FAMILY LAW CASA - Key Persons
Abdul Kallon joined the board in 2023. He represents clients in sensitive, high-stakes litigation, including regulatory and First Amendment matters. His practice is informed by nearly 30 years of experience gained in private practice and as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
For over 12 years, Abdul presided over a broad range of civil and criminal cases, including commercial litigation and constitutional rights matters. Abdul was nominated to the federal bench by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2009.
Prior to his judicial service, Abdul was a partner in private practice. His broad and significant trial practice included cases before arbitrators and state and federal courts; he tried multiple cases to a jury verdict in federal court as a first chair. Abdul began his legal career as a clerk for Judge U.W. Clemon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
Job Titles:
- Office & Program Administrator
Alex joined Family Law CASA in March 2020. She is a Seattle area local and has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Washington in Anthropology of Globalization with a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. She has a background in customer service and retail management and is excited to use that experience to support Family Law CASA's mission to help children. Alex is currently attending a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Antioch University. In her spare time she enjoys crocheting, re-watching Star Trek, reading, and socializing with friends.
Ann-Marie first joined Family Law CASA as an advocate in February 2013 and immediately fell in love with the work. She served the organization as a contract attorney and as an advocate supervisor before becoming the Program Attorney. She went to law school at Gonzaga University, and has been practicing law since 1999. Apart from family law, she has practiced in the areas of bankruptcy law, criminal defense, and also as an estate planning attorney. She loves to spend time with her husband and three children, run marathons, and volunteer for Special Olympics.
Ayanna received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. She has worked for state government for over a decade, working in child support law and policy, then transitioning into broader policy work with state agency executive leadership. She has worked with the Governor's Office and the Office of Financial Management. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Employment Security Department's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, assisting the agency in its transition to pro-equity, anti-racism work, in alignment with the governor's executive orders 22-02 and 22-04.
In her personal life, Ayanna enjoys engaging in community service as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. An avid fan of pop culture, Ayanna enjoys listening to a slew of podcasts and checking out hit shows and documentaries. She lives in Puyallup with her husband, two children, and Great Pyrenees.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Counsel at Amazon
Brad Elias is a corporate counsel at Amazon.com, where he manages a large portfolio of commercial litigation and advises on a variety of complex legal issues. He works closely with many of Seattle's largest law firms, including Perkins Coie, which introduced him to Family Law CASA. Prior to joining Amazon, Brad spent thirteen years as a litigator at O'Melveny & Myers in New York, where he specialized in securities, financial services, and technology disputes. He also maintained an active pro bono practice, with a focus on education and family law, and was honored by the Legal Aid Society on two occasions for his outstanding pro bono service. He is a graduate of New York University School of Law and Georgetown University, where he earned a bachelor of science in finance. He lives in Queen Anne with his wife and two daughters and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities.
Brianna joined the board in 2023. She is a senior manager at Moss Adams LLP's assurance practice. She serves a variety of financial services clients with a focus in public and private financial institutions, along with considerable experience with employee benefit plan audits. She received her Master's of Professional Accountancy from Central Washington University and her undergraduate degree in accounting from Arizona State University where she became a member of Omega Phi Chi multicultural sorority. Brianna lives in West Seattle where she enjoys cooking, staying active outdoors, and traveling.
Bryan joined the board in 2021. As a Managing Director at Pathstone in Bellevue, WA, Bryan is responsible for advising families on a variety of wealth management related topics, including financial planning, investment management, tax planning, risk management, and trust and estate planning. By working closely with his clients' external professional partners, Bryan seeks to integrate these issues into a clearly defined plan and path forward. Prior to joining Pathstone, Bryan acted in a similar capacity as a Managing Director at Cornerstone Advisors. Bryan's career in wealth management also includes over 23 years with TD Ameritrade where he worked directly with clients, and served in leadership, training and strategic business development in multiple capacities. Bryan graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration. In addition to being a Certified Financial Planner TM, Bryan is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), a designation which specially equips him to assist individuals and their attorneys in understanding the complex financial implications of divorce. He serves on the board of the Washington Planned Giving Council. A Pacific Northwest native, Bryan grew up in Seattle developing a love for hiking, climbing, and music. He continues to share these passions with his wife and three children.
