Donna O'Hara

I have been employed with Susan I. Jean in her different firms since January 1997, my how time flies!

As the firm's Geriatric Care Manager, I am honored to advocate for the care of our clients on all levels and oversee the coordination on our clients' health and long-term care. My goal continues to be to access the best care and assistance for our elderly and disabled population. I believe our elderly and disabled should be treated with the utmost respect and kindness. 

In addition, as the firm's Director of Client Services, I have been responsible for guiding families through the Medicaid qualification process. I also have substantial experience with filing applications for veterans' benefits.  

I am a Certified Geriatric Care Manager, having been certified through The International Commission of Healthcare Certification. I also hold a Certificate in Geriatric Care Management through the University of Florida, as well as being a Certified Senior Advisor, accredited through the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. I am in the process of completing the Elder LIfe Care Coordinator course at Stockton State College in conjunction with the LIfe Care Planning Law Firms Association and am pursuing a BS in Gerontology from University of Maryland University College.

I have been a resident of York County for over 20 years where I raised my three children. I am a member of Senior Advocate Network Group, am involved with the Alzheimer's Association, and The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

I am a member of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church and currently serve on the Mission Committee, where I help to feed the homeless through the PORT program.

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Sallie Brandt

I joined the firm in February of 2002 and currently serve our clients and our staff as Office Manager. My responsibilities include, well, basically everything that the firm needs to run smoothly and efficiently from day to day in our York County, Poquoson, Williamsburg and Middle Peninsula offices.

My husband Adrian and I have been married for 47 years and we have been blessed with four children, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and Sweet-Pea, our dog. I am an active member of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Tabb where I serve on the Vestry and as their Christian Education Director, was a member of “The Little Church that Could” Relay for Life team and “Daughters of the King”.

Jen Coviello - Paralegal 

I have been a Legal Assistant with the firm since December of 2007. My primary responsibilities include assisting our attorneys and clients with all stages of the guardianship / conservatorship process (from filing the petition to scheduling the qualification appointment) and assembling estate planning documents (i.e.: Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, etc.) .

Paula Cohran Riendeau -

Fiduciary Administration Legal Assistant

I’ve been part of the team at the firm since September 2009.  It is my job to assist all fiduciary inventories and accountings through to completion and approval by the appropriate Commissioner of Accounts. 

 I feel fortunate to work with our senior community and as a former military service member, the opportunity to assist our older veterans and their families is incredibly rewarding to me.

  My daughter is the light of my life and I have my faithful friend, my cockatiel, to keep me smiling.

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Chip Jean

I am responsible for assembling Estate Planning documents, Guardianship and Conservatorship Petitions and overseeing and managing all steps in the Guardianship/Conservatorship process from filing the Petition through the hearing. I also prepare deeds, do deed research, and handle special projects.

I’m a retired Air Force officer, born and raised in New Jersey (exit 10). I have a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from James Madison University, where I was on the track team and captain of the cross country team. I have a Masters Degree in Logistics Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, where I was on the Dean's list and was inducted into the Sigma Iota Epsilon, a national honorary management fraternity.

In my off-time, I do a lot of bicycling and I’m a 30+ year member of the International Plastic Modelers Society. Many of my models have won national and regional awards and I’ve had magazine and internet articles published. Just Google my name and you can see some of my work. I’ve been married to Susan I. Jean (yes, the name on the letterhead) for nearly 25 years. I have 3 daughters, Lauren Schultz, Lindsey Jean, and Calla Jean, and 2 grandsons, Evan Lewis Schultz and Connor Daniel Schultz.

Vera Horne

I had the opportunity to join the firm in July 2010 as their Receptionist.  Customer Service is vital among the Attorneys and Staff here, which is just a small part of how rewarding I have found assisting our clients and their families.  I look forward to welcoming you upon your telephone call and/or appointment visit.

My husband, Fritz, and I have been married for 31 years.  We have 3 children, Heather, Freddy and Sam and two cats, Pippin and Claudette.  I enjoy spending time and sharing interests with my family and friends to include music, cooking, gardening, kayaking, walking ("walk the trails but RUN THE BRIDGES!") and most recently, thanks to Fritz and friends, bird watching has become an enjoyable part of our home.

Stephanie Rollins

I have been an executive assistant for over 14 years with experience in client services, contract preparations, human resources and management.  I am now a legal secretary for The Heritage Law Group and enjoy assisting our attorneys and clients with their daily needs.
I also enjoy working as a freelance writer for online and print publications and am a local artist. I have been an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, local school systems and youth leagues, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. In addition to my volunteer work, I am a supporter of civic and cultural organizations for more than 15 years and can now include the Heritage Law Group in participating in Virginia Bar Association’s annual Legal Food Frenzy to help feed the hungry in our state.

I am also a member of the National Organization for Women, Humanitarian Logistics Association, Amnesty International, Women's Institute for Freedom of the Press and NASA Skywatchers Club.

I currently live in Poquoson and enjoy painting, writing, reading, the beach, and spending time with family, friends, and Xena (my dog). I enjoy listening to Dave Matthews and have a quirky habit of writing out digits of Pi.  I also have a great passion for science, art, and humanitarian issues. 

Stephanie Bellegarde

I joined the firm in February of 2012 and currently serve clients and staff as a Long Term Care Administrative Assistant to Donna O’Hara in Client Services.

  In the spring of 2011, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Pre-Law from Christopher Newport University. I plan on pursuing law school in the near future.

  My husband, who I have been married to for almost 3 years, my cat, Mayday, and I all live in York County. I am also an active member of Coastal Community Church in Grafton, Virginia. When I am not in the office or tending to the home, I am studying for the LSAT and adjusting to the ever-changing roles as a military wife.

Nicole Short

I joined the firm in January 2012 as a Long Term Care Administrative Assistant.  I’ve always enjoyed working with people and here I am able to work closely with families to guide them through the qualification and application process of government benefits.

 I graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Government Administration with a concentration in Legal Studies. 

I have been a life-long resident of Newport News.  My fiancé, Sean, and I together have a family of three wonderful children, Ashley, Austin, and Mackenzie.  In our free time, we enjoy spending time with our family and friends. During the summer months, we enjoy playing activities at the beach and swimming at our pool.

Emily Cerling

I came onboard as the Director of Marketing at the start of 2012. I also spend my time at the Williamsburg location assisting clients and attorneys. I recently received my Master of Arts in Communication, Culture & Technology, from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., specializing in strategic communication, social media best practices, and Internet campaigning. I also graduated with honors from Butler University 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I studied Public Relations, Advertising, and Theatre.

Before joining the firm, I had work or internship opportunities that led me to Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and D.C., which included working closely with collegiate and professional athletes and entertainment artists.

Originally from southern Indiana, I now live in Williamsburg, where I run, golf and play tennis on a regular basis.