The Honorable Colleen Cavanaugh '86 is an Associate Judge for the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. The Circuit Court is the highest level of trial court in Maryland. She presides over civil and criminal bench and jury trials, divorce and custody matters, adoptions, guardianships, and domestic violence cases. When not on the bench, she writes opinions and orders. Colleen finds the mixture of personal interaction and writing to be fulfilling and challenging. She enjoys resolving problems that the parties are unable to resolve on their own.
Colleen’s interest in the law began when she was very young, listening to her father, who was an attorney, talk about his cases. She began working in his law office in the summers when she was in high school, which gave her insight into the day-to-day functions of an attorney.
While at Maryvale, Colleen interviewed the Honorable Patricia Shimanek Pytash for the Grey Towers newspaper. Judge Pytash is a 1958 Maryvale graduate and became the first female judge in Baltimore County when she was appointed to the District Court in 1982. Judge Pytash remained a friend and mentor after their interview, and she inspired Colleen to consider a position in the judiciary as a way of serving the community.
Colleen credits Maryvale with the successful career she has forged. She acknowledges that Maryvale taught her the importance of kindness, honesty, integrity, community, and hard work. She was supported by wonderful teachers, administrators, and students who modeled female leadership in all facets of campus life. At Maryvale, Colleen gained the confidence to try new things and leave her comfort zone.
Colleen and her Maryvale classmates have remained very close – they are her “MVPs” who helped her with carpools, babysitting, and many other tasks when she was running her judicial campaigns. They are Colleen’s dearest Maryvale takeaways!
Writing for Grey Towers, participating in Drama Club, and performing in the plays were extra-curricular activities Colleen enjoyed. She also played JV field hockey. Her best memories of Maryvale are the events that brought the community together: Gym Meet, Ring Day, community homeroom, and assemblies. Colleen’s friends were not limited to her Class of 1986. It was always fun to see girls from the other classes at these events. She still enjoys running into Maryvale alums at Target, Tarks, and other places in town!
Colleen’s advice to Maryvale students today:
“Now is the time to spread your wings and try new things while you have the safety and support of this special community known as Maryvale. Remember what you’ve learned in Mass- all are welcome, all are valued, all are important – these values will guide you through a life well-lived.”
