CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR LEGAL ADVOCACY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Health Insurance Navigator, Carolinas Medical Legal Partnership
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Amia Braswell serves as Medicaid Ombudsman in the Family Support and Healthcare at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In her role, Amia assists Medicaid beneficiaries and coverage and service and coverage-related issues.
Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Amia completed an internship at Carolinas Care Partnership and worked as a Technology Support Specialist. She now conducts education and outreach on access and usage of Medicaid Health Insurance plans. Amia earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Job Titles:
- Senior Attorney, Program Co - Director
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Fingerprint Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Senior Attorney
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Administration Support Specialist in the Finance and Development Departments
- Administrative Support Specialist
Christine Medina serves as Administration Support Specialist in the Finance and Development departments at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In her role, she audits financial records, completes accounts receivable ledgers, and manages incoming donations, under the supervision of the Chief Finance Officer.
Christine joined the Advocacy Center in October 2022, with a strong background in Customer Service and Accounts Receivable roles. In her leisure time, she likes to travel and spend time with her loved ones.
Christine works at the Advocacy Center because of her love for community and desire to help others. "I feel honored to be a part of such meaningful work and being of service to the community and staff."
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Attorney, Community Empowerment Project
Courtney Viebrock serves as an Attorney in the Community Empowerment Project at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in March 2023, Courtney began her legal career administering research and development of federal government contracts with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. After moving to Charlotte, Courtney transitioned to criminal law, working for the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office for five years. As an Assistant District Attorney, she prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases through all stages in district, juvenile, and superior court while gaining valuable bench and jury trial experience. Most recently, she worked as a civil litigator with a small firm managing a variety of matters including construction defect lawsuits, contract disputes, and summary ejectment actions for both plaintiffs and defendants. Courtney completed a Juris Doctor at the University of Georgia, along with a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University. In her leisure time, Courtney spends time with her husband and children, making ice cream, eating spicy food, and practicing yoga.
Courtney works for the Advocacy Center because she believes legal services should be available to people at all income levels and wants to will that into reality. "It is often those that would benefit most from representation who cannot afford it. I am anxious to put my legal training to use for the population that [The Advocacy Center] serves."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Office Manager
- Receptionist
Cynthia Redfearn works in the Administrative Department of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy as the Office Manager.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in 2013, Cynthia's journey began with Legal Services of Southern Piedmont. She started as a volunteer while attending Central Piedmont Community College for Paralegal Studies and was hired in 1995 as an Intake Eligibility Specialist. Prior to rejoining the Advocacy Center in 2014, she studied in a Health and Human Services Program and worked with Autism Services of Mecklenburg County as a Med Tech. In her free time, Cynthia enjoys gardening and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Outreach Ministry with her church.
Cynthia works for the Advocacy Center because "We help those who are less fortunate and may not understand legal process. [The Advocacy Center] has a strong history of turning around situations for Charlotte residents in need, that may otherwise not be able to see themselves through. I am rewarded by being apart of a process that matters and can potentially change lives."
Job Titles:
- Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Immigrant Justice Corp. Fellow
- Fellow in the Immigration Justice Program
Daniel Andrade serves as an Immigrant Justice Corp. Fellow in the Immigration Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In his role, Daniel addresses the legal needs of unaccompanied migrant children in the region.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in September 2023, Daniel worked at an immigration law office throughout his entire undergraduate and law school studies. He assisted in organizing evidence, reviewed case law, drafted briefs, and communicated with clients. One of his most memorable experiences was helping draft and analyze oral arguments in front of the 2nd Circuit Appeals Court in New York City. He acquired his Juris Doctorate at Hofstra University. In his free time, Daniel enjoys hanging out with his friends and playing video games online.
Daniel serves at the Advocacy Center because he wants to apply his knowledge and experience to address the needs of the immigrant community in the Charlotte area. "I work for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy because serving the migrant community has always been my goal."
