Mike started with Essex-Newark Legal Services in 1989 and worked as Senior Attorney in the Elder Law Unit until he joined LSNWJ in 2006 as Managing Attorney of the Sussex County office. In 2013 Mike practiced as a partner at Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Pasculli, Hinkes, Wojcik, Gacquin, Vandenberg, & Hontz, LLC in Newton and served on the LSNWJ Board of Trustees as Treasurer. “As much as I enjoyed private practice, I was thrilled to be able to return to the mission of serving people in need with Legal Services of Northwest Jersey as CEO in 2019.” Mike loves the outdoors and hiking, cycling, and kayaking.

LSNJ J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty 2008; LSNJ Ronald B. Atlas Attorney Award 1998.

Sharon has dedicated over 10 years to advocating for individuals and families affected with disabilities and those in crisis. Having grown up in New York City's Chinatown with immigrant parents, Sharon understands the challenges impacting those experiencing poverty, and having language access and racial barriers. She is a staunch advocate for community justice and is especially concerned with the needs of people resettling in their communities after interaction with the criminal justice system. Sharon started as an attorney with NYC Children Services representing children experiencing neglect and abuse. Re-launching the Urban Justice Center’s Parents with Psychiatric Disability Legal Advocacy Program, Sharon provided legal representation to parents with disabilities in family court. After joining LSNWJ as a staff attorney, Sharon started HEAL, LSNWJ's first medical-legal partnership. As former Director of Human Services for the County of Morris, she was able to increase access to services for those experiencing poverty and in crisis. Sharon is currently the Director of Operations and leads the pro bono work of the organization. She is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School, speaks conversational Cantonese, and enjoys hiking with her children and dogs.

Adam joined LSNWJ after completing a judicial clerkship under Hon. Frances A. McGrogan, J.S.C., a criminal law judge in Bergen County. Adam’s background is in social work and nonprofit organizations which they put to good use at Rutgers Law School where they were a member of the Student Bar Association and Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus, among others. They completed internships with the ACLU of New Jersey, the Federal Public Defender, the Human Rights Campaign, and the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office. In their spare time, Adam enjoys LGBTQ literature and movies, camping, hiking and road trips as well as getting involved in community activism and policy advocacy.

Colleen serves clients as an attorney on the Family Team, Autonomy Team, and Public Benefits Team. She has over twenty years of experience as a practicing attorney and has represented individuals in criminal, civil, and family matters. Before joining Legal Services, Colleen was in private practice and served as a municipal public defender and assistant county prosecutor. She also has extensive experience in life planning and guardianship matters. Colleen has lectured for many organizations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association. She has served on her District XA Ethics Committee, New Jersey Board of Bar Examiners Character & Fitness Committee, and currently serves on the Morris/Sussex County Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee.

Scott mentors and guides colleagues to effectively support our clients in pursuing their individual rights and lasting personal autonomy. His team’s work includes creating and completing life planning documents, advocating for clients during involuntary civil commitment proceedings, representing client interests in legal Guardianship matters, and assisting clients in the expungement of criminal records. Scott entered the legal profession with a strong interest in public service. During law school, Scott assisted veterans in applying for Disabilities Benefits. Scott completed a Judicial Clerkship upon graduation and pursued employment with LSNWJ thereafter. Scott was deeply impacted by the advice of one law school professor, who routinely told students that “the law is a helping profession. If you aren’t helping, get out.” Scott appreciates the opportunity afforded by his role with LSNWJ to help clients pursue their essential legal needs. Scott is a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan and has seen them play in stadiums all over the country (including MetLife, of course). So go ahead and bring Scott your toughest challenges—he is used to disappointment!

