Staff
Staff Attorneys & Legal Advocates
- Marina AbrahamStaff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Marina Abraham
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
- B.A., Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell (2013)
- J.D., Suffolk University Law School (2016)
Marina works with health care providers and clients at Worcester’s UMass Memorial Health Care as the Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney. Before joining Community Legal Aid in February 2020, she worked at the Estate Recovery Unit contracted by MassHealth. During law school, she served as a student attorney for the Suffolk University Law School Immigration Clinic, where she helped clients seek removal defense, asylum, and naturalization. Marina was born and raised in Egypt and is fluent in Arabic.
- Brittany BandaniStaff Attorney, Family Law
Brittany Bandani
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.
- Bex BernoccoStaff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Bex Bernocco
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
- B.A., Journalism, Emerson College (2001)
- J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law (2006)
Bex joined Community Legal Aid in 2019 as the Springfield office’s first Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) attorney. At the start of the pandemic, Bex assisted clients with unemployment insurance benefits, before moving to the Housing Law Unit as part of the Commonwealth’s COVID Eviction Legal Help Project. In March 2022, Bex returned to work as an MLP attorney, partnering with the Commonwealth Care Alliance to assist their patients with health-harming legal needs. Bex was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2006, the Connecticut Bar in 2007, has worked as a public defender in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, and as a Social Security Disability Benefits advocate.
They enjoy officiating roller derby in their spare time.
- Sarah BodzinskiStaff Attorney, Employment Law
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 from Assumption University in 2019. She then went on to Western New England School of Law and earned her J.D. in 2022. During her time at Western New England School of Law, Sarah was in law school she was a Note Editor on the Western New England, a teaching assistant, and a member of the public interest law association. Prior to joining CLA, she interned with the Attorney General’s Office in the Administrative Law Department.
- Faiza BokhariLegal Advocate, Elder Law
Faiza Bokhari
Legal Advocate, Elder Law
- B.A., Political Science, Suffolk University (2015)
- J.D., New England law | Boston, (2021)
Faiza worked with Veteran clients for two years prior to law school and gained an insight into working with the elderly population going through significant trauma from their time in service. Through previous internships during law school, she gained experience in the fields of health, immigration, and family law. Additionally, Faiza was elected and served on the Human Rights Committee in Easton, MA.
- David BrownStaff Attorney, Housing Law
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.
- Helene BusbyStaff Attorney, Benefits & Education Law
Helene Busby
Staff Attorney, Benefits & Education Law
- B.A., History and Sociology, Hampshire College (2002)
- J.D., Vermont Law school (2007)
From 2007 to 2015, Helene worked at the HIV/AIDS Representation Project and Single Stop Program at the Legal Aid Society of New York’s Harlem Community Law Office. From 2015-2018, she worked in the Special Education Unit and Disability Advocacy Project at the Legal Aid Society of New York’s Brooklyn Neighborhood Office. She also served as a Commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the City of Holyoke and is a member of the Hampden County Bar Association. Helene joined Community Legal Aid in 2018.
- Michelin CahillStaff Attorney, Worcester Fair Housing Project
Michelin Cahill
Staff Attorney, Worcester Fair Housing Project
- B.A., Geography & Environmental Studies, The George Washington University (2009)
- J.D., Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law (2012)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Michelin was a Staff Attorney at the Victim Rights Law Center, where she assisted victims of sexual violence with their civil legal needs related to privacy, safety, and housing. Michelin was also the Intake Attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, assessing and investigating civil rights violations and overseeing a robust team of volunteers.
- Annie ConnorStaff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
- Jennifer Cunningham-MinnickStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Jennifer Cunningham-Minnick
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., English and Women's Studies, The Ohio State University (2004)
- J.D., University of Cincinnati (2011)
Jen joined Community Legal Aid in 2020 as part of the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project. Before joining CLA, Jen worked as a public defender in Dayton, OH and as a Staff Attorney at an Ohio Appellate Court. She is passionate about poverty law and helping those who need her help the most. Jen is licensed to practice law in Ohio and Massachusetts.
