Meet the Staff

The LAC has a number of people on staff who are here to assist you. We also have dedicated volunteers who give their time to assist the community.

VALERIE AMBROSE, Executive Director - With over 20 years of human services and hospital senior management experience, Ms. Ambrose joined the staff of the LAC in the summer of 2007. An ordained minister she is committed to equipping and assisting persons who are seeking justice and striving to reach their full potential. Her administrative background and her familiarity with the human service network in west Michigan serve the LAC well as it continues to expand its services and educational programs.

CHRISTINE GILMAN, Staff Attorney - Chris is a graduate of Tulane University Law School and is a certified Civil and Family Mediator. She is very familiar with the issues addressed by the LAC due to her previous service as a respected Legal Aid attorney in western Michigan. In addition to serving patrons of the LAC, she supervises and mentors student volunteers from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Davenport University's paralegal studies program. She also offers community education regarding family law matters and general legal procedures.

NATALIE GUEVARA, Program Administrator - Natalie Guevara proudly joined the LAC in the fall of 2006. She is studying for a Master of Social Work degree and brings with her an extensive knowledge of community resources. Bi-lingual in Spanish, Natalie is a valuable resource for the Spanish-speaking community as they resolve civil court matters. She particularly enjoys the fast pace and the variety of cases addressed by the LAC staff and volunteers.

VICKIE HANNIGAN, Paralegal - Vickie was appointed as a staff member in April 2005 after volunteering since the LAC's inception. Vickie received her Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Davenport University in 2001. Her prior experience includes paralegal work for a family law attorney, as well as extensive community volunteer service. Vickie has become proficient in Spanish to better serve our increasing Latino population.

SHERRI NOSEK, BUSINESS MANAGER - A volunteer since September 2005, Sherri became the LAC's Business Manager in April 2006.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Communications in 1992 from GVSU, and completed a Paralegal Certification program through WOLI in April 2004. 

JOHANNA O'BRIEN, Program Assistant - Now in her final year of paralegal studies at Davenport University, JoHanna first came to the LAC as a student volunteer. She quickly learned the practical application of the legal theories in her coursework and has become a valuable team member. She looks forward to continuing her career in family law and assisting persons in navigating the legal system.