Carrie joined Legal Services of Northwest Jersey in 2015 in consumer, housing, and public benefits in the practice areas. Carrie serves on the NJ State Bar Consumer Protection Special Committee, the Somerset County Continuum of Care Committee, and the Racial Disparity Work Group. Since her days at Essex-Newark Legal Services, Carrie has experience in legal services work, where she served in the Elder Law Unit, and since 2002 when she joined Legal Services of New Jersey to start the Anti-Predatory Lending Project. At LSNJ, she worked in the area of foreclosure defense, legislation, consumer litigation, Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief, and the statewide hotline. Carrie began her law career in 1992 as a law clerk to the Hon. Walter R. Barisonek and the Hon James J. Walsh, judges of the Superior Court, followed by a number of years as in-house counsel and in general private practice. Carrie enjoys the art of all forms, music, and travel. LSNJ Gail E. Chester Award, Hurricane Sandy Response Team 2013.

Luisa provides legal consultation and/or representation in family law issues (such as domestic violence restraining orders, custody, divorce) to victims of intimate partner violence who are referred through the Morris County Family Justice Center (MCFJC). She began her legal career at Essex-Newark Legal Services, where she worked seven years in the Elder Law, Consumer, and Housing Units, under the guidance of Exec. Director Felipe Chavana. Luisa then served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York, prosecuting intimate partner violence and sexual assault crimes. She thereafter spent a year in private practice as a generalist, but mostly working with adult victims of abuse and as a pool attorney with the Office of the Law Guardian, on behalf of children who were involved in court cases brought by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P). “Although each experience has given me incalculable knowledge and experience, coming back to Legal Services was coming back home again.” Luisa is also a classically trained singer who has been a featured performer with the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Program. She makes costumes and accessories as a hobby. LSNJ Gale E. Chester Attorney Award 2011.

Alisa clerked for the Hon. John J. Callahan, a family court judge in Union County and thereafter worked at Essex-Newark Legal Services for 9 years as a Managing Attorney of the Elder Law Unit. She has been a part of LSNWJ since May 2002. Alisa handles family law, domestic violence, bankruptcy, and consumer law matters, as well as commitment hearings, and prepares planning documents such as Wills. She serves on the Hunterdon County Bar Association Domestic Violence Committee. Alisa enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with her family as well as being involved with local community projects. LSNJ J. Harris David Award for Career Service to People in Poverty 2020; LSNJ Ronald B. Atlas Attorney Award 2010; LSNJ Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award 2000; Safe in Hunterdon’s The Community of Light Social Justice Award 2008, in recognition of her work assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Elliott Harris is LSNWJ’s Housing Team Leader. He has been practicing residential Landlord/Tenant law since 2002 and has extensive knowledge in the area. Mr. Harris has practiced Landlord/Tenant law around the State for Legal Services organizations, a governmental entity, and private practice. He routinely appears in Superior Court on behalf of tenants and oversees the substantive housing work for LSNWJ’s five-county service area.

Grace joined legal services in the Belvidere office in 1998 and has been handling various family, public entitlements, and housing matters ever since. The pursuit of justice has led Grace to the Appellate Division a number of times, where she attained favorable results. Grace strives each day to provide services to the most vulnerable in our society in a manner that will make her clients proud that a legal services attorney represented them. Grace shares that “when I am not working, I am spending time with my wonderful husband and three sons who never cease to amaze me and who put smiles on my face every day!” NJ Commission on Professionalism in the Law Professional Lawyer of the Year 2015; Recognition by the Warren County Bar for her commitment to nonprofit work and her diligence, competence, and dedication to the legal profession 2019.

Since joining LSNWJ in 2013, Melissa has practiced many areas of law, including family law, domestic violence, restraining orders, sexual assault protection orders, SSI/SSD, welfare, food stamps, Medicaid, and rental assistance cases. She has lectured for many organizations, including local domestic violence providers and Zufall Health staff, as well as legal education to the community. Melissa currently serves on the Morris/Sussex County Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Committee. LSNJ Ronald Atlas Staff Attorney Award 2021.

