Dawn completed studies at the University of Arkansas with an emphasis in accounting, finance and real estate.  She graduated in 1990 with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and received her certification as a Public Accountant in 1992. In 2012, Dawn received her Master of Taxation from the University of Tulsa.

Dawn graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law obtaining her Juris Doctor degree in December 2010, and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar in April 2011 and the Missouri Bar in September 2011.

Dawn is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, and the United States Tax Court.