Site Coordinators
Site Coordinators are the backbone of the Regional competitions in February. Both prior to, and throughout the day of the event, they oversee and organize the behind-the-scenes logistics of the competition. Their service includes recruiting and directing site volunteers, arranging refreshments for volunteers, setting up the courthouse, registering teams, assisting the tabulation staff, dealing with issues that arise, and much more. Site Coordinators are vital partners with the Regional Coordinators in every aspect of the day, ensuring that our students and observers have a fun and memorable experience.
We deeply appreciate the investment of these volunteers, for without their efforts, the program would not be possible. Thank you!
Fayetteville
Tanja Shurling. Tanja is a personal injury paralegal at Maginnis Howard in Fayetteville. Rebecca Britton introduced her to the Mock Trial Program when she joined Britton Law in 2012. Tanja has served as the Fayetteville Site Coordinator since 2014. When she’s not working or helping NCMTP, Tanja enjoys traveling with family and friends, attending concerts, and gardening.
Gastonia
Brianne Goebel. Brianne graduated from NC State in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Arabic. In 2022, she earned a degree in Policy Analysis from NC State Graduate School. Brianne completed the Paralegal Certificate Program at UNC Charlotte in 2024. She is currently the Intake Specialist for Maginnis Howard in Charlotte. When she is not working, Brianne enjoys playing with her German Shepherd, riding horses, and dancing.
Greenville
Hendersonville
Melanie Miller. Melanie is a North Carolina Certified Paralegal. She has volunteered with NCMTP for many years and became Site Coordinator in 2019.
Hickory
May Lo. May is an administrative assistant at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, P.C. Prior to her current position, she served as a program manager for Teen Court, and helped set up mock trials for middle school and high school students in the eastern part of the state.
High Point
Grace Lay. Grace Lay graduated from Clemson University in 2015 with a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration. In December 2018, she obtained her law degree from Elon University School of Law. Learn more at https://cordellcordell.com/attorneys/grace-lay/
Hillsborough
Patti Clapper. Patti is the sole paralegal for family law cases at Poyner Spruill, LLP. She obtained her Certified Paralegal designation from NALA with a specialty in Civil Litigation and has also obtained her NC Certified Paralegal designation through the NC State Bar. She has served as NCMTP Site Coordinator for many years.
Lincolnton
Alicia Coggins. Alicia has an MBA from Liberty University and completed the paralegal program at Greensboro College.
Raleigh
Amanda Miller. Amanda has been working as a paralegal in North Carolina since 2001. She has a bachelors degree in Business from East Carolina University and a Paralegal Program Certificate from Meredith College. She also volunteers as a Guardian Ad Litem that helps with youth in the Johnston County DSS system. She has volunteered for the mock trial program in the Raleigh region since 2012.
Raleigh 2
Rachel Boos. Rachel graduated from Appalachian State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Psychology. She is the executive legal assistant at Sams Law Firm, PC, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board for the non-profit Court Support for Families. Rachel has been a volunteer for NCMTP in High Point since 2022.
Wilmington
Catherine Holland. Catherine is a litigation paralegal at Horton & Mendez, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. She graduated from Carteret Community College in 2015 with her Associate Degree of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology. Prior to that, Catherine attended Rutgers University and played college volleyball. She has worked as a paralegal in several different areas of law but enjoys trial work the most. She has served as NCMTP Site Coordinator for several years.
