The Staff at Lavanga Law
Brian Clark
Brian Clark is originally from Alaska but currently residing in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. He has a deep passion for education and always eager to learn new things. Currently he is attending Villanova University completing a certificate program for Paralegal. He is an avid reader on his downtime and enjoys reading up on history and the outdoors. He has a deep passion for hunting and spends a great deal of time in the outdoors either hiking, hunting, fishing, or simply foraging the forests for edible plants. Family and close friends are extremely important to his life. Other hobbies that he has include cooking and weather forecasting. He is an Air Force veteran and volunteers time helping veterans participating in various fund-raising programs through the years. He embraces challenges and dedicated to a growth mindset.
Elaina DiDonato, Legal Assistant
Elaina earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she completed a double major in Political Science and History, along with a minor in Philosophy. Shortly after graduating, she continued her education by obtaining her paralegal certificate.
Elaina has experience as both an immigration paralegal and an intellectual property paralegal. She is especially passionate about service, dedicating her spare time to pro bono work supporting immigrants through her volunteer efforts with The Commission on Immigration.
Outside of work, Elaina enjoys fishing, reading, traveling and spending time laughing with friends and family. She is also a devoted pet owner who loves her golden retriever, Honey, and her two cats.
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue her long-term goal of attending law school.
Jared Fontenot, Legal Assistant
Jared holds a BA in American History from Southern New Hampshire University and an MBA in Human Resources from Louisiana State University.
Originally from Louisiana, he relocated to Pennsylvania in 2008 and has come to rally enjoy life in the Keystone State. A Certified Notary Public in Pennsylvania, Jared is committed to serving his community with professionalism and integrity.
Outside of work, Jared is a husband and father of two teenagers. He enjoys traveling—especially to Italy and the UK—along with movies, concerts, and live performances. A devoted Phillies fan, he is also a season ticket holder.
An avid foodie, Jared enjoys discovering new restaurants and exploring diverse cuisines with his wife, Sarah.
Beth Ann Hartman, Legal Assistant
Beth Ann was born and raised in Montgomery County and is a graduate from Upper Dublin High School. She has enjoyed making Bucks County her home for the past 22 years with her husband of 28 years and her two daughters. She enjoys reading, doing all crafty things, floating in the pool, camping, and simply being with her family and friends. Beth Ann is also a licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Agent and has been involved in real estate for over 30 years
Lauryn McDonald, Paralegal
267-454-8813 | lmcdonald@lavangalaw.com
Lauryn McDonald is a paralegal specializing in property tax appeals. With over a decade of experience in consumer law, she brings precision and expertise to her role. A commissioned Notary Public, Lauryn is dedicated to serving her community. She is an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, reflecting her commitment to service and historical preservation. Passionate about yoga, she uses it to maintain balance and focus. Lauryn cherishes time with her nieces, family, and close friends. A nature enthusiast, she enjoys caring for her plants and exploring the outdoors. Her diverse interests and skills make her a valued asset to her firm and community. Dedicated to growth, Lauryn strives to excel professionally while enriching her life through meaningful connections.
Skylar Painter, Legal Assistant & Client Communications Specialist
267-454-8828 |spainter@lavangalaw.com
Skylar Painter is a graduate of West Chester University, having earned a Bachelors of Arts in History. She was born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and still resides close by in Chester County. Skylar previously worked as a high school teacher as well as a preschool teacher, so she is extremely passionate about helping the community. She is also involved in Oral History preservation, having presented her research at the annual Oral History Association's conference in 2024. Outside of work, Skylar’s hobbies include reading, playing with her two cats, and crochet.
Krissie Reyes, Legal Assistant
Krissie Reyes is from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of William Tennent High School. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and double minors in Sociology and Spanish from Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, she cherishes spending time with friends and family, especially her goldendoodle Brownie. Her favorite season is summer; she enjoys going to the beach and watching sunsets. Krissie is a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Go Birds!!
Aja Smith, Legal Assistant
Aja Smith is from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School and Thomas Jefferson University, where she earned her degree in Law & Society with a minor in Communications. She spent most of her life playing volleyball and was captain of her college team, leading them through multiple championship seasons. Her athletic career ended unexpectedly at the start of her final season due to an Achilles injury, which pushed her to explore new interests outside of work and sports.
Aja loves to travel—so far, Paris and Capri are tied as her favorite places—and she finds a lot of joy in live music, discovering new Asian restaurants, reading, yoga, and cooking. She also loves spending time with her family and her two mini schnauzers, Dunkin and Mocha, who are constant sources of chaos and comfort.
She hopes to attend law school in the future and is focused on continuing to grow personally and professionally, taking on new experiences with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Cheyenne Tropea, Legal Assistant & File Coordinator
267-454-8630 | ctropea@lavangalaw.com
Cheyenne Tropea grew up in the Philadelphia area and currently lives in Delaware county. She graduated from WB Saul High School and Montgomery County Community College. She has worked in customer service and hospitality for over 10 years. Prior to Lavanga Law, she worked at another Law Firm as a Receptionist and is striving to grew
within the field. On the side, she pet sits and helps out at a local Doggie Daycare.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Crafty in making cosplay outfits and props, she loves to attend Anime Conventions with her husband and friends. An avid animal lover, she likes to support local shelters and is a proud cat mom of three.
Heather Vargo, Head Legal Assistant
Heather Vargo is originally from Delaware, but currently resides in Philadelphia. She has a deep passion for traveling, always eager to explore new places and cultures. Whether it’s the thrill of live music or the magic of Disney World, Heather cherishes experiences that bring joy and connection. Family is central to her life, and she loves spending time with her loved ones and her pets, who add special warmth to her everyday adventures. An avid reader, Heather finds solace and inspiration within the pages of books, always ready to lose herself in a captivating story.
Charles J. (CJ) Wertz, Legal Assistant
A lifelong Delaware resident, CJ spent nearly a decade in estate care and family estate services in his previous role with the Catholic Cemeteries of Wilmington. After taking time away from work to focus on his health and family, he joined Lavanga Law LLC in early 2024 in a part time role and transitioned to a full-time staff member at the end of the summer of 2024.
Outside of work CJ has been a long time participant in the Polar Bear Plunge, Relay for life, and most recently the Extra Life fundraising events. He enjoys writing, building and painting scale models and miniatures with his son, and cooking. He has a passion for trivia and often seizes opportunities to showcase his extensive knowledge of “pointless information”. A devoted Carolina Panthers fan, he eagerly awaits their next winning season.