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Immigrant Justice Corp. Fellow
- Attorney, Immigration Justice Corps Fellow
Davis Lovvorn serves as an Attorney and Immigration Justice Corps Fellow for the Immigration Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In his role, Davis addresses the legal needs of unaccompanied migrant children as well as others seeking relief within the North Carolina Immigration Court system.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in September in 2023, Davis was a high school Spanish teacher at Julius Chambers High School in Charlotte and was a member of the Graduation Committee and School Leadership Team. Davis graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 2023 with the Faculty Award for Excellence in Immigration Law. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University. Davis stays active in his free time; he is a competitive distance runner. He is also an avid sports fan who can be found cheering for his many sports teams, including but not limited to the Duke Blue Devils, the Tennessee Titans, the Nashville Predators, the Memphis Grizzlies, the New York Mets, and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Davis serves at the Advocacy Center because he wants to make a systemic impact in the lives of our most vulnerable youth, children who are immigrating to the United States. "There is no better place to do this work than at the Advocacy Center. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Atrium Health
Job Titles:
- Grants Manager
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Grants Manager / Marketing & Communications
Doug Gilman is the Grants Manager in the Advancement department at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. He is a liaison between the organization and the investors and is responsible for researching, preparing, submitting, and managing grant proposals/reports that support the organization goals.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in June of 2023, Doug was the Associate Director of Development at Camino from 2021-2023, and his primary responsibility was grants and contracts. During his time at Camino Doug wrote grants that brought in over $10 million in new funding, and was managing over $19 million in active grants and contracts when he left that role.
Prior to 2021, Doug worked for 24 years as a chemistry professor at Louisiana State University and the University of Tennessee. He taught and mentored thousands of students, developed a research program in bioanalytical chemistry, secured grant funding for research and education, published over 40 research articles and book chapters, and took on a wide range of administrative and service roles and tasks over those years. Doug also held a number of volunteer positions with scientific and local nonprofits, including 2 years as the Governing Board Chair (Chief Executive Position) for the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies (FACSS). In 2021 he received the FACSS Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to that organization of more than 15 years.
Doug graduated from Harvey Mudd College, with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Penn State University. In his free time, Doug enjoys hiking, learning about history, thinking about and discussing current events and politics, and watching sci-fi with his wife.
Doug works for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy because "This is career 2.0 for me, and my agenda is simple - I want to leverage my energy, skills, and career experience to serve my community. The Advocacy Center mission and services resonate with me, and I'm excited to do my part. One of the best parts of this job is that I get to serve everybody even though it is often indirect and behind the scenes. While funding isn't our mission, it is necessary to serve our community."
Job Titles:
- Senior Litigation Attorney
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Carolinas Medical - Legal Partnership Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Legal Fellow in the Family Support and Healthcare Unit Department
Emily Johnston serves as a Glickman Legal Fellow in the Family Support and Healthcare Unit department at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In her role, Emily serves public benefits clients, with an emphasis on food security, the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in November 2022, Emily was completing her Juris Doctor at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas. There she participated in the Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, and Housing Clinics. She also served as a Pro Bono Scholar for the Gender Affirmation Project, organizing volunteers, and running clinics helping trans and gender-nonconforming Texans change their legal name and gender markers. During the summer, Emily interned at the Equal Justice Center in Austin, TX and the National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco, CA.
Before law school, she worked at Bronx Legal Services as a Public Benefits and LGBTQ Advocacy Paralegal helping Bronx residents access public benefits like food stamps, Medicaid, TANF and rental assistance. She has her Bachelor's in Arts from Wellesley College. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, painting watercolors, learning about plants and fungi and taking long walks in the woods.
Emily works at the Advocacy Center because she is passionate about serving others and building a more just world. "Helping people access food security, financial assistance and medical coverage makes our communities safer and healthier for us all. It is an honor and privilege to advocate for our clients."
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Immigrant Justice Corp. Fellow
- Attorney, Immigration Justice Corps Fellow
Ezra Rash serves as an Attorney and Immigration Justice Corps Fellow for the Immigration Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In his role, Ezra addresses the legal needs of unaccompanied migrant children as well as others seeking relief within the North Carolina Immigration Court system.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in September 2023, Ezra was a law student at St. John's University in Queens, New York. He participated in the institution's immigration clinic, partnered with Catholic Charities New York. Ezra also interned in the Immigration Unit at Legal Aid Society New York. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Washington. In his leisure time, Ezra enjoys cooking, reading, writing, going on long walks, listening to music, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Ezra serves at the Advocacy Center because he wants to achieve just results for our Immigrant Justice Program clients. "I want to be a strong advocate for the Advocacy Center's clients, to enable them to navigate a complicated and dehumanizing immigration system with dignity."
