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Our Staff

Meet Brown Immigration Law’s Supporting Staff Members!

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Emeline Armitage:
Case Manager

Emeline Armitage is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio Office. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in 2018 with her Bachelor’s in Spanish Language, International Studies, and Latin American Studies. Prior to joining Brown Immigration in 2020, Emeline interned at the International Office at University Hospitals in Cleveland and worked on local eco-friendly landscaping and gardening projects. Emeline speaks Spanish and would love to learn Portuguese in the future.

Maritza Andrade:
Case Manager

Maritza Andrade is a bilingual Senior Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law with our North Carolina office. Maritza is fluent in Spanish and English. She joined the firm in 2018 and has worked as an immigration paralegal (primarily family-based immigration) since 2009. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Maritza graduated from the UNC Paralegal Certificate program. She also received her Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment have helped clients in navigating through their immigration process.

Gabriela Salgado Durand:
Case Manager

Gabriela Salgado Durand is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law at our Durham, NC office. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and joined our firm in September 2024. Gabriela graduated from Seton Hall University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Diplomacy and International Relations, and two minors in Psychology and Italian. During her time at Seton Hall, Gabriela interned with humanitarian organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and the United Nations, and was a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society of psychology. She is incredibly passionate about utilizing her skillset to help those who need it most.

Sofia Dulcich:
Case Manager

Sofia Dulcich is a Senior Case Manager who joined Brown Immigration Law’s office in Durham, NC in 2019. She completed her Associates degree in Fashion Design in her home country Argentina, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in Business. Fluent in Spanish and English, Sofia leverages her strong customer care and administrative skills to provide comprehensive support to our clients. Her firsthand experience as an immigrant allows her to offer not just professional assistance but also genuine understanding of our client’s challenges and aspirations.

Brian Reyes:
Case Manager

Brian Reyes is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland office. He was born and raised in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Michigan State University, where he majored in International Relations. Before joining Brown Immigration, he was a legal assistant at one of the largest criminal defense law firms in D.C. and also became a certified court interpreter. Born to Salvadoran immigrants, Brian witnessed firsthand how his parents navigated the complexities of immigration law. This experience was the catalyst for his transition from criminal defense work to the field of immigration law. His passion for helping others ensures positive experiences for all who work with him.

Andrea Fernandez:
Case Manager

Andrea Fernandez is a Senior Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law, based in our Orlando, Florida office. Originally from Venezuela, Andrea is fluent in both English and Spanish. Before joining Brown Immigration Law in 2021, Andrea gained valuable experience in a high-volume immigration law firm for two years, and brings over 7 years of combined experience in administrative support, customer service, and case management. As an immigrant herself, Andrea deeply understands the struggles that immigrant families face daily and is passionate about helping guide clients through their immigration processes with care and dedication.

Nelvi Piantino:
Case Manager

Nelvi Piantino is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law, fluent in Spanish and English. She graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in Political Science. Being a first-generation child with immigrant parents, she understands the hardships, challenges and emotions involved in the immigration process. She wants to be help immigrants like her parents navigate their pathway in immigration.

Maria Ramirez Arita:
Case Manager

Maria Ramirez Arita is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Orlando, Florida office. Her fluency in Spanish and English allow her to provide translation and interpretation services, fostering effective communication with clients. Maria is a dedicated legal professional with over 10 years of experience and a strong background in immigration law and case management. With a J.D. from Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, Maria has developed a deep understanding of legal research, document preparation, and client advocacy. Her experience includes positions at several immigration law practices in Daytona Beach and Orlando, Florida as well as a Citizenship Intern position at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) in Boston, Massachusetts, in which she has honed her skills in legal documentation, client relations, and administrative support. Maria is passionate about immigration law and is committed to helping clients navigate complex immigration matters as stress free as possible. She is excited to be a part of Brown Immigration Law and to continue to learn about immigration. And, with a deep sense of empathy for clients looks forward to helping and supporting them throughout their immigration journeys.

Mauricio Ranghi:
Case Manager

Mauricio Ranghi is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law, fluent in Spanish and English. As an immigrant, he understands the challenges clients face. With years of experience in the legal field, Mauricio is organized, detail-oriented, and focused on getting results. He stays on top of immigration law to make sure everything moves forward smoothly for clients.

