Need help with a family law issue but can't afford a lawyer? Call our intake line at 647-952-3354.
MEET THE FJC TEAM
LEADERSHIP
_edited.jpg)
Stephanie Giannandrea
Director, Family Justice
As Director, Family Justice, Stephanie manages all aspects of the Family Justice Centre (FJC), including its operations, continued development, and strategic planning.
Stephanie is a graduate of the University Toronto Faculty of Law and spent over a decade practicing family and child protection law in Toronto. Throughout her time in private practice, Stephanie worked to make family legal services more accessible in diverse ways, including managing pro bono programs and volunteering herself as a volunteer lawyer with the Family Justice Centre. She was also a panel lawyer for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, representing children in family law disputes. Prior to joining PBSC, Stephanie worked at Justice for Children and Youth, a non-profit legal aid clinic that specializes in protecting the rights of children and young people facing conflicts with the legal system, education, social service or mental health systems.
Outside of work, Stephanie loves to travel in her camper van.
Kaja Marinic
Program Manager, Family Justice
As a Program Manager with PBSC, Kaja is focused on expanding and assisting in managing our Family Justice Centre.
Kaja is a former family lawyer. She obtained her J.D. from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC and was called to the BC bar in 2017. She practiced law privately in Vancouver (first civil litigation, then family law exclusively), before joining Access Pro Bono BC as a supervising lawyer for their Everyone Legal Clinic. Throughout her career, Kaja has worked and volunteered extensively with various non-profit community organizations to provide much-needed free legal services. She is grateful to continue working on the access to justice crisis in her role with PBSC.
In her spare time, Kaja enjoys watching and performing improv, comedy, and theatre, including in the annual Lawyer Show musical!
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS
The FJC is grateful for its roster of volunteer lawyers who provide mentorship and legal guidance to law students while helping families access critical legal support. Lawyers interested in volunteering with the FJC can find more information on our Get Involved page.
LAW STUDENT CASEWORKERS
Each year, the Family Justice Centre welcomes applications from upper-year law students enrolled at Ontario law schools. Recruitment typically occurs in early spring and late summer. Be sure to check your law school’s job board or career portal for postings and application details.
_JPG.jpg)
Eden Berhanu
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Toronto Metropolitan University
Eden Berhanu is a 2L at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law who brings warmth and curiosity to everything she does. She serves as VP of Marketing & Communications for the Family Law Students’ Society, participates in the LASL Legal Clinic, and supports Black Law Students’ Association initiatives. Prior to law school, Eden spent two years working at LASL and volunteered at an immigration firm in Dallas while also supporting Black youth mentorship initiatives. She is passionate about supporting Black and immigrant families and outside of school she enjoys personality psychology, R&B music, and time with loved ones.
.jpeg)
Chika Duru
Osgoode Hall
York University
Chika is a third-year student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She previously completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto, where she double-majored in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies and in Women and Gender Studies. Following her first year of law school, Chika worked as a caseworker at Parkdale Community Legal Services in the Social Assistance, Anti-Violence, and Health division. There, she developed hands-on legal experience while assisting community members who could not afford a lawyer with social assistance matters. She is excited to join the Family Justice Centre and support families through the family justice process. Outside of law school, Chika enjoys painting, reading, and photography.
Nikky Hakimi
University of Windsor
Faculty of Law
Nikky Hakimi is a 2L at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She previously studied Cognitive Science at McGill University, with a minor in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Nikky has worked in family litigation and as a caseworker at Community Legal Aid Windsor, where she supported individuals navigating complex legal processes. Additionally, her role as a Production Editor for the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues has allowed her to advance access to justice by helping publish clear, accessible legal scholarship. Outside of law school, Nikky enjoys hot yoga and attending live music sets.
