Michael Vuocolo

Office Manager
Michael joined Patents+TMS in March 2005. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in history. During college, Michael was an active rower for his school's team. He took third in 'The Midwest Rowing Championship' and seventh at the 'College National Championship,' which qualified him for further races.

After graduating Michael moved to Milan, Italy where he worked for Citi Suisse in Lugano, Switzerland. In Milan, Michael was able to both practice and improve his Italian. He also acquired a fondness for fondue and red wine. It was also in Italy that he discovered gelato, but never enjoyed it as much as the ice cream he found back home.

Michael returned home to NYC where he worked as an Assistant Controller for a fashion designer, Amsale. During this time he developed an interest in textiles and continues to work in the business. In August 2004, Michael relocated to Chicago to be with his now wife, Kristie. He is currently an MBA student at Loyola University. He misses NYC and hopes to return in the future.

Contact Michael at .

Interests:
Rowing, biking, watching movies, finding new ice cream flavors (current favorite flavors are vanilla and chocolate), and watching and talking about sporting events.

Monica Psyk

Administrative Assistant/Docket Clerk
Monica is originally from Oak Park, Illinois. After living in the same house for 21 years, she decided to move to the northside of the city. Having completed two years at a community college, she plans on pursuing her degree in marketing at DePaul University for the remainder of her studies.

Living a block away from Wrigley Field, Monica plans on taking full advantage of her location by going to many more Cubs games in the future, as she is a die-hard Cubs fan. She also loves checking out new exhibits at the local museums, trying new restaurants and going to sporting events of all kinds. As much as she loves the city of Chicago, she also loves to travel to new and exotic cities all over the world. Having the opportunity to travel with her parents at a young age, she developed a passion for learning other cultures in and out of the United States and plans to add new destinations to her list of travels after she graduates.

Contact Monica at

Interests:
Alfred Hitchcock movies, sports, animals, stand-up comedy, photography, water sports, U.S. National Parks, music, camping, shopping, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

Lizz Giordano

Graphic Designer/Administrative Assistant
Lizz joined Patents+TMS in November 2007 as a graphic designer and administrative assistant. She graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Fine Arts from Indiana University. While at Indiana University, Lizz was a photographer for her college paper and served as an editor during her senior year.

Upon graduation, Lizz was overwhelmed with career options and decided to postpone her decision by moving to a little island off the coast of Maine. However, as the nights grew longer and the days grew colder, Lizz opted for a warmer destination and headed south. She traveled through Central America where she hiked volcanoes and learned Spanish. Lizz spent a majority of her time in Guatemala, where she volunteered with a women's weaving cooperative to help expand their marketability.

On the request of her mother, Lizz returned to the United States. Soon after returning, she visited a friend in Chicago and liked the city so much that she stayed. Originally from Indiana, Lizz vowed to escape from the midwest but the charm of Chicago was too great. Her favorite things about Chicago are the architecture, the beach, the massive amount of different cuisines, and most of all the Art Institute. She lives in a northside neighborhood called Lincoln Square, where she can still practice her Spanish. After moving every year, or even twice a year since starting college, Lizz is looking forward to staying in one place for at least two years.

Contact Lizz at

Interests:
Discovering new restaurants in Chicago, jogging, watching movies, trying to improve her baking and cooking skills and exploring new places.