Our Team

Staff

• Cindy Armony Paralegal
  

  Cindy Armony

  Paralegal

  I have been working as a Legal Assistant in the family law arena for more than three decades. Being a caring and compassionate person, I feel assisting clients as they work through their stressful family law issues is where I belong. I am pleased to now be a part of the Gevurtz Menashe firm and look forward to assisting clients utilizing my knowledge and experience. When not at work, I enjoy traveling with my husband, spending time with my family and friends, reading, and the sunshine.
   
• Stephanie Avon Senior Paralegal
  

  Stephanie Avon

  Senior Paralegal

  As an Estate Planning and Probate Senior Paralegal, I specialize in drafting estate plans to meet our clients’ individual needs. I assist families through the probate process with efficiency and compassion. I strive to make these processes as smooth as possible for our clients.
   
  In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, reading, and spending time with my family.
   
• Ari Baleine Paralegal
  

  Ari Baleine

  Paralegal

  After some time away from the legal field, I’m excited to rejoin the Gevurtz Menashe team and assist our clients with their family law needs. I enjoy connecting with our clients and working with my team to complete projects. This field allows me to utilize my people skills while also relying on attention to detail, organization, and time management. In my personal time, I enjoy learning about and caring for my growing collection of houseplants; waving at every dog I see; being hilarious; and spending time with those important to me.
   
• Sunray Bernal Client Services Coordinator
  

  Sunray Bernal

  Client Services Coordinator

  In my role, I aim to serve as a compassionate guide for potential clients navigating our new client intake process.
  
  Throughout my career, I have learned the profound impact of small gestures, reinforcing the importance of kindness and attention to detail in every interaction. I find deep fulfillment in supporting individuals during some of the most challenging times in their lives, serving as a trusted ally to help them with our intake process.
  
  When I am away from work, I love immersing myself in nature, which rejuvenates my spirit, and I enjoy cozy movie nights with my doggo. Guided by the words of Audrey Hepburn, I believe in the dual responsibility of helping oneself and others: "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."
• Annie Bevens Accounting Assistant
  

  Annie Bevens

  Accounting Assistant

  As the newest member of the Accounting Team, it is my job to assist the Senior Finance Manager with any  assignments she gives me. Although I've just been here for a short while, I am very impressed with the community here at Gevurtz Menashe. I look forward to getting to know the staff and helping things run smoothly in the Accounting Department. I love spending time with my family (and especially my grandchildren) and watching crime shows with my husband.
• Nakia Bradley-Lawson Director of Operations
  

  Nakia Bradley-Lawson

  Director of Operations
• Chloe Brown Senior Paralegal
  

  Chloe Brown

  Senior Paralegal

  As a Senior Paralegal in Estate Planning, my role includes client communication and rapport, drafting and revising estate planning documents, and ensuring the entire process is as smooth as possible.  Estate Planning can be a very complex and difficult topic for clients; I endeavor to assist them through it with compassion (and a touch of lighthearted humor).  My years of experience in Estate Planning have taught me that being clear, concise, and kind are the keys to a successful experience for all involved.  
  
  When I am not working with our attorneys, I am out in the woods, at home with my cats and reptiles, or tinkering with computers and gaming with my “online family.”
• Tarrah Burgos Paralegal
  

  Tarrah Burgos

  Paralegal

  Having been a family law legal assistant for over 25 years, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of guiding individuals through one of the toughest chapters of their lives. I am compassionate and understanding towards our clients as I assist in navigating clients through the process of their situation. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and our four (yes four) dogs!
• Elizabeth Campbell Paralegal
  

  Elizabeth Campbell

  Paralegal

  My role as an Estate Planning Paralegal at Gevurtz Menashe is to help assure our clients have peace of mind upon completing their documents. My goal is to create a smooth journey using my skills in organization and efficiencies. When not in the office, I enjoy adventuring with my spouse and two giant golden retrievers, reading fantasy novels, baking goodies, starting dance parties, and belting musical theater.
   
• Jill Carroll Senior Paralegal
  

  Jill Carroll

  Senior Paralegal

  "As the firm’s Estate Planning and Probate Senior Paralegal, my role includes document preparation, client communication, and ensuring that every detail is addressed so our clients end up with a successful estate plan and our probates are run as efficiently and quickly as possible. For fun, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with my family and friends.  I also love volunteer work – my daughter and I regularly volunteer at the Portland Rescue Mission."
• Lorna Catania Senior Finance Manager
  

  Lorna Catania

  Senior Finance Manager

  "My role as Senior Finance Manager is to keep accurate financial records for the Firm and to handle all aspects of the client’s billing and payment process. I love puzzles that challenge my mind, and bookkeeping is that constant challenge. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, travel, and just taking in all simple pleasures life has to offer."
• Tammy Coffler Senior Paralegal
  