Deena Rataezyk joined the board in 2023. She is the Vice President - Marketing and Communications Director at Sound Community Bank. Her focus on outward communication, brand development, and campaign integrations has allowed her to create a holistic marketing team responsible for all aspects of social media, web performance, digital and print advertising, trigger campaigns, and company analytics. Deena works closely with all stakeholders to monitor marketing performance in relation to the bank's strategic goals. Prior to joining Sound Community Bank, Deena spent time at Real Networks and Nightforce Optics, where she furthered her marketing career by learning the ins and outs of marketing SAAS and relationship-based programs. Deena graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Consumer Studies. Her first experience with the Spokane County Courts, in their Diversion Unit, changed her outlook on the needs of the court system and began her 25-plus years of volunteering. In 2015 she was recognized as an Outstanding Advocate for her local public school system. In her free time, Deena enjoys traveling with her husband and three kids.
Deidre has been Executive Director for Family Law CASA since January 2020. She has 24 years of non-profit experience with 20 years in leadership roles at organizations focused on social justice and providing opportunities and access for youth and families from low-income communities. Previous roles include Executive Director of Summer Search's Seattle office, Donor Relations Officer at Washington STEM, Interim ED for the WA Association for Infant Mental Health and Deputy Director for America SCORES Seattle. In 2013, she was named to Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 under 40. Ms. McCormack Martin values and fights for racial equity, systemic change and a vibrant community that cares for all of its members. She holds a BA in history from Santa Clara University and spends her spare time with her three teenage daughters and husband in their community in West Seattle, volunteering with Social Venture Partners Seattle, or camping and hiking in the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Lorna joined the board in 2020. She is an MD and public health specialist and currently works at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She started off her career as a physician in Uganda with the US Embassy and the Mulago National Teaching & Referral Hospital. She has worked with the UN and many non- profit global organizations including CARE, International Youth Foundation and ChildFund International. She was a diplomat prior to relocating to Seattle, working with 26 governments in South East Asia, Africa and South America to advance south to south cooperation for health, population and development. She got her medical and public health education from Makerere University Medical School Uganda; Boston University School of Public Health; UC San Francisco & UC Berkeley. Lorna is most passionate about contributing to achieving dignity and quality of life for especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. Lorna is a Rotarian and member of Seattle Rotary Club 4.
Melanie English, PhD, MSW, joined the board in 2018 and is a licensed clinical psychologist who works as a parenting evaluator and Guardian Ad Litem in private practice focusing on divorce, paternity, modification and adoption cases. Dr. English earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Seattle Pacific University and her dissertation research centered on attachment issues and parental support in parenting plans. She also has a master's degree in social work and worked for King County Superior Court Family Court Services for more than 10 years (and took the CASA training in 1998!). Dr. English has been a frequent speaker for the court, local bar associations, Department of Judicial Administration, National Business Institute, Washington State Correctional facilities and community mental health clinics and is past president of the Washington Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (WA-AFCC). Besides being a part of the CASA board and time with her family and 2 cats, she enjoys trail running, traveling and treasure seeking.
Job Titles:
- Development & Communications Director
Erica joined Family Law CASA in July 2022. She has a background in nonprofit marketing and development through a trauma-informed lens for performing arts and mental health organizations. Erica holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. In her personal time, Erica enjoys cooking and baking, cheering for the Oregon Ducks and pursuing her creative passions.
