Staff

Staff Attorneys & Legal Advocates

Ana Ali
Ana Ali
Legal Advocate, Family Law
B.A., Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College (2021)
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2025)
Ana Ali received her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in 2025. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, she completed legal internships with civil rights and legal aid organizations in the Boston area including CAIR-MA, Greater Boston Legal Services, and the Victim Rights Law Center.
Legal Advocate, Family Law
Adriana Alvez
Adriana Alvez
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A., Political Science, University of Connecticut (2021)
J.D., Boston University School of Law (2024)
During law school, Adriana was a student attorney and legal assistant in Access to Justice Clinic, assisting low-income litigants with legal issues in the areas of housing and family law. She interned at Greater Boston Legal Services in the Family Law Unit representing low-income survivors of domestic violence and was a Hennessy Fellow at Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Peter Beck
Peter Beck
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
B.A., Humanities, Yale College (2012)
J.D., Yale Law School (2019)
Prior to joining CLA, Peter worked as a high school teacher since 2013, and served three years as the Head of School at Buxton School in Williamstown, MA (2020-23). During law school he worked at New Haven Legal Assistance and Vermont Legal Aid. Peter also worked as a cook and farmer in restaurants and farms in Italy, Hawaii, Virginia, and Maine.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
Jessica Bielonko
Jessica Bielonko
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
B.A., Business Administration and Legal Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2020)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2023)
Jessica Bielonko joined Community Legal Aid in 2024. Jessica is a graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst and Boston College Law School. She was honored with the Boston College Law School Award for Clinical Excellence for her work in the Civil Rights Clinic, the Family Justice Litigation Clinic, and the Compassionate Release and Parole Clinic. Following graduation, Jessica worked as an associate at a private law firm in Burlington, Vermont.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Sarah Bodzinski
Sarah Bodzinski
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
B.A., Political Science, Assumption University (2019)
J.D., Western New England School of Law (2022)
Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Political Science, cum laude, from Assumption University in 2019. She then went on to Western New England School of Law and graduated cum laude with her J.D. in 2022. During her time at Western New England School of Law, Sarah was a Note Editor on the Western New England Law Review, a teaching assistant for Legal Writing & Property Law, and a member of the public interest law association. She interned with the Attorney General’s Office in the Administrative Law Department.

Since joining CLA, Sarah has represented many clients at administrative hearings in front of the Department of Unemployment Assistance and appealed denials to the Board of Review, District Court, and Appellate Court. Sarah has also filed complaints at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to redress wrongful workplace discrimination and initiated litigation in both state and federal court for the same. As a lifelong resident of Western Massachusetts, Sarah is passionate about serving her community and has conducted Know Your Rights trainings to educate the public on their employment rights and participated regularly in the Attorney General’s Wage Theft Clinics. Outside of work, Sarah is an avid bird watcher and gardener.
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
David Brown
David Brown
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., History and Political Science, Wabash College (1997)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2000)
Before joining Community Legal Aid’s Housing Law Unit in January 2020, David was a Staff Attorney at Northeast Legal Aid in Lowell, MA for 18 years. During his time there, he worked as both an attorney with the Domestic Violence Legal Assistance Project and as a housing law attorney. David is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

In his free time, David coaches youth football, baseball, and basketball. He is a former Board Member of Community Teamwork Inc.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Manuela Carmona
Manuela Carmona
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
B.A., Philosophy with a concentration in Latin American Studies, College of the Holy Cross (2018)
J.D., Roger Williams University School of Law (2024)
After graduating with her bachelor’s from The College of the Holy Cross, Manuela worked as a legal assistant in a worker’s compensation firm in Providence, RI. Following that she began working at an immigration firm in Providence where she continued to work throughout law school. During law school Manuela also spend her final year working with indigent clients at the Roger Williams Immigration Clinic. Additionally, before graduating law school Manuela completed her required pro bono hours at The Safe Passage Project where worked with Special Immigrant Juveniles in obtaining legal status. She received a juris doctorate from the Roger Williams School of Law in 2024.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
Wendy Chen
Wendy Chen
Staff Attorney, Employment
University of Washington School of Law, JD (2005)
Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington, MPA (2006)
Immediately before joining Community Legal Aid’s Employment Law Unit, Wendy handled employment discrimination claims and labor disputes as an assistant attorney general for the State of Vermont. After law school, she spent over a decade as a civil litigator in Seattle, Washington, primarily representing workers in employment discrimination and wage and hour claims. After returning to the Northeast, she worked at the Vermont Department of Labor, most recently as an administrative law judge. She subsequently worked as a legal fellow and staff attorney at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She also served as hearing panel counsel for the Vermont Judiciary’s Professional Responsibility Program. Prior to law school, Wendy was the executive director of a nonprofit civic organization in New York City. She spent many years as a volunteer guardian ad litem and is currently the board vice president of Food Connects, a nonprofit food hub and farm-to-school program.
Staff Attorney, Employment
Elena CiaramellaStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Sara Conroy
Sara Conroy
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project
B.A., Political Science, Clark University (2020)
J.D., Northeastern University (2023)
Sara came to Community Legal Aid in 2024 from Ropes & Gray, LLP, where she was a litigation associate. During law school, Sara pursued civil litigation skills through positions with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Health Care Division and Lawyers for Civil Rights.
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project
Katharine Cooney
Katharine Cooney
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Government and the Study of Women & Gender, Smith College (2017)
Concentration in Public Interest & Social Justice, William & Mary Law School, magna cum laude (2024)
Katharine Cooney is a native of Central Massachusetts. Before attending law school, she worked in nonprofit fundraising and community engagement. During law school, Katharine served as Senior Articles Editor of the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal and Vice President of the Women’s Law Society. She graduated magna cum laude and was recognized for her commitment to public service. Before joining Community Legal Aid, Katharine served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Debra C. Poplin and the Honorable Jill E. McCook of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Krista Ellis
Krista Ellis
Coordinating Attorney, Family Law
B.A., Political Science & Human Services, Carson Newman University (2016)
J.D., American University Washington College of Law (2019)
Before joining Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit in August 2019, Krista was in law school, where she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law. She interned at the American Bar Association on Children and the Law, where she worked on many national projects to assist legal representation for parents and families. She presented on the topic of Bias in Child Welfare at the 2019 National Parent Representation Conference. Krista is also a member of Hampden County Bar Association. In 2025, Krista was recognized by the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts with an Emerging Women Leaders in Law Award which is awarded to women attorneys who have demonstrated professional excellence or had a significant professional achievement in approximately their first 12 years in the legal profession or contribute meaningfully to the equal participation of women in a just society.
Coordinating Attorney, Family Law
Emma English
Emma English
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project
B.A. in Political Science and English, Guilford College (2019)
J.D./MSW, Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (2026)
Emma graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in May 2026 with a J.D./MSW and a concentration in children, youth, and family development. She has a background in family-focused legal work in the public interest sphere and has advocated for and with clients in a variety of areas including housing, immigration, and domestic violence intervention.
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project
Taylor Feliciotti-Largmann
Taylor Feliciotti-Largmann
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
B.A., Political Science, Northeastern University (2016)
J.D., University of New Hampshire School of Law (2023)
Before law school, Taylor was a litigation paralegal working on cases to bring generic versions of medicines to the market. At the University of New Hampshire School of Law, he was president of Lambda and an intern at both the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office in Birmingham, Alabama and Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee in Boston. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, and swimming.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
Franci Gazzaniga
Franci Gazzaniga
Staff Attorney, Family Law and Housing Law
B.A., Psychology, Vanderbilt University (2005)
J.D., Western New England University School of Law (2011)
Franci is a Staff Attorney in the CLAVC Unit at Community Legal Aid, working out of the Pittsfield office. She spent two years as an AmeriCorps with that program’s Legal Advocates of Massachusetts in Northeast Legal Aid’s Housing Unit, as well as at the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center. Franci also worked with the City of Springfield’s Law Department and as a temporary assistant clerk in the Connecticut Superior Court’s criminal division.

