MEET THE TREMBLAY & SMITH
SUPPORT STAFF
Our offices couldn't run without the support of our incredible and diligent staff members. We thank them for their decades of experience working for us and for the immense benefit they contribute to our clients.
We are honored to have them working alongside us as valued members of our team.
Kari Thornton
Jamie Wilson
GENERAL MANAGER
Senior paralegal
Jamie was raised in Southern California and attended Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. After college, she earned a master’s degree from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since 2014, she has worked in domestic law in Charlottesville. Jamie has extensive experience in family law, including equitable distribution, custody and visitation, and child and spousal support. She excels at balancing professionalism and empathy for each client.
Jamie has lived in the area since 2011 with her daughter and two sons. She is nearly an empty nester, with her two older children just starting their careers and her youngest beginning college.
Jamie works in support of attorneys: Melissa M. Ritter, Andrew I. Offman, and Megan M. Flowers.
Kari joined Tremblay & Smith in October 2024 with more than 16 years of financial and business management experience. Prior to taking the role of General Manager for T&S, she served as the GM for a Medical Billing company in Charlottesville for most of her career. Kari attended Elon University in North Carolina where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and business administration.
Outside of work, Kari likes to spend her free time with her husband and two children. They enjoy playing with their two giant dogs, attending UVA sporting events, going to local restaurants, and traveling as much, and as often, as possible.
Mckenzie Slough
PARALEGAL
Gabrielle (Gabby) Safley
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Mckenzie joined Tremblay & Smith in 2023. Mckenzie grew up in Western Maryland before moving to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia. She graduated in 2024, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science and Philosophy.
Mckenzie joined the team during her last year of college as a part-time Document Processor and before her graduation, became a full-time Legal Assistant. She now works as a Paralegal for the firm. Outside of work, Mckenzie enjoys crocheting and spending time with her friends.
Mckenzie works in support of attorneys: Andrew I. Offman, and Megan M. Flowers.
Gabby Safley joined Tremblay & Smith in September 2023 as Client Coordinator prior to being promoted to the role of Legal Assistant in January 2025. Gabby is a Charlottesville local raised in Belmont. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023 and earned her bachelor’s degree in history and political science. While at VCU, Gabby fostered a passion for legal studies and building a network with others.
Outside of work, Gabby enjoys being outdoors, attending local sporting events, and visiting vineyards with friends and family.
Gabby works in support of attorneys: Melissa M. Ritter
Mia LaRochelle
Erika Elliott
LEGAL ASSISTANT
CLIENT COORDINATOR
Mia LaRochelle joined Tremblay & Smith as a legal assistant in June 2024. She graduated from Christopher Newport University in May 2024 with a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in museum studies. Mia is passionate about helping others and plans to attend law school to become an attorney.
When she’s not at work, Mia enjoys working out, reading, and spending time with her cat, Pearl.
Mia works in support of attorneys: Samantha E. Freed
Erika joined Tremblay & Smith in March 2025, bringing 20 years of experience in a variety of administrative roles. Originally from New Jersey, Erika has lived in Virginia for 24 years and is a chronically disappointed NY sports fan. She raised three children in Charlottesville where they were avid athletes and graduated from Albemarle County schools.
When Erika is not engaged in her role as Client Coordinator at T&S, or spending time with her family, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading.
Christian Meloni
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Christian was born and raised in Northern Virginia before moving to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia, where he studied government and minored in public writing and rhetoric. Upon graduating, he decided to remain in Charlottesville. He joined Tremblay and Smith in the spring of 2025.
In his free time, Christian enjoys working out, reading books, and watching movies.