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Bilingual Paralegal
- Paralegal - Advocate
Hannah Henry is a Bilingual Paralegal-Advocate for the Immigrant Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Hannah conducts legal orientations for sponsors of unaccompanied children.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in August 2022, Hannah was working abroad as an English Teaching Assistant in Spain. Hannah graduated from UNC Wilmington with a B.A. in Spanish and International Studies. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, pickle-ball, card games, watching films, and traveling.
Hannah works for the Advocacy Center because of her desire to positively impact the lives of low-income families. "I am passionate about helping others and want to make a positive impact on the community."
Isaac Ybarra is a Staff Attorney at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in the Immigrant Justice Program.
Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy in April of 2023, Isaac interned at the Elon Humanitarian Immigration Clinic where he worked on removal defense, helping underprivileged communities obtain immigration relief. He graduated with a J.D. from Elon University School of Law in December 2022.
In his free time, Isaac enjoys to play video games, workout, play soccer, and watch movies & TV. Isaac decided to work for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: "because of the vast experience that I believed I could obtain here. I also love the mission that Advocacy Center strives for and I believe that working here I can have a significant impact on the community."
Isabel Espinosa serves as a Paralegal-Advocate for the Immigration Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Among her duties, she provides legal orientation to clients, fingerprints clients, assists clients in the pro bono room, assists with asylum cases, drafts documents requested by attorneys, and prepares asylum applications.
In Cuba, her native country, she graduated as a Piano instructor from the National School of Music and went on to complete 4 years in the Socio-Cultural Studies Program at Havana University. After immigrating to the United States, Isabel joined the Advocacy Center in August 2022. She is expected to acquire an Associate degree in Paralegal Technology from Durham Tech Community College. Beyond her role at the Advocacy Center, she volunteers with Operation Gratitude by making handmade bandanas for deployed troops. In her leisure time, she enjoys mountain biking, going hiking with her dogs and family, listening to music, reading, and loom knitting.
Isabel works for the Advocacy Center because her role gives her the opportunity to help the most vulnerable people: immigrants. "In my job, I can also share my experiences and knowledge with the Hispanic Community and show them the myriad of opportunities they can have in this country."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal - Advocate
Jamirah Williams-Johnson is a paralegal-advocate for the Family Support and Health Care program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She serves individuals and families.
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Veterans Legal Services Project
- Managing Attorney, Community Empowerment Project
Janon Harris is an attorney at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in the Community Empowerment Project.
Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Harris attended North Carolina Central University School of Law where she worked with the school's mediation clinic and interned with the North Carolina Justice Center where she worked on immigration and fair housing issues. After successfully advising clients on housing and immigration issues, Harris now advises veterans on discharge upgrade claims, VA benefits issues, and public benefit eligibility. Holmes earned her B.A. in Sociology from Winthrop University.
"I work for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy to advocate for those that have difficulty advocating for themselves. I enjoy helping people work toward financial stability to combat poverty and homelessness. From personal experience, I know what it is like to be financially unstable and have no where to turn for help. By working for the Advocacy Center, I can be a source of help for others."
Job Titles:
- Chief People Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Julia Lanham is the Chief People Officer at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She promotes and implements human resources values through the successful execution of role responsibilities, creativity, and management of human resources programs.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in May of 2023, Julia worked as Human Resources Manager for a global think-tank. The work focused on making the financial argument to eradicate fossil fuels and eliminate environmental racism.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Science from Christopher Newport University in Business Management. She received her Master of Science from Pfeiffer University in Leadership and Organizational Change. She has an HRCI Certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR). In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, working in the earth, growing plants/flowers, and traveling.
Julia understands the link between business success and healthy inclusive work environments. A human capital expert with experience in diverse organization types, utilizing career expertise to ensure the world of work is collaborative, engaging, and high achieving.
Her philosophy regarding work is simple, seek first to understand, then to be understood. Julia is a firm believer that workplace success is attributable to understanding people and addressing their needs to ensure that all team members have the resources, training, and support necessary to be successful in their roles.
Job Titles:
- Senior Attorney, Public Benefits Legal Unit Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Chief Legal Affairs Officer / Director and Attorney, Consumer Protection Program
- Chief Legal Affairs Officer and Director of the Consumer Protection Program
- Chief Legal Affairs Officer, Senior Attorney, Consumer Protection Program Director
Kara Fisher Moskowitz is Chief Legal Affairs Officer and Director of the Consumer Protection Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.
