PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
These professionals have been personally vetted out by the P.E.A.C.E. of Mind founder, Jamie Milam, to ensure their individual mission and values align with our initiative.
We have sought out professionals that work in different segments of the divorce industry, that understand the need to educate women well in advance so that you can make informed decisions that best align with your long term goals. Additionally, we've curated a custom FAQ page for each professional to answer some of the most common questions we find women asking to empower you to feel prepared in your next steps.
Due to the nature of divorce, many professions involved in your divorce case will require state specific licensure. Each of these professions have contributed to our resource library, offering both general and state-specific information, with the intention to provide value for all. Our roots are in the Carolinas so much of our network directory is based in North and South Carolina. However, we do have some professions that are not limited to state line boundaries and are able to work with individuals on a remote basis. As with the library, this network will continue to grow to best support you.
Real Estate Professionals
Jamie Milam
Making a move is an overwhelming process, even if it's a move you're excited about. When you pile on the tension and pressures of divorce, emotions get even higher. In my experience, we don't think our clearest and best when we're in that emotional state.
I pride myself on digging in to better understand my clients, their needs, their ideal outcome, their unique circumstances and their timelines to craft the right strategy for them and walk beside them the entire way. Every home, every couple or family, every move, and everyone's emotions and timelines are different, each requiring an individualized approach.
As a divorcée myself and working with many divorcing couples, I completely understand the dynamics that can be present and the need for strong communication skills to help you achieve your housing goals. As a Certified Divorce Specialist™ I am trained in the holistic understanding of important legal, financial, mental health and residential implications on the divorce process. Additionally, I understand how your children are affected and I am committed to considering their best interest throughout the process and bring my communication skills to the table to provide a better experience with everyone involved. Most importantly, I aim to help you factor in what your goals are post-separation/divorce to ensure we've considered all elements to help structure a strategy that sets you up for success as best as possible.
Whether you need to sell your marital home, find a new one, or strategize about which options are available to you, I can help you when it comes to your real estate needs. I even have a national network of real estate professionals I can connect you with to assist you if relocation is on the horizon, wherever you may be looking.
Get your free copy of my book, Selling Your House in a Divorce.
Licensed to practice in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Pam Abirached
Pam is in love with helping people achieve the American Dream of Homeownership. She truly believes that being a homeowner is the #1 way to build wealth and live a really good life. That passion is what drives her every day.
When Pam started in this industry, it became apparent to her that there was a huge need for her expertise when it came to divorcing homeowners. There is either a lack of information, or total MISinformation when it comes to divorce and mortgages.
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), Pam focuses her practice on helping divorcing Homeowners make a more informed decision regarding their home equity solutions, as well as helping the divorce team identify any potential conflicts between the divorce settlement, the mortgage, and the real property (the house). Many of her clients go to her feeling frustrated after hearing “NO” from other lenders who don’t know how to navigate mortgage guidelines during a divorce. Pam takes pride in her unparalleled ability to turn those NO’s into a YES! With a common-sense and educational approach, she helps divorcing clients make sense of their mortgage & understand all of their options.
Pam is able to assist you with your lending needs in all 50 states.
Christi Mae Jones
Being in the beauty industry since the age of 17, Christi Mae is no stranger to helping women make decisions they wanted for them. She's enthusiastic about being able to combine those years of experience of listening to each individual's wants and creating a feel-good outcome into her mortgage advising practice. Now working in the world of mortgage and guiding women who were going thru divorces she sees all the decisions women are having to make, and knowing how emotional the house is, and wants to help make this process easier and simplified.
Christi is on a mission to help women going through divorce understand the financial implication of their decisions, especially when it comes to your mutually owned real estate. She loves helping women dig in to what you really want when it comes to your housing goals, including what this next season looks like and how your housing plan can support that and align with your goals. make things seem feasible make that break it down into smaller increments, keep you focused on the next task, keep them focused, keep people on task and really help watch them kind of like you almost watch like a phoenix rising right through the ashes of everything that's broken down and getting to build that back up again
She gets it - a lot of women have been managing the household, but maybe you weren't managing the actual financial aspects and now you need to step into independence on your own when it comes to these matters. Christi recognizes that it's hard for women transitioning into a new season of life, and you really need an advisor who walks beside you and educates you each step of the way to help you learn skills that you'll actually be able to take with you the rest of your life.
Christi Mae is licensed to assist you in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.
Legal Professionals
Danielle Walle
As a seasoned family law attorney, Danielle is committed to guiding and advocating for women during some of life’s most challenging moments. Her mission is clear: to empower you with knowledge, compassion, and unwavering support.
