Marisa Moody is a results-driven legal professional with experience supporting attorneys in litigation, estate planning, and trust administration. At Mansour Gavin, she assists in researching legal matters, drafting pleadings, and preparing documentation to meet client needs. She is proficient in WealthCounsel, LexisNexis, and other legal tools, and is skilled at maintaining detailed case records and ensuring confidentiality across all matters.
Before joining Mansour Gavin, Marisa gained experience at several law firms, where she managed complex caseloads, coordinated discovery, and supported attorneys through all phases of trial preparation. Her work has spanned areas including probate, immigration, and estate planning, giving her a well-rounded understanding of diverse legal processes and client needs.
Marisa holds a Master’s in International Security from the University of Denver, where she completed extensive policy and risk analysis projects, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Law and Social Thought from the University of Toledo. While at Toledo, she studied abroad in London, focusing on British Constitutional and Criminal Law and EU Politics, served as President of the Law and Social Thought Society, and mentored first-year students in the program.
Samantha Papagna is a paralegal at Mansour Gavin, supporting the firm’s attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and client communication. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Business Economics and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Law and Paralegal Studies.
Samantha brings a well-rounded background that blends business acumen with a strong commitment to social justice. Her experience includes paralegal work, legal internships, and volunteer advocacy, all of which have helped shape her practical skills and deepen her dedication to serving others through the legal profession. Passionate about making a positive impact, Samantha is committed to a legal career focused on advocacy, continuous learning, and meaningful contributions to the communities she serves.
Marci Senft is a paralegal with experience in real estate, workers compensation, personal injury and litigation. She has been with Mansour Gavin since 2021 and has been a paralegal for over 20 years.
Marci has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio Wesleyan University and received a post degree certificate in paralegal studies from Cuyahoga Community College. She became an OSBA Certified Paralegal with the inaugural group in 2007. Marci resides in Strongsville with her family.
Cristina Vacar is a seasoned probate and litigation paralegal with nearly a decade of experience in the legal field. Her work primarily focuses on estate planning, guardianships, probate administration, and related litigation matters.
Cristina holds a Bachelor of Arts from Case Western Reserve University and earned a post-degree certificate in paralegal studies from Cuyahoga Community College. She has been actively involved with the Cleveland Association of Paralegals (CAP) for more than five years and currently serves as the organization’s Director of Professional Development.
Michele Kerling is a litigation paralegal specializing in e-discovery and large-scale document productions. She has served as the Intellectual Property paralegal at Mansour Gavin for over 10 years and has been with the firm since 1990.
With more than 25 years of experience in her role, Michele holds an Associate Degree in Legal Administration and Office Management from The University of Akron and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from David N. Myers University. She was part of the inaugural group of OSBA Certified Paralegals in 2007.
Michele resides in North Royalton with her family.