Our People

Stacy Horth-Neubert
Executive Director

Stacy Horth-Neubert joined the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law as its Executive Director in December 2023. Stacy graduated Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Telecommunication-News, and from Fordham University School of Law, cum laude and Order of the Coif. Stacy began her legal career as a litigation associate at Proskauer Rose LLP, where she first fell in love with pro bono legal service. But it was her move to Los Angeles with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP that heralded the beginning of a profound legacy in pro bono work and equal justice advocacy. During her tenure at Skadden, Stacy not only maintained a high-paced commercial litigation practice, but also spearheaded the growth of the firm’s award-winning impact litigation program as a Pro Bono Coordinator for the Los Angeles office. She joined Sidley Austin LLP later in her career, where Stacy continued to blaze trails, as a litigator, pro bono leader, and champion for women in law. Stacy serves on the board and is a Past-President of WLALA and the WLALA Foundation, and currently is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California. For her legal skill and leadership, Stacy has been named one of the Top Women Lawyers in California by the LA Daily Journal, and one of the Most Influential Women Attorneys by the LA Business Journal. For her pro bono work, Stacy has received the prestigious California Lawyer of the Year Award (CLAY) for extraordinary contributions to the law, and both the ACLU of Southern California Pro Bono Advocacy Award and its Freedom of Information Award. 

Rebecca L. Fischer
Director of Legal Services

Rebecca became the Director of Legal Services at the Buhai Center in November 2022. As Director of Legal Services, Rebecca manages the day-to-day operations of the Buhai Center’s legal and volunteer programs. Rebecca has been a contributing author to the Buhai Center’s publication “California Family Law Basics” since 2017 and is the current Editor-in-Chief of the publication. California Family Law Basics is a guide on family law designed to help both new and experienced legal professionals, as well as pro per litigants, file, and finish family law cases. As the Director of the Family Law Clinic, a joint program between the Buhai Center and Southwestern Law School, Rebecca teaches and supervises the Family Law Clinic, a program designed to provide law students with the opportunity to learn lawyering skills and family law while assisting on Buhai Center cases. Rebecca has been an Adjunct Professor at Southwestern Law School since 2018. Rebecca also supervises the Advanced Family Law Clinic when the course is offered. A graduate of UCLA School of Law, Rebecca previously clerked at the Los Angeles County Public Defender and was a Law Student Intern at the Buhai Center. Rebecca has been a staff attorney at the Buhai Center since February 2016.

Tiffany Goodloe
Director of Operations

Tiffany joined the Buhai Center as Director of Operations in May 2022. She oversees vital aspects of administration, technology, and operations. A graduate of the University of Texas, Tiffany has over 15 years of experience in operational management across business administration, data management and reporting, and supply chain administration, giving her expertise in areas that are critical for the Buhai Center’s operations. With extensive experience at healthcare organizations Baylor Scott & White Health and HealthTexas Provider Network, Tiffany refined her skills in streamlining procedures, enhancing data accuracy, and optimizing workflows. Her hands-on experience in operational management, particularly in strategic sourcing and database analytics, provides a strong foundation for navigating complexities, ensuring compliance, and driving efficiency in her current position. Tiffany’s track record of process improvement and collaborative prowess underscores her ability to deliver impactful solutions aligned with the organization’s mission. Tiffany’s commitment to her work stems from a passion for the Buhai Center’s mission, aimed at safeguarding women requiring legal assistance to protect their families and embark on a fresh chapter in their lives.

