ABOUT US
Our Staff
Joanna Allison, Esq.
Joanna has been the Executive Director of the Volunteer Lawyers Project since 2015. She attended law school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Before becoming Executive Director, she practiced as a supervising attorney in landlord and tenant disputes, consumer debt defense, foreclosure prevention, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance, and more.
Joanna Allison, Esq.
Executive Director
Joanna has been the Executive Director of the Volunteer Lawyers...
April Jones
April Jones graduated from Johnson & Wales in 2000 with a B.S. in Accounting. She specializes in nonprofit accounting and enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her family. April came to VLP in 2021 as our Director of Finance and Operations.
April Jones
Director of Finance and Operations
April Jones graduated from Johnson & Wales in 2000 with...
Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq.
Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro has worked in legal services for over 12 years with a focus on Family law matters and until recently was the Supervising Attorney for the Family Law and Guardianship Unit at the Volunteer Lawyers Project. Geraldine is excited to join VLP’s leadership team as the first Director of Advocacy and Pro Bono. Geraldine is the Language Chairperson at VLP and represents the agency at the statewide Language Access Coalition and the Race and Equity Coalition. Before VLP, Geraldine worked in immigration law, housing, and disability law in addition to her work with family law and victims of domestic violence. Geraldine is a member of the SJC Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, where she is co-chair of the Communications, Outreach, and Diversity sub-committee; she is a member of the BBA Family Law Steering Committee and has been named a Top Women in Law 2022 by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro, Esq.
Director of Advocacy and Pro Bono
Geraldine Gruvis-Pizarro has worked in legal services for over 12...
Barbara Siegel, Esq.
Barbara is the Volunteer Lawyers Project Compliance and Technology Director and Senior Partners for Justice Project Manager. Barbara graduated from Brown University (B.A. 1982) and Boston College Law School (J.D. 1989). Her legal career began in 1989 with a clerkship in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and an associate position in a law firm. In 1992, she entered legal aid and had yet to look back. Before joining VLP, she served as a senior staff attorney at the Disability Law Center and as Assistant Legal Director at the Community Legal Services and Counseling Center.
Barbara Siegel, Esq.
Director of Compliance and Technology
Barbara is the Volunteer Lawyers Project Compliance and Technology Director...
Emelia Andres
Emelia joined VLP in March of 2021. She is originally from Kansas City, MO, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Wingate University in NC. Before VLP, Emelia served two years with AmeriCorps NCCC in Baltimore, MD, and AmeriCorps State and National here in Boston, serving at a youth mentoring organization. Most recently, Emelia worked as a Senior Partnerships Manager at Boston Partners in Education, an academic mentoring organization that supports students in Boston Public Schools. Emelia is excited to continue supporting volunteers as they provide access to justice for clients.
Emelia Andres
Pro Bono Manager
Emelia joined VLP in March of 2021. She is originally...
Merit Brent
Merit Brent Joined VLP in October 2024. Originally from Ethiopia, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prior to VLP, Merit gained valuable experience working with various nonprofits and legal aid organizations, including her role as an AmeriCorps Legal Advocate at SCCLS.
Merit Brent
Office Coordinator
Merit Brent Joined VLP in October 2024. Originally from Ethiopia,...
Gloria Cabrera
Gloria graduated from Salem State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 2022. She will be receiving her M.S. in Criminal Justice in Spring 2023. Before joining VLP, Gloria interned at the Boston Court Service Center, where she mainly helped Spanish-speaking litigants fill out court documents.
Gloria Cabrera
Bilingual Intake Specialist
Gloria graduated from Salem State University with a B.S. in...
Darla Castaño
Darla graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a B.A in Latin American & Iberian Studies and a minor in Sociology in May of 2023. Before joining VLP, Darla participated in the Lindsay Fellowship at the U.S District Court for the District of Massachusetts. After completing the Lindsay fellowship, Darla served a year of service with Americorps BU-CAC serving at a Boston Public Schools’ high school as a college adviser. During her free time, she likes to spend time with friends and family and exploring new restaurants in Boston.