Danielle also understands that legal representation is an investment and firmly believes your financial future deserves exceptional care. Her services are tailored to safeguard your interests because she knows you value quality and seek discreet guidance. As your advocate, she will fight fiercely for the underdog. When the odds seem stacked against you, she's in your corner, strategizing and championing your cause. Your success is her victory.
It's important to understand the weight your decisions have on your children's lives. As a parent herself, she empathizes with your desire for the best outcome for your children. Your family’s well-being is at the heart of every decision she makes and she values working with women who are committed to securing the best outcome for their family. It's even a part of why she is a trained Parent Coordinator. She's passionate about the wellbeing of your family unit's future moving forward.
She loves it when she gets to work with women who are seeking empowerment and welcomes you to ask questions, explore legal nuances, and understand your rights so as to find not a cookie-cutter solution, but a tailored strategy that is right for you - not something you can get from just a form or a checklist.
Danielle also knows it takes a village to guide you through this process. You aren't just seeking an attorney; you're building a team. There are experts who enhance your legal journey. Having a willingness to lean into expert collaboration can strengthen you. Her extensive network ensures you receive the best answers from the best experts. From financial advisors to therapists, they'll assemble a team dedicated to your success.
You may have faced adversity but your determination fuels your fight. It's time to rise, because you believe justice is within reach. If you're ready to rewrite your narrative—one where justice prevails, rights are protected, and empowerment reigns, reach out to Danielle today, and embark on this transformative journey together.
Browse more resources available on Marcellino & Tyson's blog.
Marcellino & Tyson has attorneys licensed to practice in North Carolina.
Theresa Viera
The unknown is a scary place for any individual, especially for a person enduring a situation with their family and the law. It is extremely rare that anyone can predict the time, effort, and courage that it will take to endure a divorce, a child custody dispute, a domestic violence situation, or even a hopeful adoption. Although Theresa cannot tell you exactly what course your situation will take, her team at Modern Legal helps their clients navigate the legal system while addressing each and every concern or question that may arise.
When handling matters through legal representation, she strives to educate their clients about the law so you can make informed decisions about what is most precious in your lives. Whether she and her team are helping a business owner, a financially dependent spouse, a parent of two little ones, or a domestic violence survivor (and everyone in between), they work to find effective solutions for each client by utilizing the law, our network, and a bit of creativity and teamwork.
When handling matters as a mediator or arbitrator, Theresa strives to ensure that she maintains her third-party neutrality so that any guidance or rulings provided can be relied upon by both sides. Whether she's helping parties figure out a workable parenting arrangement or a balanced property distribution, she wants both sides to feel heard and to find a path forward.
Theresa focuses her legal work on helping families because she was once there. Theresa was a young witness to domestic violence within her home and was a naive child attempting to help her mother endure her own divorce. She knows it is hard. And as she bears witness from the situations of her clients, mediations, and arbitrations, she can assure you that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to every family dispute, divorce, or custody battle. Instead Theresa and her team work tirelessly to find the best solution for each situation in light of the legal realities that apply.
Theresa shares more resources for you on her blog, including Spanish resources and blogs written by former clients, as a reminder that you are not alone.
Modern Legal has attorneys licensed to assist in NC & SC.
Kelly Jesson
Kelly is on a mission to help clients be in control when something unexpected happens and you're no longer able to vocally advocate for yourself or your wishes and see them through as you'd envisioned. Most often people tend to only think of working with an estate planner when they feel like they need to prepare their asset and estates for end of life, but that's far from the truth. Estate planning is more about focusing on carrying out the wishes you have while you're living in the event you become incapacitated or pass away.
Too often Kelly has been witness to families having to navigate a mess of legal work just to hopefully see their loved ones' wishes be honored. Kelly is passionate about helping women be informed of what the default laws are so that you can leave a legacy behind rather than a tangled legal mess.
It is important to plan for the future, regardless of the size of your estate. Failing to plan for death means that the state will choose how your assets are distributed. A will ensures that your property is disposed of based upon your wishes, and it is crucial to hire experienced attorneys to make sure your wishes are carried out, rather than defaulting to the state laws. Even if you already have a will, you should consider updating it as you marry, divorce, have children, increase or decrease your assets, and even before you re-marry.
Jesson & Rains Law also focuses on working with business owners. If you are an aspiring business owner, or an already practicing sole proprietor, Jesson & Rains can advise you on the choice of entity best to offer liability protection, as well as advise you on how to protect your interests and assist you with completing and executing the proper paperwork to make your aspirations a reality.
She's all about helping you protect your assets, be it your estate, your business, or both!