%20(1)_HEIC.png)
Rylie Welds
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Common Law
Rylie is a second-year law student at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University. In her first year of law school, Rylie developed a strong interest in family law. She was a First-Year Representative of the Family Law Student Society and participated in the Family Law Mentorship Program, where she shadowed a Superior Court Justice and observed court proceedings. These experiences provided insight into the realities of the family justice system. Outside of law school, Rylie enjoys travelling, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
.jpg)
Adelaide McIntyre
Western University
Faculty of Law
Adelaide is a third-year law student at Western University, Faculty of Law. Prior to attending law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Environmental Sciences at McGill University. In her summer after first year, Adelaide worked as a caseworker with Community Legal Services at Western Law, where she gained hands-on experience assisting community members who could not afford a lawyer. While working at the clinic, she developed an interest in family law and a passion for access to justice. Adelaide is excited to continue learning about family law and to contribute to the Family Justice Centre. In her free time, Adelaide enjoys spending time outdoors on walks, reading fiction novels, and swimming.
.jpg)
Derek Nguyen
Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law
University of Toronto
Derek is a 3L student at the University of Toronto Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. During his 2L year, he worked at the Family Law Division of the Downtown Legal Services clinic, developing his passion for family law. He is excited to support individuals experiencing barriers to access to justice in the family law context. Outside of law, he enjoys dance, concerts, and visual arts.
.jpg)
Mirusha Ramaj
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Lakehead University
Mirusha Ramaj is a second-year law student at Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University. She completed a Master of Public Policy, Administration, and Law at York University, where she received the Ian Greene Book Prize Award. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University. Mirusha brings professional experience in both the federal and provincial governments, along with a strong background in public policy, research, and community engagement. Fluent in English and Albanian, she is passionate about access to justice and helping individuals feel informed, respected, and empowered when navigating legal systems. Outside of law school, Mirusha enjoys cooking new meals, running, travelling, and sharing good laughs with family and friends.
.png)
Anna Tsoura
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Common Law
Anna Tsoura is a second-year student at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies from the University of Toronto. During her first year of law school, she served as a VP for her faculty’s Women and the Law Association and completed a Family Law Mentorship Program, which solidified her passion for working on increasing access to justice for vulnerable populations. As a Student Caseworker, she is looking forward to supporting families navigating the legal system. Outside of law school, Anna enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Emily Poltorac
Osgoode Hall Law School
Emily is a third year student at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to attending law school, she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and History from Queen’s University.
Emily served on the executive teams of the Osgoode Hall Family Law Association and the Osgoode Women’s Network, helping raise awareness and fundraise for both. She also gained valuable legal experience while working at a dedicated family law firm in the GTA. Emily is passionate about finding solutions to the access-to-justice problem and about creating public legal education for clients navigating their family law matters.
Outside of school, Emily enjoys baking, reading, and playing tennis with her friends and family.
_JPG.jpg)
Nase (Jessica) Lim
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Law
Nase (pronounced Na-Sé), also known as Jessica, is a third-year student at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. She holds an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto and spent a year teaching elementary English in South Korea.
Nase is passionate about family law and committed to supporting individuals and families with compassion and care. She is actively involved in student advocacy and mentorship and served as VP Advocacy for the Common Law Student Society in 2025–2026.
Outside of law, Nase enjoys baking, going to the gym, and working with children.
Hayley Carroll
Queen's University
Faculty of Law
Hayley Carroll is a second-year law student at Queen's University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Brock with a minor in Criminology. Hayley has always had a passion for helping others whether that was through her many volunteer experiences or her job as a teaching assistant helping younger students succeed. She is eager to help families gain affordable access to legal services and to support them through their involvement with the justice system. Outside of law school, Hayley enjoys dancing and spending some quality time with friends and family.
Noa Daniel
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Toronto Metropolitan University
Noa is a second-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She previously studied Nutrition and Food at Toronto Metropolitan University with a focus on food security and food deserts. In her first year of law school, Noa gained an interest in family law through her volunteer work with Luke's Place, a family law clinic for women who are victims of domestic violence. In this role, she helped support these women in navigating the family law system, and looks forward to continuing in this line of work with the Family Justice Centre team. Outside of law school, Noa enjoys travelling, karaoke, reading a good book, and trying new restaurants with her friends and family.