She has volunteered at Legal Services of Connecticut and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. She has been admitted to the bar in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.

Franci is originally from New Orleans, LA where most of her family still resides.
Staff Attorney, Family Law and Housing Law
Maggie Gilbert
Maggie Gilbert
Staff Attorney, Education Law
B.A., Educational Studies, Rhodes College (2022)
J.D., Vanderbilt Law School (2025)
Prior to graduating from law school, Maggie completed an internship with Massachusetts Advocates for Children, where she focused on school-discipline related matters. Maggie also completed an externship in law school with the Tennessee Department of Education, specifically focusing on special-education disputes. Before law school, Maggie Worked as a research assistant at Wellesley College Center for Women, National Institute for Out of School Time.
Staff Attorney, Education Law
Saicharan Govada
Saicharan Govada
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A. Political Science, University of British Columbia (2021)
J.D, American University Washington College of Law (2026)
Prior to joining CLA, Sai worked as a paralegal for Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick in their Veterans Law division. While at Washington College of Law in D.C., Sai interned in the Legal Affairs and Amicus Curiae departments at the American Association for Justice and was a student attorney for WCL’s Elliot Millstein Civil Advocacy Clinic.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Joshua Gutierrez
Joshua Gutierrez
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Philosophy & Sociology (magna cum laude), Colby College (2004)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2008)
Joshua joined Community Legal Aid as a Staff Attorney in 2012 as part of the HomeCorps foreclosure defense team funded by the Office of the Attorney General. Before joining CLA, Joshua volunteered with CLA’s Worcester office, where he handled immigration and foreclosure matters. Joshua began his career in private practice, where he worked as a corporate and securities lawyer in the Boston office of a large national law firm. Joshua is licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Caela Hall
Caela Hall
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., English, Marist University (2010)
M.A., English, University of Limerick (2013)
J.D., Suffolk University Law School (2025)
Caela Hall is a recent graduate of Suffolk University Law School and is thrilled to join CLA’s Elder Law Unit as a Staff Attorney. During law school, Caela honed her legal skills as an Equal Justice Works Rural Summer Legal Corps Fellows housed at the CLA Fitchburg Office, a judicial intern for Justice Cypher at the Supreme Judicial Court, an immigration intern focusing on asylum and human trafficking cases at MCD Immigration in Salem, and as a 3.03 Student Attorney in Suffolk Law’s Innocence Clinic. Prior to law school, Caela worked for 10 years in higher education with a focus on international education and study abroad.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Roy Harris Jr.
Roy Harris Jr.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
B.A., Communications, Michigan State University
J.D., SMU Dedman School of Law
Roy Harris earned his B.A. in Communications from Michigan State University and law degree from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, Roy honed his skills in private practice, specializing in employment law and family law. Additionally, Roy was previously employed as a staff attorney with Lakeshore Legal Aid in Metro Detroit, where he represented hundreds of older adults and low-income clients in matters involving estate planning, family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and public benefits.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Elizabeth Hayden
Elizabeth Hayden
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
B.A., Computer Science, University of Texas at Austin (2013)
J.D., Columbia Law School (2024)
Elizabeth received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2020. She worked as a fellow for Reprieve doing anti-death penalty advocacy and then as a public defender at Legal Aid Society of New York City. Prior to coming to CLA, Elizabeth worked as a housing attorney at Communities Resist in New York City.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
Jonathan Helmandollar
Jonathan Helmandollar
Fair Housing Law, Veterans Law
B.A., History, University of North Carolina - Charlotte (2009)
J.D., University of New Hampshire School of Law (2024)
Prior to attending law school, Jonathan served nine years in the United States Marine Corps in various intelligence positions and deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. During and after law school, Jonathan worked for the US Department of Labor assisting participants of retirement and welfare plans covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.
Fair Housing Law, Veterans Law
Rebecca Hensley
Rebecca Hensley
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Political Science and Legal Studies, Ball State University (2019)
J.D., Rogers Williams University School of Law (2025)
Before joining CLA, Becca focused on criminal defense and civil litigation through a range of client-centered, advocacy-based roles. As a Rule 3:03 student attorney with the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Fall River and Worcester, she represented clients at arraignments, restitution hearings, and motion arguments. She continued her defense work as a Rule 9 student attorney with the Roger Williams University Criminal Defense Clinic. Prior to law school, Becca worked at a civil litigation firm, supporting clients navigating personal injury claims. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to social justice.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Blake Hite
Blake Hite
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
B.A. in Biology, Harvard University Extension (2019)
M.S., Georgetown University (2023)
J.D., Georgetown University (2024)
Blake began his legal career at a national education law firm in the District of Columbia. Prior to going to college, he served for eight years in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. During his evening law program, he worked full time in the U.S. Congress as a legislative aide and then at the Environmental Protection Agency in a water infrastructure loan office.
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Robert Hooker
Robert Hooker
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
B.A. in History and Sociology, University of Vermont (2021)
J.D. with a Transactional law concentration, Western New England University School of Law (2026)
Robert graduated from Western New England University School of Law in May 2026 with a Transactional law concentration. During law school, Robert worked as a law clerk at a personal injury law firm in Springfield, Massachusetts before joining the Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice (CSJ). At the CSJ, Robert first interned before serving as a CORI Sealing and Expungement Fellow, where he focused on criminal record relief and expanding access to legal services for underserved communities. As a CORI Sealing and Expungement Fellow, Robert was certified under SJC Rule 3:03 and successfully argued a petition to seal criminal records in Holyoke District Court.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Samantha Houghton
Samantha Houghton
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
B.A., Political Science and Human Rights, University of Connecticut (2017)
J.D., University of Michigan Law School (2021)
Samantha received her B.A. in Political Science and Human Rights from the University of Connecticut and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. Prior to law school, Samantha worked as a veterans benefits paralegal and VA Accredited Claims Agent at Chisholm Chisholm and Kilpatrick, LTD. During law school, she was a student attorney with the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic and the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative. Samantha also interned with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In law school, she held multiple positions on the executive board of the Native American Law Student Association and received pro bono recognition for her public interest work.
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
Sam Hudzik
Sam Hudzik
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Political Communication, George Washington University (2004)
J.D., Syracuse University (2024)
Sam joins Community Legal Aid after nearly 20 years in public media. He most recently served as news director at NEPM, the NPR station in western Massachusetts. Prior to that, he was a reporter, producer and editor at WBEZ Chicago, a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan, a political campaign researcher, and a staff member in the U.S. Senate.