- Sam Davidson-WeissStaff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
Sam Davidson-Weiss
Staff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
- B.A., Music, Columbia College
- J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2020)
Sam joined Community Legal Aid in 2020 after completing law school. Before law school, he worked as a housing advocate at the Community Action Agency of Somerville. During law school, he interned with the Greater Boston Legal Service’s Immigration Unit, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the Irish International Immigrant Center, and Demissie and Church. He also participated in the Poverty Law and Practice Clinic and the Prisoners’ Rights Clinic at Northeastern.
- David DeBartoloStaff Attorney, Housing Law
David DeBartolo
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Government, Harvard University (2003)
- M.A., Arab Studies, Georgetown University (2009)
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center (2009)
David served as an Attorney-Adviser in the U.S. State Department’s Office of the Legal Adviser for nearly 10 years, including details as the Embassy Legal Adviser at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and as the Chief of the Sanctions and Counter-Terrorism Team at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. He also taught International Organizations at George Washington University Law School from 2015-2018 and worked on election integrity for two years at Facebook before joining Community Legal Aid.
- Julie DickStaff Attorney, Family Law
Julie Dick
Staff Attorney, Family Law
- B.A., Political Science and Classical Humanities, The Ohio State University (2013)
- J.D., The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (2016)
Julie was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and will be sitting for the New York Bar in 2017. Before joining Community Legal Aid in July 2017, she was practicing pro bono family law and guardianship through the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project and the Women’s Bar Foundation. She also spent time as a legal intern for GLAD: GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, and as a law clerk with the Franklin County Public Defenders office in Columbus, OH.
She is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association.
- Christa DouaihyStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Christa Douaihy
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Political Science, University of Pittsburgh (1999)
- J.D., City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law (2008)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Christa was a litigation attorney at Heisler, Feldman & McCormick, P.C. in Springfield, MA. There she represented employees and tenants in a wide range of landlord-tenant claims and civil rights issues. Before that, Christa was a team leader and civil attorney at the groundbreaking holistic defense organization, The Bronx Defenders. Before joining The Bronx Defenders, Christa was a Civil Generalist Attorney at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, where she specialized in disability rights. Christa was also a legal intern at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in NYC and served as the secretary of the NYC Bar Association’s Special Committee on AIDS.
Christa is Co-Chair of the Western Massachusetts Committee of the Women’s Bar Association and a Board Member of the Pioneer Valley Worker’s Center.
- Krista EllisStaff Attorney, Family Law
Krista Ellis
Staff 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.
- Gabriel FonsecaStaff Attorney, Housing Law
- Franci GazzanigaStaff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
Franci Gazzaniga
Staff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
- 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.
- Stella GneppStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Stella Gnepp
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Politics, Brandeis University (2003)
- M.A., International Economics and Finance, Brandies International Business School (2004)
- J.D., Suffolk University Law School (2013)
Stella has worked in both the public and private sectors, as an economist for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Manager of Regulatory Affairs at a telecommunications company, and as a Consumer Law Public Service Fellow for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Before joining Community Legal Aid’s COVID Eviction Help Project in 2020, she practiced as an associate in a small law firm focused on advancing shareholder rights to advocate for social justice issues at Fortune 500 companies. Stella first developed her passion for representing tenants at risk of homelessness through volunteer work as a Lawyer for the Day in the Western Housing Court. She is a member of the Tenant Advocacy Network and the Hampden County Bar Association.
- Annemarie GuareStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Annemarie Guare
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Political Science, University of New Hampshire (2016)
- J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2022)
Annie joined Community Legal Aid’s Housing Law Unit in 2022 after graduating from Northeastern University School of Law. During law school, she interned in the chambers of The Honorable Allison D. Burroughs at the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the Immigration Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services, and the office of Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch. She also worked closely with the National Lawyers Guild and served as an editor on Law Review.
Annie is a member of the National Lawyers Guild’s National Immigration Project and Housing Committee.
- Joshua GutierrezStaff Attorney, Housing Law
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.
- Roy Harris Jr.Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
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.
- Thomas HulleyStaff Attorney, Elder Law
Thomas Hulley
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
- B.A., Social Policy & Legal Studies, Northwestern University (2015)
- J.D., Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (2021)
Thomas’s first experience in public interest work was as an intern for the Legal Services Corporation’s Legal Aid Chicago. After college, he served for a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Thomas then moved to Nashville and worked for two years as an advocate at Disability Rights Tennessee. In law school, he spent his first summer interning with a federal judge and his second summer interning with Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. Thomas joined Community Legal Aid in 2021.
