Mon-Thu: 9am-5pm | Friday: 9am-12pm
Trial Attorney
Chastity is an Associate Attorney at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, where she proudly upholds the firm’s mission to empower, protect, and nurture. These values are at the heart of her approach to practicing law.
For the past four years, Chastity has dedicated her career exclusively to family law, driven by a passion for helping clients feel heard, supported, and respected through every stage of the legal process. Whether handling divorce, custody disputes, or child support matters, her goal is always to ensure that clients leave the courtroom knowing their voice mattered, regardless of the outcome. At Avalos, Chastity values being part of a team that pairs strong legal advocacy with genuine compassion. She understands that family law isn’t just about legal arguments, it’s about people, their children, and their futures.
Chastity focuses on giving clients the clarity and confidence they need to make informed decisions. She believes in honest guidance, strategic thinking, and fiercely protecting what matters most to every family she serves.
Outside the office, Chastity enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, and her Goldendoodle, Cinnamon, who is absolutely convinced the world revolves around her (and she may be right). Working at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys allows Chastity to do the work she loves in a place that values both excellence and empathy. She’s here to listen, advocate, and empower, every step of the way.
Trial Attorney
Karen A. Egbuna is a trial attorney with over a decade of legal experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals and families navigate some of the most challenging seasons of their lives. She has worked at prominent law firms across the Houston area, assisting in both high-asset and high-conflict litigation.
Her path to family law was personal. After witnessing the power of effective advocacy in her own life, Karen felt called to stand in the gap for others facing crisis. That moment of clarity shifted her career from regulatory work into the courtroom, where she now fights for those who need their voice heard the most.
Karen brings a strategic, compassionate yet firm approach to family law. Her practice focuses on divorce, high-conflict custody disputes, modifications, enforcement actions, premarital agreements, and matters involving family violence. She’s known for her ability to discern when to fight and when to problem-solve and does both with integrity.
A Houston native, Karen graduated from Stafford High School and earned her B.A. in Political Science from Trinity University in 2010. She went on to receive her J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 2014, where she served as a Senior Editor of the Howard Law Journal. Outside the office, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, reading, exploring new recipes, working out, and curating bold outfits for court. She believes in showing up strong personally and professionally—and is passionate about empowering women to understand their rights and walk confidently into the next chapter of their lives.
Trial Attorney
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
While studying at the University of Texas, Jody walked past the campus motto every day: “What starts here changes the world.” From an early age, she knew she wanted to use her education to give back and serve her community. As she explored different career paths, she realized that becoming an attorney would allow her to do exactly that. She was drawn to Avalos Family Trial Attorneys because of Gianni’s mission to empower clients—especially mothers—through empathy and education.
Her path to family law was personal. After witnessing the power of effective advocacy in her own life, Karen felt called to stand in the gap for others facing crisis. That moment of clarity shifted her career from regulatory work into the courtroom, where she now fights for those who need their voice heard the most.
To gain courtroom experience, Jody began her legal career practicing family law and criminal defense, representing court-appointed clients who could not otherwise afford an attorney. After the legal landscape shifted following COVID-19 in 2020, her practice evolved to focus primarily on family law. She understands how overwhelming the legal process can be and is committed to representing her clients with empathy and compassion while providing zealous advocacy both in and out of the courtroom. She takes pride in helping clients navigate the difficult processes of divorce and child custody and works to reduce their stress by educating and empowering them every step of the way. She is especially passionate about advocating for victims of domestic violence.
Originally from Austin County, Texas, Jody often returns to enjoy the slower pace away from the city. She earned her undergraduate degree in Classics and the Business Foundations Program at the University of Texas, graduating with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2015. She received a full academic scholarship to Baylor Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor and mediator certification in 2018. While at Baylor, she studied abroad at the Academy of the Advocate in St. Andrews, Scotland in both 2016 and 2017, honing her trial advocacy skills. She also participated in Baylor’s first dual civil and criminal Practice Court mock trial program. In 2024, she was nominated for and completed the Tim Evans Trial College, where she continued to develop her trial expertise.
Outside the courtroom, Jody enjoys cycling through Hermann Park, trying new restaurants, and curling up with her cats and a good TV show.
Board-Certified Attorney in Child Welfare Law
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
Tanya Ochoa is a Board-Certified attorney in Child Welfare Law with a long-standing commitment to advocating for vulnerable children and families.
Originally from Houston, Tanya began her professional journey in the fashion industry before pursuing a deeper calling to serve others through the legal field. She earned her law degree with honors from the University of Texas School of Law, following a BBA in Marketing from the University of Houston.
With over two decades of experience, Tanya’s career blends compassionate advocacy with sharp litigation skills. She began as an associate attorney with Alaniz and Schrader, later serving as in-house counsel for WDII, where she gained valuable insight into corporate legal operations. In 2011, she founded her own firm, where she represented clients in complex child welfare and family law matters through 2025.
Tanya has remained actively involved in professional and legal communities throughout her career. She has served as an associate editor for The Review of Litigation, contributed to the Children’s Rights Clinic, and is a member of both the Family Law and Child Welfare Sections. She is also a licensed member of the California Bar.
Outside the courtroom, Tanya lives in Cedar Park with her husband, two stepsons, and their dog. She is passionate about animal rescue efforts, has served as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2016, and enjoys travel, shopping, board games, tennis, and watching soccer, her favorite sport. Tanya brings the same energy and focus to her legal practice that she brings to every aspect of her life.