Gary joined the board of directors in 2020. Gary Sampson, MSW LICSW has a Master's Degree in Social Work, a School Counselor Certification and an Elementary Teaching Credential. He is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an approved social work supervisor. He has worked as both a Director of Social Services and Adoption Social Worker for international adoption agencies as well as a medical social worker for children with disabilities, an elementary school counselor and a primary school teacher for the Renton School District. Gary is married and has two adult daughters, including one adopted from Korea. He is a volunteer guardian ad litem and board member with the Family Law CASA, and also volunteers at the Seattle World School, a public middle and high school for new immigrant students. He serves on the board of directors of Renton Area Youth and Family Services and has been volunteer citizenship tutor with the St. James Citizenship Center.
Hillary joined the board in 2020 and is a family law attorney at the law firm Lasher, Holzapfel, Sperry and Ebberson. She has years of experience litigating complex marital dissolutions and contested parenting matters, including establishing residential schedules and child support, as well as post-decree modifications of parenting plans, child support orders, and relocation actions. Hillary has appeared before courts in Washington State, as well as in the federal and state trial and appellate courts of Virginia and Washington, D.C., where she began her legal career before moving to Seattle in 2013. Hillary lives in Magnolia with her husband, Joaquin, and their two dogs, Molly & Finn. She enjoys travel and outdoor adventures.
Jacqueline Balinbin joined the board in 2023. She is a Senior Vice President and practice leader of the Executive Benefits department at USI Insurance Services. With 20 years in the insurance industry, Jacqueline is committed to employing creative and intentional solutions for common industry shortfalls. Prior to her current role, Jacqueline was responsible for relationship management and business development primarily in the Pacific Northwest. She is a graduate of the University of Wyoming and a past board member of the Children's Trust Foundation (now a part of Children's Home Society). Jacqueline and her family reside on Mercer Island. In her spare time she enjoys exploring local trails with her two puppies, volunteering at her son's school and attending his many athletic endeavors.
Jeffrey joined Family Law CASA in May 2019 as an Advocate Supervisor. He brings with him more than a decade of higher education administration experience. Jeffrey says he is excited to contribute his leadership and mentoring skills to help further our mission in giving a voice to children through advocacy. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biology from Humboldt State University. Today he enjoys hosting dinner parties for friends, and cooking plant-based meals with produce harvested from his garden, along with long urban and walks in nature with his husband Kyle and small dog Molly.
Jean A. Rietschel joined the board in 2022. She was appointed as a judge at King County Superior Court by former Governor Christine Gregoire in 2010. Judge Rietschel received the 2011 Vanguard Award from King County's Washington Women's Lawyers. In 2001 she received the 2001 Seattle Works Award. She was the co- chair of the Best Practices Committee and was the Chief UFC judge prior to retiring in 2019. She has chaired the King County Trial Court Coordinating Committee and the Regional Law Safety and Justice Committee. Prior to her appointment to Superior Court she served as a Judge and as the Presiding Judge in Seattle Municipal Court. As an attorney she worked in her own solo practice, for Institutional Legal Services and for the Public Defender's office. Judge Rietschel received an undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in philosophy and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Relationship Manager at Eisenhower Health
Julie Maloney joined the board in 2023. Julie has over 30 years of Human Resources Leadership experience in a variety of different industries such as Healthcare (Providence-Swedish), Shipyards (Vigor Marine), Glass Manufacturing (Hartung Glass), Wind Energy (Vestas), Transportation (Waste Management), and Distribution (International Paper) located both in the Pacific NW and California. Julie has supported and/or volunteered in various non-profit organizations such as Susan B. Komen Portland, OR; St. Joseph's Center in Venice, CA; Women's Shelter of Holy Rosary Church West Seattle, WA; Desert ARC Foundation Palm Desert, CA to name a few. Julie has a strong interest in CASA Family Law from both a parental perspective from being a Mom and divorced; and from a sibling perspective with a younger brother with Downs Syndrome. Julie is a passionate supporter of under-represented groups who struggle to obtain advocates for their custody cases. Julie is a graduate with her Masters in Counseling Psychology from California State University and her Bachelors in Psychology from University of California Santa Barbara. Julie lives in South Everett with her significant other. She enjoys weight-lifting, avid Seahawks & Cowboys fan, being on the water and spending time in the desert. Julie has an adult son who lives and works in Southwest Washington.