Richard leads and mentors the consumer team. Throughout his career, Richard has handled most of the kinds of substantive law we do and has become a valued, creative and authoritative resource for attorneys here on legal questions. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New Jersey and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Rutgers College and Seton Hall School of Law. He was appellate counsel in notable cases of The Hills Development Company v. Twp. Of Bernards, 103 N.J. 1 (1986); Mastro v PERS, 266 N.J. Super. 445 (App.Div. 1993); Midland Funding v. Thiel; Newton Medical Center v. D.B., LSNWJ Extraordinary Achievement Advancing the Cause of Justice 2016; LSNJ Richard A. Mastro Award for Impact Advocacy 2016; LSNJ J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty; LSNJ Donna Hildreth Award for Contributions to Training.

Charlotte Miller began her career as an attorney with Northeast NJ Legal Services in Paterson, where she worked for five years in the Public Benefits Unit, handling Social Security, welfare, temporary disability and unemployment benefits cases. She then worked as an Assistant Prosecutor with Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, where she prosecuted domestic violence cases and handled weapons forfeiture proceedings. She is very excited to join Legal Services of Northwest Jersey, where she will be working with people in need. Her motto is as follows: “Be kind to others, for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Charlotte speaks Arabic as well as English, and she loves spending time with her family, reading and music.

Kelsey works in the Family Law Team at Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Before joining LSNWJ, Kelsey was a partner at Ruvolo Law Group, LLC in Morristown. Kelsey left private practice and joined LSNWJ to help a greater number of individuals in the areas of Family Law, which includes domestic violence, divorce, and custody. He is a court-approved mediator. Kelsey has two dogs, Zoey and Franklin, and is an avid fan of the University of Notre Dame and the New York Yankees.

Nana Abena previously served LSNWJ for about five years as a lawyer on the Family Team. After her work with LSNJ’s PROTECT project, she returned after her work, providing holistic legal services to survivors of human trafficking. Ms. Osafo holds a joint J.D./M.S. from Penn State and an M.S.W. from NYU. She was excited to return to LSNWJ to work with her “phenomenal colleagues” and to provide legal assistance where it is most needed.

Shelley joined Legal Services of Northwest Jersey in 2020 to assist with housing and family law. Prior to joining LSNWJ, Shelley practiced family law in Essex and Union counties, and more recently, in Providence, RI. Shelley had her sights on joining LSNWJ for quite some time. She recalls when a managing partner at a Montclair firm told her, “Stop helping clients for free. This isn’t a legal services organization!” Shelley knew in that instant that she would find a path to work in legal services. “I think I found my people. Very glad to be here.” Shelley enjoys swimming, exploring with her dogs, singing, and chamber music (any string players out there?)

Victoria has worked for LSNWJ for over 30 years, with 9 in the Warren County office, 15 in Hunterdon, and 7 in Sussex. She has a BA from Fordham University and a JD from Seton Hall Law School. Victoria is admitted to the bar in both New Jersey and New York. LSNJ Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award 2016, LSNJ Cynthia Barker Attorney Award 1998.

Ariela practices on the Housing Team doing landlord-tenant work and on the Autonomy Team doing expungements. “My career has been solely devoted to public interest work. Before relocating to Hunterdon County, I spent two years at Northeast New Jersey Legal Services and am excited to bring that same passion and commitment to my work here at Northwest.” Ariela is a marathoner and avid backpacker, having hiked the entire John Muir Trail, (211 miles through three national parks in California), in 2016.

David has focused on representing clients in consumer cases and tenancy matters since joining the program in 2008. He earned his J.D. degree from New York Law School and has been admitted to the state and federal courts in New Jersey since 2000. LSNJ Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award 2016, LSNJ Donna Hildreth Award for Contributions to Training 2013.

Shefali has been with Legal Services of Northwest Jersey since she graduated from law school. She started her legal career as a Post-Graduate Fellow in 2015 and became a full-time Staff Attorney in 2018. Shefali’s main practice areas include housing, public entitlements, and Social Security Disability/SSI, but she enjoys learning and helping clients in all areas when she can. Outside the office, Shefali enjoys reading, writing, and learning languages. She is fluent in Hindi, Urdu, English and proficient in French. LSNJ Rising Star Award 2021; LSNJ Equal Justice Award.