Arlene Rubio Teutla
Director of Client Services

Arlene became the Director of Client Services at the Buhai Center in December 2023. Arlene’s responsibilities include collaborating with the Director of Legal Services to address client-related issues, engage in outreach, supervise and educate client assistants, and improve service delivery. Arlene has extensive training in management, serving domestic violence victims, and legal ethics. She has honed her expertise through extensive experience, including a full-time fellowship at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse with JusticeCorps. Her fellowship involved guiding self-represented litigants through the complexities of the court system, specializing in family law matters. Arlene’s fluency in Spanish, coupled with her adeptness in managing large groups and navigating high-pressure environments, underscores her ability to excel in diverse, demanding professional situations. Being a part of Los Angeles’ Latino community, Arlene is a passionate advocate for the Buhai Center’s clients and believes in the importance of community members feeling heard within the court system. Her firsthand experience and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals from the Latino community provide her with a unique perspective on issues faced by the Latino community. Arlene is deeply passionate about fostering an environment where these individuals feel represented, valued, and understood.

Hannah C. Santos
Director of Development

Hannah became the Director of Development in July 2023. Her responsibilities include overseeing private donor fundraising strategies, attaining foundation support, collaborating with the Executive Director to cultivate community relationships, and implementing initiatives to secure philanthropic support in line with the organization’s mission and goals. Hannah also supports the Buhai Center’s community-facing communications and public engagement efforts. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Denver, Hannah is an alumna of the Pioneer Leadership Program, an intensive four-year program designed to develop perspective and experience rooted in ethical leadership, global understanding, and social responsibility. Hannah also developed skills in various non-profit roles, notably as a Development Fellow at the international non-governmental organization, Daring Girls (formerly AfricAid). Hannah has a deep history of engaging in volunteer community work with low-income and diverse communities, including teaching English and U.S. Civics to immigrants seeking citizenship in the United States. Her passion for social justice work to promote and protect vulnerable community members is reflected in her work at the Buhai Center. Hannah has been on the Buhai Center’s staff and development team since March 2021.

 

Betty Nordwind
Senior Advisor

Elizabeth Erickson
Senior Counsel

Cheryl Segal
Senior Staff Attorney

Linda Gross
Senior Staff Attorney

Michelle Horwitch
Staff Attorney

Judy Schwartz-Behar
Staff Attorney

Joel Garcia
Staff Attorney

Elvira Castillo
Senior Client Assistant

Noemi Hidalgo
Client Assistant

Johanna Avelar
Client Assistant

Sucely Victoria
Client Assistant

Jocelyn Ramirez-Parada
Client Assistant

Claudia Rodriguez
Client Assistant

Jaspree Borrayo
Client Assistant, Community College Homelessness Prevention Project

Alyisha Stribling
Resource Coordinator, Community College Homelessness Prevention Project

Julianna De La Cruz
Grants Manager and Executive Assistant

Esther Castillo
Assistant for Administrative and Client Operations

Jonathan Burgess
Development and Operations Assistant

Officers

Jonathan Forgang (President)
Perkins Coie LLP
Member since 2019

Jonathan is a Partner with Perkins Coie LLP, an international law firm providing a full range of services. Prior to starting his legal practice, Jonathan was a co-founder and editor of Refinery29 Inc., a leading female-focused digital media company. Jonathan is a graduate of George Washington University and Fordham Law School, where he was an editor of the Fordham Law Review.

Amos Buhai (Vice President)
DeepElm
Member since 2014

Amos is Managing Partner at DeepElm, a political and government relations consulting firm. Prior to launching DeepElm, Amos was the VP of Government Relations at Endeavor, a global sports, entertainment and fashion company. He previously worked as Deputy National Political Director and Southwest Regional Director of J Street. Continuing in the activist tradition of his relative Harriett Buhai, Amos has substantial experience in managing political campaigns, fundraising, and legislative work.  Amos received a B.A. from The George Washington University.

Kimia Klein (Secretary)
Fox Rothschild LLP
Member since 2023

Kimia is an experienced family law practitioner for over a decade. She is a partner at the nationwide law firm of Fox Rothschild LLP. Kimia founded the firm’s Working Parents Group, which provides a forum for attorneys to support each other in their efforts to balance family life and a legal career. Despite her busy schedule, Kimia finds the time to represent needy individuals on a pro bono basis.

