Website migration in progress. Please report any issues or errors to [email protected]. Thank you! 

SINCE 1987

Staff

Center for Advanced Legal Studies Staff

Doyle R. Happe Co-founder and Director

Doyle R. Happe

School Director and Co-founder

Mr. Happe is a founder of Center for Advanced Legal Studies and has worked at CALS since 1987.

Eric H Happe Associate Director

Eric H. Happe

Associate Director

Eric has been with CALS since 1996, serving in various roles, including Admissions Representative, Instructor, Director of Technology, and Director of Distance Education, in addition to his current position as Associate Director.

James D. Scheffer Director of Adminssions

James D. Scheffer, M.S.

Director of Admissions

James has been with CALS since 2007. Prior to joining CALS, James served in the United States Navy as Senior Chief Legalman.

Elaine Prappas, J.D.

J.D. Senior Admissions Rep

Elaine has been with CALS since 2007. Elaine is also a practicing attorney specializing in Immigration Law.

Sharen Sylvestre Admission Representative

Sharen Sylvestre

Admissions Representative

Sharen has been with CALS since 2024. Prior to joining CALS, Sharen gained experience working in the legal profession as a legal assistant and client services coordinator.

Thomas B. Swanson, J.D. Academic Dean

Thomas B Swanson J.D.

Academic Dean

Mr. Swanson has been with CALS since 1987 and was its first paralegal instructor. He has served as Academic Dean for over 20 years.

Sarah Casey Office Manager and Director of Student Services

Sarah Casey

Office Manager and Director of Student Services

Sarah has been with CALS since 2010. Sarah worked as a paralegal and law office administrator for nearly 6 years before joining CALS.

Tami Riggs

Director of Outreach and Career Services

Tami has been with CALS since 2018. She has an extensive professional background in paralegal education, international school marketing, and criminal justice.

Pete Becerra Bursar

Pete Becerra

Bursar

Pete is a graduate of Center for Advanced Legal Studies and has worked at CALS since 2001.

Melody A. Daniels Director of Education

Melody A. Daniels, M.L.S.

Director of Education

Melody is a graduate of CALS (2024) and has served as Director of Education since 2024.

Lou Nieves, M.B.A. Director of Financial Aid

Lou Nieves, M.B.A.

Director of Financial Aid

Lou has been with CALS since 2024 and has over 20 years experience in financial aid and student services.

Randi Jerding Course Designer and Canvas Administrator

Randi G. Jerding

Course Designer / Canvas Administrator

Randi has been with CALS since 2004. Randi enjoys working with faculty and designing their courses in Canvas to help ensure students have a great experience in their online classes.

Nathan C. Lindsey

Marketing Director

Mykayla Lewis

Administrative Assistant

What Our Students Say

Discover how our dedicated staff impacts the lives of our students.
5/5
"The support I received from the CALS staff was unwavering. Their dedication truly made a difference in my educational journey."
Jessica R., Paralegal Graduate
5/5
"Each staff member went above and beyond to ensure I succeeded, both academically and professionally."
Mark T., Current Student
5/5
"The personalized attention I received from the admissions team made the application process straightforward and stress-free."
Laura H., Incoming Student