Who We Are

Meet The Team

Cristal Cruz

Paralegal

Language: English, Spanish

Cristal is an immigration paralegal at Valverde Law, where she has proudly collaborated with Attorney Valverde since 2013. Before joining Valverde Law, Cristal refined her skills as a legal assistant at the law firm of Valverde & Rowell PC, gaining valuable experience in the immigration field.

 

With her roots in Mexico and a childhood spent in Chesapeake, Virginia, Cristal brings a unique perspective to her work. Clients appreciate her attentiveness and dedication, often recognizing her efforts and expressing gratitude for her work.

Nyah Chisolm

Paralegal

Language: English

Nyah joined the Valverde Law family in 2022 as a legal assistant, bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to the team. Born and raised in the U.S. with roots in the Philippines, she quickly made a significant impact, immediately boosting productivity and efficiency. 

 

Before joining Valverde Law, Nyah developed her communication and analytical skills through years of customer service experience and education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Old Dominion University in 2024.

Sierra Curney

Paralegal

Language: English, Spanish

Sierra is a dedicated paralegal at Valverde Law, where she has been a valued member of the team since 2023.

Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Sierra learned Spanish at a young age through bilingual schooling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Hispanic Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University, and her time in college included a transformative experience studying abroad in Spain. Sierra earned her Master’s degree in Human Rights Practice from the University of Arizona in 2025.

Sierra brings a unique blend of experience, education, and a deep commitment to social justice, all of which inform her thoughtful and client-centered approach to legal work.

Anabel Jaime

Administrative Assistant

Language: English, Spanish

Anabel joined Valverde Law in October 2025 as an Administrative Assistant, where she is often the first point of contact for clients, answering calls and assisting with prospective client (PC) inquiries and intake matters.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, she brings a diverse cultural background shaped by her time in Mexico City. She communicates effectively with clients and is known for being dependable, efficient, & always willing to help.

Prior to joining the law firm, Anabel gained valuable professional experience working with Best Buy and BancFirst, where she developed strong customer service, organizational, and administrative skills.

Outside of work, Anabel enjoys running, playing pickleball, and soccer.

Cecilia (Ceci) Salmeron

Office Manager

Language: English, Spanish

Cecilia, affectionately known as “Ceci,” is the Office Manager at Valverde Law and has been a valued member of the team since 2018. She oversees front office operations and client billing, helping ensure the firm runs smoothly each day.

With a background in customer service and management, including experience in banking and as a former restaurant owner, Ceci brings strong leadership and problem-solving skills to her role. Originally from Ayacucho, Perú, she is fluent in Spanish and English and serves as a key interpreter for non-Spanish-speaking team members, providing clear and effective communication. Ceci’s dedication and care make her an essential part of the firm’s continued success.

Betty Pancho

Records Manager

Language: English, Spanish

Betty joined the Valverde Law family in 2023, bringing her initiative and strong organizational skills to the team. With roots in both Peru and the Philippines, Betty was raised in the Virginia Beach area.

As an integral team member, Betty manages client records and handles the receipt and processing of incoming mail. Betty will often communicate with clients when receipt notices, work permits, and other important documents arrive, providing key updates in their immigration process.

Currently, Betty is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice for Liberty at Liberty University.

Jamie Valverde

COO & CFO

Language: English, Spanish

Jamie is the Chief of Operations and Chief Financial Officer of the firm.  She manages the firm’s operational and financial infrastructure, including billing, accounting and payroll, and revenue oversight. Jamie plays a key role in maintaining efficient internal processes, supporting firm growth, and ensuring smooth coordination across administrative functions.

She previously maintained bookkeeping and employee records at Valverde & Rowell P.C. before she and Hugo opened Valverde Law PLLC.  

Jamie earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the College of William and Mary, and is a former high school Spanish teacher.  Most importantly, she is a proud mother of five amazing children.

Anna Colby

Of Counsel

Language: English

Anna was raised in South Africa and the United States by missionary parents and grew up in a multicultural household. Being raised in an international community taught Anna about immigration from a young age, and she is passionate about helping others understand the journey of immigration. 

As a young adult Anna again returned overseas and spent time living in Australia, Indonesia, and Samoa. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education and Ethnic Studies from Azusa Pacific University, her Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, where she served on the boards of the Hispanic Law Student Association and the Christian Legal Society.

Cristal Cruz

Paralegal

Nyah Chisolm

Paralegal

Sierra Curney

Paralegal

Anabel Jaime

Administrative Assistant

Cecilia Salmeron

Office Manager

Betty Pancho

Records Manager

Jamie Valverde

COO & CFO

Anna Colby

Of Counsel

Cristal Cruz

Senior Paralegal

Cristal is an immigration paralegal at Valverde Law, where she has proudly collaborated with Attorney Valverde since 2013. Before joining Valverde Law, Cristal refined her skills as a legal assistant at the law firm of Valverde & Rowell PC, gaining valuable experience in the immigration field.