Darla Castaño
Bilingual Bankruptcy and Consumer Paralegal
Darla graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a...
Laura Castro Atehortua
Laura joined VLP in 2022. She started as a Bilingual Paralegal in the Eviction Legal Aid team before becoming the Housing and Appeals paralegal. Laura graduated from Pine Manor College with a B.S. in Social & Political Sciences and a minor in Criminal Justice. Laura worked at the Somerville District Court as an Administrative Assistant to the Probation Department. She has also worked for an immigration firm, serving as an interpreter and Legal Assistant. Laura enjoys playing soccer, riding motorcycles, and shopping in her spare time.
Laura Castro Atehortua
Wills and Multi-Unit Paralegal
Laura joined VLP in 2022. She started as a Bilingual...
Olivia Cella
Olivia Cella joined VLP as a Bilingual Paralegal in the Family Law and Guardianship Unit shortly after graduating from Colby College in 2023. Before completing her bachelor’s degree, Olivia worked as a Legal Intern at Northeast Legal Aid and the Medical-Legal Partnership of Boston. She worked at Vinfen Corporation, Bay Cove Human Services, and Colby College’s Title IX Office. Olivia is passionate about working with diverse, underrepresented populations. She also enjoys long runs, cooking, and surfing.
Olivia Cella
Senior Family Law & Guardianship Bilingual Paralegal
Olivia Cella joined VLP as a Bilingual Paralegal in the...
Adrián Coss, Esq.
Adrian is an Arizona State University and University of New Hampshire Law School graduate. Before law school, Adrian was VLP’s pro bono coordinator. He received a graduate award at UNH Law for his dedication to social justice and public service. Most recently, he served as a Law Clerk for a criminal trial judge in St. Paul, Minnesota. Outside of VLP, Adrian enjoys literature, anime, comics, video games, history, and spoiling his dog Sammi (a VLP office favorite).
Adrián Coss, Esq.
Housing and Bankruptcy Staff Attorney
Adrian is an Arizona State University and University of New...
Rochelle Jones, Esq.
Rochelle works in VLP’s Housing and Appeals units as a Supervising Attorney. She graduated from New England Law | Boston. Rochelle has years of experience working with low-income individuals and families, particularly in the housing and family law arena. She has also gained experience as a civil litigation associate handling complex insurance defense cases. Rochelle has a passion for fitness and enjoys traveling in her spare time.
Rochelle Jones, Esq.
Housing and Appeals Supervising Attorney
Rochelle works in VLP’s Housing and Appeals units as a...
Ilene Klein, Esq.
Ilene earned a J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Marshall School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree from Queens College in New York. She was a Clinical Law Professor at New England Law | Boston for 31 years, teaching and mentoring law students in their in-house civil litigation clinic. Ilene has extensive experience in public interest law, family law, social security disability law, and health law. She has volunteered with her students at the Lawyer for the Day Program, the Court Service Center, VLP, and Saheli Boston. She has also mentored new attorneys through the Women’s Bar Foundation. At New England Law | Boston, Ilene developed a course in Elder Law and taught an Elder Law Seminar for over 20 years.
Ilene Klein, Esq.
Family Law and Guardianship PT Staff Attorney
Ilene earned a J.D. from Cleveland State University’s Marshall School...
Natasha Lewis, Esq.
Natasha is the Supervising Attorney of the Call Center and Economic Fairness Unit and has been with VLP since 2016. Natasha graduated from Fitchburg State College, magna cum laude, with a major in political science and a minor in criminal justice. She earned a J.D. from New England Law | Boston in 2016. Natasha has been a legal services attorney for five years, focusing on bankruptcy and unemployment insurance. She has also enjoyed working in various other areas within VLP, including our Family Law and Guardianship Clinics and our 209A Abuse Prevention Project. Natasha is VLP’s delegate on the Statewide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council through MLAC. Natasha was born and raised in Massachusetts. She finds her work doubly rewarding because she gets to educate herself and her clients in availing themselves of their rights.