Sam graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in December 2024. He worked as a student attorney with the college’s veterans’ law clinic and interned at the Family Resolutions Specialty Court based in the Hampshire Probate and Family Court.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Amanda IoconoStaff Attorney, Education Law
Anushka Jain
Anushka Jain
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Political Science, University of Michigan (2022)
J.D., University of Michigan School of Law (2026)
Anushka Jain is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. During law school, she worked as a summer law clerk for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan, where she worked in housing litigation and helped indigent tenants resolve disputes. She was also a student attorney through one of the law school clinics, where she worked with a local legal aid organization to assist clients with housing, family law, and criminal expungement matters. In her spare time, she served as Managing Executive Editor for the Michigan Journal of Race & Law.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
C. Agripino Kennedy
C. Agripino Kennedy
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Social Theory & Political Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2021)
J.D., New England Law Boston (2025)
Agripino Kennedy began their legal career as an administrative assistant at Downing Law Offices in Winter Park, FL. During their undergraduate career, they interned with the Student Legal Services Office of UMass Amherst. They also spent a year serving in the Americorps Literacy Lab program in Holyoke, MA. Agripino has interned with the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts in their legislative co-op program, the Victim Rights Law Center, Committee for Public Counsel Services in Lowell, and the New England Law Clinical Legal Services Office’s Family Law Unit. During law school, they also served as the Podcast Host of the New England Law Review’s podcast, Lex Per Sonus, and published an article on anti-transgender legislation and eugenics. Agripino currently serves as a co-coordinator of the National Lawyer’s Guild’s Immigration Know Your Rights Project, and are a co-coordinator of the NLG’s Transgender Community Support Subcommittee.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Alexandra Kenney
Alexandra Kenney
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A., American History, Salve Regina University (2022)
J.D., New England Law Boston (2025)
Alexandra Kenney earned her J.D. from New England Law | Boston, where she focused on family law and public interest work. As a Rule 3:03 Student Practitioner at De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, she represented indigent clients in custody, child support, and divorce matters. Alexandra also served as a National Association of Consumer Advocates Fellow while clerking at KMT Law PC, where she worked on family law and consumer protection cases. She holds a B.A. in American History, cum laude, from Salve Regina University and has a strong commitment to client-centered advocacy for underserved communities.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Christine Khamis
Christine Khamis
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., Political Science, Stony Brook University
J.D., Syracuse University College of Law (2017)
During law school, Christine interned at a legal services organization, participated in her school’s Elder Law clinic, and began working as a law clerk at a law firm specializing in elder and estate law. She continued to work as a law clerk at the same law firm after graduation, and later worked there as an associate attorney upon passing the New York bar exam. Christine handled probate and other estate matters, guardianship matters, and Medicaid appeal matters, and drafted wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. Christine later moved to Massachusetts and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in early 2020.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Delilah Kline
Delilah Kline
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
B.A., Psychology and Sociology of Law and Society, University of California, San Diego (2020)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2023)
Prior to joining CLA and while attending Boston College Law, Delilah participated in the Parole and Compassionate Release Clinic and the year-long Innocence Program. After her first year, she was an intern with the Suffolk County DA’s Office in the Appeals Unit. The summer after Delilah’s second year, she was a 3:03 intern at the South Boston District Court.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Lauren Ladino-Saunders
Lauren Ladino-Saunders
Staff Attorney, Education Law
B.S., Elementary and Special Education, Salve Regina University (2018)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2024)
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy, Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development (2024)
Lauren earned her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Salve Regina University in 2018. Driven by her passion for helping students and their families, she pursued a dual degree program at Boston College Law School, where she earned both her J.D. and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy. During law school, Lauren served as co-president of the Children’s Rights Group, worked on the board of the Public Interest Law Foundation, participated in the Family Justice Litigation Clinic, and interned at The EdLaw Project.
Staff Attorney, Education Law
Courtney Lavoie
Courtney Lavoie
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A., Criminal Justice and Politics and Government, University of Hartford (2020)
J.D., Western New England University School of Law (2023)
Courtney graduated from Western New England University School of Law in May 2023 with a concentration Public Interest Law. Before joining CLA, she interned with the Springfield Court Service Center, Massachusetts Department of Children & Families, and the Children and Family Law Division of CPCS where she was able to advocate for children and families in the juvenile court.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Matthew Lawrence
Matthew Lawrence
Coordinating Attorney, Family Law
B.A., History, Brandeis University (2010)
J.D., Boston University School of Law (2017)
Before joining Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit 2018, Matthew clerked for the Probate & Family Court. In law school, he interned for Massachusetts Advocates for Children, an education law advocacy organization, and for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. He also worked for two years in Boston University School of Law’s Civil Clinic, helping clients with housing and employment issues.

Matt is originally from Vermont, but has lived in Massachusetts for 12 years.
Coordinating Attorney, Family Law
Fei Li
Fei Li
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Elementary Education, Michigan State University (2021)
J.D. (cum laude), University of Massachusetts School of Law (2026)
Fei received her J.D. from the University of Massachusetts School of Law in May 2026. During law school, Fei gained hands-on housing and eviction defense experience through a clinical program at South Coastal Counties Legal Services, where she assisted low-income clients facing housing instability. She also interned at Massachusetts Advocates for Children, focusing on special education advocacy and supporting families navigating the IEP process, and at a private law firm, where she assisted with matters in consumer protection, estate planning, and general civil litigation. Before law school, Fei worked as an elementary school teacher and holds a Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate. She is a fluent Mandarin speaker and is committed to providing accessible legal services to underserved communities.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
John Loranger
John Loranger
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., History, Whitman College (2011)
J.D., City University of New York School of Law (2018)
John began his career at Brooklyn Defender Services in the Family Defense Practice after graduating from the City of New York School of Law in 2018. In 2020, he joined the Alaska Public Defender Agency, where he practiced in both the civil and criminal units until starting with CLA in 2025.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Rory MacAneney
Rory MacAneney
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
B.A., Health & Human Biology, Brown University (2014)
J.D., Boston University School of Law (2020)
Rory began working at Community Legal Aid after graduating from law school in 2020. During law school, she worked at the Boston University Civil Litigation Clinic at Greater Boston Legal Services and the Wrongful Convictions Clinic.
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
Tanya Mamootil
Tanya Mamootil
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
B.A., Political Science and Sociology, University of Toronto (2018)
J.D., Michigan State University College of Law (2021)
During law school, Tanya focused on public interest law and was a student clinician in the Housing Law Clinic. In the Clinic, Tanya helped low-income residents avoid eviction and resolve landlord-tenant disputes. This experience is what led her to a career in legal aid and to the Bart Gordon Fellowship.

