Total Credits: 2.75 CLE, 2.75 Ethics
You are invited to join us for the screening of "God Knows Where I Am" followed by a 1-hour discussion moderated by Commissioner Elisa C. Donnadieu and Rebecca Easton.
God Knows Where I Am is the story of Linda Bishop, a well-educated New Hampshire mother who suffered from severe bipolar disorder with psychosis, who was intermittently incarcerated and homeless, inevitably being committed for three years to a state psychiatric facility. Successfully fighting her sister's protective attempts to be named her legal guardian, Linda was able to refuse treatment and medication, and eventually procured an early, unconditional release, despite the lack of post release planning.
Upon her release, she wandered ten miles down the road from the hospital, broke into an abandoned farmhouse and lived off of rainwater and apples picked from a nearby orchard for the next four months, through one of the coldest winters on record. Unable to leave the house, she became its prisoner, and remained there, a prisoner of her own mind, eventually starving to death. Her body was discovered several months later and with it a diary that Linda kept documenting her journey. The diary is poignant, beautiful, funny, spiritual, and deeply disturbing. In tackling the subject matter, the filmmakers began from a social justice perspective, but their focus quickly shifted to a more intimate and artistic exploration. How does one depict the interior landscape of a person who is imprisoned by the mind? How does one build empathy for a person who is no longer alive?
The story is told from a variety of perspectives, including her own, through recollection and first-person narrative. God Knows Where I Am is both a study of systemic failure and also a testament to the artistic and independent spirit of Linda Bishop. In a state known for its motto of Live Free or Die, Linda wanted to live free but given her mental illness, this proved to be a fatal decision. The film poses many provocative questions including the issue of civil liberties of the mentally ill--if one's mind is not free, how can one truly exercise free will?
Moderators:
Commissioner Elisa C. Donnadieu, Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County
Rebecca Easton, Easton Law
| GodKnowsWhereIAm_Materials (1.3 MB) | 12 Pages | Available after Purchase |
| COT chart (183.2 KB) | 1 Pages | Available after Purchase |
| COE chart (154 KB) | 1 Pages | Available after Purchase |
| Additional Resources (16.6 KB) | 1 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Elisa Donnadieu received her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. In 1998, she joined the Pima County Public Defender’s Office representing adults in criminal court until 2000. In 2000, she transferred to the Public Defender’s Juvenile Division where she represented juveniles in delinquency proceedings. During this time, she also earned her master’s in library science and information technology.
Comm. Donnadieu moved to the Valley of the Sun in 2005 where she worked for the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office Juvenile Division. In 2007, she moved to the Mental Health Division, where she represented patients during all phases of Title 36 proceedings. She has presented at multiple CLEs regarding juvenile and mental health legal issues.
She had the privilege of joining Maricopa County Superior Court as a Commissioner in 2019. She was assigned to the Mental Health Bench where she continues to be of service.
Rebecca Easton is dedicated to empowering families to build secure futures and fulfill their cherished goals through comprehensive estate planning. With a strong focus on family protection, wealth preservation, and values-driven strategies, she guides her clients through complex financial and legal landscapes with clarity and expertise.
Serving a diverse range of clients, including married and unmarried couples, LGBTQ+ partners, divorced individuals, and small business owners, Rebecca tailors personalized plans to suit each client's unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey or well-established, she is committed to helping you achieve peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, both now and for generations to come.
Originally hailing from Tucson, AZ, Rebecca holds dual degrees in Psychology and Spanish Linguistics from the University of Arizona, graduating cum laude. Following her corporate experience, she pursued her passion for law, earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2011, where she received the prestigious Honorable John P. Leopold Scholarship.
Rebecca's professional journey has seen her excel in various legal domains, including real estate law, mortgage and foreclosure compliance, anti-money laundering, HOA law, and community association governance. In 2018, driven by a desire to make a more significant impact, she founded Easton Law, PLLC, focusing on empowering women, families, and small business owners across Arizona and Colorado. Her mission is to proactively prevent legal conflicts and keep families and businesses out of court through strategic planning.
Licensed in both Arizona and Colorado, Rebecca contributes to her community through various roles. She serves on the Planned Giving Committee for the House of Refuge, serves as the first resident-elected Director of the Eastmark Residential Association, and is a Member Director of the Elder Law, Mental Health, and Special Needs Law Section of the Arizona State Bar Association. Through her dedication to her clients and community, Rebecca continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