Natasha Lewis, Esq.
Call Center and Economic Fairness Unit Supervising Attorney
Natasha is the Supervising Attorney of the Call Center and...
Rafael Martín-Navas
Rafael joined VLP as a Bilingual Intake Specialist. He graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s in Women’s and Gender Studies. Rafael has experience working with underserved communities, assisting individuals to overcome health barriers. He has a strong passion for LGBTQIA+ rights, particularly trans youth rights.
Rafael Martín-Navas
Bilingual Intake Specialist
Rafael joined VLP as a Bilingual Intake Specialist. He graduated...
Lisa Marshall, Esq.
Lisa Marshall is a Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney. She has practiced in housing law previously for the last three years. In her 20-year legal career, Lisa has always practiced in legal aid, also doing mental health litigation and guardianship work. She is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and New York. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her six children, 2 dogs, and husband, preferably on the water or by a beach.
Lisa Marshall, Esq.
Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney
Lisa Marshall is a Housing and Appeals Staff Attorney. She...
Elizabeth Mason, Esq.
Elizabeth joined VLP as a Staff Attorney in the Unemployment and Wage & Hour Units. She earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oberlin College in Ohio. Elizabeth has many years of experience representing clients and working on employment and wage and hour cases as an attorney in the Law Offices of Paul Murray and her law practice, Mason Law.
Elizabeth Mason, Esq.
Unemployment and Wage and Hour Staff Attorney
Elizabeth joined VLP as a Staff Attorney in the Unemployment...
Abigail McCourt, Esq.
Abigail is a Family Law and Guardianship Unit staff attorney at VLP. She is a 2023 graduate of New England Law Boston. Abigail also earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Boston College and a bachelor’s in social work and political science from Providence College. Abigail is a passionate advocate dedicated to increasing access to justice for all.
Abigail McCourt, Esq.
Family Law and Guardianship Senior Attorney
Abigail is a Family Law and Guardianship Unit staff attorney...
Chris Neighbours
Chris joined VLP as a Legal Advocate in 2017 and manages the Eastern Regional Legal Intake program in concert with our Call Center Supervising Attorney. Chris graduated from the Catholic University of America with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. He also holds a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Boston University. He considers it a privilege to work with the ERLI team to provide our clients with high-quality legal services. Outside of VLP, Chris enjoys spending his free time playing basketball, maintaining his outdoor garden, and spending time with his family.
Chris Neighbours
Call Center Manager
Chris joined VLP as a Legal Advocate in 2017 and...
Briana Saint Pierre
Briana Saint Pierre is a compassionate professional known for thriving in dynamic and fast-paced environments. She graduated from Framingham State University in 2020 and is working on her paralegal certification at Bunker Hill Community College. With a background in paralegal support and residential assistance, Briana brings a unique blend of skills to her new role as an Intake Specialist. Driven by a passion for social justice and a desire to make a difference, Briana is actively pursuing a master’s degree in law or political science with a focus on law reform. Her interests lie in addressing the homelessness crisis, understanding housing and the law, and effecting positive societal change. Committed to continuous learning and growth, Briana aims to leverage her adaptability and strong writing skills to contribute meaningfully to her team and the broader community.
Briana Saint Pierre
Intake Specialist
Briana Saint Pierre is a compassionate professional known for thriving...
Steve Russo, Esq.
Steve is a VLP Staff Attorney in the DotHouse and Wills Unit. He has over 19 years of experience delivering intake, advice, and referral services to legal services programs and over 21 years of experience as a legal services and private practice attorney. Steve has been a panelist on several continuing legal education and community training and has also served as a moderator for the CORI section of Masslegalservices.org. His prior experience includes immigration, family, and criminal records sealing. Steve is also fluent in Spanish. Steve is also an SJC Standing Committee on Pro Bono Services member.
Steve Russo, Esq.
Dothouse and Wills PT Staff Attorney
Steve is a VLP Staff Attorney in the DotHouse and...
