Meet the Attorneys at Marler Law Partners
Our team is comprised of real, down-to-earth people who are easy to talk to, but at the same time are fierce advocates, bringing a wealth of knowledge for all your legal needs.
Sara L. Marler
After completing her undergraduate degree at Maryville University – St. Louis, law school took Sara Marler to Boston. She attended New England University Law School, where she graduated cum laude and Top 10% of her class. It was Sara’s sense of hometown and community that brought her back to Missouri.
A respected attorney once told her “Caring makes this job hard, but caring is what makes you good at what you do,” and she’s kept those impactful words with her over the years. Sara is a compassionate advocate, having been the voice of children, victims of abuse, and people that are simply trying to hold on to what’s most dear to them. Within that compassion is a skilled, very capable attorney who will be exactly what’s needed in the courtroom.
Sara is the Managing Partner of Marler Law Partners. While she has the ability and does work on many of the varying cases through the firm, she lends a majority of her expertise to Family Law cases.
When she is not practicing law, Sara can be found trying to keep up with her three children.
Ramona Gau
Ramona Gau is a versatile litigator who focuses her practice on high-conflict and high-asset cases. Ramona has spent over two decades as a trial attorney representing individuals in St. Louis City Courts, St. Louis County Courts, the United States District Court for Eastern Missouri, and numerous rural Missouri courts where she has tried over 100 cases. She has also argued before the Eastern District Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court.
Ramona embraces the idea that a team is always stronger than an individual, a concept that was engrained in her through her time as a collegiate athlete. “When you become my client, you’re on my team. While we have our separate roles, we need to work together to get to the right result.” Ramona prides herself in keeping her clients informed and making sure their voices are heard. “I make it a priority that my clients know that I am here for them, and my goal is to ensure they feel satisfied at the end of my representation.”
Ramona’s reputation for pursuing the truth precedes her; she is known to be a fierce advocate for her clients, while also living by the Golden Rule. “As a child I was taught to treat others how you want to be treated. I apply that to my work every single day, from how I communicate with clients, to how I conduct myself in the courtroom.”
Ramona is admitted to practice law in Missouri and the United States District Court of Eastern Missouri.
Ramona received her law degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2006, where she received accolades for her participation in the school’s moot court program.
When she’s not practicing law, Ramona enjoys mountain biking and volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.
Tammy D. Repaso
With over 25 years of legal practice, Tammy has dedicated her career to guiding families through life’s diverse challenges. From fiercely advocating for clients in complex divorces to assisting individuals and families in asset protection and estate planning, Tammy’s focus remains on providing top-tier, client-centered legal representation.
Her expertise extends to representing children as guardian ad litem in high-conflict divorces and facilitating amicable resolutions as a neutral mediator, empowering parties to navigate their divorce and custody issues on their own terms. Tammy also serves as the Firm’s Practice Manager.
Tammy’s extensive legal background, coupled with her education degree and law degree, position her not only as a mentor to budding attorneys but also as a trusted ally to her clients. By imparting comprehensive understanding of their legal options, she empowers clients to make informed decisions throughout their legal journeys.
While she exclusively practices law in the state of Missouri presently, Tammy is also a licensed attorney in Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina, but her status is currently inactive.
Driven by a passion for serving others, Tammy proudly holds the Missouri Attorney General’s Military Legal Assistance Team Pro Bono Award, recognizing her commitment to pro bono work. In her leisure time, she actively engages in community volunteering, cherishes travel experiences, and relishes moments spent with her husband, children, and two beloved dogs.
Erica L. Kentch-Herbek
A Saint Louis University School of Law (which she entered as a Dean’s Scholar) graduate, Erica has provided outstanding counsel to clients in personal injury, business and real estate matters, probate issues, traffic violations and the full spectrum of family law matters.
Erica is a lifelong resident of the Jefferson County area and in addition to her J.D., holds a B.A. in Psychology and Liberal Studies from Maryville University and an M.A. in Education from Missouri Baptist University. Prior to entering law school, Erica taught on the high school level for three years.
After graduating from law school, Erica launched her legal career at an established law firm in Hillsboro, Missouri. When she isn’t practicing law, Erica enjoys watching her daughter play volleyball, traveling, reading and horseback riding.