Moskowitz joined Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy in 2012. She has been licensed as an attorney since 1989 with most of her career devoted to public interest legal work with various non-profit law firms. She moved with her family to Charlotte from Atlanta in 2012, where she had been working as a senior attorney with Atlanta Legal Aid from 2003 to May 2012, handling a wide range of consumer, bankruptcy, unemployment insurance, family, juvenile, foreclosure and housing cases. She earned her J.D. degree from Wake Forest University and her B.A. degree in English and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, during which time she was president of the university's oldest student organization, the Dialectic and Philanthropic Societies. Moskowitz began her legal career as a staff attorney with Central Carolina Legal Services (now the Greensboro office of Legal Aid of N.C.) in 1989 representing domestic violence clients in court and speaking to various law enforcement agencies about domestic violence and other family law related legal issues. In 1993, Moskowitz opened her own firm in High Point, N.C., handling a variety of civil and criminal defense matters. She was a staff attorney at Central Arkansas Legal Services from 1997 to 2002, representing clients in consumer cases and family law matters. She is a member of the North Carolina and Georgia Bars and an inactive member of Arkansas Bar.
Growing up spending her summers in the office of her general practice attorney father in Eastern North Carolina, she has always had an interest in law. During Moskowitz's tenure in Little Rock, she was board president for the battered women's shelter for three years and spearheaded the effort to buy a new, larger shelter for the residents. She started the Bankruptcy Project while at Atlanta Legal Aid, training new attorneys in bankruptcy law and enabling Atlanta Legal Aid to meet the needs of low-income debtors. Moskowitz passionately believes that a truly democratic society must have a judicial system that allows access to all people, no matter their income, and that everyone is entitled to their day in court. She is proud to have devoted most of her career to public interest law and fighting the good fight for the most vulnerable people in our society. Her family includes her husband, David; three daughters; two dogs and an orange cat.
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Immigrant Justice Corp. Fellow
- Attorney, Immigration Justice Corps Fellow
Karla Manzanares serves as an Attorney and Immigration Justice Corps Fellow for the Immigration Justice Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in September 2023, Karla was completing her Juris Doctorate from Washington College of Law. She graduated Cum Laude of her class. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Berry College. Where she also graduated Cum Laude. During her time in graduate school, Karla interned and externed with institutions such as Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia's Housing Unit, New York Legal Assistance Group's Immigration Protection Unit, and Washington College of Law's Immigrant Justice Clinic. Karla is credited with a Published Comment in the American University Law Review; Entitled "Inherently Coercive Entry: ICE's Use of Constitutional Ruses." In her leisure time, Karla enjoys reading and watching television. She also loves exploring the city of Charlotte and trying all the amazing restaurants in Uptown.
Karla serves at the Advocacy Center because she is passionate about immigration issues. "My own family's successful process through the immigration system has allowed me to reach where I am and inspires my commitment to advocating for the immigrant population."
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
Kelly Lynn serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She leads the marketing department and is responsible for implementing and managing an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of the Advocacy Center and to strengthen the Advocacy Center's brand across key stakeholder audiences.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in October of 2023, Kelly spent four years as the New Business Developer at SPARK Strategic Ideas, a strategic branding agency. Previously, she spent 15 years doing marketing and fundraising for human services nonprofits (Director of Development at Supportive Housing Communities, Director of Development at Charlotte Family Housing and Marketing/Development Associate at Youth Homes), along with serving a few years as the Chair/Vice Chair of the Homeless Services Network of Mecklenburg County. She also spent five years as the Marketing Program Manager for BOLTGROUP and two years as an Account Coordinator for Carolina Public Relations/Marketing.
Kelly received a B.A. degree in Communications (public relations concentration, sociology minor) from Virginia Tech, along with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University's continuing education program. She received certification for Mastering Sales from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive designation from CFRE International. She is also a proud alum of Leadership Charlotte (Class XXXI).
Kelly volunteers as the Advisory Board Chair for the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter at Virginia Tech. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with family/friends and watching sports.