Yewellyn Sanchez
Yewellyn graduated from Suffolk University with a B.S. in Communications and Journalism. She comes to VLP from MIRA Coalition, where she served as an AmeriCorps member. In this position, Yewellyn assisted clients with naturalization forms, green card renewals, and other immigration forms, conducting outreach, preparing materials, and registering clients for the clinic. She has also worked as a Spanish interpreter and has a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She is eager to continue learning about the intersectionality of journalism and the legal field.
Yewellyn Sanchez
Senior Bilingual Intake Specialist
Yewellyn graduated from Suffolk University with a B.S. in Communications...
Ellaina Sivo
Ellaina joined VLP in September 2024. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a double major in Public Relations and Communications and Media Studies. Ellaina has a passion for non- profit work and before coming to VLP worked at the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center in Newburyport. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and watching a good movie.
Ellaina Sivo
Communications Coordinator
Ellaina joined VLP in September 2024. She graduated from the...
Theodore C. Tierney, Esq.
Theo earned his BA from Vassar College and his JD from Suffolk University Law School. Since 2010 he has been working in the finance industry for two multi-national banks located in Massachusetts and New York with a focus on retail banking. Theo is an avid sailor and looks forward to the New England sailing season every year.
Theodore C. Tierney, Esq.
Consumer and Bankruptcy Staff Attorney
Theo earned his BA from Vassar College and his JD...
Lurenne Velazquez Carrasquillo
Lurenne joined VLP as a Bilingual Intake Specialist, seeking to gain experience in different areas of law to aid underserved communities. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Political Science. Before joining VLP, Lurenne worked at the Boston Court Service Center, where she helped individuals complete documents for their cases and navigate the court system. Lurenne is also passionate about teaching, previously working as a tutor for Ringle and working part-time as a Course Teacher for Elite Open School. Lurenne enjoys reading in quiet cafes and traveling with family and close friends in her spare time.
Lurenne Velazquez Carrasquillo
Bilingual Intake Specialist
Lurenne joined VLP as a Bilingual Intake Specialist, seeking to...
Aisling Walsh
Aisling (pronounced Ash-LEEN) is a Paralegal in VLP’s Housing and Appeals Units. In May 2023, Aisling graduated summa cum Laude from Boston College with a B.A. in Criminal and Social Justice. Prior to her time at VLP, Aisling worked at the Massachusetts Department of Correction in the Victim Services Unit and as a Legal Assistant in a family law firm. In her free time, Aisling enjoys spending time with her dogs, Booboo and Biscuit, reading, and hiking.
Aisling Walsh
Housing and Appeals Paralegal
Aisling (pronounced Ash-LEEN) is a Paralegal in VLP’s Housing and...
Kevin Walsh, Esq.
Kevin joined the VLP in 2022 as a Temporary Staff Attorney. He earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1979 and his J.D. from the Notre Dame Law School in 1982. He practiced law in a few law firms for nearly forty years, handling civil litigation matters such as landlord/tenant cases, business disputes, and contract claims.
Kevin Walsh, Esq.
Landlord Staff Attorney
Kevin joined the VLP in 2022 as a Temporary Staff...
Gabrielle Young
Gabby graduated from Boston University in May of 2023 with a BA in Political Science. Gabby was an intern in the Bankruptcy Unit and is excited to have returned to VLP in the summer of 2023 as an Employment and Consumer paralegal. During her free time, Gabby loves to exercise and picnic with her friends, and in the winter months, she spends many weekends skiing in her favorite East Coast mountains.
Gabrielle Young
Employment and Consumer Paralegal
Gabby graduated from Boston University in May of 2023 with...
Ilana Zeltser
Ilana joined Volunteer Lawyers Project in April 2019. Ilana earned a B.S. in Business Management and an M.B.A. from the University of Hartford. Before joining VLP, Ilana spent six years working in higher education.
Ilana Zeltser
Senior Manager of Finance and Operations
Ilana joined Volunteer Lawyers Project in April 2019. Ilana earned...