  Tammy Coffler

  Senior Paralegal

  With nearly two decades of experience as a family law paralegal, I continue to enjoy the personal level of interaction I get with our clients as they navigate a difficult season of their life. My primary focus is on the discovery process to help our cases reach settlement through whatever means serves our clients most effectively and efficiently.  I have a strong attention to detail and commitment in preparing the tools, analysis, and materials necessary for the attorneys I support.  My experience includes complicated litigation in all areas of family law including the division of assets including retirement plans as well as child custody, parenting time and relocation issues. 
• Damarise Davis Director of Human Resources
  

  Damarise Davis

  Director of Human Resources

  As the Director of Human Resources, I have the opportunity to utilize my knowledge, experiences, and education to develop relationships with talented professionals. Having worked in different support roles for different attorneys in the firm prior to my current role, I understand the role responsibilities of our staff, providing me with the ability to mentor them so that they can continue to increase their skills and provide high-level professional service to our teams and clients.
• Dyann Demas Paralegal
  

  Dyann Demas

  Paralegal

  As a Family Law Paralegal, my focus is on providing efficient and compassionate support to attorneys and clients alike. My strength lies in exceptional people skills, allowing me to simplify complex legal matters for clients facing tough times. I also pride myself on my organizational skills and high-quality work product. Driven by a desire to make a positive difference, I aim to reduce stress and save time and money for clients.
  
  Outside of work, I indulge in my top three hobbies: traveling, outdoor activities (camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking), and maintaining fitness through CrossFit and working out. Most of all, I just love spending time with my husband, our two dogs and my step-kids. My guiding principles include "live and let live" and "treat others as you want to be treated." In times of challenge, I live by Winston Churchill's words: "If you're going through hell, keep going."
• Robert Desaulniers Paralegal
  

  Robert Desaulniers

  Paralegal

  As a Family Law Paralegal, my primary role is to provide effective and timely assistance to attorneys and clients, helping to ensure their cases run smoothly. Patience is my greatest strength, and I hope to be thought of as kind and empathetic by those who know me. In my career, I've learned the importance of establishing a reliable system to manage tasks and never cutting corners when serving documents. What I like most about helping clients is the gratifying feeling of contributing to their desired outcomes.
  
  If I could live anywhere in the world, I'd prefer to migrate seasonally. My top three hobbies and passions include music, reading, and art. While I don't have an official mission statement, I live by the motto of staying curious about the world around me.
• Louise Dinsmore Paralegal
  

  Louise Dinsmore

  Paralegal
• Lauren Fassold Paralegal
  

  Lauren Fassold

  Paralegal

  With family law experience in both Oregon and Arizona, Lauren brings an exceptional blend of professionalism and customer service skills. They have consistently demonstrated their ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, where their dedication to assisting clients and the attorneys they work with shines through.

  One of Lauren's notable strengths lies in their experience working with clients navigating the complexities of family law amidst various forms of tragedy. Their compassionate approach and unwavering support have been invaluable assets in guiding clients through difficult times.

• David Gallegos Office Services Manager
  

  David Gallegos

  Office Services Manager

  As Office Services Manager I oversee my team in general administrative functions. Assisting staff in a wide variety of tasks, creating and maintaining a pleasant environment for clients, and ensuring day-to-day office operations are running smoothly. My almost 20 years working in family law have allowed me to develop high levels of organizational effectiveness, communication, and coordination among all departments.
  
  When away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, films and television, horology, tinkering, and meditation.
• Aja Hicks Senior Paralegal
  

  Aja Hicks

  Senior Paralegal
• Deanna Hurley Paralegal
  

  Deanna Hurley

  Paralegal

  As a legal assistant with 10 years of experience in Family Law, I enjoy helping attorneys with administrative duties to get work done efficiently.  Staying organized and paying attention to detail is an important part of my role.  I enjoy working with clients to help them through this difficult time in their lives. In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, cooking, camping, and staying fit.
   
• Tonya Jarrett Office Assistant
  

  Tonya Jarrett

  Office Assistant

  As a former probation clerk in Seattle, legal administrative assistant/receptionist in family law, and office services/receptionist, it is great to be at Gevurtz Menashe in my role as an office assistant. My attention to detail, passion for learning new skills, along with ensuring staff receives the assistance they need with any task, large or small, is an ethos I take seriously.In the past, I was active in theater and music (a beloved activity to which I hope to return), I am an avid reader, TV watcher of genre shows (Star Trek in particular, and the Law & Order franchises), and love to hang out with my cat Mowgli.
• Brittany Johnson Senior Paralegal
  

  Brittany Johnson

  Senior Paralegal

  Having worked in Family Law for over five years, I have realized how much I enjoy helping clients through complex discovery issues and the financial tracing of their assets and debts. These kinds of tasks can be daunting and often overwhelming for clients; who may be going through one of the hardest times in their lives. I fully understand the lasting impact that a family law proceeding will have on each client's life and am dedicated to handling each case in a respectful and supportive manner.
  
