Our Firm
Our
Firm

Experienced & Trusted – Your North Carolina Attorneys
We know you have questions and concerns, but more importantly we know that you are seeking guidance to help get you through this process. Client satisfaction is our goal. We work tirelessly to protect your future and resolve your case as quickly as possible; thereby saving you expense and stress. When you contact our office, you will speak with an experienced individual who will begin guiding you through this stressful process.
Our Attorneys
Tara A. Harrawood
Partner
Tara is and always has been passionate about serving people and being a voice for her clients. She is thrilled to be back home in North Carolina pursuing a career serving the community she loves. Coming from a blended family, Tara knows first-hand the importance of a solid, sincere family law practice.
Danielle Walle
Associate Attorney
Danielle supports her clients with compassion as she helps them fight for justice through what is often a complicated and confusing legal system. She uses her experience with parenting coordinators, family therapists, and other experts to help clients achieve the best outcome for their families.
Julia Kirby Stage
Associate Attorney
Julia stands by her personal philosophy to be her client’s steadfast, zealous advocate. She realizes that going through a separation or child custody case can be one of the most challenging times of a person’s life. She believes in educating her clients through every step of the way so they can be confident in their decisions. While the process is emotional, Julia is known to go out of her way to get the results her clients deserve.
Alexis Gadzinski
Associate Attorney
While attending the Elon University School of Law, Alexis had the opportunity to gain experience in many different areas of law. However, it wasn’t until towards the end of her law school career when she was exposed to family law and discovered a calling for the practice area. As a child of divorce and a large, blended family, Alexis understands the importance of having a dedicated legal team behind you every step of the way when dealing with the stress of separation and combining families.
Keith Rivenbark
Associate Attorney
Keith Rivenbark possesses a natural competitive nature that he utilizes to be the best possible advocate for his clients. The first Rivenbark to attend college, his parents instilled the value of hard work and perseverance in Keith at a young age, and he strives to continually improve himself, carrying through with each commitment he makes. Keith’s practice areas at the firm include business law and civil litigation.
Caitlin Ryan
Associate Attorney
Caitlin Ryan is a family law attorney who relishes the opportunity to work on behalf of her clients and ensure that their interests are safeguarded. Ms. Ryan advocates for clients in all areas of family law including, divorce, alimony, equitable distribution, separation agreements, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders. She has litigated high conflict custody cases including a wide variety of issues such as sexual abuse, emergency custody, grandparent rights, and jurisdictional issues.
Our Staff
Tessa Ledford
Office Manager
Born in Asheville, NC, Tessa moved to the Charlotte area as a child. She graduated from ECPI University with a degree in business administration. Tessa has over six years of experience working in the legal industry.
When she’s not working, Tessa enjoys spending time with her husband and five fur babies, along with crafting, shopping, and being outdoors.
Fun fact- Tessa appeared in a season of “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” with Whitney Thore in a dance competition!
Jenessa Piotrowski
Paralegal
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Jenessa attended Ripon College where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics and Government. She then attended Madison College for a post-baccalaureate certification in Paralegal Studies.
Jenessa has been a paralegal since 2015, and she has worked exclusively in family law since joining the Marcellino & Tyson team in 2018. When she isn’t working, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with her husband and daughter, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers.
Lucia Corrales
Paralegal
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Lucia received her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University with an emphasis in Justice Systems Policy and Planning. Lucia first worked in the courthouse in Tucson, but moved to private legal practice when she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband.
While most of Lucia’s experience has been with Family Law, she has built on her experience in the litigation world and now assists with Civil Litigation, Business and Employment, as well as Construction. Lucia is a great asset to any team and works hard to help clients through the tunnel of conflict.
When Lucia is not in the office, she loves spending time with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys music, movies, traveling, and spending time with her family back home.
Kristin Wright
Paralegal
Born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Kristin attended the University of Mount Olive, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Professionally, she has over five years of experience working as a paralegal.
Kristin believes that being a single parent has helped play a role in how she helps others. She knows what clients are going through and understands just how important every decision is.
In her spare time, Kristin enjoys spending time with her daughter, Maya, her Bassett Hound, Milo, and attending sporting events.
Kristen Tarleton
Paralegal
Kayla Tolin
Business Development Director
Kayla grew up just across the state line in Clover, South Carolina. After graduating she attended York Technical College and then went straight into the workforce in the legal field. She has over four years of experience working with law firms to help create a positive experience throughout the challenging times clients may face.
She finds value in connecting with clients, being part of a great team, and really understanding our client’s needs.
Kayla enjoys hiking, crafting, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Kayleigh Taylor
Legal Administrative Assistant
Originally from Durham, NC, Kayleigh came to Charlotte to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
She graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In her free time, Kayleigh enjoys hanging out with friends, trying new restaurants, and watching crime documentaries. Fun fact, her favorite spot in Charlotte is Jeni’s ice cream.
Lisa Centifanto
Legal Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in Montana, Lisa moved to North Carolina to attend the Paralegal Technology program at Central Piedmont Community College. She graduated in May 2022, and plans on sitting for the NC Paralegal Certification exam this coming year.
Carly Roos
Administrative Assistant
Carly’s hometown is High Point, she grew up around the Archdale area of North Carolina. She graduated from Trinity High School and attended High Point University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband, sewing, and trying out the latest recipe she discovered online.
Fun fact: Carly is a huge movie buff!
The Marcellino & Tyson Process
At Marcellino & Tyson, PLLC, we understand the legal process can be confusing. It is our job to make things as stress-free as possible. Not familiar with the steps of legal service? We’ve got you covered.
The Intake:
We want to hear from you! It is our job to provide the best legal advice to potential clients seeking insight on Family law, Business and Employment, ERISA and Civil Litigation matters. We have an amazing group of support staff on standby to listen and learn about your situation. Based on the case details provided, we’ll either schedule you with a consult with one of our attorneys or refer you to one of our contacts who may be able to better assist with your case.
Our general intake barely scrapes the surface when it comes to the details of your matter. More important information comes to light when meeting with your attorney. During your one-hour consult, you will be able to share the details of your case, review documents, and discuss your options. Our goal is to take the information given and generate a solid action plan that meets the needs of the client. Our attorneys work diligently for the best possible outcome, while allowing our clients to live a normal life.
The Consult:
Retaining our Firm:
When searching for an attorney, it’s important to hire someone you can trust. At Marcellino & Tyson, we understand that no two cases are the same. We offer several rate options, including hourly, flat fee and contingency. Our attorneys understand that legal issues can take a toll on your personal life and on your pocket. With that being said, we are open to discussing alternative payment options to get you the legal representation you seek.
At Marcellino & Tyson, each client is assigned a team of professionals who are thoroughly involved with their cases. Upon calling the office, you will be greeted by our Client Relations Coordinator, who will then direct you to the proper contact based on your present needs. Any member on your assigned team can provide case updates, answer questions, and otherwise, move your case along when your attorney is unavailable. We understand that sometimes other factors arise that can make things a bit challenging. Our attorneys and staff work with you to better understand your case, and if necessary, can generate a new action plan to help better your results. It is our goal to make sure we exceed our clients’ expectations and are protecting what’s theirs!
We’re Engaged!:
Reflection:
Our goal is to work towards the best possible outcome for our clients. Once your case has closed, we take the time to look back on where your case started and reflect on the results produced. Our hope is that every client who walks through the doors of Marcellino & Tyson leaves satisfied and in a better place.