- Margery KennardCoordinating Attorney, Family Law
Margery Kennard
Coordinating Attorney, Family Law
- B.A., (magna cum laude), University of Massachusetts at Boston (1989)
- J.D., Pace University School of Law (2007)
Margery worked at Western Massachusetts Legal Services (WMLS) for over four years before the program joined with Legal Assistance Corporation of Central Massachusetts to form Community Legal Aid in 2011. Marge’s first two years at WMLS were as the Medicare Advocacy Project Paralegal. Margery entered law school in 2004 and returned to WMLS in 2008 as a family law attorney. Marge specializes in assisting domestic violence survivors with family law cases. In law school, she was a student attorney in the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic and worked at Kuntz, Spagnuolo, & Murphy, an education law firm.
- Christine KhamisStaff Attorney, Elder Law
- Matthew LawrenceStaff Attorney, Family Law
Matthew Lawrence
Staff 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.
- Benjamin LevineStaff Attorney, Elder Law
Benjamin Levine
Staff Attorney, Elder Law
- B.A., History and Religion, University of Rochester (2010)
- J.D., Boston College Law School (2015)
Before working at Community Legal Aid, Ben worked as a housing rights attorney at the Legal Aid Society in New York City for six years representing tenants in eviction proceedings and to obtain and restore public benefits. Prior to representing tenants, he worked at Start Small Think Big assisting low income entrepreneurs form legal structures to protect their businesses. And prior to law school, he worked as an educator running civic education programs in Chicago Public Schools with Mikva Challenge.
In his free time, Ben likes to run, hike, and cook.
- Rory MacAneneyStaff Attorney, Employment Law
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.
- Robin MacFaddenStaff Attorney, Education Law
Robin MacFadden
Staff Attorney, Education Law
- B.A., Psychology and Hispanic Studies, Oberlin College (2015)
- J.D., Northeastern University School of Law (2022)
After graduating from Oberlin College, Robin spent four years working at a variety of nonprofits in Baltimore, MD. In law school, Robin interned with Prisoners’ Legal Services, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Additionally, in law school, Robin was both a student and a teaching assistant at the Northeastern University Prisoners’ Rights Clinic.
- Tanya MamootilStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Tanya Mamootil
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- 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.
- Raquel M. ManzanaresStaff Attorney, Housing Law
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.
- Jaime MargolisStaff Attorney, Elder Law
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.
- Annie MaurerStaff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Annie Maurer
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
- B.A., International Relations, Tufts University (2002)
- J.D., New York University School of Law (2009)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Annie worked for over a decade as a public defender. She worked at the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Pittsfield, MA, The Legal Aid Society in New York City, and the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, where she managed a regional office of 25 lawyers. She has extensive trial experience and always focuses on bringing a client-centered lens to her work.
- Emma McEvoyStaff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
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.
- Noah MeisterStaff Attorney, Veterans Law Unit
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.
- Cory MesconStaff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
Cory Mescon
Staff Attorney, CORI/Re-Entry Project
- B.A., Politics, Law & Society, Oberlin College (2003)
- J.D., New York University School of Law (2009)
Before joining Community Legal Aid in 2020, Cory worked for 10 years as a public defender at The Legal Aid Society in New York City and with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) in Massachusetts. She has taught an advocacy seminar at Western New England School of Law and presented at MCLE in substantive practice areas of criminal defense and unemployment advocacy. Cory lives in Northampton with her partner and two daughters, and enjoys spending time outdoors.
- Ray MestreCoordinating Attorney, Elder Law
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.
- Angelina MorisiStaff Attorney, Housing Law
- Jordan NeubauerStaff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
Jordan Neubauer
Staff Attorney, Medical-Legal Partnership
- B.A., Political Science and Spanish & Portuguese, University of Arizona (2018)
- J.D., Boston University School of Law (2021)
Jordan received her Juris Doctor degree with a concentration in health law from Boston University in 2021. While at BU, she interned with various organizations addressing various unmet health needs, including a company developing treatments for rare genetic diseases and for an organization providing deportation defense in central Arizona, where she focused her work on health-based claims for immigration relief. Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, Jordan spent one year working in corporate compliance for a financial services firm.