Rose Mary joined Legal Services of Northwest Jersey in March of 2019, where she serves on the Autonomy and Housing Teams. Previously, she was in private practice. Rose Mary enjoys helping those who may not otherwise have the opportunity for legal representation. She is fluent in Italian, Spanish, and English.

Gary practices in the areas of Consumer, Bankruptcy, and Landlord/Tenant law. He started his legal services career in 1987 as a staff attorney with Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services and became supervising attorney of the Ocean County office in 1989 through the end of 2014. Gary was thrilled to return to public service when he joined LSNWJ in March 2019 after practicing for a time in his own private law firm. Before becoming an attorney, Gary was an educator and used those skills as a lecturer at LSNJ training for many years in the areas of Consumer Law and Bankruptcy, and as an adjunct professor at Ocean County College teaching Business Law Legal Writing & Research, and Introduction to Paralegal Studies. Gary loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and jogging. He also enjoys cooking, woodworking, and traveling. Hurricane Sandy Response Team (2013); J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty (2013); Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award (2000); Sue Perger Special Award for Statewide Contributions & Impact; Donna Hildreth Award for Contributions in Training (2004).

Andrea came from private practice to LSNWJ in 2008 to work on the Family Representation Project in the cause of reuniting families and protecting children. When the temporary project concluded, Andrea stayed, working with the family team until she transitioned to public entitlements and autonomy work. Andrea represents clients and mentors her teams in Social Security Disability, TANF, GA, EA, SNAP, and Healthcare cases and in agency relationships and hearings advocating for our clients’ maintenance of benefits. Andrea’s goal is to make equal justice a reality for everyone. LSNJ Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award 2019, LSNJ Gail E. Chester Attorney Award 2013

Semhar provides outreach and supportive services for clients affected by disaster under our project Legal Hands - Education and Support for Older Adults. Semhar received her BA from Seton Hall University and her MSW from Rutgers University, and she loves to travel.

Teri is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the office, supervision of support staff, and implementation of protocols and procedures. Teri started here as a Paralegal. She says she “grew up” working at legal services: having been here for over 40 years, she finds she is still learning something with each passing year. “Over these many years, I have worked with many different managers, attorneys, and staff and have always been amazed at their dedication and compassion as they assist our clients. I am fortunate to have learned from the best.” In her limited spare time, Teri enjoys spending it with her large extended family, making quilts for family and friends, baking, and getting lost in a good book. LSNWJ Extraordinary Achievement Advancing the Cause of Justice 2018; LSNJ J. Harris David Career Service to People in Poverty 2006, LSNJ Edith Edelson Paralegal Award 1992.

Billie Jean assists with appeals, family law work and consumer/bankruptcies, as well as facilitating LSNWJ’s Morris County Commitment Project, and handling intake. While working full-time she attended night school to achieve her Paralegal Certification. Billie Jean says “I have been committed to public service employment from the outset. I believe all individuals deserve an equal opportunity to what life has to offer. That is why I chose public service work with this organization, and I have been employed with the program for over 40 years. LSNJ Edith Edelson Paralegal Award 1992, LSNJ Mary Dryer Award for Career Service to People in Poverty 2014.

Pam joined LSNWJ in 2013 after 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Pam continues to “welcome the challenge to learn new things and assist others in any way I can.” Pam has also served as a volunteer for youth sports football/cheer to provide a positive environment and college scholarships for youth in the community. LSNJ Ada Rodriguez Intake Professional Award, 2019.

As a member of the Access Team, Sylvia handles intakes for applicants seeking legal services.

Heather supports the CEO, and assists with intake, reporting and law office support.

Cara joined LSNWJ’s Access Team as an Intake Specialist, after working as a legal assistant for a private law firm specializing in estate and long term care planning. She looks forward to serving communities in need. Cara is a graduate of Rutgers University. In her spare time, Cara enjoys live music, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.

