Committee Members

Asha has been interested in law since high school when she joined the LAWS program. After a 5-year stint in Japan, Asha returned to Canada and decided it was time to pursue a career in Law. She graduated from Centennial College's Post-Graduate Paralegal program with honours in 2023 and is currently in the process of becoming a licensed Paralegal. Using her skills from her previous experience in media and education Asha is excited to join the communications committee to help spread awareness about the Paralegal profession.

Sephrah Luke is a pre-law student at York University pursuing a degree in Law & Society. As a pre-law student, Sephrah is passionate about social justice, public policy, and community empowerment. She is dedicated to understanding the complexities of legal systems and their impact on societal issues. Sephrah aims to use her education to advocate for meaningful change and develop her skills in analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and legal analysis. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and is thrilled to be joining the OABP community on the communications committee.

Ashleigh Waite was born and raised in Jamaica and has always been fascinated by the law and justice system. Dedicated to making a difference, Ashleigh is committed to improving the lives of individuals confronting injustices.

Keisha N. Knibbs is a licensed bilingual paralegal and notary public with a passion for delivering high-quality legal services. Currently working as a Litigation and Intake Paralegal with AJ Murray Legal Services. Her ability to communicate fluently in both English and French enables her to effectively serve diverse clientele, bridging language gaps and fostering trust.

Carla is a licensed Paralegal and Notary Public who possesses over 20 years of legal experience. She is a former Supervisor of Court Operations where she oversaw the Superior Court of Justice family, criminal and civil branches. Carla has initiated and facilitated discussions as an active member on the Rules of Civil Procedure (Estates) and Small Claims Court Rules committees and has implemented change developments to align with both the Ontario and Superior Court Service Division’s policies and procedures.

Liz has always had a passion for social justice, which led her to pursue a paralegal education. After working as a legal assistant and exploring other professions, she found her true passion and graduated with honors in paralegal studies in 2021. Liz now works in the criminal defence industry, where she advocates for fair and accessible legal education. In addition to her legal career, Liz is a fitness instructor and personal trainer, dedicated to help others achieve their health and wellness goals.

Khadija has a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Global Studies. She was the Captain/Leader of the Wayne State University Tennis Team (2017-2019) and completed her Paralegal Program at Mohawk College.

Nickisha Lee loves to practice Criminal Law. She also loves travelling, and tasting and trying new foods!

Thomasina Smith has been a licensed paralegal for 2 years. Currently, her professional interests are in Mediation and Workplace Conflict Resolution and her goals surround that overarching class. In her downtime, she likes to visit Niagara-on-the Lake, go wine tasting, relax with a good book, and absorb all the sun she can. Of course, she prefers to do all 3 in a tropical environment.

Alicia Clarke is a licensed Paralegal for the firm Rusonik, O’Connor, Robbins, Ross & Angelini, LLP and has worked in Criminal Defence for over a decade. As a Board Member for the Ontario Association of Black Paralegals (OABP) Education Committee and Committee Member of the OABP Law Clerk Program, Alicia is looking forward to engaging with other Black paralegals and legal professionals who want to further build representation in the legal community and learn how to combat systemic discrimination in the justice system.

Shevaun is a dedicated and accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in the field of law, currently serving as a Paralegal and Intake Coordinator at The Black Legal Action Centre. Prior to joining The Black Legal Action Centre, Shevaun honed her legal expertise as a Prosecutor 2 with the City of Toronto at the Ontario Court of Justice, Provincial Offences Court and a Court Clerk Monitor with the City of Toronto and a Court Monitor with the Ontario Court of Justice Youth Criminal and Family Court.  Shevaun holds two diplomas from Seneca College of Applied Arts & Technology.  Notably, she earned a Certificate in Arbitration from York University. Shevaun has been a licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario since 2010.  

Halimot Layode is a foreign trained lawyer who has been in the legal field for over 9 years. She graduated from Sheridan College Post graduate diploma in 2022 and recently became licensed to practice as a Paralegal. She is also in the process of completing her NCA exams that would enable her to practice as a Lawyer in Canada. Halimot has a niche and passion for advocating for the helpless, and ensuring justice is served. She is excited to use her experience as a foreign-trained lawyer and a Paralegal for the betterment of the association.