JB Rizzo (Treasurer)
Rizzo Forensics
Member since 2019

A forensic CPA since 1998, JB focuses on family law analyses, business valuations, and accounting or economic damage issues in litigation support matters. He is also a financial mediator assisting marital dissolution clients and their attorneys. JB has authored published articles and a book chapter on financial topics relating to California family law. He has served as the court’s neutral expert (California §730) and has testified in Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura County Superior Courts, as well as in depositions for federal matters. He is President of the ACFLS Charitable Foundation, Inc., which raises funds to grant to organizations connected with the California family law system. JB is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Serine A. Tsuda (Immediate Past-President)
Salisbury, Lee & Tsuda, LLP
Member since 2018

Serine is a partner at the firm of Salisbury, Lee & Tsuda, LLP, which specializes in family law. Her practice has been devoted exclusively to family law since being admitted to the California bar. Her relationship with the Center began as a law student intern, and she is a member of the Center’s Alumni All-Stars as well as participating pro bono attorney. Serine received a B.A. magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Members

Daniel R. Bemel
UBS Private Wealth Management
Member Since 2022

Dan is Senior Vice President-Wealth Management and a Private Wealth Advisor at UBS. He is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. Prior to joining UBS in 2009, Dan practiced law at Los Angeles area firms in a wide variety of disciplines including trust and estates, corporate litigation, family law, and liability defense. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Dan earned a B.A. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, and is a member of the California Bar Association, and a member of the executive committee of the Beverly Hills Bar Association family law section.

Margo Bouchet (Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Liaison)
Law Offices of Margo Bouchet
Member Since 2022

Margo Bouchet is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and has a solo practice focusing on family law, probate law and mediation. Throughout her career, she has also provided free legal services in her community through various clinics including the Harriett Buhai Center Legal Clinic. She is a founding member of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, a co-founder and co-sponsor of the Harriett Buhai Center. Margo has served on various other bar association boards including the National Bar Association, the Langston Bar Association, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the Inglewood Bar Association. Currently, Margo serves on the board of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, as well as the board of BWL.

Gloria Chang
Netflix
Member Since 2022

Gloria is currently a business and legal affairs executive at Netflix where she focuses on unscripted and documentary series content. Prior to working at Netflix, Gloria worked in business affairs at The CW Network and legal affairs at NBCUniversal. Gloria started her legal career as a corporate litigator at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP where she practiced for five years. She holds a J.D. from USC Law School and a B.A. in English from Columbia University. In her free time, she loves to travel, eat, play tennis and spend time with her family.

Alyssa Dickerson (Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Liaison)
Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP
Member since 2021

Alyssa earned her JD from Southwestern Law School while simultaneously working with the Los Angeles community providing legal aid to women, children, and families in positions of need (including at the HBCFL).  She has spent her entire career working in family law at the largest female-run firm in California and tirelessly works to bring fair closure to her clients.

Nicole King
Venable LLP
Member since 2023

Nicole is a trial attorney who champions and advises her clients in complex commercial litigation disputes. Nicole has over 11 years’ experience at two Am Law 100 law firms. As Counsel at Venable LLP, Nicole is not only integrated in every stage of the litigation process in her practice, she is also an active firm citizen. Nicole is a member of the Venable Los Angeles Hiring Committee and the Venable Success Network Black Affinity Group. Always engaged in public policy and public interest law, Nicole served in the office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee (2007-2009) and as a 2010 Trope and Trope Fellow at the Harriett Buhai Center. Nicole received a B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, at The George Washington University and a J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Sarah Luetto
Hersh Mannis, LLP
Member since 2022

Sarah is a partner at the firm of Hersh Mannis, LLP, where she specializes in family law. Her practice has been devoted exclusively to family law since being admitted to the California bar. Her relationship with the Center began as a law student intern, and she is a member of the Center’s Alumni All-Stars as well as a participating pro bono attorney. Sarah received a B.A. from the Honors Collegium Program at the University of California, Los Angeles and a J.D. from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Yolanda Martin (Latina Lawyers Bar Association Liaison) 
Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)
Member since 2021

Yolanda Martin is the managing attorney for CHIRLA’s removal defense unit. In her immigration law practice, she represents both detained and non-detained individuals before the Immigration Court, as well as representing children in family and probate court. She also volunteers with the Immigrant Defenders Law Center and Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project. Yolanda received a B.A. from University of California, San Diego, and a J.D. from Loyola Law School.

