The most rewarding aspect of my work is being able to save a client’s home from foreclosure, as for most Americans their home is not only serving a basic need of housing their family, but is also their most valuable asset. However, on a more basic level, in my first meeting with a new client, I am usually able to dispel a lot of their fears about the foreclosure process simply by empowering them with information about their rights and the process of foreclosure in New York State. When I have been able to do so effectively, clients leave my office much happier than when they entered because I have been able relieve some portion of the mental and emotional burden that comes along with the foreclosure process and empowered them with knowledge in place of fear.

Working at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley allows me to fight to protect the legal rights and interests of individuals in our community who are in crisis and in need of legal assistance to ensure they and their families are safe and protected from violence.  Often, my clients face difficult challenges and disparate treatment in the legal systems they encounter. I am honored to fight to protect the legal interests of individuals in my community and to work alongside colleagues at Legal Services who share in this mission

“As the Chief Program Officer, I am inspired by the incredible intelligence, determination, and compassion of the staff who choose to dedicate their professions to achieving justice for all.  Their tenacious advocacy on behalf of clients motivates me to fight for funding and other resources so that they can continue to provide the highest quality legal services to those most in need.”

I love working at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. The whole organization works collaboratively with one another in all our various legal specialties. I am grateful to work in my Yonkers office with my clients in the housing unit.  I feel my work is impactful and important and my clients are wonderful people who might have come upon a roadblock that put them in a compromised position with their housing. When I am able to save their housing or help them with bad conditions, or assist in their transfer of their Section 8 voucher to a better apartment, I remind myself how lucky I am to be working here.  There is no better moment in my job than watching the look on my client’s face turn from concern or anxiety to happiness and peace. And to know that I helped make that moment happen is what makes me love my job.

I treasure the opportunity to work with colleagues whom I respect and admire.  It is an honor to work at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.  With every court appearance, every client meeting, every negotiation with opposing counsel, every brief I submit to the Department of Veterans Affairs, I take great pride in promoting justice, leveling the playing field for our clients and advocating with every fiber of my being for our clients.

I’m a domestic violence paralegal so naturally Family Law is my favorite practice area and where I feel most comfortable and knowledgeable.  I assist the domestic violence attorney with Custody and Visitation, Family Offenses, Support and Housing matters. I personally feel that the most relevant and supportive part of my job is to back up the attorney by calendaring and making sure we adhere to deadlines and court appearances. Equally relevant is staying in contact with the clients on behalf of the attorney when she is inundated. Our clients are usually in abusive precarious situations so lending an extra ear or just listening to them vent or cry makes a world of a difference. My favorite aspect of my job is being able to share what I do for a living and who I work for.

My favorite practice area is of course, housing! Shelter is one of the most fundamental needs of every person and I find the work we do in my practice area very fulfilling. I am humbled and grateful when a client appreciates the work we do on their behalf especially during these turbulent times.