Gianna Fontela:
Case Manager

Gianna Fontela is a Bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law’s Orlando office. Gianna joined the firm in April of 2024 as an Administrative Assistant and advanced into her role as Case Manager. She is currently studying at the University of Central Florida for her bachelor’s degree in political science with Minors in Legal Studies and Strategic Communications. Her studies provide her with a strong foundation for working with clients on immigration matters. Coming from a family of Cuban immigrants, she is fluent in both English and Spanish. Gianna is most passionate about helping others with their dreams of coming to America.

Everth Chinchilla Corleto:
Case Manager

Everth Chinchilla Corleto serves as a Bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law, where he is dedicated to supporting clients in our Durham, North Carolina office. Originally from Guatemala, Everth’s journey led him to become an U.S. Citizen in 2024. With his expertise as a professional English-Spanish interpreter and translator, he plays a vital role in bridging communication gaps for those navigating the complexities of immigration. Having gone through the immigration process himself, Everth deeply understands the challenges and emotions involved. His personal experience fuels his compassion and commitment to helping others find their path toward a brighter future.

Giulia Rodrigues:
Case Manager

Giulia is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law’s Orlando office, where she is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of immigration law. Having attended law school in Brazil, where she was born and raised, she brings a unique perspective to her work. As an immigrant herself, Giulia understands the challenges other immigrants face and believes that her own experience is one of the keys to providing compassionate and effective support.

Samela Pynas:
Case Manager

Samela Pynas is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Orlando, Florida office. She was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to Florida as a child. Samela received her bachelor’s degree in government with a concentration in political theory and a minor in Religion from Wesleyan University. Samela is fluent in Haitian Creole and has studied French. Samela has worked in a private law firm supporting attorneys on various immigration cases. Samela has also worked for the prosecutor’s office assisting the attorneys in the county court and the felony division. Samela is currently a part-time law student at FAMU College of Law. Samela looks forward to providing excellent support to the attorneys and clients at Brown Immigration Law.

Julia Martynowski:
Case Manager

Julia Martynowski is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio office. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Cleveland State University in 2017. Julia was recognized with an award for Excellence in Spanish by the Department of World Languages at CSU. She gained an interest in immigration law while working at The University of Akron School of Law, where she served as an interpreter and translator for the Immigration & Human Rights Clinic. Julia translated asylum declaration statements and interpreted interviews with native Spanish speaking clients from all over Latin America who were seeking asylum. She is passionate about using her Spanish language skills to help others.

Karina Navarro:
Case Manager

Karina Navarro is a Bilingual Senior Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Durham, North Carolina office. She joined Brown Immigration in 2018. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Karina graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a double major in Psychology and Political Science and is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administration. Prior to working at Brown Immigration Law, Karina was working as a Research Assistant and volunteered as a teacher assistant for ESL. During her employment at Brown Immigration Law, Karina has become well versed in both family and employment-based immigration matters. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and dedication is crucial to the overall success of cases. She is always ready to be of assistance to attorneys and staff alike sharing her knowledge and expertise.

Maritza Zuñiga:
Case Manager

Maritza Zuñiga is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law with our North Carolina office. Maritza joined the firm in March 2018. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Maritza also graduated from the UNC Paralegal Certificate program. She has worked as an immigration paralegal (primarily family-based immigration) for ten years. Maritza is fluent in Spanish and English and has studied French, Italian, and Portuguese.

Kunal Verma:
Case Manager

Kunal Verma is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio Office. He graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus in 2019 with his Bachelor’s in English. Kunal has worked extensively in customer service and can speak Hindi and Punjabi. Being and immigrant himself, Kunal wants to assist other immigrants as they navigate their own immigration matters.

Noelle Baker:
Case Manager

Noelle Baker is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio Office. She graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, where she majored in Communication Studies with concentrations in French and Foreign Affairs and was a member of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society. She can read and write in French and is actively working on her speaking skills. Noelle is a passionate advocate for Humanitarian Rights and has dreams of working in diplomacy. Noelle gained an interest in immigration law after a capstone project where she was able to learn more about different areas of International Law. Prior to joining Brown Immigration, Noelle was the Service Manager for a local restaurant where she was able to enhance her problem-solving skills and apply her communication studies background to aid in the growth of her team. Noelle is excited to learn, help others by using her skills, and adores the challenges that immigration law proposes.