Tanya was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and watching scary movies.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing Project
Raquel M. Manzanares
Raquel M. Manzanares
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., American Studies, Smith College (2008)
J.D., New York University School of Law (2013)
Raquel began her legal career as a Paralegal at Heisler, Feldman & McCormick, P.C. in Springfield, MA, before entering law school. During her time at New York University School of Law, she was a summer associate at both Heisler, Feldman & McCormick, P.C. and Vedder Price, P.C. After earning her J.D., she returned to Heisler, Feldman & McCormick, P.C. as an Associate. In 2015, Raquel joined the Student Legal Services Office at UMass Amherst as a Staff Attorney, and later, Senior Staff Attorney, practicing in the areas of housing, consumer protection, and employment. In March 2022, Raquel joined Community Legal Aid’s Housing Unit as a Staff Attorney.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Jaime Margolis
Jaime Margolis
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.J., Journalism (Highest Honors), The University of Texas at Austin (2003)
J.D., Honors in Litigation and Concentration in Dispute Resolution, Boston University School of Law (2016)
Jaime Margolis joined Community Legal Aid in December 2019 as an elder services attorney. Jaime has focused her legal career on helping families and individuals thrive under challenging circumstances. She was previously a domestic relations associate at Bacon Wilson, P.C.; an advocate for strengthening struggling families at the Children and Family Law Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services; and a judicial clerk in the Western Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts. She is an accomplished writer and editor, including a prior career in the newspaper industry and contributions to several legal texts.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Eliana (Ellie) Matos
Eliana (Ellie) Matos
Staff Attorney, Family Law Unit
B.A., Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2019)
J.D., Suffolk University (2024)
Eliana is a Staff Attorney in Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit. She previously was a Staff Attorney with CLA’s Family Preservation Project.

Eliana graduated from Suffolk University Law School in May 2024. During law school, Eliana interned with the Family Law Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services and the Immigration Law Unit at De Novo Center for Justice and Healing. During her third year of law school, Eliana was an SJC Rule 3:03 Student Attorney in the Family Advocacy Clinic at Suffolk University Law School.

Eliana is licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
Staff Attorney, Family Law Unit
Julia S. McDermott
Julia S. McDermott
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
B.S., Health: Science, Society & Policy and Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University (2017)
J.D., (Cum Laude and Honors) Health Law Concentration, Case Western Reserve University School of Law (2025)
Before going to law school, Julia worked as a Community Health Worker at Massachusetts General Hospital. During law school, she interned with the Medicare Advocacy Project at Greater Boston Legal Services, Medical Mutual, Keches Law Group’s Workers’ Compensation Department, and as a certified legal intern with her school’s Health Law Clinic, where she advocated for recipients of Social Security Disability benefits. Julia graduated from law school in May of 2025 and was admitted to the Massachusetts bar later that year.
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Emma McEvoy
Emma McEvoy
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
B.A., Political Science, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (2014)
J.D., University of Miami School of Law (2022)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Emma was a certified legal intern at the Legal Services of Greater Miami, the Miami-Dade Public Defender Office, and the Alaska Public Defender Agency. She was also a research assistant at the University of Miami School of Law.
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Sarah McGuinnesSTAFF ATTORNEY, Family Law
Noah Meister
Noah Meister
Staff Attorney, Veterans Law Unit
B.A., Writing, Literature & Publishing, Emerson College (2014)
J.D., Western New England University School of Law (2021)
After graduating from Emerson College in 2014, Noah participated in City Year in Sacramento, CA and then Teach for America in the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. After teaching English and social studies, Noah enrolled at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield, MA. While attending law school, Noah participated in public interest volunteer work and a clinic in the Central West Justice Center’s Springfield office.

Noah is also a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyer Guild.
Staff Attorney, Veterans Law Unit
Ray Mestre
Ray Mestre
Coordinating Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., International Relations, Tufts University (1986)
J.D., George Washington University (1990)
Ray worked at Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts for over 20 years before the program joined with Western Massachusetts Legal Services to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. He has worked in all of the program’s practice units, and is now a Senior Attorney in the Housing Unit and part of the HomeCorps foreclosure defense team funded by the Office of the Attorney General. Ray’s areas of specialization include civil litigation, consumer rights, housing matters, guardianship defense, public benefits, and protection against elder abuse. Ray also conducts trainings for other advocates and service providers on the financial exploitation of elders. Ray’s extensive community and volunteer experience includes serving as a past member of the Boards of Directors of the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance and Centro Las Americas, and as a member of the Worcester County Bar Association’s Committee on Services to the Poor & Homeless. Ray is also a former coach of the Westborough Softball League. Ray is licensed to practice in Massachusetts.
Coordinating Attorney, Elder Law
Kate Mieher
Kate Mieher
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Political Science and History, Tufts University (2017)
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2023)
Kate began her career working for a political technology company in Washington, D.C. While attending Northeastern University School of Law, Kate participated in Northeastern’s Housing Law Clinic and interned with the Housing Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, where she assisted low-income tenants facing eviction and other housing-related legal issues. During law school, she also interned with Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and with family law and real estate firm Wilson, Marino, and Bonnevie, P.C. Kate joined Community Legal Aid in 2023 and is licensed to practice in Massachusetts
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Sarahdyne Moise
Sarahdyne Moise
Legal Advocate, Family Law
B.A., Justice and Law Administration, Western Connecticut State University (2020)
Paralegal Certification, Manchester Community College (2021)
J.D., Western New England University School of Law (2025)
Sarahdyne Moise is a law school graduate from Western New England University School of Law. She earned a certification in Criminal Law and obtained her 3:03 certification while interning during law school, which allowed her to represent clients in court under supervision. With a strong commitment to public interest law, Sarahdyne has focused her academic and professional journey on advocating for underserved populations, particularly in the areas of family law, immigration, and criminal defense.

She interned with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) at the Public Defender’s Office, where she supported indigent clients and gained valuable courtroom and case management experience. She also volunteered with Jewish Family Services in Springfield, assisting Haitian immigrants in applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), work authorization, and other legal protections. During law school, she gained civil litigation experience working with Dunn & Phillips, a general practice firm, where she was exposed to medical malpractice and property law matters. She also contributed to legal research, client support, and case preparation across multiple practice areas.

Sarahdyne has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service throughout her academic career. She volunteered with the “Law Students for a Day” program, helping to introduce high school students to the legal profession. She was recently recognized by the Crawford Black Bar Association for her strong dedication to public interest work while studying for the bar exam.

During law school, she served as President of the Student Bar Association (2024–2025) and previously held the roles of Orientation Chair and 2L Representative. Additionally, she served on the National Board of the National Black Law Students Association as Member-at-Large—becoming the first student at her law school to hold a national leadership position of that scale.