Katherine joined the Board in 2022. She retired as Chief Information Officer at Perkins Coie, a Seattle-based international law firm. At Perkins, she was responsible for world-wide technology and web strategy, document and data management, telecommunications, legal practice tools, and user support. Prior to joining Perkins in 1989, Katherine was founder and Principal at Arcadia Associates Inc. The firm served national and international clients including the Fortune 500, foreign and domestic government agencies, non-profits, professional firms, colleges, labor unions, and small businesses on computer systems as well as with information and records management. She has served on ten non-profit boards, often focusing on policy and governance issues. She currently serves on the Boards of Town Hall, the Seattle International Film Festival, Martha and Mary (a children's and senior care organization in Poulsbo), and the Kitsap Humane Society. Katherine's previous non-profit experience has involved working with under-served children in King County and Cambodia. She is pleased to continue being involved with a mission that engages her professionally and personally.
Job Titles:
- Senior Corporate Counsel at Alaska Airlines
Lanine Lange is a senior corporate counsel at Alaska Airlines since April 2022. Prior to Alaska Airlines, she led negotiations for multibillon dollar deals with customers across the world for the sale of airplanes and services at The Boeing Company for over 14 years. In 2023, Lanine was a coach with Success Cohorts, an organization that provides a place of safety and belonging for early career invidividuals from diverse and historically underrepresented communities and a board member of the College Success Foundation, an organization that provides support to students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders in order to forge a just and equitable society. Lanine has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Washington, and a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration from Seattle University. Lanine was born in Cambodia and immigrated to the United States as a refugee in the early 1980s. Lanine enjoys spending her spare time with her husband and daughter as they travel the world to experience new cultures, cuisine, and arts.
Job Titles:
- Development & Communications Associate
Maggie Nguyen became part of the Family LAW CASA team in January 2024. She moved to the PNW after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Literature, Media, and Communication with concentrations in design and writing from the Georgia Institute of Technology. With prior experience in non-profit and agency work, Maggie strives to utilize digital media and content creation to amplify FLC's mission and values. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys reading, bouldering, playing piano, and being the "meowmy" of a feisty feline trio.
Megan joined the board in 2021. She is a senior manager in PwC's assurance practice, serving clients ranging from early stage startups to pre-IPO and newly public companies to large cap enterprises. She leverages her public accounting experience to provide a variety of professional services to her clients, and has experience in many industries partially driven by living and working in Denver and Boston prior to moving to Seattle. Megan received a BS and MS in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and economics from the University of Colorado and holds an active CPA license in Colorado and Washington. Megan and her husband decided to make Seattle their home, and spend their free time chasing around their young daughter.
Mike Vila joined the board in 2023. He is the Managing Principal of Bellevue Asset Management, the firm which he founded in 2003. The boutique firm with assets of over $300 million focuses on all facets of wealth planning in service to helping high net-worth clients reach their life and financial goals. His educational background includes degrees in Finance and Math from Santa Clara University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Before grad school, Mike worked as financial analyst for Latin America at Chevron International Oil. Postgrad he worked at Deloitte Consulting, the Wall Street Journal, and in the corporate strategy group of PECO Energy. His other recent non-profit work has included serving as President of the Endowment for St. Joseph School, the Parent Leadership Council of Santa Clara University, and as a board member of Mt Baker Housing. He is a proud father of 3 college and post-college children. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, golfing and, in particular, travelling having explored Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Central America and Mexico in the last several years.