  When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking, and attending concerts when I can.
• Nicole Lynch Paralegal
  

  Nicole Lynch

  Paralegal

  I'm a paralegal with over 4 years of experience, specializing in being the first point of contact for clients seeking family law assistance in Washington. I'm passionate about helping people during challenging times and believe in setting a compassionate tone for their attorney-client relationship. Described as kind, empathetic, and hardworking, I genuinely enjoy making a difference in clients' lives. I'm grateful for the trust clients place in us during tough times.
  
  Outside of work, I cherish my time with my two kids and my partner; they are my world, and I cannot imagine my life without them.  For fun, I enjoy indulging in a little reality TV like Survivor and Project Runway while crocheting, or binge watching the Marvel Avengers movies. I live my life by my favorite quote from my favorite movie: “You are who you choose to be.”
• Terry McCoy Senior Paralegal
  

  Terry McCoy

  Senior Paralegal

  "I work with our attorneys to provide a variety of services based upon the specifics of each case and their determination as to how my assistance will best serve our clients. My duties often include reviewing, analyzing and managing documentary evidence, assessing income, assets, debts and expenses, and preparing for formal and informal proceedings. Our attorneys delegate selected responsibilities to paralegals in order to provide the most efficient and cost-effective representation possible to our clients. Being a part of that process has always been rewarding for me."
• Michael Merritt Senior Paralegal
  

  Michael Merritt

  Senior Paralegal

  As a senior paralegal my job here at Gevurtz Menashe is to help assist clients through their case with compassion and understanding while guiding them through lifechanging events. When I am not at work, you can find me with my household playing D&D, training our two dogs, crocheting, or quietly devouring books by a multitude of authors.
   
• Aundrenee Nash Marketing Assistant
  

  Aundrenee Nash

  Marketing Assistant

  As a Marketing Assistant at Gevurtz Menashe, I specialize in market research, content creation, and social media management to enhance our brand presence. I thrive on supporting our marketing campaigns and ensuring smooth execution of our strategies. My role also involves improving our client interactions and building a stronger overall brand.
  
  In my free time, I enjoy performing with a local dance company and engaging in interactive media.
• Amber Newton Senior Paralegal
  

  Amber Newton

  Senior Paralegal

  As a Senior Paralegal in the estate planning practice group, I work closely with the attorneys to ensure that our clients’ plans for their futures, and their families’ futures, will be carried out. Careful planning and document production ensure asset and legacy protection for our clients. I also assist with business formation and compliance.
  
  I like to spend my free time with my partner and my dog, going on adventures or binging Netflix.
   
• Zoe Nolen Paralegal
  

  Zoe Nolen

  Paralegal

  With almost 7 years of legal experience in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, and Family Law, I understand the importance of helping clients navigate through a complex legal system. As a Paralegal I strive to assure that clients feel safe and comfortable during legal turmoil, all while producing a high-quality work product for my attorney. I believe it’s crucial to maintain positivity, effective communication, and professionalism when working in all facets of Family Law.  
  
  When I am not working, I enjoy going on adventures with my son and partner; I love all things music and book related; and I'm also a pinball and nerdy boardgame enthusiast and enjoy going out with friends.
• Everett Overbay Paralegal
  

  Everett Overbay

  Paralegal

  As a part of the Estate Planning team, I assist attorneys with preparing the necessary documents to set families and individuals up for success. Whether you are setting up an estate plan or need assistance getting past planning in order, I am here to help. I enjoy greeting everyone with a smile to ensure that the clients and colleagues I interact with feel welcome and that they can seek support through me at any time.
  
  I like to spend my free time with my bunny Zjompyclair, and with my thoughts -- contemplating the many questions that appear throughout his day and mine. I firmly believe that everyone should be able to converse with anyone so if you get the chance, give me your best shot!
• Jenna Parkerson Williams Office Assistant - Front Desk
  

  Jenna Parkerson Williams

  Office Assistant - Front Desk

  As the receptionist at Gevurtz Menashe I answer the phone and direct calls to where they need to go. I also am the first face you see when you come into our office. I bring a positive attitude and overall sense of warmth to this job. The people who know me best would describe me as kind and understanding. I love interacting with people and helping them in any way I can.
  
  Outside of the office I love to read, explore the outdoors, and travel all over the world. 
• Rachel Pierson Senior Paralegal
  

  Rachel Pierson

  Senior Paralegal

  As a paralegal for 20 years, I have had the opportunity to assist medical malpractice victims, families working through the juvenile system, and family law clients navigating difficult life changes. My passion for family law comes from working in a field of advocacy where my empathy and compassion can help clients through tough circumstances. I am so happy to be part of the truly caring and dedicated team at Gevurtz Menashe.
  