Prior to law school, Sarahdyne earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from Western Connecticut State University and completed an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate Program at Manchester Community College. She brings a wide range of legal experience from her work in family preservation, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, property, and civil rights law, and remains committed to using her legal education to empower marginalized communities and advance social justice.
Legal Advocate, Family Law
James Mooney
James Mooney
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., History and Political Science, University of Vermont (2018)
J.D., Suffolk University Law School (2023)
During law school, James worked for an environmental non-profit aimed at preserving endangered habitats in southeastern Massachusetts, and served as a student attorney at the Harvard Legal Aid bureau, where he defended tenants in eviction suits, and in Suffolk’s Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples clinic, where he worked with tribes to develop a diversionary drug court and represented a separate client in a complaint proceeding through the United Nations. James has worked with community organizations around tenants rights and environmental justice.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Angelina Morisi
Angelina Morisi
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Math, Fairfield University (2015)
J.D., University of Denver Sturm College of Law (2022)
Prior to joining CLA, Angelina worked as a financial analyst for four years before going to law school. In law school, she interned at the Colorado Public Defender’s Office and Colorado Court of Appeals.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Meredith Morrison
Meredith Morrison
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B,A., Sociology, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College (1993)
J.D, Georgetown University Law Center (2000)
Meredith began her legal career in 2000 at Northeast Ohio Legal Services in Wooster, which was a small, rural office with three attorneys all handling a variety of cases. In 2004, she joined the Pittsfield office of Western MA Legal Services as a family law attorney. She later transferred to the Springfield office, where she continued in family law for a few years and then practiced housing law. When the economy crashed in 2008, Meredith volunteered for a layoff from WMLS to focus on starting a family. She later became the Legal Program Director at Safe Passage, a non-profit organization in Northampton serving survivors of intimate partner violence, where she worked for 14 years providing free legal advice and support to survivors dealing with custody, divorce, and restraining order cases.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Brittany Noto
Brittany Noto
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A., Creative Movement and Wellness & Aging, University of Connecticut (2011)
J.D., Western New England University School of Law (2021)
Brittany joins Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit after an extensive career in childcare and youth entertainment programming. Before attending law school, she traveled the world as a crew member onboard passenger cruise ships. During law school, she served as a research assistant for the International Human Rights Clinic at Western New England University School of Law. Brittany comes to CLA with a passion for social justice and human rights advocacy.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Madison O'Brien
Madison O'Brien
STAFF ATTORNEY, EMPLOYMENT LAW
B.A., Criminal Justice, Husson University (2017)
J.D., Western New England University Law School (2020)
Madison graduated from Western New England School of Law in May 2020 and began practicing law in 2021 with Brodeur-McGan. P.C. after passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam. Madison’s practice areas focused on labor and employment for both employees and employers, civil rights, and consumer protection laws such as 93A and 176D. She also worked on cases involving motor vehicle accidents, toxic torts, and slip and falls. Madison will continue to fight for justice for employees through her role as a Staff Attorney in the Employment Unit of Community Legal Aid.
STAFF ATTORNEY, EMPLOYMENT LAW
Samantha O'Neil
Samantha O'Neil
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing
History and Political Science, University of Vermont (2011)
Suffolk University Law School (2026)
While in law school, Samantha served as a Marshall Brennan Constitutional Literacy Fellow, teaching constitutional law to local high school students and preparing them for a national moot court competition. She interned with CLA’s Housing and Homelessness Unit and Suffolk University’s Center for Housing and Justice Policy, where she focused on eviction defense and fair housing issues. During her final year, she became SJC 3:03 certified and worked as a student attorney in Suffolk Law’s Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples Clinic, where she collaborated closely with a Native Nation to strengthen its tribal laws and sovereignty. She was awarded the John E. Fenton, Jr. Public Service Award, Suffolk Law’s highest public service honor, given to graduating students pursuing careers in public interest law.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing
Jane Osick
Jane Osick
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., Comparative Literature and French, University of California Irvine (1991)
M.A., English, University of California Irvine (1993)
J.D., New England Law Boston (2023)
Prior to law school, Jane taught English and French at the high school and college level in California and New York for 20 years. While in law school, she worked as a legal assistant to a solo practitioner who specialized in conservatorships and guardianships. Jane also volunteered for the school’s CORI Initiative, interned with the U.S. Attorney Civil Division, and served as an editor and published contributor to New England Law Boston’s Law Review.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Samuel (Sam) Puliafito
Samuel (Sam) Puliafito
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., Religious Studies, University of Chicago (2016)
J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School (2023)
During law school, Samuel interned at the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office, Disability Rights Tennessee, and the Colorado State Public Defender. Before law school an d prior to joining CLA, Samuel owned and operated an independent used bookstore in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
Paul Schack
Paul Schack
Coordinating Attorney, Housing Law
B.A., (magna cum laude), Case Western Reserve University (1978)
J.D., (cum laude), Boston University School of Law (1984)
Paul worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS) for over 17 years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. He has also been in private practice, representing clients in criminal defense, family law, landlord/tenant matters, and consumer law. His legal career began in 1984 at North Shore Community Action Programs administering one of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s local consumer protection programs. His areas of expertise include eviction defense and public and subsidized housing admissions cases. Paul also has experience in public benefits and unemployment cases and extensive litigation experience, including appeals in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court. He has conducted legal clinics and provided training for volunteers and community education for agencies and client groups. Paul served on the Housing Court Committee of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Access to Justice Commission. Paul is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and the U.S. District of Massachusetts.
Coordinating Attorney, Housing Law
Neelam Sharma
Neelam Sharma
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A. in English; B.A. in History, St. John's University (2010)
M.A. in English, St. John's University (2013)
J.D., Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (2020)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Neelam practiced family law in both Massachusetts and New York. Her practice focused on divorce, custody, child support, spousal support, and related family law matters. Neelam’s interest in family law began during law school, where she participated in Cardozo Law School’s Divorce Mediation Clinic, interned with District Council 37’s Family Law Unit, and completed externships with the New York State Supreme Court in matrimonial chambers and its Mediation Office. She earned her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, an M.A. in English from St. John’s University, and a B.A. in English and History from St. John’s University.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Eileen Simons
Eileen Simons
STAFF ATTORNEY, Family Law
B.A., Brandeis University
J.D., Suffolk University Law School
Eileen is an experienced attorney with a demonstrated history in the financial services industry, and an expertise in SEC and FINRA regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, Eileen served as counsel at Ameriprise Financial. Prior to that, she served as counsel and compliance manager at Athena Capital Advisors, which followed a ten-year career as a compliance professional at Fidelity Investments. Eileen earned her JD at Suffolk University, and her BA at Brandeis University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, and has volunteered at Jewish Family Services in Framingham.
STAFF ATTORNEY, Family Law
Kristin Small
Kristin Small
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., Government, Wesleyan University (2004)
J.D., Harvard Law School (2008)
Kristin Small is a staff attorney at Community Legal Aid with over 16 years of experience advocating for low-income individuals and people with disabilities. She is experienced in the areas of Social Security benefits, housing, and employment discrimination. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, Kristin represented older adults facing a range of legal issues at Legal Assistance of Western New York (“LawNY”), and brought impact and class action cases on behalf of clients with disabilities at Empire Justice Center in Rochester, NY. Kristin earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Katherine Smith
Katherine Smith
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project
Political Science and Sociology, University of Connecticut (2023)
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2026)
Katie received her J.D. from Northeastern University, School of Law in May 2026. At Northeastern, she participated in the Domestic Violence Clinic and served as the Secretary for the Women’s Law Caucus. Prior to joining CLA, Katie completed internships with Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, Greater Boston Legal Services, and a Massachusetts State Senator.
Staff Attorney, Family Preservation Project

Staff Attorney, Fair Housing

University of Delaware, History and International Relations (2011)
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2020)

After graduating from the Northeastern University School of Law in 2020, Meredith moved to El Paso, Texas to practice housing law. She worked as a staff attorney for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid for five years, where she assisted clients to remain housed, keep vital housing assistance, and to enforce their rights to equally use and enjoy their homes.