 

With roots in Mexico and a childhood spent in Chesapeake, Virginia, Cristal brings a unique perspective to her work. Clients appreciate her attentiveness and dedication, often recognizing her efforts and expressing gratitude for her work.

 

Cristal’s years of commitment to Valverde Law clients and her deep understanding of their needs make her a foundational asset to the Valverde Law team.

 

Cristal is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Nyah Chisolm

Paralegal

Nyah joined the Valverde Law family in 2022 as a legal assistant, bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to the team. Born and raised in the U.S. with roots in the Philippines, she quickly made a significant impact, immediately boosting productivity and efficiency. Her ability to analyze information and think critically has been a key factor in her success.

 

Before joining Valverde Law, Nyah developed her communication and analytical skills through years of retail customer service experience and education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity from Old Dominion University in 2024.

 

Nyah is highly regarded by clients for her approachable demeanor, responsiveness, and her ability to understand and address their needs. Known for her strong work ethic and commitment to exceptional client service, Nyah has become an invaluable contributor to the firm.

Sierra Curney

Paralegal

Sierra is a dedicated paralegal at Valverde Law, where she has been a valued member of the team since 2023.

 

Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Sierra learned Spanish at a young age through bilingual schooling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Hispanic Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University, and her time in college included a transformative experience studying abroad in Spain. Sierra earned her Master’s degree in Human Rights Practice from the University of Arizona in 2025.

 

Sierra brings a unique blend of experience, education, and a deep commitment to social justice, all of which inform her thoughtful and client-centered approach to legal work.

Anabel Jaime

Administrative Assistant

Anabel joined Valverde Law in October 2025 as an Administrative Assistant, where she is often the first point of contact for clients, answering calls and assisting with prospective client (PC) inquiries and intake matters. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to communicate effectively with a broad range of clients and colleagues, and is known for being dependable, efficient, and always willing to help.

Prior to joining the law firm, Anabel gained valuable professional experience working with organizations such as Best Buy and BancFirst, where she developed strong customer service, organizational, and administrative skills. She enjoys staying active in her free time through running, playing pickleball, and participating in soccer.

Cecilia Salmeron

Office Manager

Cecilia, affectionately known as “Ceci,” is the Office Manager at Valverde Law and has been a valued member of the team since 2018. She oversees front office operations and client billing, helping ensure the firm runs smoothly each day.

 

With a background in customer service and management, including experience in banking and as a former restaurant owner, Ceci brings strong leadership and problem-solving skills to her role. Originally from Ayacucho, Perú, she is fluent in Spanish and English and serves as a key interpreter for non-Spanish-speaking team members, providing clear and effective communication. Ceci’s dedication and care make her an essential part of the firm’s continued success.

Betty Pancho

Records Manager

Betty joined the Valverde Law family in 2023, bringing her initiative and strong organizational skills to the team. With roots in both Peru and the Philippines, Betty was raised in the Virginia Beach area.

 

As an integral team member, Betty manages client records and handles the receipt and processing of incoming mail. Betty will often communicate with clients when receipt notices, work permits, and other important documents arrive, providing key updates in their immigration process.

 

Currently, Betty is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice for Liberty at Liberty University, demonstrating her commitment to education and professional development. Betty is fluent in both English and Spanish, and is a highly valued and respected member of the firm.

Jaime Valverde

COO & CFO

Jamie is the Chief of Operations and Chief Financial Officer of the firm.  She manages the firm’s operational and financial infrastructure, including billing, accounting and payroll, and revenue oversight. Jamie plays a key role in maintaining efficient internal processes, supporting firm growth, and ensuring smooth coordination across administrative functions.

She previously maintained bookkeeping and employee records at Valverde & Rowell P.C. before she and Hugo opened Valverde Law PLLC.  

 

Jamie earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the College of William and Mary, and is a former high school Spanish teacher.  Most importantly, she is a proud mother of five amazing children.

Anna Colby

Of Cousel

Anna was raised in South Africa and the United States by missionary parents, Anna grew up in a multicultural household. Being raised in an international community taught Anna about immigration from a young age, and she is passionate about helping others understand the journey of immigration.

 

As a young adult Anna again returned overseas and spent time living in Australia, Indonesia, and Samoa. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education and Ethnic Studies from Azusa Pacific University, her Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University, and her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law, where she served on the boards of the Hispanic Law Student Association and the Christian Legal Society.

 

After law school Anna was a law clerk in the Third Circuit Court of Hawai’i for the Interim Chief Judge of the Third Circuit, the honorable Melvin H. Fujino, and the honorable Wendy M. DeWeese. Anna is admitted to practice law in Hawai’i and federally, and serves clients with immigration law matters nationwide. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

 

In her free time Anna enjoys cooking, hiking, and composing music.