Theresa Kearsing – Legal Secretary

Theresa Kearsing Legal Secretary (518) 438-8046 ext. 1100 tkearsing@plsny.org Theresa has worked at various law firms in Albany, as well as Albany Law School’s Justice Center and the New York State Court of Claims recently. She is excited to bring her legal experience to PLS, where she looks forward to assisting in the ongoing needsContinue reading “Theresa Kearsing – Legal Secretary”

Noelle Dutch – Paralegal/Legal Secretary

Noelle Dutch Paralegal/Legal Secretary (518) 438-8046 ext. 1102 ndutch@plsny.org Noelle started at PLS as a legal secretary in 2024, following a year of experience as a cook in local restaurants. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in history. During Noelle’s time in Binghamton, she charteredContinue reading “Noelle Dutch – Paralegal/Legal Secretary”

Melissa Dunn – Human Resources Director

Melissa Dunn Human Resources Director (518) 445-6052 ext. 1117 mdunn@plsny.org Melissa has over 25 years of human resource and organizational leadership experience. A graduate of SUNY Albany, Melissa has experience in policy development, compliance, payroll, benefits, recruiting, and performance. She has created and conducted employee training programs related to EEO, harassment, diversity and motivation. ForContinue reading “Melissa Dunn – Human Resources Director”

Landmark Decision by US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Ensuring all protections under IDEA remain with the students after the age of 18-21

Disability Rights New York (DRNY), together with Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) received a groundbreaking decision from the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recognizing that young adults with disabilities can enforce their own special education rights.

Emma Thorp – PREP Social Worker

Emma Thorp PREP Social Worker 518-859-6810 ethorp@plsny.org Emma received her Masters of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St Louis in May of 2023 and joined Prisoner’s Legal Services immediately after graduating. She is based out of the PREP office in Brooklyn. Emma is passionate about legal advocacy and empowering individualsContinue reading “Emma Thorp – PREP Social Worker”