  Outside of work, I enjoy baking, sewing, and spending time with my family and dogs. I also volunteer my time as a board member of the Parent Teacher Organization at my children’s school.
   
• Aaron Quintanilla Senior Paralegal
  

  Aaron Quintanilla

  Senior Paralegal

  Working at Gevurtz Menashe is truly rewarding. I handle each case with care, sensitivity and professionalism. It’s refreshing to partner with our clients to help them navigate through the family law process and empower them at the same time. 
• Nicole Read Accounting and Administrative Assistant
  

  Nicole Read

  Accounting and Administrative Assistant

  My role at the firm is to provide cross functional support to each department. I perform a range of administrative tasks to help the office run more efficiently. I enjoy working here at Gevurtz Menashe and feel lucky to be a part of the team. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, being outdoors, and spending time with family.
   
• Tera Rice-Ball Office Assistant
  

  Tera Rice-Ball

  Office Assistant

  As an Office Assistant, my days rarely look the same. Whether it's putting together trail binders or manning the front desk, my job is to fill whatever space I’m needed in to make others’ day easier. My flexibility is one of my greatest strengths in the workplace. I love going with the flow and seeing where the day takes me.
  
  Outside of work, I enjoy TV and movies (I’m a sucker for a good Rom-Com). I also love really anything sports related. If I could choose anywhere to live, I’d go somewhere that allows the majority of my wardrobe to be Linen (E.g., Greece or Italy).
• Lisette Santiago Mejia Senior Paralegal
  

  Lisette Santiago Mejia

  Senior Paralegal

  Lisette approaches her role with a friendly and professional attitude, offering valuable support to individuals during their most challenging times. She is dedicated to navigating the complexities of the legal system and providing assistance when it's needed most.
  
  As a native Oregonian, Lisette embraces the natural beauty and recreational opportunities her home state has to offer. During her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her dog, live concerts, and enjoying tasty local cuisines.
   
• Rachael Travis Paralegal
  

  Rachael Travis

  Paralegal

  Part of what draws me to family law is the focus on helping people. No one wants to be judged based on some of the hardest and most uncertain times in their lives, and I try to lead with compassion, empathy, and focused energy when assisting with family law matters. Outside of work I enjoy trying to tire out my cattle dog with hikes and runs with my husband, watching all the sports, and finding new and beautiful places to photograph in the PNW.
   
• Lauren Uppinghouse Paralegal
  

  Lauren Uppinghouse

  Paralegal

  As an Estate Planning Paralegal at Gevurtz Menashe, I work to assist our clients in navigating the formation of estate plans, the administration of trusts, and the probate process with clear and compassionate communication. With over ten years of experience in the estate planning legal field, I gain satisfaction by helping clients convert an overwhelming project into an orderly and well-thought-out plan of action.
  In my spare time, I enjoy cooking with and for friends, comedy podcasts, and working on an endless list of house projects with my husband.
• Kelly Warren Senior Paralegal
  

  Kelly Warren

  Senior Paralegal

  “I support our attorneys in gathering and analyzing information in an efficient and cost-effective way in order to achieve results through settlement or court proceedings. I enjoy being part of a team dedicated to assisting families as they navigate through some of the most challenging circumstances of their lives.” 
• Charity Wilson Paralegal
  

  Charity Wilson

  Paralegal

  My mission is to provide families with financial security. My approach to work is guided by compassion and a touch of quirkiness, infusing everything I do with warmth and excellence. In the legal world, I've learned to handle curve balls with finesse, seeing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. I'm a firm believer in the power of learning from others, constantly seeking ways to improve and navigate challenges effectively.
  
  Working with clients is a joy for me because I love unraveling the unique stories behind each case and making the complex seem simple. Seeing the surprise and relief on their faces when they realize the array of options available brings me immense satisfaction.
  
  Outside of work, family time is precious, especially with my adorable grandbaby. Animals hold a special place in my heart, and I could spend hours at the zoo. At home, I share my space with two dogs and a cat. Travel is another passion, and while Scotland beckons first, inspired by the tales of Outlander, my dream destination involves experiencing Nepal's Festival of Dogs.
  
  My guiding motto in both professional and personal realms is simple yet profound: "It’s not difficult to just be kind." This philosophy shapes my interactions and fuels my passion for making a positive impact wherever I go.
• Elizabeth Yost Paralegal
  

  Elizabeth Yost

  Paralegal

  I enjoy working in family law because I have a passion for helping people. Divorce is tough, so my job is to help our clients navigate through the legal process. You can find me working behind the scenes and assisting three busy attorneys. Here at Gevurtz Menashe, we truly value our clients and I am happy to be part of the team!