- Julia PopkinStaff Attorney, Education & Disability Benefits Project
Julia Popkin
Staff Attorney, Education & Disability Benefits Project
- B.A., Sociology, Wesleyan University (2010)
- J.D., (magna cum laude), New York University School of Law (2017)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Julia worked as a public defender representing clients in child protective proceedings at the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Northampton, MA and at Brooklyn Defender Services in Brooklyn, NY. During law school, Julia was an Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Fellow and was awarded the Ann Petluck Poses Memorial Prize for Outstanding Clinical Work for her practice as a clinical student representing parents in child protective proceedings. She also interned with the Bronx Defenders, the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, and the Prisoners’ Rights Project of the Legal Aid Society.
Julia is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association and serves on the Community Fund of the Franklin County Bar Association and on the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Safe Passage in Northampton, MA.
- Paul SchackCoordinating Attorney, Housing Law
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.
- Rohit SinhaStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Rohit Sinha
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Political Science and Journalism, University of Connecticut (2019)
- J.D., Suffolk University Law School (2022)
After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Rohit interned for Senator Elizabeth’s Warren’s Campaign for President. In law school, he was a legal intern at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office in the Criminal Bureau, Suffolk Country District Attorney’s Office in the Appeals Unit, and MetroWest Legal Services in the Housing Unit. Rohit was also a Rule 3:03 intern at Suffolk Country District Attorney’s Office at Roxbury District Court.
- Uri StraussStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Uri Strauss
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., Linguistics (honors), York University (1997)
- M.A., Linguistics, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2006)
- J.D., (magna cum laude), Case Western Reserve University School of Law (2009)
Uri joined Community Legal Aid in 2012. He is a staff attorney in the Housing Unit, where he represents tenants in eviction cases and homeowners in foreclosure matters. Prior to joining CLA, Uri worked for the Western Massachusetts office of the American Friends Service Committee, where he focused on foreclosure and civil rights matters; the Service Employees International Union, where he was involved with campaigns to win recognition for hospital workers; and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, where he handled discrimination, immigration and tax matters. Uri also interned in Greater Boston Legal Services’ Employment Unit, where he handled unemployment insurance, FMLA, tax, and wage and hour cases. Uri is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and the U.S. District of Massachusetts.
- Irit Tau-WebberStaff Attorney, Family Law
Irit Tau-Webber
Staff Attorney, Family Law
- B.A., Government (magna cum laude), Harvard University (1997)
- J.D., Columbia Law School (2002)
Before joining the Community Legal Aid team in July of 2018, Irit was a family lawyer in private practice in New York City, and a professional volunteer at the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants in Israel. She worked on pro bono cases for Metrowest Legal Services in Framingham, MA and for Sanctuary for Families in New York City, and was a stay at home mom.
Irit is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association and a director of Metrowest Jewish Day School in Framingham, MA.
- Molly Jane ThomsStaff Attorney, Education Law
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 luade), Boston College Law School (2022)
Molly Jane was born and raised in Montpelier, VT. She graduated cum laude from Boston College Law School in 2022 and received the Susan Grant Desmarais Award for public service achievement and leadership. She spent two years as a student attorney in the Juvenile Rights Advocacy Program clinic representing clients and serving as guardian ad litem in cases involving school discipline, transition age youth, access to social services, and special education. Molly Jane also interned at the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, MetroWest Legal Services, and the Youth Advocacy Division of CPCS. Molly Jane served as president of the Boston College Public Interest Law Foundation during her third year of law school.
- Esther D. TutuStaff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
Esther D. Tutu
Staff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
- B.A., English and African American Studies, Temple University (2012)
- J.D., Certificate in Human Rights, University of Connecticut School of Law (2017)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Esther worked as an Admissions Recruiter for the University of Connecticut School of Law. During law school, Esther focused on public interest law and earned a Human Rights Certificate with her Juris Doctor. She was a student teacher of Street Law at New Britain High School and vice president of UCONN School of Law’s Black Law Students Association. Esther interned with the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, and the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. She also interned with the Honorable Judge Shreeves-Johns in Philadelphia, PA while attending Temple University.
Esther is currently a board member of ImmaCare Inc., an agency dedicated to eliminating homelessness.
