Noel Ayala Gallo is a driven and detail-oriented member of our Staunton, VA team. A Harrisonburg native, Noel returned to the Shenandoah Valley and joined WAW after graduating from the University of Virginia. While at UVA and immediately after, Noel gained hands-on experience in immigration law. He worked as a legal assistant for the Mennonite Central Committee and as a paralegal at a private law practice in Florida, supporting attorneys on humanitarian, trafficking, and naturalization cases. These roles required careful documentation, thorough legal research, and clear communication with clients. At WAW, Noel has built on this foundation and broadened his expertise, now supporting Humes “Tripp” Franklin in family law, criminal defense, personal injury, and business law. Known for his empathetic approach and policy research skills, Noel takes pride in anticipating client needs and solving problems before they arise. Outside of work, Noel has a wide variety of hobbies. He enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors and in Shenandoah National Park, keeping up with music trends, and diving into history books and documentaries.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations 

• B.A. Double Major in Public Policy & Leadership and Foreign Affairs, Minor in Astronomy, University of Virginia 
• Basic Immigration Law Course, World Relief Immigration Programs
• Fluent in conversational and business Spanish with advanced translation skills

Kiersten Dodson is a valued member of our team and a meticulous paralegal who has been supporting our Family Law practice since June of 2022. She is a skilled researcher and collaborator, assisting our Staunton attorneys as they implement strategic representation our clients can trust. Kiersten is the daughter of a career Deputy Clerk, which inspired her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies at James Madison University. Before working as a paralegal, she worked as a Legal Secretary at Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver and received her Paralegal Certification in 2019. Kiersten is a problem solver who enjoys tackling tough issues. She finds her work incredibly rewarding because she has the opportunity to help people during vulnerable times. Kiersten is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with family on the weekends as well as playing table top games that require strategic and critical thinking.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations:

• B.S. in Justice Studies from James Madison University
• Paralegal Certificate Program from James Madison University

Cindy Holsinger brings a solid and tireless work ethic to her role at Wharton Aldhizer &
Weaver. She was hired in 1987 as the firm’s first Administrative Assistant, helping our team
build Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver into one of the preeminent law firms in the Shenandoah
Valley. In 1999, she transitioned into the role of Legal Secretary, supporting Don Showalter
primarily since 2005, as well as multiple attorneys over the years. She has worked in the
primary areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, corporate and
commercial law, and real estate, as well as bankruptcy preferences, municipal, agricultural
cooperatives, tax, and bond financings. Cindy is a valuable member of our team whose
meticulous attention to detail and thorough approach has provided peace of mind to our
clients for decades. As a paralegal, Cindy supports Stephan Milo and the business law team
in researching, compiling and strategizing solutions for our clients. In her free time, Cindy
enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her grandson.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations

• Associate in Applied Science Degree, cum laude, Blue Ridge Community College

Jewelia Kyle joined the Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver team in 2023 with a background rooted in justice. After graduating with degrees in Professional Writing and Political Science (Pre-Law) from Bridgewater College, Jewelia worked as a Deputy Clerk for the Rockingham County Circuit Court in the criminal division. In that role, she diligently managed criminal files, ensured documentation accuracy, helped answer questions from the public, and assisted the judge during proceedings—all as a neutral party. As a paralegal, Jewelia looks forward to using her attention to detail and strong sense of justice to assist the OSHA team in achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Outside of work, Jewelia is an avid reader and a writer working on her first manuscript, a young adult fiction book. Down the road, she’d love to pursue law school but is enthusiastic about expanding her knowledge in the field and advancing in her paralegal position beforehand.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations

• B.A. in Professional Writing and Political Science from Bridgewater College

Taylor Norman is a skilled and detail-oriented paralegal who supports the OSHA team at Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver. After graduating with a Public Policy degree from James Madison University, Taylor worked as a laboratory technician in the area. In that role, she conducted research that required diligent attention to detail and strong analytical skills. This experience sharpened her problem-solving skills, which she applies daily to assist WAW’s clients. She joined the firm in 2023 as a legal secretary supporting the OSHA team and later transitioned into a paralegal role in 2024. Taylor is a team player who enjoys new challenges and thrives in a fast-paced environment. When she’s not at work, Taylor loves spending time outdoors with her border collie mix, August. They enjoy hiking, playing fetch, and exploring the Shenandoah Valley together.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations 

• B.S. in Public Policy from James Madison University

Tori Summerlin is a knowledgeable and devoted paralegal who supports the OSHA team at Wharton Aldhizer & Weaver. Tori began her work as a paralegal in 2017 after earning her Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies From Midlands Technical College in South Carolina. Before joining WAW in 2023, she worked for law firms in South Carolina and Virginia, gaining valuable experience in family law, civil litigation and estate planning. Tori appreciates the structured nature of her work and thrives on the meticulous research and organized processes needed to succeed. Her extensive experience and outstanding listening skills make her a valuable asset to the OSHA team and our clients. She contributes significantly across the entire process, from research to application. In her downtime, Tori enjoys spending time with her animals, and you’ll often catch her nose buried in a good book.

Experience, Education, Awards, & Affiliations

• Associate in Paralegal Studies, Midlands Technical College
• Notary Public