Melina Drazich, Chief Operating Officer. Melina is responsible for directing and leading all operations for the Firm, including accounting and human resources. In this role, she works closely with the Firm’s Partners to ensure continued growth and lasting success for Adams Stirling PLC.
After garnering extensive experience in business leadership, finance, operations, and communications, Melina utilizes that expertise when developing or implementing Firm initiatives. With a focus on efficiency and standardization, she embraces change and approaches each obstacle with positivity and the goals of innovation and team adoption. Her keen interpersonal skills guarantee the Firm's employees receive comprehensive guidance and support.
Maintaining professional affiliations with various organizations, Association of Legal Administrators (ALA®) and Community Associations Institute (CAI®), Melina remains committed to educational opportunities which enhance business administration and client satisfaction.
Miranda Ward, Director of Client Relations, Northern California. Miranda came to us after more than five years as a Community Manager in the Northern California region, with previous employment accolades in the Title and Escrow industry. With a true commitment to continuing education, Miranda serves as Chair of the Education Committee for Community Association Institute – California North Chapter.
Miranda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chico State University. In addition, she has held the Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®) designation since 2013. Contact Miranda at (916) 426-0147 or (800) 464-2817, or by email.
Candace Schwartz, Director of Client Relations, Southern California. Prior to joining Adams Stirling, Candace earned her design degree from UCLA. She was a commercial interior designer for 10 years in the Los Angeles area. Candace spent 25 years in sales, marketing and customer service, as well as 10 years in management and client education.
Candace is an active member of the CAI Education Committee, and is involved in the CAI and CACM industry trade shows and events in the San Diego and Inland Empire areas. Contact Candace at (619) 374-7710 or (800) 464-2817, or by email.
Tammi Saucer, Billing Manager. Tammi provides exceptional administrative support to the Firm and its clients. Her duties include overseeing billing for the Firm, assisting with human resources and benefits, insurance, and coordinating of Firm events.
Tammi, who has an incredible 35 years' experience in administrative support in the medical field, joined our team in November 2016.
Xochitl Vazquez, Accounting Clerk/Executive Assistant. Xochitl (pronounced "So-chee") comes to us as a graduate of Mount Saint Mary University, where she earned her BA in Sociology.
Xochitl continues to pursue her education, and is currently studying financial accounting.
Mathew Medina, A+ Certified® Technician, is the Firm's IT Support Specialist, and assists our Chief Technology Officer by being first in line to handle Help Desk and computer hardware issues. He also researches solutions to tech support issues and participates in special IT projects. Everyone at the Firm loves his can-do attitude, as well as the friendly smile on his face and in his voice.
Mathew, who initially joined the Firm in a temporary capacity, became our full-time Receptionist in March 2017, and was a Legal Assistant prior to his promotion to his current role. He came to us fresh out of Cal State Northridge, where he earned his degree in Sociology.
Quynh Mai Pham, Paralegal. Quynh (pronounced "Quinn") works from our San Jose office, where she assists in general corporate matters and provides administrative support. She received her paralegal certificate from Evergreen Valley College, where she pursued her Associate's degree, and has previously worked in family and immigration law. With more than 7 years' experience working directly with clients, Quynh strives to ensure all matters are handled efficiently with attention to detail.
In her free time, Quynh enjoys cooking for her family and traveling.
Carolyn Houtz, Lead Legal Assistant. Carolyn is based in our Los Angeles office. She works with our attorneys, handling legal filings, discovery and general litigation matters, and interacts with clients.
Carolyn is outstanding when it comes to working with clients. They love working with her and aren't shy about saying so. Carolyn is not only passionate about her job, she is passionate about her two children and sports. She gives the guys a run for their money when it comes to baseball and football.
Alejandra Alvarez, Legal Assistant. She provides administrative support to the Firm's attorneys and staff. Alejandra brings a strong work ethic and six years of administrative experience, and is extremely goal-oriented.
Alejandra is a certified Legal Secretary, having received her certification from UCLA's Legal Secretary Program.
Sonia Anavisca, Legal Assistant. Sonia works with the Firm’s litigation team. She handles legal filings and drafting discovery and Judicial Council forms for review by the attorneys with whom she works. Sonia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Law from the University of California, San Diego.