Meet our Support Staff

Accounting Manager

Kathrine Sisson

Kathrine has worked closely with Jeff Freimund and Mike Tardif since their days at the Washington State Attorney General's Office in 2011. With a degree in Business, she is a skilled office manager leading SSFST in its successful growth. Kathrine is shifting to focus on accounting management for the firm in the coming year.  

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Kathrine enjoys personal training outside of the office and a focus on family time. 

Administrative Coordinator

Erika Summers

Erika has a Dual-Bachelor's Degree from Washington State University in Criminal Justice and Political Science, Pre-Law. Born in Alaska to a family of lawyers, leadership and hard work are the features of her 20 years of experience. Most recently, she comes to SSFST after five years in the Torts Division of the Washington Attorney General's Office as a legal assistant supervisor. Erika handles administrative management of the offices focused on supporting our professional staff.   

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Erika is dedicated to charity work through her church, Community Youth Services, and anywhere else she can help. She has two cute dogs to keep things entertaining.  

Paralegal | Training Coord.

Jessie English

Jessie earned her degree in paralegal studies through Edmonds Community College in 2011. Prior to joining this firm, she worked in pre-litigation plaintiff's personal injury, and in employer defense (workers' comp, WISHA/DOSH, ESD, L&I audits, and employment law) managing claims both at the administrative level and litigating before the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Jessie joined the firm in February, 2017 as a litigation paralegal, and continues to work full time in a remote capacity from North Carolina. Over the years Jessie's role in the firm has grown to include new-hire training (software and processes) and ongoing developmental training with attorneys and support staff.

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Outside of work, Jessie's favorite activities include watching NHL or WHL hockey, road tripping, and walking or hiking with her husband and their dogs.

Billing 

Rayna Swope

Rayna grew up in Bellingham. She earned her AA degree from Whatcom Community College.  She has been employed at our firm since 2000.

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Outside of the office, Rayna enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids – watching a variety of youth sports, trail running and camping.  

Paralegal

Amber Baird

Amber is a United States Navy Veteran who earned her degree in Administrative Office Management from Central Washington University. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as Medical Coding Specialist, and as a Workers Compensation Adjudicator at L&I. She also worked for the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Benefit Specialist. She gained a vast amount of knowledge and abilities including abstracting information from medical records, providing diagnosis codes, reviewing for accuracy, and researching medical or legal issues on complex claims. 

Outside of work, Amber’s favorite activities include vacationing on sunny beaches, spending time with her husband, son and extended family, touring wineries, crafting with friends and music concerts. She currently sits on the Griffin Neighborhood Association Board on Steamboat peninsula.

Paralegal

Casey Miller

Casey has been in the legal field for 30 years. She joined the firm in May 2022. Prior to joining the firm, Casey worked as a legal assistant for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and a private practice law firm in Chehalis, Washington.

In her spare time, Casey enjoys cheering on the Seattle Seahawks and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.

Paralegal

Carrie Newbury

Carrie has been in the legal field for 30 years. She joined the firm in March 2022 as a litigation paralegal. Prior to joining the firm, she worked as a paralegal and legal assistant for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and a private practice law firm in Chehalis, Washington.

Outside of work, Carrie enjoys Seahawks football, Mariners baseball, camping, and spending time with her family and three dogs.

Paralegal

Cynthia Schatz

Cynthia joined the firm in March 2022, bringing over 25 years of experience in litigation, primarily in insurance defense. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and creating wire artwork.

Paralegal

Shaunna Carter

Shaunna was born and raised in Yakima and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Justice from Central Washington University in 1998.  Prior to joining this firm, Shaunna worked for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for 20 years, spending her last 10 years in the Torts Division. 

Outside of work, Shaunna enjoys spending time with her daughter and her pets. 

Administrative Assistant 

Patti Whitaker 

Patti has been with the firm since January 2017. As our Administrative Assistant in Bellingham, she manages the front desk and assists the paralegals and attorneys with various projects. Patti has thirty years of office experience, which includes insurance billing, handling L&I claims, and managing a veterinary hospital.

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In her off time, Patti is an avid horse lover. She spends most of her weekends competing in various barrel racing events or enjoying a scenic trail ride with friends and family.

Paralegal

Diana Foyston

Prior to joining the firm in 2018, Diana worked as a paralegal for 13 years in the Torts Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.  Diana provided paralegal support in defending the State against tort claims involving employment and discrimination claims, police misconduct, premises liability, personal injury and wrongful death cases. Over the course of her career, Diana has prepared for, and attended as part of the trial team, over 20 trials in state and federal court. Additionally, Diana has six years of experience doing product defense as a paralegal for Perkins Coie, LLP in the Product Liability group. Diana received her Bachelor's from the University of Washington and her paralegal certificate from Highline Community College.

When Diana and her husband aren’t at one of the Disney parks (they have multiple family members employed as cast members), they enjoy collecting stamps in their passports. They plan to make their home base in Orlando, Florida, where Diana will continue to work remotely full time. 

Paralegal

Jeanette Fagerness

Jeanette was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and earned her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies at Delaware County Community College in 1996.  Just prior to joining this firm, she worked for the Attorney General’s Office, Torts Division.  Prior to that, Jeanette worked for private firms along the East Coast doing a variety of litigation including Family Law in the State of Florida and Real Estate Tax Litigation in New Jersey. 

Outside of work, Jeanette enjoys spending time with her children and pets, house projects, kayaking, the beach, road trips, outdoor events and time with friends.   

Paralegal

Jeffrey Brown

Jeffrey graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Anthropology. He obtained his Certificate in the post-baccalaureate Lawyer’s Assistant Program from the University of San Diego. He has been employed at our firm since 1996.  He is married to Laurie and they have three children. 

He enjoys being a referee for soccer in his off time, vacationing to different parts of the world and restoring his 1901 home.

Paralegal

Jordan Prosser

Jordan just recently joined our firm in November 2022. She comes to us with seven years experience as a legal assistant and paralegal in private practice. Her ability to adapt and eagerness to learn, paired with her work ethic, has helped her expand her knowledge and experience. When she's not working, Jordan enjoys spending time with her two children, husband, friends and family. She also enjoys CrossFit, golf, slowpitch and anything competitive.

Administrative Assistant

Keri Olsen

Keri is currently working as the front desk receptionist at the Olympia office. Keri is a hard working person and strives to be an asset to the firm. Her bright attitude and excellent multi-tasking skills highlight her experience in the office. 

Paralegal

Justine Nevins

Justine received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration from University of Hawaii where she focused on Justice Administration.  She received her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Central Michigan University.  She enjoys education to better serve the people.

​Justine moved from Washington to Texas in September 2016.  She enjoys her life as a wife and mother.  She also enjoys helping marginalized women with addictive behaviors live a healthier lifestyle.  She is devoted to the community around her and gives back at every chance.​

Paralegal

Sunaina Aswath

Sunaina obtained her Law degree from India and a Master in Laws degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Sunaina has extensive litigation experience working as a paralegal in personal injury, commercial litigation, premises liability, timber trespass, wrongful death, property damage, and UM/UIM matters.

Outside of work, Sunaina enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and traveling to new places with her family.

Accounting

Sandra Dutton

Sandra Dutton has been in the accounting profession since 1971. She started her business, Sandra's Accounting, in 1984, and has been with our firm since 1999.

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Outside of work, Sandra enjoys playing golf, traveling, and gardening - not necessarily in that order.