Audra B. Woods, Esq.
Attorney
Attorney Audra B. Woods, Esq., is a graduate of both Wayne State University and Wayne State University School of Law, Detroit, Michigan. A Metro Detroit native, she obtained her BA in Criminal Justice with honors (Magna Cum Laude) with Certifications in Corrections and Wicklander-Zulawski Interview & Interrogation tactics and entered the University as a Phi Theta Kappa. During her undergraduate studies, she was awarded the Presidential Scholarship for academic excellence. While raising two small children and working full time as a security manager for a national retailer she went on to attend law school at night and earned her Juris Doctorate. During law school, Ms. Woods received the Board of Governors Scholarship for Academic Excellence for two consecutive years.
Ms. Woods was admitted into the practice of law by the Michigan State Bar in 2006 and maintains accreditation by the Office of General Counsel of the United State of America in Veterans Benefits. Ms. Woods is a career member of the Macomb County Probate Bar Association, a member of the Michigan Bar Elder Law & Disability Rights Section, and a member of the Michigan Bar Probate & Estate Planning Section. In addition, she is regularly appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem by the Macomb County Probate Court.
Just prior to sitting for the Michigan Bar, Ms. Woods accepted employment at a prominent Macomb County Elder Care law firm where she worked for approximately six years. There she honed and perfected her skills as well as gained valuable experience working hand in hand with families and focusing on the real-life situations that seniors and families of elders can find themselves in. In 2011 Ms. Woods opened a private practice of law in Shelby Township, Michigan, where she continues to focus her law practice on counseling families, individuals, and other professionals in the areas of future care and life planning; including Long Term Care Planning, Probate Law, Medicaid, and Veteran's Aid and Attendance Benefit.
Ms. Woods is active in the eldercare community, providing services to cancer-affected families in need through various Hospice companies, and is a volunteer of Project Salute. In addition, she is a proud member and supporter of the Elks Lodge and an honorary lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in recognition of her father’s war disability and her dedication to the Veteran community. Ms. Woods sits as a member of the Professional Advisory Committees for several senior communities and is a returning speaker at the Michigan Guardianship Association. Ms. Woods enjoys educating the public and other professionals and frequently speaks on topics associated with long-term care; most notably Elder Abuse, Veterans, and Medicaid benefits. Ms. Woods is available for speaking engagements, client seminars, community groups, and professional organizations across the State of Michigan.
Ryan Reck
Attorney
Attorney Ryan Reck graduated from Wayne State University School of Law in May 2011, becoming a member of the State Bar of Michigan in December of that same year. Ryan belongs to the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section and the Young Lawyers Section of the state bar. Prior to attending law school, he interned for Merrill Lynch in Encino, California, and additionally at the Public Defender’s Office in Miami, Florida. Interning at Merrill Lynch afforded him the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about the financial world which plays an intricate role in the Elder Care world. Conversely, his time spent at the Miami Public Defender’s Office gave him insight into the practical dealings of the American court system.
Ryan received his Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University where he majored in Finance and consistently was appointed to the university’s Dean’s List. While in law school, Ryan received multiple academic acknowledgments including being recognized as a Dean’s Scholar and receiving the Bronze Key Award.
Ryan began working for the Woods Law Office in August of 2011 and has since been practicing in many areas of Elder Law including probate, estates, Veterans benefits, and Medicaid planning. His interest in the field became a mission while assisting his own grandparents with the medical and financial burdens the elderly often face. It was through this process that Ryan realized how he could best use his education and experience, assisting individuals and families through the many complex issues we often encounter as we and our loved ones grow older.
Outside of the office, Ryan remains dedicated to helping families and the community. Ryan is an acting board member and part of the Scholarship Committee for the Robby Atherton Foundation, a foundation created in honor of his lifelong friend who passed away in February 2008. The loss of someone close to him at such a young age influenced Ryan’s decision to pursue this area of law, and he feels a great deal of pride in telling people he practices in this field.
Allison McGillivray
Attorney
Lisa McLauchlan
Office Admin