Kelly works at the Advocacy Center because she believes strongly in social justice, and she wants to communicate and advocate for those who do not always have a loud voice in our community so they can be heard and understood and ultimately achieve desired results.
Job Titles:
- Staff Attorney
- Supervising Attorney
Kiara Vega is a staff attorney at the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in the Immigrant Justice Program.
Vega is the daughter of a first-generation immigrant family. Vega's upbringings inspired her to attend law school. Vega attended Charlotte School of Law and has been a licensed attorney in North Carolina since 2019. Before joining the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Vega was employed at the Immigration Project, a non-profit in Illinois, as an immigration attorney. Vega zealously represented clients both in Immigration Court and with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Vega's legal practice is centered on serving clients with a wide range of immigration and family law matters. Vega works for the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy because of her desire to ardently advocate for and meet the legal needs of immigrants in our community. Vega's hobbies outside of the office include exercising, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Kierra Hannon serves as Medicaid Ombudsman in the Family Support and Health Care Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She assists North Carolinian Medicaid beneficiaries.
Before joining the Medicaid Ombudsman team, Kierra served as a Human Resources Specialist and a Support Specialist in the Family Support and Health Care Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In these roles, she respectively provided administrative assistance for human resources processes and supported the Veterans Legal Services, Ombudsman, and Navigator programs. Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in July 2022, Kierra had experience working with non-profit organizations and community outreach programs. This experience spanned included organizations, such as Crisis Assistance Ministries, Community Empowerment Center, TPWC, and Joshua Education Center.
Kierra attended the Western Carolina University where she earned a double Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Business Administration. Kierra love volunteering at her church-she serves on the administrative team at Tabernacle of Praise Worship Center, as a young adult leader. In her free time, Kierra enjoys spending time with her loved ones, exploring food spots, and creating art and significant memories.
Kierra works for the Advocacy Center because of her passion for reaching marginalized and overlooked communities. "I am an advocate for justice, and the Advocacy Center's slogan, ‘Justice Lives Here' resonated with me. I love person-to-person ministry, and I feel like this is a wonderful place to share in that."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Staff Accountant
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Paralegal - Advocate / Development
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Chief Financial Officer / Administration
- Chief Financial Officer in the Administration Department
Lori Wrenn serves as Chief Financial Officer in the Administration department at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. In her role, Lori is responsible for managing the organization's financial resources and allocating them most efficiently.
Throughout her career, Lori has held financial management positions in a variety of settings, including higher education and the financial services industry. Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in February 2023, Lori was the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration at her alma mater, Wake Forest University. In this role, she was part of the founding team for the newly launched School of Professional Studies. Lori holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking in the mountains, spending time at the beach, and practicing yoga.
Lori works at the Advocacy Center because she is most fulfilled when working with mission-based organizations and the mission of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy "to pursue justice for those in need" resonates with her deeply. "I have a deep appreciation for organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for members of our community, and I am excited to be able to contribute to this amazing work."
Maya Barnhart serves as Paralegal-Advocate in the Veterans Legal Services Unit at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in March 2023, Maya served as a Title Support Specialist working in the Foreclosure/Bankruptcy department at McMichael Taylor and Gray, LLC. Prior to this experience, she completed the Paralegal PACE Searight Program at Gardner-Webb University. In addition to this certification, Maya has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Human Rights Studies from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. In her leisure time, Maya enjoys live music, hiking, photography, and practicing yoga. She is also a member of UNC Asheville's Black Student Union Volunteer at Asheville for Justice, a mutual aid organization.
Maya works for the Advocacy Center because of her passion for cultivating community and providing help where she can. "I feel most fulfilled when I am in spaces where I can make an impact whether it is big or small. I see that [the Advocacy Center] is rooted in this type of work, and I am eager to learn new ways in which I can give back to my community and provide assistance to those that need it!"
Morgan Carter serves as a Tax Clinic Fellow in the North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She assists attorneys in the Legal Services for the Elderly and Tax departments, with federal and state tax controversy casework as well as assisting seniors with simple estate planning needs.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in April 2023, Morgan worked with seniors coordinating all aspects of the often-stressful transition from their homes into a senior living facility. She has over ten years of experience in the senior living/care industry. Also, she has experience in healthcare revenue cycle management, reconciling insurance claims, and payments, and monitoring payor rules to ensure compliance. Morgan has a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Queens University of Charlotte and a Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Morgan works for the Advocacy Center because she wants to improve the financial security of the community. "I work for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy to improve financial security and preserve generational wealth in the communities we serve."