Olivia Pimentel joined Family Law CASA in early September of 2022. Olivia graduated from Washington State University in 2020 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She has a background of working within Family Law and is excited to use that experience to support Family Law CASA's mission to advocate and help our community. In her spare time, she likes to read, hike, and try new activities.
Page Perey joined the board in 2023. Her career in education began in 1998 in the Snoqualmie School District where she taught for 9 years. She spent 11 years in middle, elementary school and district leadership in the Issaquah and Kent School Districts. While she has 24 years in education it was not her first career. She spent several years in the hospitality industry at the Hyatt Regency and Club Med and in the non-profit world at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Seattle Works. She is a graduate of Miami University of Oxford, Ohio where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She also holds a Master of Global Management from The Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. She volunteers on the King County Library Foundation's annual gala planning committee and is active in P.E.O. a philanthropic women's organization that provides scholarships and grants for women who are pursuing college and graduate education. She and her husband love to travel and have visited many beautiful destinations from Hawaii and Mexico to China and Taiwan but continue to return to France annually where they love to do self-guided walking and cycling tours. Page always loves returning home to her Peloton. They both grew up in Seattle, met in middle school and currently live in Renton.
Shalyn joined Family Law CASA in January 2024. With a background in fundraising, community relations, and program evaluation, she brings more than a decade of experience in social service organizations to the development team. Shalyn is passionate about sharing the essential advocacy work of Family Law CASA with our community of supporters. Shalyn holds a bachelor's degree in public affairs from Washington State University and a master's degree in public policy from Mills College.
Stacey first came to Family Law CASA as a Volunteer Advocate in January 2019. After 3 years and several compelling cases under her belt, she joined our staff in July 2022, first as an Interim Legal Assistant and now as an Advocate Supervisor. Stacey brings with her over 20 years of legal experience serving varied corporate and government clients, and she consistently volunteered her time serving as pro bono counsel to low-income clients. She received her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. Stacey is enthusiastic to bring her pre-law experience as a history teacher and a social worker to help inform her work at Family Law CASA. Outside of work, Stacey is a passionate reader and tennis enthusiast, and she enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs hiking the trails of Seattle and the PNW.
Terra has over 15 years of sales and client service experience in the technology and media sectors, with a focus on customer engagement solutions. She is currently a Strategic Account Executive at Twilio, a leading cloud communication platform that enables businesses to engage with their customers across any channel. Prior to her work in tech and media, she worked in non-profit and government agencies. She recently completed the Leadership Tomorrow program, which is a community leadership organization that educates, inspires, connects and catalyzes, leaders from across Puget Sound who collaborate for collective impact. She is also currently completing her masters in social work specializing in gerontology.
Tyreese joined Family Law CASA in November 2017 as an Advocate Supervisor. He previously worked as an Advocate Supervisor for Dependency CASA in Texas and has prior experience as a Child Protective Services Investigator. Tyreese's excellent assessment skills and his deep commitment to volunteer advocacy for vulnerable children are evident in his daily interactions with volunteers and families. In his spare time, Tyreese enjoys gaming, movies and spending time with his family.
Job Titles:
- President
- Owner of Veronica Quinonez Law, PLLC
Verónica Quiñónez is the owner of Veronica Quinonez Law, PLLC. She joined the board in 2021. Her practice focuses on providing legal representation and mediation services in the area of family law, including civil protection orders and cases involving issues of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Seattle University School of Law, and her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at El Paso. Verónica is a 2017 graduate of the University of Washington Law School Washington Leadership Institute, a 2021 graduate of the Hispanic National Bar Association's Latina Leadership Academy, and a current Ladder Down fellow. She was an adjunct professor at the University of Washington School of Law in 2018. Veronica was the President of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington from 2018-2019, previously served as LBAW's Immediate Past-President, President-Elect, and the Director of Clinics, and she has also served as Region XVI Deputy President of the Hispanic National Bar Association and Representative of the HNBA Young Lawyer's Division. Verónica enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, and cooking.