Gladys joined the team in December 2006. She always aims to make people feel welcome and comfortable seeking assistance from LSNWJ and feels grateful that she can do so. In her spare time, she loves being with her family, traveling, the outdoors, and gardening. Gladys is fluent in Spanish and English. LSNJ Evelyn Hatcher Award 2010.

Martha retired from legal practice after a lifetime serving the community as a leader within legal services. She has returned on a limited basis to help support the access team handling intakes. LSNJ Timothy K. Madden Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2016.

Eileen handles intake and administrative support. She speaks Spanish and English.

Vivian joined the legal services staff in 1990 after serving as a client member of the Board of Trustees for two years. She enjoys helping people and wearing the “many hats” that her job entails. One of her favorite assignments is working with clients and attorneys in bankruptcy cases. Vivian also handles intake, prepares documents, assists with technology and administrative support. She loves spending time with her 12 grandchildren. LSNJ Olga Szewczyk Outstanding Administrator Award 1998; LSNJ Marianne Kane Outstanding Paralegal Award 2010.

Rosalie works within LSNWJ’s partnership with the Morris Family Justice Center, supporting the family law attorney and our clients. Rosalie worked as a paralegal in the private sector for 23 years until she joined LSNWJ in 2018, where she has found her passion working helping families in need. Rosalie enjoys spending time with her family, at the beach hunting for sea glass.

Sulma Marino joined LSNWJ in 2007. In addition to handling intake and tech and administrative support, Sulma assists clients in bankruptcy matters in completing their credit counseling. She has been an enthusiastic participant in outreach events; she assisted with the tenancy program and handled domestic violence intake referrals from Safe + Sound Somerset. She is currently attending RVCC to earn her associate’s degree in paralegal studies. Sulma speaks Spanish and English. LSNJ Ada Rodriguez Intake Professional Award 2012.

Ruchita assists counsel with planning documents, consumer law litigation, and Pro Bono tenancy cases and handles intake. She earned an LL.B. in India and an LL.M. from Temple U. and is experienced in a number of legal areas. Ruchita says: “I find honesty and dedication to be the most valuable qualities for success in my profession.” She enjoys learning languages, traveling, and immersing herself in different cultures. Ruchita speaks Hindi, Gujarati, English, and French.

Yalitza received her B.A. in Business Administration from Saint Peter’s University as a first-generation college graduate and a few years of legal assistant experience when she joined our team. Yalitza reports: “I am a reliable, adaptable and a detail-oriented individual. LSNWJ aligned with my interest in community advocacy.” Yalitza is a member of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc., an organization that focuses on educating the community and empowering women to change history. She is fluent in Spanish and English.

Carol has served for many years in various team positions throughout LSNWJ. Since her retirement from the practice of law, she returns to help the community access legal services and equal justice. She has a background in education as well. Contact Carol for information about LSNWJ’s community education events or to offer resource information to share with our client community. LSNJ Gail E. Chester Attorney Award 2011, LSNJ Richard J. Bennett Supervising Attorney Award 2015.

Contact: lsnwj-media@lsnj.org

Dawn started her career as an elementary school teacher and found the transition to the legal field at LSNWJ to be very natural. “Helping people is about connecting with them first. That is the key to teaching and serving the community.” Dawn loves all genres of music, especially classic rock, blues, and jazz. When she is not on her bike or yoga mat she can be found at a blues club, music festival, or large stadium cheering for the band. LSNJ William Thompson Paralegal Award 2021.

Sonia handles intake, serves on the Language Access Team, Housing Team, and Autonomy Team; coordinates the HEAL Medical-Legal Partnership with Zufall, and handles pro bono coordination for Morris County cases. Sonia began her career as a secretary in the private legal sector. When she became a paralegal, she worked in the municipal court before dedicating her career to public service work with Central Jersey Legal Services, the Social Security Administration, and finally Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Sonia likes to quote, “I am my brother’s keeper.” She loves spending time with family, church family, and helping out at the local soup kitchen. Her hobbies include bowling and cooking. Sonia is fluent in Spanish and English.