- Dorothy WilkinsonStaff Attorney, Family Law
Dorothy Wilkinson
Staff Attorney, Family Law
- B.A., English Literature & International Business, Roger Williams University (2018)
- J.D., Boston University School of Law (2021)
Before joining Community Legal Aid’s Family Unit, Dorothy attended law school and worked with the Access to Justice Clinic to represent low-income clients in cases ranging from unemployment to family law. Dorothy also interned at Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s Family Law and Victim’s Rights Units in Portland, ME, where she counseled clients and presented research to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault on the updates to Title IX passed in 2020. She also interned at Women’s Bar Foundation in Boston, MA working with the Family Law Project to represent survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- Jaz WilliamsLegal Advocate, Education Law
Jaz Williams
Legal Advocate, 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.
- Matthew WishnoffStaff Attorney, Housing Law
Matthew Wishnoff
Staff Attorney, Housing Law
- B.A., History, The State University of New York College at Geneseo (2017)
- J.D., Boston University School of Law (2021)
As a law student, Matthew committed himself to housing work, particularly eviction prevention. In 2021, Matthew joined Community Legal Aid as a housing law attorney.
- Ashley ZinkStaff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
Ashley Zink
Staff Attorney, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
- B.A., Sociology, Worcester State University (2015)
- J.D., Boston University School of Law (2020)
During law school, Ashley interned at Prisoners’ Legal Services in Boston, MA, Metrowest Legal Services in Framingham, MA, and took four separate clinics and practicums during her second and third years. During Ashley’s second year, she took part in the Wrongful Convictions Clinic, Compassionate Release Practicum, and Legislative Policy and Drafting Clinic. In her third year, Ashley took part in the Access to Justice Clinic, which is part of the Civil Litigation and Justice Program.
Paralegals
- Ines Diaz RodriguezIntake Paralegal, Family Law
Ines Diaz Rodriguez
Intake Paralegal, Family Law
- A.A., Springfield Technical Community College
Ines started her career in the legal field in 1975 in a clerical staff position in the Hampden County Housing Court Clerk’s Office. She then began legal aid work in 1977 at Western Massachusetts Legal Services in the Springfield office as a Secretary. In 1997, she joined the Massachusetts Justice Project in Holyoke, MA as an Intake Paralegal. At Community Legal Aid, Ines works in the Springfield office as the program’s Intake Paralegal in the Family Law Unit.
- Shelika GonzalezIntake Paralegal, Housing Law
- Jannette HernandezIntake Paralegal, Benefits Law
Jannette Hernandez
Intake Paralegal, Benefits Law
- International Career Institute (1984)
Before joining Community Legal Aid as a Paralegal in September 2008, Jannette spent two years working as a Secretary for Community Legal Aid’s predecessor organization, Western Massachusetts Legal Services. Before that, she had 16 years of experience working as a legal assistant for an immigration firm in New York, NY. Jannette is a Notary Public.
- Marla JakubiakSenior Paralegal, Housing Law
Marla Jakubiak
Senior Paralegal, Housing Law
- B.A., Paralegal/Legal Studies, John Jay College of Criminal Justice (1996)
Marla joined Community Legal Aid in the spring of 2015. She works as a Paralegal for the Housing and Elder Units. Marla has experience in immigration law, personal injury law, and social security law. Previously, she worked at The Legal Aid Society in the Bronx, NY as a housing Paralegal and at the Essex County Legal Services in New Jersey as a Paralegal for the SSDI and SSI project.
- Michael MorelliParalegal, Elder Law
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.
- Susan O'ConnorCoordinating Paralegal, Disability Benefits
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.
- Priscilla PettengillIntake Paralegal, Elder Law
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.
- Rachel StillIntake Paralegal, Family Law
Rachel Still
Intake Paralegal, Family Law
- B.A., English & Political Science, Clark University (2020)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Rachel interned with the Worcester Court Service Center and worked as a tutor with the Petey Greene Program at MCI Shirley.
- Omar LazaDisability Benefits Advocate
Omar Laza
Disability Benefits Advocate
- B.A., Criminal Justice, Worcester State University
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Omar 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).
