P. Robertson and they are the parents of three children.

Magistrate Scott Rosenberg

juvenilecourtdivisionvii@jisnashville.gov

Magistrate Scott Rosenberg is a 1990 graduate of the Nashville School of Law. He began his legal career with the District Attorney General’s office in Davidson County in the Child Support Division. In 1993 he was hired by the law firm of Joyce, Meredith, Flitcroft and Normand to handle child support cases. In his role as a child support prosecutor Magistrate Rosenberg had primary responsibility for URESA and Bankruptcy cases. Magistrate Rosenberg began private practice in 1997. His practice focused mainly on Domestic Relation cases. In 1998 Scott was appointed as the first Special Prosecutor for Domestic Relations cases by General Victor S. “Torry” Johnson. In 1998 Scott was also appointed as a Referee of the Davidson County Juvenile Court by Judge Betty Adams Green and was re-appointed in 2006.

Throughout the years Magistrate Rosenberg has served on several committees relating to child support issues at the local, state and federal levels. Magistrate Rosenberg served on the Department of Human Services 2005 Child Support Guideline Advisory Committee and the Department of Human Services 2006 Enhanced Child Support Enforcement Committee. In 2009 Magistrate Rosenberg was invited to become a member of the National Judicial Child Support Task Force under the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.

In 2016 Magistrate Rosenberg was instrumental in founding the Nashville School of Law Juvenile Court Custody Clinic. The clinic provides practical legal experience for the students and legal representation for many unrepresented Juvenile Court litigants.

 Magistrate LeAnne Sumner

Magistrate E. Elijah Wilhoite

juvenilecourtdivisioniii@jisnashville.gov

Magistrate Wilhoite received his B.A. from The University of Tennessee in Business Administration with a minor in Electronic Media in 2004 and received his J.D. from The University of Tennessee School of Law in 2007. While in law school, he participated in many organizations including Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and The University of Tennessee College of Law Business Law Clinic.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Magistrate Wilhoite practiced in family law, estate planning, and contract litigation. In addition, he has dedicated a significant portion of his practice towards pro bono representation through the Legal Aid Society and served as a Guardian ad Litem in Juvenile Court wherein he represented children’s best interests in child welfare proceedings.

Magistrate Olen Winningham
Safe Babies Court

juvenilecourtdivisionsafebabies@jisnashville.gov

Olen Winningham was born May 5, 1964 at Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas, and grew up on military bases in Germany and the southeastern United States. He returned to his parents’ home state of Tennessee to attend college, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. He began his professional career in 1992 as a foster care worker with the State of Tennessee, and subsequently served as a case manager for the Metro Caring for Children Program and as a probation officer with the Family Services Division of Davidson County Juvenile Court. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Nashville School of Law in 2003 and was admitted to the bar later the same year. The following year he began practicing with the State Department of Children’s Services. In 2008 he accepted a position as an attorney with Child Support Services of Tennessee, where he remained until May 2022; from August 2012 forward he was the Lead Attorney/Legal Director for Davidson County Child Support Services. He and his wife Melinda (Mindy), an elementary school art teacher with Metro Nashville Public Schools, reside in Nashville’s Inglewood neighborhood, surrounded by a menagerie currently comprised of two dogs and two cats. His pastimes include reading, listening to and collecting music on outmoded physical delivery systems, and following the football fortunes of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Magistrate Winningham also serves as a part-time commissioner for Metro Davidson County General Sessions/Night Court.