Brittany Graham
Brittany holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Brittany has extensive training and over 10 years of clinical experience in the treatment of trauma and trauma related disorders, working with individuals and families from all walks of life.
She has provided therapeutic services in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, community non-profits, private practice, and government organizations. She is rostered in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma (ITCT). Brittany is passionate about helping clients navigate and heal from life’s transitions and hardships, meeting clients where they are at, and honoring each person’s journey. She strives to create a space that is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real connection, respect, and genuine care.
When she’s not working, Brittany spends her time crocheting, cross-stitching, and hanging out at the park with her two rescued dogs.
Shelby Belknap
Shelby graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2020 and is a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri. She brings a strong background in legal administration and public service to her role at Marler Law Partners.
Before joining the firm, Shelby spent four years working at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where she developed a deep understanding of the legal system and the importance of supporting both legal professionals and the clients they serve. She joined Marler Law Partners in April 2023 and now manages the daily operations of our St. Louis office.
As Firm Administrator, Shelby oversees the day-to-day operations of our St. Louis office, ensuring everything runs efficiently behind the scenes. She supports the legal team by coordinating staff schedules, managing internal processes, and maintaining a welcoming and professional environment for every client who walks through our doors. Her strong leadership, attention to detail, and people-first approach make her a trusted and valued part of the Marler Law Partners team.
Shelby takes great pride in working with a team of strong, dedicated women who all share the same goal: helping others navigate difficult moments with confidence and clarity. She finds fulfillment in being part of a mission-driven environment that prioritizes care, integrity, and teamwork.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys spending quality time with her son, Xavier, and connecting with friends and family. She also loves getting outdoors with their dog, Nash, whether it’s exploring local parks or enjoying quiet moments in the neighborhood. And when it comes to Taylor Swift knowledge, Shelby’s your ultimate resource.
Dawn Yates
Dawn Yates earned her Associate’s Degree in History from Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri, in 2018. She is also a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri.
Dawn joined our firm in 2019 and has since become an integral member of our leadership team. With a strong background in administrative operations and client services, she brings both organization and approachability to her role.
As the Firm Administrator at our Farmington office, Dawn manages the day-to-day office operations and serves as the head of our billing department. She handles all aspects of client invoicing and is the primary point of contact for billing-related inquiries. Her attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to client satisfaction make her a vital part of our team’s success. Whether she’s streamlining internal processes or helping clients understand their billing statements, Dawn approaches her work with clarity and care.
Outside of the office, Dawn resides in Potosi with her children. She enjoys traveling to new places, reading a good book, and spending quality time with her family. Her warm personality and strong work ethic shine through in both her personal and professional life.
Brenda Eckhoff
Brenda joined Marler Law Partners in October 2016 and works in our Farmington office. She is an experienced Paralegal who was worked extensively in the legal field during her professional career over the last thirty-six years. Brenda’s role is integral in supporting her assigned attorneys with all of their cases. She drafts pleadings and motions, files them with the court, notifies clients of upcoming court dates/deadlines and keeps client’s apprised of all pertinent case information. Brenda has extensive contact with clients, attorneys, and court staff. Brenda’s nickname is the “Judge Maker” because she has worked for many attorneys who have gone on to become Judges namely the Honorable Patricia Riehl, the Honorable Katherine Hardy-Senkel, and the Honorable Scott Schrum.
Brenda is a certified Notary Public for the State of Missouri.
Brenda began her legal career with Brunson Hollingsworth and Patricia Riehl in 1985. Brenda loves to assist and engage with clients and she takes pride in getting to know clients and teaming up with them through their difficult times.
Brenda lives in Old Mines, Missouri and has been on various Boards over the years, such as the Kingston K14 School Board and the Great Mines Health Center Board. She has two adult children.
Breanna Crumpton
Bree Crumpton graduated with a Bachelors in Criminology and Minors in Paralegal Studies and Psychology from Webster University in 2018. She brings a variety of different skills that she has acquired throughout her professional career.
What she loves the most about Marler Law Partners is how warm and welcoming the office is. She says you never feel like a burden asking for help because the team makes it known we are all here for each other and our clients.
Outside of her professional life, Bree enjoys crocheting and spending time with her friends and family.