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
- Member of the Leadership Team
Natalia Bender is the Communications Specialist on our Marketing & Communications team at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She is responsible for internal and external communications, as well as cultivating positive relationships with our local media.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in April of 2023, Natalia served as an American Red Cross volunteer in the Regional Communications and Public Affairs department of the Greater Carolina's. Prior to the Red Cross, Natalia was a Lead Corporate Communications Specialist for Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga in Santander, Colombia. She graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, with a bachelor's degree in Communication and a focus on Corporate Communication. In her spare time, Natalia enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new cultures, traveling the world and watching sunsets.
Natalia works for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy because she is passionate about helping those in need and sharing her knowledge of communicating in an effective way. "Being a Latina who speaks English and Spanish allows me to better understand the diverse realities we live in through different lenses to reach a wider audience."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate
- Paralegal - Advocate, Health Insurance Navigator
Natalie Douglas serves as Paralegal-Advocate and Health Insurance Navigator in the Family Support and Health Care Program Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She advises individuals in Mecklenburg, Union, and Cabarrus counties to help them access health care and other benefits that may be available to them.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in September 2022, she worked as a Regional Organizing Director with NextGen America, where she led a team of community organizers to engage and educate voters across North Carolina. In her time with NextGen America, she managed a team of 250 volunteers that helped the team make connections with more than 100,000 voters across North Carolina. Graduating from UNC Charlotte, she acquired a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and Sociology, and a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. Outside her work for the Advocacy Center, Natalie volunteers with Reading Partners, helping young students strengthen their literacy skills. Also, she volunteers with NOW: National Organization for Women and Planned Parenthood. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son, cooking for friends, and climbing.
Natalie Douglas works for the Advocacy Center because she believes direct service is vital to building and sustaining community. "It took a lot of people to help get me where I am today, and I want to return the generosity of my community by being a resource for the most in need and often overlooked in our city."
Natalie Hetrick serves as Medicaid Ombudsman in the Family Support and Health Care Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She assists people from low-income backgrounds and households who are eligible for Medicaid, have questions concerning Medicaid enrollment, or are experiencing issues involving their health insurance.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in February 2023, Natalie had experience serving the public. She served as a Senior Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Physical Therapist Assistant in the Greater Charlotte Area, and Injury Prevention with the State of North Carolina. Along with this impressive record, Natalie has a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University, a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and an Associate of Applied Science from Central Piedmont Community College. Natalie listens to audiobooks and podcasts while knitting and gardening in her leisure time.
Natalie works for the Advocacy Center because she enjoys engaging with our clients and empowering them with resources to better their situation. "I am honored to work at such an amazing organization that champions for those in our community that have experienced injustice."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate and Health Insurance Navigator Unit Manager
- Paralegal - Advocate, Health Insurance Navigator Unit Manager
Natalie Marles serves as Paralegal-Advocate and Health Insurance Navigator Unit Manager in the Family Support and Health Care Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Under the Navigator Program, Natalie and the Navigator team advise our clients that need assistance understanding the health care system in North Carolina.
Prior to joining the Advocacy Center in July 2016, Natalie served as an intern at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, working with the Family Court Administration. She also interned with the Union County Sheriff's Office and served as a volunteer with Guardian Ad Litem for two years. She received her paralegal certification from Charlotte School of Law and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from ECPI University. Beyond her role at the Advocacy Center, Natalee volunteers on the board of directors for the Family Selection Committee Habitat for Humanity - Cabarrus, among other organizations. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and getting to know new cultures and foods.
Natalie works at the Advocacy Center because her previous experience as an immigrant acclimating to a new country, inspires her to helps those of a similar background. "As a Latina and Immigrant, I had to pass through a lot of obstacles and learn to navigate a new country. I love working for people that are experiencing the same issues, and every day they are only looking to learn and succeed to offer a better life quality to their families."
Nicholas Parr is an Attorney at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in the Family Support and Health Care Program.
Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Mr. Parr worked 6 years as a Legal Aid Attorney in upstate New York and 5 years at a private law firm in New Jersey. Mr. Parr now helps people who are trying to obtain or keep Social Security Benefits and Medicaid.