Staff Attorney, Fair Housing

J Swanger
J Swanger
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
H.B.A, English, University of Utah (2018)
B.A., International Studies, University of Utah (2018)
M.Ed., Boston College Lynch School of Education & Human Development (2024)
J.D., Boston College Law School (2024)
After graduating from the University of Utah with degrees in English and International Studies, J worked at “the U” as a coordinator of social justice education and community engagement programming. Following this experience and seeking to add the law to their metaphorical social justice toolbelt, J enrolled at Boston College Law School, where he received his J.D. as well as his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy. During law school, J served as the Co-President of the Public Interest Law Foundation, was a staff writer and senior editor on the law review, participated in the Civil Rights Clinic, and interned with public defenders in Boston and at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. J graduated with honors from BC Law as a Public Interest Fellow and received the Aviam Soifer Award for Public Service Achievement & Leadership, the Drinan Award for Commitment to Public Service, and an SJC Certificate of Pro Bono Excellence.
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
Molly Jane Thoms
Molly Jane Thoms
Staff Attorney, Education Law
B.A., World Literature (summa cum laude), Trinity College (2017)
M.A., English (with honors), Trinity College (2019)
J.D., (cum laude), Boston College Law School (2022)
Molly Jane grew up in Montpelier, Vermont and attended Boston College Law School. She graduated cum laude and received the Desmarais Award for public service achievement and leadership. In law school, Molly Jane participated in the Juvenile Rights Advocacy Program clinic, interned at the ACLU of Vermont, MetroWest Legal Services, and the Youth Advocacy Division, and served as president of the Public Interest Law Foundation.
Staff Attorney, Education Law
Pavithra Venkataraman
Pavithra Venkataraman
Staff Attorney, Family Law
B.A., Women and Gender Studies, SUNY Stony Brook University (2022)
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2025)
Pavithra received her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in May 2025. During her time in law school, she participated in the Prisoner’s Rights Clinic and the Family Violence Immigrant Practicum. Prior to joining CLA, Pavithra completed several legal internships with the Massachusetts state government, including Suffolk County Probate and Family Court, the MA Department of Higher Education, and with a Massachusetts State Senator.
Staff Attorney, Family Law
Veronica Vivero-Condon
Veronica Vivero-Condon
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
B.A., English, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2010)
J.D., University of Pittsburgh Law School (2023)
Veronica earned her B.A. in English from UMass Amherst in 2010. Following a career in corporate communications, Veronica attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and earned her J.D. in 2023. While in law school, Veronica held positions with various organizations including Pittsburgh Law’s Student Advisory Council and Center for Civil Rights and Racial Justice, and was the president of the Latin American Law School Association (LALSA). Veronica was also a research and teaching assistant. Additional experience includes her time as a certified legal intern with the Pittsburgh Law Elder Law Clinic and Law Clerk for the Office of the Standing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Trustee, and is a court certified mediator in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Staff Attorney, Employment Law
Abigail (Abi) Walters
Abigail (Abi) Walters
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
B.A., Anthropology, Wake Forest University (2017)
J.D., American University Washington College of Law (2024)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Abi earned her law degree from American University Washington College of Law. During her time in law school, she gained valuable experience working at the Disability Rights Clinic, where she represented clients and their families in various matters related to disability law and the rights of Maryland and Washington D.C. residents with both mental and physical disabilities.
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
Boyang Wang
Boyang Wang
Staff Attorney, Education Law
LL.B/B.A. University of International Business and Economics (2019)
LL.M, University of International Business and Economics (2021)
LL.M. Harvard Law School (2022)
Boyang graduated from Harvard Law School with an LL.M. degree in 2022. During law school, she participated in the Harvard Immigration Project, where she advocated on behalf of immigrants through policy-based projects. Before joining CLA, Boyang spent over two years working as an Education Advocate at the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts. Boyang was born in China and is a native Mandarin speaker.
Staff Attorney, Education Law
Jon Weinstein
Jon Weinstein
STAFF ATTORNEY, EDUCATION & DISABILITY BENEFITS PROJECT
B.A., Philosophy, Skidmore College (2017)
J.D., Duke University School of Law (2020)
Jon was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts. Prior to law school, Jon spent several years engaged in volunteer work and internships focused on disability rights. While in law school, he focused on public service law. That included participating in legal clinics working on children’s law and health law. Immediately before joining CLA, Jon spent roughly two years as a staff attorney in Northeast Legal Aid’s Medical-Legal Partnership. In this role, Jon practiced as a generalist conducting legal consultations and providing referrals and legal services in areas including public benefits law, family law, health law and eviction prevention.
STAFF ATTORNEY, EDUCATION & DISABILITY BENEFITS PROJECT
Jaz Williams
Jaz Williams
Staff Attorney, Education Law
B.A., History, Howard University (2013)
M.A., Elementary Education & Special Education, Lesley University (2015)
J.D., Howard University School of Law (2021)
Before attending law school, Jaz taught Special Education to students in Grades 1-8 for five years. During law school, she was very involved in campus and interned for several top companies. In her final year of law school, Jaz was a fellow with The Initiative: The Black and Blue Partnership, which focused on community policing and progressive police reform to end systemic police brutality.
Staff Attorney, Education Law
Zijun (Lawrence) Zeng
Zijun (Lawrence) Zeng
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing
Political Science, Vassar College (2023)
Fordham University School of Law (2026)
When Zijun (Lawrence) Zeng concentrated in urban and environmental politics as an undergraduate, he developed a strong commitment to housing and environmental justice. Before joining CLA, Lawrence built his legal advocacy and litigation skills through internships and volunteer work with multiple civil legal services organizations in New York City and the Hudson Valley, as well as with the New York County Supreme Court.
Staff Attorney, Fair Housing

Paralegals

Yanira BritoIntake Paralegal, Employment
Jenna Centofanti
Jenna Centofanti
Paralegal, Housing Law
B.A., History and Psychology, Mount Holyoke College (2018)
J.D., Rutgers Law School (2025)
Jenna Centofanti graduated from Rutgers Law School in Camden, New Jersey, in 2025. During law school, she was recognized for her commitment to public interest work with the Mary Philbrook Award and the Herb and Tricia Hinkle Award. Ms. Centofanti gained hands-on legal experience through her participation in the Advanced Housing Advocacy Clinic and internships with the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.
Paralegal, Housing Law
Magaly Correa Ruiz
Magaly Correa Ruiz
Intake Paralegal, Fair Housing Law
B.A., Dentistry, Universidad de Carabobo (2015)
Paralegal Certificate, University of Hartford (2023)
Prior to joining CLA, Magaly was a dental technician. She also interned as a Paralegal at the injury law firm, Morgan and Morgan.
Intake Paralegal, Fair Housing Law
Anna Cruz
Anna Cruz
Intake Paralegal, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
Anna Cruz is a bilingual (Spanish/English) community engagement professional with over 10 years of experience in Springfield and Holyoke, MA. At Way Finders, she coordinated resident leadership development, supported AmeriCorps VISTA members, and facilitated trauma-informed, community-driven initiatives. Earlier in her career, Anna worked with Gandara Health Center to lead youth substance abuse prevention efforts through coalition building and outreach. She brings a strong commitment to equity, culturally responsive practices, and community empowerment.

