Cranston Municipal and Probate Court added three new members to its ranks during inauguration ceremonies  on Jan. 2. Nominated by City Council members, the newly appointed judges include Cynthia Fogarty, Kenneth Schreiber and Emili Vaziri. Returning Municipal Court judges include Raymond Coia, Michael Forte Jr., Angelyne Cooper, Matthew Smith and Robert Ragosta.

Cynthia Fogarty

Serving as chief probate judge for the next two years in Cranston is Cynthia Fogarty. Fogarty, 66, is a former city council member and sees the appointment as another way to serve her community.

Growing up in Providence and graduating from Classical High School, Fogarty was the first person in her family to graduate from college and obtain an advanced degree. She started her college career at Rhode Island College, took a break and transferred to Providence College to complete her undergraduate degree.

Practicing law was her second career for Fogarty. She said going into law was never on her radar as a high school student, but over the years going into law seemed like a good fit. When Roger Williams University’s law school was built, Fogarty spoke with her husband about the idea of going to law school. At the time she had two young children. She went into partnership with another attorney for several years and eventually started her own practice; her cases include probate and family law issues.

Fogarty thanked the City of Cranston for giving her the opportunity for this position and for the City Council for appointing her.

Kenneth Schreiber

Serving as one of Cranston’s two Municipal Court auxiliary judges is the Kenneth Schreiber. Having served on Cranston’s municipal court twice in the past, Schreiber, 61, is looking forward to his return for this two year term. During his previous time on the court, Schreiber enjoyed the experience and serving members of Cranston’s community.

“It’s a privilege and honor to do that again,” said Schreiber in a Friday interview.

Growing up in Cranston, Schreiber attended Glen Hills Elementary, Western Hills and Providence Country Day. He attended Rutgers University for his undergraduate career followed by Suffolk University for law school.

Schreiber’s dad inspired him to go into law. His father became a lawyer later in life, with Schreiber saying not many people go to law school in their 30s with three kids, while having a job.

“He was a great mentor not just to me, but other attorneys that practice on an active basis,” said Schreiber.

Schreiber has been a lawyer for the past 37 years and has his practice’s office in Cranston.

“My middle name is Cranston – I love the people and enjoy the community,” Schreiber said.

Scheriber started practicing law with his dad in1986. He has a wife named Anne and three kids – Max, Abby and Haley.

Emili Vaziri

Coming to Cranston’s Municipal Court as an associate judge, the Emili Vaziri, 56, has been a justice of the peace for several years. A lifelong Cranston resident, Vaziri grew up attending Glen Hills Elementary School, Western Hills Junior High and Cranston West. She attended URI for her undergraduate career and went on to Suffolk University for law school.

Vaziri has been an attorney for the past 28 years and has her own practice in the Olneyville section of Providence. She primarily deals with traffic court, family court and some criminal cases. Last year she had over 100 appearances to the Traffic Tribunal.

Vaziri went into law because she’s always liked helping people. She came to the Municipal Court position after wanting to give back to the community. She loves Cranston and wants to make it a better place.