Get started thinking about your estate planning with their Free Estate Planning Guide that covers 5 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid.
Jesson & Rains Law has attorneys licensed to practice in NC, SC, FL, NJ, NM & AL
Jacqueline Caputo
Jacqueline has been practicing law for 20 years in New York. Jackie began her career as a litigator but one particular case made her think differently. She had a client who was forced to make rushed decisions - literally in the hallway outside the court room - or risk the judge making them for her and soon after the divorce was finalized, Jacqueline saw first hand how much turmoil her client went through. She decided she wanted to offer her clients a different method, one that minimizes much of the emotional trauma that often accompanies a litigated divorce.
She now focuses her practice on mediation and collaborative law and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, believing there is a proper way for this practice to be executed. She's passionate about educating the public on the benefits of true collaborative law and debunking the myths that are often associated with the process.
She knows that when you are someone who is intentionally seeking solutions and are focused on what is best for the family as a whole (especially when children are involved), this is a solution that can work for you. She's confident that the work she does is not only critical and impactful, but it also gives families a healthy path forward after a dark and difficult time.
Financial Professionals
Sarah Charles
For over a decade Sarah believed the narrative that she was bad with money. It started with some money mistakes she made in her youth, and when she met her now ex-husband, he amplified that story. She starred as the Anti-Hero in her own money story and sat on the sidelines of her financial life until their separation when two things happened. First – she got a much-needed wake-up call when a missed payment resulted in a ding to her credit score. Second – she had no choice but to take control of her financial life.
The result sparked a passion in Sarah to teach women of all ages, stages and wages how to eliminate their money shame and develop their financial confidence so they can plan for their future with conviction. Writing a new narrative isn’t easy but it can be done. Sarah knows. She's been there before. And she knows the way out.
Sarah's firm, Sanctuary Financial Planning, offers you a unique way of working with a financial planner. They understand that improving your financial health isn't always just about investing, but is a holistic approach to a full financial plan. As an hourly planner, wealth level is not a barrier to entry and allows you to pay for only what you need, when you need it. There aren't any asset minimums, or ongoing asset management fees, because as they like to say "your worth isn't tied to the size of your investment portfolio." If you see the value of planning and are willing/able to make an investment in professional guidance and coaching, this is the next step.
Anna Portal
In recent years Anna had been utilizing her accounting and business skills to assist women in divorce proceedings to navigate their finances and better understand the financial resources at their disposal. Based on the success of these efforts, she decided to take the formal steps necessary to become a Financial Advisor in order to provide her clients with a broader range of services that are beneficial to all people, regardless of whether they are getting a divorce or are involved in other moments of transition.
Her goal is to educate and provide clarity in complex financial matters, like divorce, enabling her clients to make informed decisions. She knows it can be overwhelming and scary navigating a divorce. She serves as a financial advocate for her clients, helping them navigate each step along the way. Her holistic perspective and approach encompasses lifestyle considerations and long-term objectives. Ultimately, she strives to help women pursue financial stability– ensuring they can enjoy life’s opportunities while working towards their goals.
Anna wants to help you put your financial protection first and knows that a balance-driven long-term financial strategy is key to your financial success. Use her free tool to see what your current financial scorecard looks like.
Mental Health Professionals
Ashley Nordby
Ashley's passion to support women in healing childhood trauma, and recover their relationship with themselves, in order to improve their lives is evident in the work she does with her clients.
The pain we experience in our relationships shows us the places in us that still need healing. Ashley believes that when we focus on building a new relationship with ourselves, we will see remarkable shifts in ALL our relationships. She seeks to help you find clarity about your own needs and find the most effective ways for you to reduce stress that may be related to your current life situation and your closet relationships. Her goal is to help you gain a deeper understanding and compassion for yourself, while supporting you in moving towards your personal goals.
She is passionate about helping my clients reduce and release trauma and anxiety through the powerful tool of Brainspotting, calming the nervous system and allowing improved functioning overall. She integrates Brainspotting with other tools that are effective both in and out of therapy sessions, including mindfulness, self-compassion, parts work and behavior changes.
Ashley strives to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can feel at ease to share whatever it is you need to, so you can work together to meet your goals. If you are ready to face your difficult past and are willing to engage in new behaviors and take responsibility for your own healing, take the step today to book a complimentary 15-minute call today.
Ashley is a licensed therapist practicing in North Carolina and South Carolina. She is in-network with several insurance providers.
Emily Reiner
Emily's mission in the field of mental health is to help connect her clients back to themselves and to make space for joy. Life is messy and it's easy to lose pieces of yourself in the mix. She loves walking aside her clients to help you rediscover and reforge those pieces so you can go forth empowered, whole, and fulfilled.