- Blanca MillerSenior Paralegal, Housing Law
Case Managers
- Sophie ChambersCase Manager, Pre-Petition Project
Sophie Chambers
Case Manager, Pre-Petition Project
- B.A., Peace & Conflict Studies, Vassar College (2010)
- M.S.W., University of Maryland, Baltimore (2014)
Sophie has over a decade of experience in the world of social justice, from working with survivors of intimate partner violence to addressing food apartheid in Baltimore City. She spent two years as lead crisis clinician for Hampshire County and most recently ran the granting program at the Rosenberg Fund for Children, a small nonprofit that provides financial support to the children of targeted progressive activists across the country. Sophie joined the Community Legal Aid COVID Eviction Legal Help Project in 2020 and transitioned to the Pre-Petition project in 2021.
- Ashley McGillCase Manager, COVID Eviction Legal Help Project
Program Coordinators
- Colleen BradyPro Bono Coordinator
Colleen Brady
Pro Bono Coordinator
- B.S., Political Science & Criminal Justice (summa cum laude), University of Massachusetts Lowell
- M.A., Criminal Justice (magna cum laude), University of Massachusetts Lowell
- J.D., Civil Rights & Family Law, Massachusetts School of Law at Andover
Colleen earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she distinguished herself as a student leader through her work as Orientation Leader and Resident Advisor and Class President from her sophomore through her senior year. Colleen was a legal intern for Massachusetts Department of Children and Families; a Research Fellow at UMass Lowell, and holds a law degree from Massachusetts School of Law. Colleen is a graduate of Public Matters 2013, a leadership and civic engagement initiative of The Lowell Plan conducted in partnership with Lowell National Historical Park. The mission of Public Matters is to foster and enhance the knowledge and skills of leaders in the city of Lowell. Colleen serves on the Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell.
- Carmen GonzalezPro Bono Coordinator
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.
- Nuri SherifFair Housing Testing Coordinator
Nuri Sherif
Fair Housing Testing Coordinator
- B.A., History, Gettysburg College (2014)
- M.A., History, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2016)
Before joining Community Legal Aid, Nuri worked directly with teen survivors of sexual and relationship violence after serving self-identified victims of crime more broadly. Though they are a historian by trade and practiced public history in the field as a National Park Service Ranger, museum professional, and peer-reviewed blog editor, Nuri’s professional trajectory led them to law school. In August 2020, Nuri started as a part-time evening student at Western New England University School of Law and hopes to focus on their passion for social justice and civil rights work. Nuri is a member of the board of COSA and a Paralegal & Coordinator at Gender Identity Validation Services, Inc. (GIVS).
Support Staff
- Yanira Brito
- Jeanette Colon
Jeanette Colon
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carolyne Nunez
Carolyne Nunez
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Regina Santos
Regina Santos
- 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.
- Jackeline Martinez
- 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.
Fellowships
- Nengi Jennifer Omo-EgbekuseBart Gordon Fellow
Nengi Jennifer Omo-Egbekuse
Bart Gordon Fellow
- B.A., Criminal Justice, American International College (2014)
- M.S., Forensic Psychology, American International College (2016)
- J.D., Western Michigan University, Cooley Law School (2021)
Nengi Jennifer received her B.A. from American International College in 2014, and her M.S. in 2016. She then received her J.D. from Western Michigan University (Cooley Law School). Prior to joining CLA Nengi Jennifer worked at an Estate Planning Clinic as a Student Attorney, and Interned as a Law Clerk on Immigration Affairs. She was a Previous Clinician at Spectrum Health Systems, where she focused on combating the issue of substance abuse through providing support, medical and therapeutic care to individuals battling with addiction. Nengi Jennifer is an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated, as the recording secretary of their local chapter. She was also the founder of the African Law Student Association at Western Michigan University.
AmeriCorps
- Nywel CheayeAmeriCorps Legal Advocate, Medical-Legal Partnership
- Audrey KamalAmeriCorps Legal Advocate, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
Audrey Kamal
AmeriCorps Legal Advocate, Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative
- B.A., Environmental Studies and Comparative American Studies, Oberlin College (2022)
Prior to joining Community Legal Aid, Audrey served as the vice chair for Oberlin College’s Green EDGE Fund and as a lab tech for the Living Machine at Oberlin. Additionally, she worked for S.C.A.R.C.E. in Illinois and The Anando Trust in India.
- Carly ShawAmeriCorps Legal Advocate, Education Law
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