Category Archives: PLS Team

Magdalena Wasnieski – Supervising Attorney

Magdalena Wasnieski Supervising Attorney (518) 694-8699 ext. 2119 mwasnieski@plsny.org Magdalena Wasnieski joined PLS as a law graduate in September 2023. She received her B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Binghamton University and her J.D. from Albany Law School, where she received the Martin H. Belsky Graduation Prize for demonstrating a commitment to public interestContinue reading “Magdalena Wasnieski – Supervising Attorney”

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”

Mary Cipriano-Walter – Pro Bono Director

Mary Cipriano-Walter Pro Bono Director (518) 445-6052 x1110 MWalter@plsny.org Mary joined PLS as a staff attorney in January 2015, became the supervising attorney of the Family Matters Unit in August 2017, and became the Pro Bono Director in March 2022. Before becoming a staff attorney, Mary was a legal intern at PLS from June 2013 throughContinue reading “Mary Cipriano-Walter – Pro Bono Director”

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”

Washburn Martin – Assistant Controller

Washburn Martin Assistant Controller (518) 445-6052 ext. 1119 wmartin@plsny.org Washburn Martin is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New York and a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He received a BBA in Accounting from Siena College. He joined PLS in 2021 as the Assistant Controller. Prior to joining PLS, he worked asContinue reading “Washburn Martin – Assistant Controller”

Gina Andrade – Immigration Paralegal

Gina Andrade Immigration Paralegal (518) 694-8699 ext. 2112 gandrade@plsny.org Gina is currently a graduate student at UAlbany and she will be completing her Master’s in May. She received her bachelor’s degree from UAlbany as well.  This fall Gina will be pursuing her PhD in the Latin American, Caribbean and U.S. Latino Department at UAlbany. SheContinue reading “Gina Andrade – Immigration Paralegal”