The Propel Team

Heather Gardner is the Founder and CEO of Propel Paralegal Services, the nation's first elite virtual paralegal team specializing in bankruptcy. Since founding Propel in 2021, she has grown the company nearly 15X, building a nationally recognized practice that gives bankruptcy attorneys across the United States access to senior-level paralegal support on demand.

An active voice in the paralegal profession, Heather serves on the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Ethics Board and the Maryland State Bar Association's Paralegal Task Force. She is a sought-after speaker on topics including the evolving role of the paralegal, virtual practice, and adapting to change in the legal industry, and has delivered keynote presentations at national paralegal conferences. She has also volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSF.

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Heather's career spans nearly every corner of legal practice, including bankruptcy, estate planning, personal injury, business law, real estate, and civil litigation. That breadth, combined with her experience in small firms, large firms, and as a freelance paralegal, gave her a clear view of the gap in the market that Propel was built to fill.

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Outside of her professional life, Heather is an avid traveler, reader, and documentary enthusiast with a particular interest in staying current on bankruptcy analytics and trends. She treasures her time with family, including her children, grandchildren, and two cats.

Alicia Rispoli is a dedicated Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal with more than 18 years of experience in the legal field. She joined the Propel team in 2021 and quickly became a vital team member. Alicia is the Bankruptcy Manager for Propel Paralegal Services.

Alicia's extensive experience and remarkable multi-tasking capabilities make her an invaluable resource to both the Propel team and the attorneys privileged to work with her. Over the years, she has collaborated with attorneys on intricate, high-stakes bankruptcy cases, consistently demonstrating her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.

Her expertise lies in reviewing, assessing, and analyzing complex cases, ensuring that every firm utilizing her talents benefits from her keen insight. Alicia has efficiently managed all direct support tasks, including preparing and reviewing complex bankruptcy matters and case management.

In addition to her bankruptcy expertise, Alicia holds a certification in Electronic Health Records. Born and raised in New Jersey, Alicia enjoys spending quality time with her husband, their beloved boxer Zoe, family and friends.

Danielle is a dedicated legal professional passionate about bankruptcy law and assisting those in need. She began her career in 2018, joining the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office in the Consumer Protection division after completing her Bachelor's in Political Science and Sociology from Pennsylvania State University. Eager to broaden her expertise, Danielle transitioned into private practice, expanding her skills and knowledge.

In 2022, Danielle earned her Master's in Legal Studies with a Public Law & Policy concentration from the prestigious Northeastern University School of Law. She joined the Propel team in early 2022, bringing her wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. 

Outside of her work in the legal industry, Danielle enjoys reading captivating novels, taking memorable vacations and cherishing quality time with her family and friends. Her interests and professional accomplishments make her a valuable asset to the Propel team and the clients she serves.

Meet Beth, an experienced bankruptcy paralegal with a passion for the law that started when she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the prestigious University of South Carolina Honors College in 1998. 

With over two decades of experience in bankruptcy, Beth has worked on both the debtor and creditor sides and directly for a mortgage servicing company. Her diverse background has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape of bankruptcy.

Beth's interests don't stop at the law. She has also lived abroad in the UK and Japan, giving her a unique perspective on different cultures and legal systems. When she's not working, you can find Beth traveling to new places, getting lost in a good book, indulging in science fiction or spending quality time with her husband and two children.

Beth's experience and passion for the law make her an invaluable asset to any legal team. Her ability to navigate the complexities of bankruptcy law and her unique perspective on the world make her a paralegal who stands out from the crowd. 

With over 15 years of experience in bankruptcy and mortgage loan default operations, Jenny Clary is a seasoned bankruptcy paralegal with exceptional proficiency in navigating complex financial and legal processes. Her deep industry knowledge and sharp analytical mindset allow her to provide strategic support and efficient solutions.

Jenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Thomas Edison State University (Class of 2021) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of Phoenix (Class of 2014). Her diverse educational background equips her with a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic management skills.

Bilingual in Spanish, Jenny excels in process management, data management, report generation, and problem-solving. She ensures seamless operations and client-focused solutions. Her commitment to excellence and attention to detail make her a valuable asset to our team.

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In her personal time, Jenny loves to be with her family and explore new places through travel. She's passionate about the beach, hiking, and has recently developed a love for sourdough baking.  

Donna Mooney, a Senior Legal Assistant at Propel, brings a wealth of experience from her extensive legal career beginning in 2006. Specializing in bankruptcy and family law, Donna's educational journey took her through Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University. Her path diverged into IT as a networking analyst, honing skills later enriching her legal expertise. Donna's passion for the legal field led her to a role as a bankruptcy paralegal, after which she embraced the flexibility of self-employment as a contract mortgage closer for 16 years, skillfully balancing her professional and family life.

Donna's multifaceted career infuses the Propel team with invaluable skills, from customer service excellence and advanced organizational abilities to adept research and case management. Known for her dedication and discipline, Donna excels in tackling new challenges and nurturing enduring client relationships.

