Our Team
Attorney at Law
Attorney Bree Sullivan-Howell is the founder and principal attorney of The Sullivan Firm, located in Thomasville, GA. Her dedication to Family Law and Personal Injury stems from her early leadership roles and deep commitment to personalized client care.
Her legal journey began with formative internships, including her time in Washington, D.C., with U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell and Representative Nathan Deal, as well as participation in UGA’s Defender/Advocate body and Georgetown’s Institute on Political Journalism. In college, she was inducted into multiple honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key and Order of Omega.
Ms. Sullivan-Howell graduated with First Honors from the University of Georgia in Journalism/Political Science, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. She later earned her J.D., Cum Laude, from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, on a full scholarship, graduating with multiple CALI and faculty awards, and consistently achieving Dean’s List honors. She is admitted to practice in all Georgia Superior and Appellate Courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
She represents clients in Family Law, Personal Injury, and Wrongful Death cases. She offers compassionate guidance, meticulous preparation, and, as a registered mediator, effective alternative dispute resolution to minimize emotional and financial stress.
Over her more than 20 year legal career, Bree has earned wide acclaim. She has been named one of the “Ten Best Family Law Attorneys in Georgia” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and is a multiple year recipient of Avvo’s Client’s Choice badge, reflecting outstanding client satisfaction.
She is actively engaged in the legal and civic community, serving on the board of Family Enrichment Group (Thomas County CASA), participating in the Women’s Forum and Chamber of Commerce, judging regional mock trials, and advising paralegal programs at Southwest Georgia Technical College.
Born and raised in Georgia, Bree balances her legal career with devotional writing. She authored three faith-affirming books in 2024, including Crush Your Divorce & Keep Your Faith, Crush Your Comeback, and Devotional for the Divorcing. These works earned the NYC Big Book Award, International Impact Book Award, and Illumination Award, and the Independent Press Book Award.
When everything is on the line, trust attorney Bree Sullivan-Howell. She combines faith-inspired compassion, unwavering advocacy, and strategic mediation to guide you through life’s toughest transitions.
Attorney William “Billy” Parker was born and raised in Jesup, Georgia. He graduated
with honors from Wayne County High School, where he decided to continue his
education and athletic career at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. While attending
Mercer, he was a part of the NCAA FCS Football Program and many different
community service projects. Billy graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning academic
awards including President’s List for three semesters, Honor’s List for three semesters,
and Southern Conference Honor Roll for all three years he attended.
After graduation, Billy took a managerial position at a lumberyard in his hometown
before deciding to pursue a career in law. His love for Mercer University brought him
back to attend Mercer University School of Law starting in 2022. A Dean’s List scholar,
Billy was also active in numerous organizations, including the Rural Law Student
Association where he acted as treasurer, Christian Legal Society, Real Estate Law
Society, Historians in Law School, and Sports and Entertainment Law Society. Billy also
worked at the District Attorney’s Office in Jackson, Georgia, assisting in criminal
prosecution and at Bennett Law and Mediation in Warner Robins, Georgia, assisting in
numerous civil legal matters, with a family law concentration.
Billy’s experiences in family law and love for the Thomasville community led him to join
our firm upon his graduation from Mercer Law School in 2025. Billy is excited to use his
passion for helping others and legal knowledge to improve the lives of our clients.
With nearly twenty years of experience supporting attorneys, Leigh Ann Durfey brings both skill and dedication to our team. Her passion for client care and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of our practice. In addition to her role as paralegal, she also manages accounts receivable, ensuring the smooth operation of our office. Outside of work, Leigh Ann enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, participating in Bible study, and taking relaxing walks.
Originally from Germany, Nicole Dean immigrated to the United States in 2006 and proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2013. She spent seven years working at a large law firm in Valdosta, Georgia, before joining our team as a Family Law Paralegal in 2013.
Nicole studied law in Germany prior to her move to America and, in 2010, earned her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Ashworth College. She has worked alongside attorneys in multiple areas of law, bringing a broad range of legal knowledge and experience to our firm.
Outside the office, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to new destinations, and attending concerts.
When you first walk through our door, you’ll be greeted by Heather Collins. Heather’s superpower is helping clients feel supported and keeping them informed every step of the way. From the first phone call to regular case updates, Heather is dedicated to making your legal experience less overwhelming.
Heather brings a fusion of professional know-how and a kind-hearted spirit to help our clients navigate their journeys with us. With years of legal support and customer service experience, Heather has a natural knack for organization and keeping things running smoothly. Heather aims to be helpful, kind and clear in her communications, knowing your legal stress is a highly emotional time for you.
When Heather isn’t working, she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, hunting, farming and fishing on her farm.
You’re sure to be blessed by Heather’s assistance when visiting our office.
In the heart of a marital storm, clarity can often become elusive. For Christian women especially, the journey through divorce is weighed down by guilt, confusion, and sorrow. But within the pages of Crush Your Divorce & Keep Your Faith, a clear and compassionate roadmap emerges rooted in the enduring truth of Scripture.
