Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jodi obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree (First Class Standing) from Lakehead University in 1993. She received her Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1997, earning a place on the Dean's List. Jodi Articled in Dauphin before being called to the Bar in 1998. That same year Jodi began practicing law in Brandon with Paterson Ross. Jodi became a partner of the firm Paterson Patterson Wyman & Abel In January 2006. Today Jodi's areas of practice include family law and child protection.

In 2000 and 2003 Jodi was appointed Chair of the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal. She is Past President of the YWCA and in 2003 received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for her work with that organization. She is the Past President and current Treasurer of the Western Manitoba Bar Association. In 2005 she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Jodi also volunteers for the Women's Resource Centre's free legal clinics.

Jodi is now a member of the Collaborative Practice Manitoba, and is trained to offer Collaborative Family Law in Brandon. For more information please visit www.collaborativepracticemanitoba.ca.

In her spare time Jodi enjoys hiking, gardening, reading and spending time with her husband Don and their dogs Ben and Simon.