Sheilagh spent over 30 years as a criminal defense attorney with the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, tirelessly representing indigent people charged with criminal offenses. During her time as a criminal defense attorney, Sheilagh came to appreciate the philosophy of Problem-Solving Courts and their impact on our communities. In 2008, she was responsible for creating the first Veteran Trauma Court in Colorado, which today is recognized as one of the best in the country. Sheilagh retired from the public defender’s office in 2019 and began teaching at UCCS as a lecturer in the College of Public Service's Criminal Justice program, where she utilizes her experience in the field of Criminal Justice.

More recently she helped create SCCOR, a non-profit assisting individuals struggling with addiction, mental health and trauma, she currently sits as the executive director. Sheilagh also sits on the Colorado State Advisory Board for Problem Solving Courts. In her free time, Sheilagh likes to travel the world, explore our National Parks with her 2 dogs, cook, garden, and practice daily mindfulness and yoga.