 

Dottie Lake:
Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

Dottie Lake is the administrative assistant at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio office. They spent some time studying Spanish language at the University of Akron before pursuing a career in the medical field. During the pandemic, they developed a desire to help people through working in nursing homes. Now, Dottie has decided they would like to continue to develop their Spanish-speaking skills and has shifted their focus to helping people at Brown Immigration Law.

Victoria Pic:
Administrative Assistant

Victoria is the Administrative Assistant in our office in Columbus, OH. She is from Venezuela and immigrated to the United States in 2016. She speaks both Spanish and English. Victoria is passionate about helping others and learning new skills in order to grow professionally, as well as becoming a better person every day. Victoria is happy to have joined Brown Immigration Law and have the opportunity to gain more knowledge about the immigration process and finds it important that our clients feel supported and welcomed.

Jen Thurau:
Case Manager

Jen is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland Office. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toledo where she majored in Public Health. Jen also has since received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lake Erie College. Jen studied in several South American and Central American countries throughout her young adulthood which ignited her passion for immigration work. She is excited to use her Spanish language skills and be an advocate for her clients. Jen is grateful to be part of the Brown Immigration Law team and deliver high quality services to those seeking support throughout their immigration process.

Raylee Smith:
Case Manager

Raylee Smith is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works out of our Columbus office. She graduated in May 2023 from The Ohio State University with bachelor’s degrees in both Spanish and International Studies. She initially discovered her appreciation for the Spanish language after participating in an exchange program in Madrid, Spain when she was 15. Through her Spanish studies, she gained an interest in immigration law. It has always been her goal to use her Spanish to help others, and she is thrilled to do that at Brown. In her free time, Raylee is an avid concert-goer and loves exploring the Columbus music scene.

Anhelina Fedoriv:
Case Manager

Anhelina is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law working in our Cleveland, Ohio Office. Born and raised in Ukraine, Anhelina is multilingual, with proficiency in Ukrainian, English, and Russian, which allows her to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients. Anhelina’s journey in the field of law began at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, one of Ukraine’s most respected law schools. There, she distinguished herself academically, earning a Bachelor’s Diploma in Law with honors. After graduation, Anhelina gained valuable experience as a legal assistant in an international law firm in Ukraine and was recognized there for her contributions to the United Nations Global Compact Network in Ukraine. As an immigrant herself, Anhelina understands firsthand the challenges that come with immigration issues. This personal experience fuels her empathy for the clients and her dedication to helping them navigate the complexities of immigration law.

Cherlie Colon:
Accounting Specialist

Cherlie Colon is an Accounting Specialist at Brown Immigration Law and works at our Cleveland, Ohio office. Cherlie has over 8 years of customer service experience, data entry and collections. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Roxana Ortiz:
Administrator

Roxana Ortiz is an Administrative Assistant for Brown Immigration Law working in our North Carolina Office. She grew up in Durham, North Carolina and is pursuing her paralegal certificate at Durham Tech Collage. Roxana is fluent in English and Spanish and had acquired more than three years of administrative experience before joining Brown Immigration Law in September 2018.

Sasha Pupovac:
Case Manager

Sasha is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio office. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University, where he double majored in Psychology and Health Science. During his time at Cleveland State University, he was a member of the National Honor Society in Psychology and the Graduate Association for School Psychology. Sasha is fluent in Serbian, Croatian and English.

Sofia Dulcich:
Case Manager

Sofia Dulcich is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law’s office in Raleigh, NC. She is from Argentina and is fluent in Spanish and English. Sofia completed her Associates degree in Sustainable Fashion Design in her home country and made a career change when she moved to the United States in 2015. She has over 3 years of customer care and administrative experience and joined Brown Immigration Law in October 2019. As an immigrant herself, Sofia is eager to assist our clients in their immigration paths.