Outside of her professional realm, Donna cherishes family time, adventures with friends, and moments with her cherished Labradoodle. An avid reader and writer, she's always exploring new knowledge. Her hobbies include camping, cruising the river on her tri-toon, and embracing the thrill of downhill skiing. Donna's diverse interests and commitment to excellence make her an integral part of the Propel team.

With an impressive 26-year tenure in the paralegal field, Sheri Waymouth brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Propel Paralegal Services. Her journey in law began in private practice, where she developed a strong foundation specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and probate. Sheri's expertise further extends to areas of criminal law, family law, and workers' compensation, showcasing her versatility and depth of understanding in various legal realms.

In her recent endeavors, Sheri has honed her skills in Real Estate law, Corporate Law, and Risk Management. These roles have not only expanded her legal acumen but also enhanced her ability to manage complex, multifaceted cases.

Academically, Sheri's background is equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science/Pre-Law from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College, coupled with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from the National Institute for Paralegal Arts and Sciences. Her educational journey underscores her commitment to the field and dedication to continual learning.

As a member of NALA Paralegal Associates, Sheri remains at the forefront of the latest developments and best practices within the paralegal community.

Outside the office, Sheri's life is just as dynamic. Married and passionate about the outdoors, she dedicates her spare time to her horses and barrel racing on weekends. This blend of professional dedication and personal passion makes Sheri a unique and valued member of the Propel Paralegal Services team.

With over two decades of experience in bankruptcy and civil litigation, Lacrista brings an impressive depth of knowledge and efficiency to Propel’s legal support team. Her career spans hands-on roles in both consumer and corporate cases, including complex casework, adversary proceedings, and trustee reporting. She has worked in firms nationwide, managing high-volume caseloads and supporting attorneys in fast-paced environments.

Lacrista is fluent in bankruptcy, and she's known for her meticulous e-filing skills, detailed preparation of court pleadings and exhibits, and her ability to navigate both federal and state court systems seamlessly. Lacrista also brings unique experience in public-facing communications, having prepared press releases and website content for prior firms.

Beyond her technical expertise, Lacrista’s dedication to client communication and court coordination helps ensure smooth proceedings for every case she touches. She is passionate about delivering exceptional virtual support with a calm, solutions-oriented approach.

In her spare time, Lacrista is an avid reader, loves spending time with her family, cooking and grilling, gardening, cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns, and spoiling her chickens.

Melissa is an experienced bankruptcy paralegal with more than 20 years of dedicated service. She brings deep knowledge, consistency, and a high level of expertise to every case she handles, supporting attorneys through all stages of the bankruptcy process.

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Melissa is known for her reliability, organization, and long-standing commitment to helping attorneys and clients navigate complex legal matters efficiently and accurately.

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Outside of work, Melissa is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Carthage. She enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, as well as staying active with her gym community at Archetype Fitness in Carthage.

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Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pittsburg State University.

Reshel is a highly skilled virtual assistant with a strong customer service and administrative support background. Beginning her career in customer service, Reshel quickly transitioned into various administrative assistant roles, gaining valuable experience in various industries. Before joining Propel, she worked at a BPO company, eventually leading her to pursue a home-based freelance career.

To further enhance her skills as a virtual assistant, Reshel dedicated a year to studying computer literature, honing her abilities to provide top-notch virtual assistant services to her clients. With a passion for helping businesses thrive, Reshel excels at performing various administrative tasks, making the virtual work process appear effortless and seamless.

Reshel graduated high school as an honor student and earned a Humanities and Social Sciences degree. She is currently working toward a Social Work degree in college. Her diverse educational background and extensive experience make Reshel a valuable addition to the Propel team. 

Danielle is committed to delivering exceptional administrative and client support, reflecting her core values as a professional in the legal services sector.

With a Bachelor of Arts in International Management and a minor in Peace Studies, Danielle has extensive experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant and Trade-Industry Development Specialist in two Philippine government offices. Her expertise includes conducting research, drafting documents, and managing communications for both local and international stakeholders. Beyond her professional role, Danielle contributes to her family's business by overseeing financial operations and volunteering to prepare financial reports for her local church community.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Danielle has expanded her capabilities by training and earning certification as a Legal Virtual Assistant through Pineapple VA Hub’s comprehensive program. At Propel, she leverages her diverse skills to advance the company's objectives and enhance its service offerings to law firms.

Meg Paden is a dedicated and results-driven Virtual Assistant with a strong background in administrative support, customer service, and sales coordination. With experience in both remote and onsite roles, she brings a well-rounded skill set that supports efficient and seamless business operations.

She has extensive experience managing calendars and emails, handling client communications, generating leads, and performing data entry. Meg is proficient in tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, HubSpot, and Monday.com, allowing her to streamline workflows and maintain organized systems.

Meg is highly skilled in coordinating appointments, managing databases, and preparing reports, with additional experience in handling property-related documentation and administrative processes that require accuracy and confidentiality.

She holds a vocational qualification in Information Technology with a focus on Software Development Programming, providing her with a strong technical foundation. Known for being reliable, organized, and proactive, Meg is a valuable asset in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and delivering excellent support to clients and teams.