Mr. Parr has an MA in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh, and a JD from the Rutgers School of Law - Newark.
He believes in CCLA's mission of providing legal representation to those who could not otherwise afford it, and ensuring that his clients receive the financial and medical support that they need.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Chief Advancement Officer
Job Titles:
- Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Paralegal Unit Manager, U.S. DOJ Fully Accredited Representative
Sabrina Gamero is a Staff Attorney at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in the Immigrant Justice Program. She serves immigrants and domestic abuse survivors/victims.
Before joining Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy in June of 2023, Sabrina was an Assistant Public Defender at the Gaston County Public Defender's Office representing indigent clients in District and Superior Court, handling general misdemeanors, Traffic Court, and Juvenile Court. She also handled Class G-I felony cases, and Probation Violations. She served as a Public Defender Representative for Gaston County Recovery Court, seeking alternatives to prison for those experiencing addiction by promoting treatment options in exchange for the dismissal of pending charges.
Sabrina graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women's Gender Studies and a Juris Doctor from their school of Law.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking Peruvian food, watching all sports (especially UNC), walking on the greenway with her partner and their dog Luna. Sabrina loves working for the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: "I was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and a product of my community. I am also the child of immigrant parents, who traveled across the world to afford me a better life. I cannot think of more rewarding work than providing necessary legal services to this vulnerable group of people and affording them the opportunities I had growing up."
Job Titles:
- Attorney, NC Medicaid Ombudsman Unit Manager
Sarah McIntyre is an attorney and NC Medicaid Ombudsman Unit Manager at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in Family Support & Health Care.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in March of 2021, McIntyre earned her Bachelor's of Science in Health Care Management at Juris Doctor Elon University School of Law in 2020. In her free time, Sarah enjoys exploring Charlotte and spending time with her mini schnauzer.
Sarah loves working for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: "It's always been my desire to serve others and help them access healthcare, in my roles at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy and the NC Medicaid Ombudsman I have the opportunity to do just that."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Administrative Support Specialist for the Family Support and Health Care Program
- Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
Shaylea Rice is the Administrative Support Specialist for the Family Support and Health Care Program at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. She supports the program staff and their clients.
Before joining CCLA in October of 2023, Shaylea was a Financial Crimes Specialist where she investigated and conducted reports on individual and business accounts which were flagged for suspicious behavior. She graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Criminal Justice, along with a Legal Studies minor.
Shaylea is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, a prestigious organization that stands on the principles of scholarship and service, and she has volunteered for toiletry and food drives. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, shopping and working out.
Shaylea loves working for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy because "I have a passion for helping people and want to help make a difference in my community by helping to fight systematic barriers."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal - Advocate, Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Attorney, Program Co - Director
- Senior Attorney, Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
Soreé Finley is an attorney in Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy's Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, where she represents taxpayers before the IRS.
Finley received her J.D. degree from Syracuse University School of Law, her B.A. in social work cum laude from Grambling State University and her M.S.W. in community organization from University of Michigan.
Finley has always been interested in public service and has worked with nonprofits for most of her professional career. She is a volunteer on Carolina's Care Partnership's Board of Director's Governance Committee and is active with the Mecklenburg County Bar. Finley is a graduate of the Mecklenburg County Bar's Bar Leadership Institute and Community Building Initiative's Leaders Under 40.
Job Titles:
- Health Insurance Navigator
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Ex Officio Board
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Ex Officio Board Members
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Executive Assistant / Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Pro Bono Unit
Victoria Jimenez is an attorney at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy working in Family Support and Health Care. Ms. Jimenez helps people with Medicaid to get answers, get connected to other resources, and assist with appeals/grievances related to transition to managed care.
Ms. Jimenez earned her Juris Doctorate from Elon University School of Law. "I work for Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy to help lead to a greater sense of social equality in healthcare."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Administrative Services Specialist
Yolanda Arratia works in the Administrative Department of Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy as Administrative Services Specialist.
Before joining the Advocacy Center in May of 2022, Yolanda worked as a Childcare Teacher and interned with Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Arratia earned her Associates of Human Services Technology degree from Central Piedmont Community College. She volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe church. In her free time, Yolanda enjoys reading and walking.
Yolanda loves working for the Advocacy Center: "I like to help people and I want to learn more about resources available for them."