Ash Mohamed:
Accounting Manager

Ash Mohamed is the Accounting Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works out of our Cleveland, Ohio Office. She has 10 years’ experience in Business and Finance and works toward improving her skill set each day. Prior to joining Brown Immigration in 2021, Ash worked in the healthcare industry. She is happy to now be working in Law and Immigration and is eager to learn. Ash spends her time traveling as much as she can and building her record collection.

Andrea Fernandez:
Administrative Assistant

Andrea Fernandez is an Administrative Assistant at Brown Immigration Law working in our Orlando, Florida office. She grew up in Venezuela and is fluent in both English and Spanish with over 5 years of administrative experience and customer service. Prior to joining Brown Immigration Law in 2021, Andrea worked at a high-volume immigration law office in Orlando for about 2 years before joining the management team of a local business office, gaining substantial experience in the administrative area. Being an immigrant herself, Andrea understands the struggles that immigrant families may face on a day-to-day basis and is eager to keep learning while assisting and helping other immigrants with their own immigration processes.

Maria Dunn:
Bilingual Administrative Assistant

Maria Dunn is a bilingual administrative assistant at Brown Immigration Law, located in Orlando, FL. Originally from Peru, Maria received her bachelor’s degree in hospitality and Tourism and her master’s degree in management currently studying for his Paralegal associate degree at Valencia College, which has provided her with a strong foundation in customer service and organization. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to effectively communicate with clients from diverse backgrounds. Maria is passionate about human rights and helping individuals achieve their dreams of working and living in a new country. Her skills in organization and communication enable her to provide excellent administrative support to the attorneys and clients at Brown Immigration Law.

Jeimy Mejia:
Case Manager

Jeimy Mejia is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Columbus, Ohio office. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Management and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also minored in Social and Economic Justice. Her interest in immigration began early on, during a summer internship at a small family law firm, and then continued throughout, with her first job at a corporate law firm right after graduation. Since then, she has gained experience in employment-based immigration mostly and family immigration. She is excited to work with clients of all backgrounds, continue learning about immigration law, and using her Spanish language skills to help others. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two huskies and traveling to new places.

Cailey Howard:
Case Manager

Cailey Howard is a Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law in our Durham, North Carolina office. She is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where she double majored in Journalism and Political Science and minored in Spanish. Cailey previously worked as a legislative intern at the North Carolina General Assembly and has also spent time volunteering as an ESL Tutor. Her love for speaking the Spanish language, passion for interacting with individuals from all over the globe, and desire to learn more about different types of law led her to Brown Immigration.

Javanna Sharpe: 
Case Manager

Javanna Sharpe is a trilingual case manager at Brown Immigration Law in the Orlando office. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and minors in Portuguese and Spanish Literature and culture at Scripps College. After graduation, she taught English in Madrid and completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Brazil. Growing up in the diverse immigrant community of Orlando and interning at legal nonprofit organizations throughout college are what made her interested in immigration law. She is passionate about using her skills to help and protect the immigrant community.

Sara Pedroza:
Case Manager

Sara Pedroza is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law in our Columbus, Ohio office. Sara received her associate degree in paralegal studies from Miami-Jacobs. Speaking Spanish and helping others has always been important to Sara and she is an enthusiastic member of our team.

Melissa Augustin: 
Case Manager

Melissa Augustin is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration law and works in our Durham, North Carolina office. She received her bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Minor in Pre-Law in from Suny Old Westbury of New York in 2020. She grew up in Long Island, NY and made a career change when she moved to North Carolina. She has over ten years’ worth of customer service and two years’ worth of administrative experience.  As a child of immigrants Melissa is eager to help clients navigate their immigration matters.

Brian Reyes:
Case Manager

Brian Reyes is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio office. Brian is experienced in immigration case matters and provides excellent service to our clients.

Nelvi Piantino:
Case Manager

Nelvi Piantino is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Cleveland, Ohio office. Nelvi is experienced in immigration case matters and provides excellent service to our clients.

Ronald Garcia:
Case Manager

Ronald Garcia is a bilingual Case Manager at Brown Immigration Law and works in our Columbus, Ohio office. Ronald is experienced in immigration case matters and provides excellent service to our clients.