.png)
Meet our
amazing team

The Propel Team

Founder & CEO
Heather Pickett
Heather is a multifaceted legal professional with experience spanning various practice areas such as estate planning, personal injury, business law, real estate, civil litigation and bankruptcy, which has been her focused area of expertise. Heather has volunteered with the Conflict Resolution Center for Montgomery County and the NCSF.
​
As an active member of the legal community, Heather serves on the National Federation of Paralegal Associations Ethics Board and the Maryland State Bar Association's Paralegal Task Force. She is also a member of the NALA Bankruptcy CP Exam Temporary Task Force as a Subject Matter Expert.
Her diverse experience working in small and large firms and as a freelance paralegal has given her unique insights into the challenges attorneys face, leading her to establish Propel Paralegal Services. This innovative legal support services company focuses on providing specialized tailored virtual assistance to law firms across the United States.
​
Outside of her professional life, Heather is an avid traveler, reader, and documentary enthusiast, keen to stay current on bankruptcy analytics and trends. She cherishes her time with family, including her supportive husband, wonderful children, adorable grandchildren and two delightful cats.
​

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
JILLIAN ALEXANDER, CP
Jillian Alexander is the Director of Operations at Propel Paralegal Services. A seasoned professional with wide-ranging experience in marketing, promotions, administration, and recruiting, Jillian offers a comprehensive approach to business operations.
Moreover, Jillian's unique specialization in paralegal services, backed by her status as a Certified Paralegal, adds a layer of practical understanding and expertise to her role. This blend of administrative and legal proficiency greatly enhances Propel's client services and internal efficiency.
In addition to her extensive and broad experience and professional credentials, Jillian's experiences as a military spouse have shaped her robust professional skill set. Frequently adapting to new environments and circumstances, she has honed her abilities to be flexible, adaptable, and resourceful – attributes that are highly valued in the dynamic world of legal and business operations.
As a proud mother of two daughters, Jillian successfully juggles family life and a high-powered career, further testament to her admirable skill in managing and balancing multiple responsibilities effectively. Her personal passions include reading, enjoying live music, spending quality time with her family, and traveling. These interests contribute to her well-rounded character and foster the innovative thinking and creativity that she brings to the Propel team.

Bankruptcy Manager
Alicia Rispoli
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.

Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal
Danielle Bahou
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.

Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal
Courtney Warren
Courtney Warren is a seasoned legal professional with over 15 years of experience in the legal field, primarily specializing in bankruptcy law. Throughout her accomplished career, Courtney has developed extensive expertise in handling Chapters 7, 11 and 13 cases and has become intimately familiar with the intricacies of the bankruptcy process.
Courtney's journey began as a bankruptcy paralegal, where she quickly demonstrated her aptitude for navigating the complexities of bankruptcy law. As a result of her dedication and exceptional skills, she advanced through various roles, including Bankruptcy Specialist, Bankruptcy Team Lead and Bankruptcy Manager. In these positions, Courtney managed case files, coordinated with clients and attorneys and ensured strict compliance with bankruptcy regulations. Her leadership contributed to successfully resolving countless cases, solidifying her reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable bankruptcy professional.
Courtney's fervor for her work transcends her professional obligations, as she actively engages in industry events and workshops to remain apprised of the most recent bankruptcy developments and trends. Originally hailing from Canada, Courtney relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1996, where she resides with her devoted husband and their three children.

Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal
Beth Verant
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.

Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal
Spring Porter
Spring Porter is a Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal with over a decade of extensive experience in handling bankruptcy and collections matters for both debtors and creditors. Her legal expertise extends to civil litigation matters in Federal and State Courts, encompassing family law and condominium/Homeowners' Association (HOA) collection law.
Spring obtained her Paralegal Certificate from Kennesaw State University and her B.S. in Criminal Justice from South Carolina State University. She then went on to gain invaluable experience in law firms, where she played a vital role in managing and resolving complex bankruptcy and collections cases. Her dedication and drive to provide exceptional support have made her an indispensable asset to the Propel team.
Her comprehensive knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code, Rules of Civil Procedure and relevant statutes allows Spring to provide thorough and efficient support in case management, document preparation and litigation. She is well-versed in Chapter 7 13 bankruptcy filings and collection efforts involving garnishments, levies and asset recovery.
Outside of her professional life, Spring is an avid supporter of community outreach programs and a passionate advocate for equal access to justice.

Senior Bankruptcy Paralegal
Janice Lee
Janice Lee is a seasoned paralegal professional, boasting an impressive 36-year tenure in the legal field working for the same attorney, specifically within the bankruptcy domain. Throughout her career, Janice has harnessed diverse interpersonal skills, technical knowledge, and a commendable reputation for ethical standards to provide exceptional client services.
Her expertise is firmly grounded in the intricacies of bankruptcy law, where she has continually delivered impeccable client relations, fostered effective communication, and adeptly navigated both automated and manual office procedures. The breadth and depth of her experience make her an invaluable asset to our team and clients navigating the complex world of bankruptcy.
Janice's ability to manage competing deadlines and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously underpins her success in the high-pressure, challenging, and deadline-driven environments typical of bankruptcy. Her dedication to precision and exceptional composure under pressure has been instrumental in her long and successful career.
Above all, Janice is deeply committed to upholding high ethical standards and delivering top-notch service. Her profound knowledge of bankruptcy law, practicality, and teamwork set her apart. We are thrilled to have Janice as a vital member of our team, where she continues to contribute her expertise and enrich our collaborative environment.
Janice is a Hampton Roads native with two adult children and her grand dog, Scarlett. She enjoys fitness, nutrition, and traveling with her family outside of work. She spends the summer months at the beaches of the Outer Banks of NC. As a high school and college football mom, she is an avid fan and still attends college and pro football games during the football season.

Executive Assistant
Reshel Ruleda
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.