She helps her clients navigate life’s challenges, build confidence, and rekindle joy by identifying barriers, developing skills and strategies, and finding new ways to thrive.
Many of today’s solutions include a one-size-fits all approach or a “quick fix” promise, leading you to feel unseen or leaving you ill-equipped to take your newfound skills into the world. Emily knows you’re an amazing and unique person who deserves to be understood and have a tailored approach to growth and healing.
When you work with Emily, together you'll challenge patterns, assumptions, and messaging you've received that could be holding you back from authenticity, joy, and peace. She'll give you honest feedback and at the same time, still be your hype person in your corner! If you're willing to explore those parts of yourself and need the support of someone to walk with them through that, Emily is someone you'd benefit from speaking with.
Emily is also poly, kink, and queer affirming. She has developed her expertise around helping others honor themselves.
Emily is a licensed therapist practicing in North Carolina and Georgia. Her coaching services are offered nationally.
Coaching Professionals
Becky Aste
Becky spent a decade undergoing every mode and mainstream practice for saving her marriage after a long history of abandonment and betrayal only to find herself separated and on the brink of divorce. She found a relationship coach that taught her to do the somatic work to help move trauma out of the body. While you may have intellectually learned how to process emotional wounds or talked about them or maybe even swept them under the rug in some cases, but our body does keep track of these experiences. You may even tell yourself that you "should" be able to let some of it go, which creates self-shame.
Your bodily symptoms are these wise little messengers trying to communicate a deeper emotional wound that's looking to be healed. She's passionate about helping create a perspective shift that of learning the language of your body in order to help you towards this path of life of healing to your higher good. She aims to create a safe space for you and help you build a foundation of radical self acceptance and compassion for yourself in this process.
In her signature program, I Do Breakthrough, you'll experience a holistic, somatic approach to healing the entire human by going on a journey of dissolving shame, establishing safety in your nervous system, equipping you to move confidently through triggers, step back into you power, redesign your identity, complete your grief, communicate effectively, trust your own intuition and heal yourself spiritually.
Christina Butler
Christina understands how hard it can be navigating a divorce. She had to do it on her own and greatly wished she had someone in her corner to guide her. In fact, it was the driving force behind becoming a divorce coach.
Christina's goal is to help you understand the process of divorce and how to advocate for yourself and your children during the process so you can come out as a warrior. It's so much more than a checklist. Yes, she can help you understand strategy, draft emails/documents, outline your case, develop timelines and can make your meetings with your legal teams more meaningful and focused. But it's also things like effective and efficient communication, helping you navigate the ins and outs without letting your emotions hijack your end goal, and supporting you in ways to prioritize self-care.
With a masters in Counseling, combined with her CDC® training, Christina specializes in high conflict divorce cases, custody issues, and navigate the family court system as it pertains to the divorce process.
Fun and interesting fact: Kinley is Gaelic for Warrior, which Christina believes you are! And she knows there is hope during and after divorce. Hence, she named her coaching business Hope Kinley Coaching.
Lifestyle Professionals
Aliz Sass
Aliz and her team values helping their clients to not just organize their home but to help dismantle the reasons causing the clutter and disorganization. They work with your individual need and method. There is no one system that works for everyone.
You have so much on your plate, and even more so in a divorce. Professional organizers like Aliz can often help with your in-home needs, far beyond just the "organizing" of a room or closet. This may mean helping you pack up your home in an organized way so you can emotionally prioritize the unpacking in your new home. It may also mean helping you unpack or organize in a way that helps create an effective living space. Like some women, you may want you assistance in refreshing your bedroom and closet space as you transition into having that space to yourself. Aliz can recommend organizing tools that will help your home to be more functional. An organized and decluttered home can create a more peaceful environment to come home to.
As a mom herself, she also knows how many tasks linger when it comes to running the household. This list just gets longer once you've experienced a divorce. A unique service she offers is called "Nest Management." Think of it like your customizable daily or weekly helping hand, assisting with tasks like making beds, folding and hanging the laundry, light cleaning, or even running local errands.
Aliz understand you are a busy woman who sometimes just needs a little help getting caught up with daily tasks and needs a hand to start to purging and organizing your home. When you work with her, you will have a clutter free, organized and functional home.
Serving the York & Lancaster counties in South Carolina, as well as South Charlotte, Matthews, Waxhaw and Weddington.
Natalie Parmenter
If you would like to inquire about joining or would like to nominate a professional for the P.E.A.C.E. of Mind Professional Divorce Directory, please submit the form below.