Jack J. McMorrow, Esq.
Harris • Ginsberg LLP
Member Since 2024

Mr. McMorrow is a Certified Family Law Specialist and Partner at the family law firm of Harris Ginsberg LLP. He has devoted his career exclusively to the practice of family law since joining the bar in 2014. His relationship with the Buhai Center began as a law student intern and has continued as a pro bono attorney over the years. He earned a B.S. from the University of Southern California and a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. 

David P. Shebby
Shebby • Hirashima LLP
Member since 2012

David is a Certified Family Law Specialist and a founding partner of Shebby • Hirashima LLP, a boutique firm dedicated to family law litigation. David has more than two decades of trial experience in both state and federal courts and has litigated scores of jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations to verdict. He has published articles and lectured for the State Bar of California, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Beverly Hills Bar Association, the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists, the American Inns of Court, and other organizations. David is a member of Los Angeles Catholic Lawyers Association and a volunteer for Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles. David served as Board President from 2014 to 2016. In 2017, he was honored with the Center’s Hall of Fame award, and he continues to volunteer his time as a pro bono attorney. David received a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

M. Lynda Sheridan (Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section Liaison)
Law Offices of M. Lynda Sheridan
Member since 2020

Lynda is a Certified Family Law Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in family law litigation, as well as related real estate and business matters. Her practice includes dissolution of marriage, high asset and routine asset division, complicated issues of reimbursements, tracing, business evaluations, real estate issues of value and equity, child custody and visitation litigation, and child and spousal support. Linda received a J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.

Heidi S. Tuffias (Los Angeles County Bar Association Liaison)
Law & Mediation Offices of Heidi S. Tuffias, Inc.
Member since 2015

Heidi has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 1995 and has her own dispute resolution practice, where she focuses on mediation, consulting to mediations, collaborative matters and prenuptial agreements. She is also an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is pursuing her MFT license. Heidi speaks, teaches and writes frequently about family law, mediation, and using psychological theory and practice to contribute to the mediation process. She was honored by the Los Angeles Superior Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Program for her outstanding volunteer contributions in 2008 and 2011. Heidi received a B.A. from University of California, Davis, a J.D. from the University of Southern California, and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.

Ex Officio

Also members of the Advisory Council                                                                                                                      

Yolande Adelson*
Blanche Bersch
Vera Brown-Curtis*
Valerie Cohen
Carolyn DeFrancesco
Mablean Ephriam, Co-founder
Deborah Ewing
Larry A. Ginsberg

Fahi Takesh Hallin
Nedra Jenkins
Candice K. Rogers
Joan Patsy Ostroy
Susan R. Stockel
Hon. Jessica A. Uzcategui
Beverly A. Williams

 

*Deceased

Advisory Council

Judith R. Forman, Chair
Leah M. Bishop
Judge Aviva Bobb, (Ret.)
Judy Bogen
Jeff Buhai
Bruce Clemens
Hon. Isabel R. Cohen, (Ret.)
Bruce Cooperman
Emily Shappell Edelman
Paula Kane
Tracy Farryl Katz
Robert Kaufman
Hon. Veronica Simmons McBeth
Joan Patsy Ostroy, Co-founder
Patricia Phillips
Hon. Robert Schnider, (Ret.)
Lance Spiegel
Laura A. Wasser
Scott Weston