Intake Paralegal, CORI/Re-Entry Unit
Shelika Gonzalez
Shelika Gonzalez
Intake Paralegal, Housing Law
Prior to work at CLA, Shelika worked in the property management/customer service industry for over 15 years as the Office Manager and Director of Finance and Customer Service for a Property Management Company.

Intake Paralegal, Housing Law
Michael Morelli
Michael Morelli
Paralegal, Elder Law
B.A., History (cum laude), University of Massachusetts Amherst
Michael served as an AmeriCorps Paralegal through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance for Self-Sufficiency Program (MLASSP) for three years before joining Community Legal Aid as a Paralegal in July 2013. Michael is currently a Paralegal in the Benefits Unit and assists clients with public benefits issues, including SNAP/food stamps, cash assistance benefits, unemployment, veterans services, MassHealth and Medicare. Michael has provided benefits trainings for several social service agencies throughout Berkshire County and currently serves on the DTA advisory board, which address issues impacting low-income clients.
Paralegal, Elder Law
Carolyne Nunez
Carolyne Nunez
Intake Paralegal, Housing Unit
Certificate, Quinsigamond Community College (2008)
Carolyne has a wide range of experience working with the Worcester community. For 13 years, she served families through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), educating and enlightening the Latino community.
Intake Paralegal, Housing Unit
Susan O'Connor
Susan O'Connor
Coordinating Paralegal, Disability Benefits
B.A., Psychology, Rutgers University
Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies, College of Our Lady of the Elms
Susan worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services for over six years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. Susan represents clients in disability appeals before the Social Security Administration. She also assists disability recipients with issues affecting their payments. Susan serves as a resource to staff in CLA’s Western offices and outside attorneys regarding disability benefits and the effects of income, assets, and proposed legal agreements on clients’ eligibility and payments.
Coordinating Paralegal, Disability Benefits
Jessica Ortiz
Jessica Ortiz
Intake Paralegal, Family Law
Prior to joining CLA, Jessica worked at All Star Incentive Marketing for almost 10 years. She started thee a s Bilingual Participant Specialist and was promoted to Senior Billing Specialist after 5 years.

Intake Paralegal, Family Law
Amanda Quintino dos Santos
Amanda Quintino dos Santos
Intake Paralegal, Medical Legal Partnership
B.A., Sociology, College of the Holy Cross (2024)
Prior to joining CLA, Amanda worked as a legal intern for a private employment law firm based in New York City while completing her studies at the College of the Holy Cross.
Intake Paralegal, Medical Legal Partnership
Ruth Rosa
Ruth Rosa
Paralegal
Ruth comes with a strong background in legal administration and language services, she brings extensive experience as both an administrative assistant and interpreter. Over the years, she has supported attorneys and legal teams in fast-paced environments by managing case files, preparing legal documents, scheduling, and ensuring procedures are met with precision and timeliness. Her attention to detail and organizational skills have consistently contributed to efficient operations and successful case management.

In addition to her administrative role, Ruth has served as a bilingual interpreter, specializing in Spanish-English interpretation for legal proceedings, client meetings, and document translation. Her ability to accurately and sensitively convey meaning across languages has helped bridge communication gaps and ensure clients are fully informed and represented.

Ruth is driven by professionalism, confidentiality, and a deep respect for the legal process. She is passionate about supporting justice and equity through administrative and linguistic expertise.

Paralegal
Regina Santos
Regina Santos
Paralegal, Disability Benefits/Elder Law
B.A., International Relations, American Military School (2012)
Regina has been a caseworker with various nonprofits in Middlesex County since 2011. She also has experience as an Immigration Paralegal and Fingerprint Specialist, and is a Notary Public. Regina speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. In her spare time, Regina is a writer and has self-published a book of historical fiction.
Paralegal, Disability Benefits/Elder Law
Priscilla Pettengill
Priscilla Pettengill
Intake Paralegal, Elder Law
B.A., Spanish (summa cum laude), Dickinson College
Priscilla worked for the Massachusetts Justice Project (MJP) for more than 14 years before the program joined Community Legal Aid in 2014. Priscilla started her career in legal services in 1999 as the assistant to the coordinator of MJP’s Volunteer Lawyers Service. She became a Paralegal in that program in 2002 and was MJP’s Equal Justice Award recipient in 2004. Priscilla started to specialize in elder law when she became MJP’s Paralegal for the Massachusetts Senior Legal Helpline. At CLA, she is an Intake Paralegal for the Elder Law Unit. Priscilla speaks Spanish and some Portuguese.
Intake Paralegal, Elder Law
Katherine VasquezIntake Paralegal, Family Law
Blanca MillerSenior Paralegal, Housing Law
Omar Laza
Omar Laza
Disability Benefits Advocate
B.A., Criminal Justice, Worcester State University
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Omar graduated from Worcester State University, Magnum Cum Laude. He then worked as a Disability Specialist for almost a decade representing Social Security claimants at every step of the application process, including representing claimants at the administrative hearing level. Omar has been a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) since 2018 and the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) since 2021, after acquiring a certification as an EDPNA (Eligible for Direct Payment Non-Attorney). Omar is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) and the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR).
Disability Benefits Advocate

Case Managers & Parent Advocates

Ben Abbott
Ben Abbott
Case Manager, Family Preservation Project
B.A., Anthropology, Earlham College (2010)
Master of Social Work, Westfield State University (2016)
Prior to joining CLA, Ben received his Masters in Social Work in 2016 and has worked with older adults, families and children. He most recently worked in elder protective services in Franklin County.
Case Manager, Family Preservation Project
Noemi Arguinzoni-Jimenez
Noemi Arguinzoni-Jimenez
Case Manager, Elder/Housing Law
B.A., Baypath University
Prior to joining CLA, Noemi worked for the past 29 years with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), working directly with teens and homeless families. She also worked as a SNAP/Cash supervisor at DTA.
Case Manager, Elder/Housing Law
Kayla Baillargeon
Kayla Baillargeon
Parent Advocate, Family Preservation Project
B.A., Social Work, Simmons University (2025)
In 2011 Kayla began studying Computer Information Systems at QCC before temporarily pausing her studies in 2015 to focus on motherhood. In 2020, she resumed her education at Independence University with a focus on obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, specializing in Software and Mobile Application Development. However, her interests shifted towards Human Services, leading her to Southern New Hampshire University in 2021 and eventually to Simmons University in 2022, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work. Kayla’s personal experiences, including the challenging separation and subsequent reunification of her children by the Department of Children and Families, have inspired her to support others navigating the child welfare system. She is passionate about advocating for parental rights and policy reforms to improve the system’s effectiveness.
Parent Advocate, Family Preservation Project
Jeanette Colon
Jeanette Colon
Case Manager, Housing and Elder Units
Certificate in Office Management, Burdett College (1999)
Jeanette has built a life-long career in the nonprofit industry. Before joining Community Legal Aid in November 2017, Jeanette had worked as a Case Manager for the Tenancy Preservation Program through Community Healthlink, assisting low-income, disabled individuals and families connect to Worcester Housing Court services and preserve their tenancies. Jeanette has a Certificate in Office Management.
Case Manager, Housing and Elder Units
Yomaira GalanCase Manager, Housing Law
Ashley StoneCoordinating Case Manager

