2026 LASP Staff Retreat: A day to connect, reflect, celebrate and learn!
CONSHOHOCKEN – LASP’S Staff Retreat was Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at the Hotel West & Main in Conshohocken.
Three speakers shared their expertise on relevant topics.
Speakers with staff (from left): Megan Reinprecht, Michael Idriss, Johanna Byrd, Louise Hayes, Shawn Boehringer, and Erin Szrankowski.
Johanna Byrd, Policy Director for the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, discussed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a new federal law passed in July 2026 with 47 provisions related to housing.
Louise Hayes, Supervising Attorney at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, addressed recent and upcoming changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits.
Michael Idriss, Community Engagement Manager of the Museum of the American Revolution, discussed “The Same Principle Lives in Us,” bringing to life historical figures from the Revolution, sharing their impact, and connecting them to the present time.
Staff panelists reflected on their work: Erika Becker, Pro Bono Director; Sandra Ortiz, West Chester Paralegal; Melissa Reuter, Bristol Staff Attorney; and Dawn Williams, VOCA & Media Office Managing Attorney, with moderator Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel.
LASP staff panel (from left): Sandra Ortiz, Dawn Williams, Erika Becker, Melissa Reuter, and Carolyn Johnson.
2026 Staff Awards
Three staff awards were presented by Phillip Hammond, Director of Operations; Carolyn Johnson; and Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director.
Honorees included Daniel Tryens, Veterans Advocacy Project Paralegal, with the Pat Brooks Award for staff. Noelle Gambale, Staff Attorney based in Norristown, received the Rising Star Award. The Maryjane Kelley award was also presented to Guy Marinari, VOCA Staff Attorny.
Daniel Tryens (2nd from right), Patricia Books Award
Noelle Gambale (2nd from right), Rising Star Award
Guy Marinari (2nd from left), Marjane Kelley Award
Service pins
Service pins were awarded for 5, 10, 20, 25 and 30 years of service.
5-year pins: Joe Diorio, Staff Attorney; Durene McCarty, Bristol Office Manager; Megan Reinprecht, Veterans Advocacy Project Staff Attorney & Bucks County Pro Bono Coordinator; Lisa Whalen, Pottstown Managing Attorney; and Kelly Young, Staff Attorney.
10-year pins: Rita Dawson, Chester City Paralegal; Brian Doyle, Staff Attorney & Chester County Pro Bono Coordinator; Tamalya Kaywood, Media Office Manager; Sandra Ortiz, West Chester Paralegal; and Donna Winterbottom, Administrative Assistant.
20-year-pin: Venezla Moses, Helpline Paralegal.
25-year pins: Carolyn Hettell, Helpline Paralegal, and Deborah Steeves, Staff Attorney.
30-year pin: Rachel Houseman, Chester County Managing Attorney.
5-year service pins
10-year service pins
10-year service pins
25-year service pins
Committee
Megan Reinprecht chaired LASP's Retreat Committee, which organized the event. Committee members also included Erin Szrankowski, Executive Coordinator; Carolyn Johnson; Shawn Boehringer; Erika Becker; and Marion Hoffman Fraley, Communications Director. Erin and Erika are shown at the registration table. Megan also headed the Swag Committee, which included Joe Diorio; Marion Fraley; Brittany Glidewell, Helpline Staff Attorney; Reid Kemena, Staff Attorney; Chrystiane Spencer, Staff Attorney; and Erin Szrankowski.
Photos
STAFF PANEL
Sandra Ortiz, West Chester Paralegal; Dawn Williams, VOCA & Media Office Managing Attorney; Erika Becker, Pro Bono Director; and Melissa Reuter, Bristol Staff Attorney. Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel, moderated the session.