Program Coordinators

Emily Byram
Emily Byram
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
Em Byram spent a decade working in the Early Childcare field before transitioning careers and earning her Paralegal Studies Certification from Worcester State University in 2020. She gained a passion for fair housing and tenant rights during her 6 years as a paralegal in public housing.
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
Carmen Gonzalez
Carmen Gonzalez
Pro Bono Coordinator
Carmen worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS) and the Massachusetts Justice Project (MJP) for over 25 years before joining Community Legal Aid in January 2014. Carmen joined the staff at WMLS in 1988 as the part-time Secretary for the Volunteer Lawyers Service (VLS) and as the part-time Accounting Assistant. In 1990, she became the VLS Paralegal and continued in that capacity at MJP. At CLA, she assists clients with referrals to the private bar for assistance with their legal issues. She also coordinates the Uncontested Divorce Clinic in Hampden County and helps coordinates the Senior Partners for Justice Limited Assistance Representation Project at the Hampden County Probate Court.

Pro Bono Coordinator
Sofia Lucas
Sofia Lucas
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
B.A., Psychology, Worcester State University (2022)
Prior to joining CLA, Sofia worked as a paralegal in a private law firm assisting the attorneys in Family Law. She received my paralegal certificate from Boston University in Spring 2021 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Worcester State University in 2022 with a major in Psychology and a minor in Pre-Law Studies.
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
Choyce McIntosh
Choyce McIntosh
Pro Bono Coordinator
B.A., Legal Studies, College of our Lady of the Elms (2016)
M.S., Law, Western New England University of Law (2020)
Prior to being a Pro Bono Coordinator with CLA for 2 1/2 years, Choyce was a Paralegal for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company doing insurance defense work until she started with CLA. She then took a brief hiatus from CLA to take a role as a Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to learn more about the policy and budget process. Choyce is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Law and Policy Program at Liberty University.
Pro Bono Coordinator
Halima Osman
Halima Osman
Pro Bono Coordinator
B.A., Criminal Justice, Westfield State University (2020)
Prior to joining CLA, Halima worked as a case manager at the YWCA domestic violence shelter. She also interned at the Springfield District Court Domestic Violence Unit.
Pro Bono Coordinator
Theo Peierls
Theo Peierls
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
B.A., Sexuality Women & Gender Studies and Music, Amherst College (2020)
Master of Social Work, Columbia University (2023)
Theo joined Community Legal Aid in 2024 after completing their Master of Social Work at Columbia University. They serve as the Springfield Fair Housing Testing Coordinator, designing investigations to examine the everyday practices of housing providers. Prior to joining CLA, Theo conducted research and analysis surrounding efforts to uplift BIPOC and LGBTQ communities in the field of social work and engaged in crisis response work in Northampton and remotely across the country. Theo also participated in community organizing relating to housing insecurity, gender identity, and asylum status, with their work inclusive of training new organizers, fundraising, and direct support.
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator

Aris Segura

Pro Bono Coordinator

Fashion Design, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (2014)
Marketing, Southern New Hampshire University (2024)

Aris is a creative, hardworking professional who brings kindness, patience, and empathy to everything she does. She believes creativity is a powerful tool for solving problems and finding better ways to get things done. With a background spanning nonprofit marketing, healthcare, and design, Aris has built a career around meaningful work. Most recently at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, she created captivating social media content and managed and e-commerce operations. Before that, she spent three years at Boston Children’s Hospital as a Senior Patient Experience Representative, where she supported patients, families, and clinical staff by ensuring smooth day-to-day operations in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Pro Bono Coordinator

Support Staff

Carmen Agostini
Evelyn Cortez
Evelyn Cortez
Before joining Community Legal Aid in the fall of 2014, Evelyn worked as a Secretary at the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Evelyn provides clerical support and coverage for the front desk and is fluent in Spanish.
Desiree Cruz
Amarilys Delerme
Judith Herberg
Judith Herberg
Judith worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services and its predecessor agency, Berkshire Legal Services, for over 42 years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. Judith does intakes and provides support for the program’s Pittsfield office.
Jackeline Martinez
Judith McLellan
Judith McLellan
Judith worked for Western Massachusetts Legal Services and the Massachusetts Justice Project for more than 28 years before joining Community Legal Aid in January 2014. Judy does intakes and provides support to CLA’s Springfield and Northampton offices. Judy also provides support to CLA’s five-county Volunteers Lawyers Service, and assists with interpretation and translations for Spanish-speaking clients.
Wanda Moran
Carol Ortiz
Carol Ortiz
Carol has a wide range of experience in health care. Her passion for caring for others and showing humanity helps her serve the Worcester community.
Mildred Otero
Mildred Otero
Millie worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services for over 36 years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. Along with providing general support for the Springfield office, Millie handles front desk inquiries in English and Spanish. She also interprets and translates for Spanish-speaking clients and assists with solving computer problems for advocates.
Katherine Pacheco
Frances Reyes
Frances Reyes
Frances worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services for over eight years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. She provides support for the Northampton office, handles front desk inquiries, and does interpretations and translations for Spanish-speaking clients. Frances also conducts intakes for new clients. She previously worked in private law firms as a legal assistant for over ten years.
Jenisse Sanchez
Jessica Sotomayor
Cristina Zamorano
Cristina Zamorano
Business Administrator, Libre University in Colombia (2016)
Cristina has over 15 years of experience in customer service, she worked at different insurance agencies in Colombia, providing commercial advice to the clients to ensure customer loyalty.

Fellowships

Natalie Blair
Natalie Blair
Michigan Victors' Fellow, Education Law
BA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Fordham University (2022)
University of Michigan Law School (2026)
Natalie Blair received her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2026, and now joins CLA as a Michigan Victor’s Fellow with the Education Law Unit. During law school, she was a student attorney in the Child Welfare Appellate Clinic, the Juvenile Justice Clinic, and the 1L Child Advocacy Clinic. Nat also gained amazing experience interning at The Door’s Legal Services Center (NYC) and for the National Center for Youth Law. Before law school, Nat served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Columbus, where she acted as tutor and mentor to ninth-grade students in Algebra I.
Michigan Victors' Fellow, Education Law

AmeriCorps

Uddipto NandiAmericorps, Medical-Legal Partnership
Jonathan GoldinAmericorps, Education Law
Emily Manzano
Emily Manzano
AmeriCorps, Elder Law
B.A., English and Hispanic Studies, Trinity College (2025)
Emily Manzano is a recent graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Hispanic Studies, graduating with honors in Hispanic Studies. She gained legal experience as an intern with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office and the Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Barcelona, where she supported attorneys, observed court proceedings, and assisted with legal research and case preparation. These experiences, along with her work in writing and communications, strengthened her skills in analysis, advocacy, and cross-cultural communication.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Emily brings strong translation skills, cultural awareness, and a commitment to accessibility. Her background allows her to bridge gaps in communication and ensure equitable support for clients. She is passionate about helping others navigate complex legal processes and applying her legal and cultural knowledge to support vulnerable communities.
AmeriCorps, Elder Law