Trial Attorney
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
As an unaccompanied homeless youth from 2011–2014 and through prior work within the Harris County Courts, Ms. Santibañez knows firsthand the challenges one faces during litigation proceedings. With an undergraduate background in clinical psychology and her time working at Baylor College of Medicine she further understands the lasting and often hidden impacts on psychological development in both children and adults. She takes a personalized approach specifically tailored to each individual client’s needs.
“I joined AFTA after following our founding attorneys’ journey through online presence. I wanted a home within my work community that I could be proud of. A mentor and colleagues that would share in my vision for protecting children’s rights and parents who want the best for their children. As a child of six who remembers going to court beginning at age four, it is personal. I want to make sure no one must go through such traumatic events alone. I firmly believe that sometimes the best family is not the one you are born into but the one you create along the way.”
In her free time, Ms. Santibañez enjoys long-distance running and actively leads community run clubs around the greater Houston area.
Billing Specialist
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
Amy is the Billing Specialist at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys and is widely recognized as the team’s MVP. Her journey into family law is as inspiring as it is unique, rooted in empathy, personal resilience, and a genuine drive to help others through life’s most challenging transitions.
Before joining the firm, Amy built a strong foundation in emergency medicine, where she specialized in registration, intake, billing, and coding. That experience honed her precision, people skills, and ability to navigate complex systems under pressure.
Amy first came to Avalos Family Trial Attorneys as a client, seeking a consultation for her own family law matter. After successfully handling the case on her own and demonstrating incredible strength and clarity, she left a lasting impression on the team. Soon after, she was invited to join the firm as a receptionist.
From that initial role, Amy quickly rose through the ranks. She advanced to intake specialist, then took on responsibilities in billing. Today, as Billing Specialist, she plays a vital role in ensuring clients are treated with transparency, compassion, and respect when it comes to financial matters. Her unique ability to blend firsthand empathy with practical support makes her an invaluable resource to both clients and the team.
Amy is currently pursuing her education at the University of Houston and is a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Originally from Kingwood, Texas, she’s a diehard UH Cougars fan and an enthusiastic coach of youth basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Whether she’s on the court or in the office, Amy brings heart, hustle, and unwavering dedication to every role she takes on.
Director of Operations & TBLS Board Certified Family Law Paralegal
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
With over 17 years of experience in the legal field, Caitie brings a rare blend of depth, versatility, and dedication to her work. Her career began at just eighteen years old as a private investigator, specializing in criminal, civil, and family law cases. Working alongside her father at his private investigation firm, she also gained valuable experience in administrative operations—a foundation that sparked her passion for legal systems and client advocacy.
From there, Caitie transitioned into a legal assistant role and steadily advanced into her career as a paralegal, where she found her calling in family law. In 2021, she earned the prestigious designation of Family Law Board Certified Paralegal through the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She remains actively involved in the profession as a member of the Paralegal Division of the State Bar of Texas and previously served as the Family Law Specialty Chair for the Fort Worth Paralegal Association.
Currently, Caitie serves as the Director of Operations at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, where she combines her extensive legal knowledge with strategic leadership. From intake to trial—and everything in between—she takes pride in maintaining a well-rounded, adaptable approach to her work. Her latest chapter includes pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies at Texas Wesleyan University, with plans to attend law school and continue growing her impact in the legal field.
Beyond her professional life, Caitie is a devoted animal lover with three dogs and two cats. She finds joy in nature, creativity, and any opportunity to blend structure with imagination—whether she's organizing systems at work or getting inspired outdoors. Through every step of her journey, she remains passionate about helping people, solving problems, and leading with both heart and grit.
Family Law Paralegal
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
A native Houstonian, Mirian has always been drawn to Family Law, knowing early on that it was the area where she could make the most meaningful impact. She began her formal legal journey in 2020 as a Family Law Paralegal at The Gonzalez Law Group. In 2022, she joined The Edward Law Group, continuing to grow in her role and briefly serving as Office Manager before becoming part of the AFTA team in late 2024.
Mirian earned her Associate of Arts in General Studies from San Jacinto College in 2016 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies in 2020. Since then, her passion has remained steady: helping parents who are focused on the wellbeing of their children. She finds purpose in advocating for and empowering families with the tools they need to navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.
Outside of work, she enjoys building intricate LEGO sets, antique shopping, and collecting vinyl records. A dedicated home baker, she’s known for her bagels, fresh bread, and cinnamon rolls. She’s also a proud dog mom to two spirited Australian Shepherds. Her favorite part of working at AFTA is the supportive team dynamic—and being able to work from home, windows open during a rainstorm, a candle lit, and her fur babies by her side.
TBLS Board Certified Family Law Paralegal
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
With a lifelong passion for the law and a natural curiosity about how systems shape people’s lives, Kathy often says that, in many ways, law life found her. Her academic background in history and her desire to make a real-world impact drew her to family law, a field where she could help people through some of their most challenging moments. Currently working toward becoming an attorney, Kathy is proud to be part of the Avalos Family Trial Attorneys team, where she’s continuing to learn from our dedicated staff while supporting families during life’s most important transitions.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Kathy earned her degree in History from the University of Houston. She’s long been fascinated by how the past influences the present, and that perspective informs the empathy and attentiveness she brings to every case. Whether assisting attorneys or directly supporting clients, she works to ensure that every person feels informed, empowered, and cared for.
What motivates Kathy most is knowing that the work she does has a meaningful impact on people’s lives, especially when families are navigating uncertainty and need clarity, compassion, and strong legal guidance.
Outside the office, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband and their cat, usually while planning their next adventure or diving into something new to learn. She loves travel, especially when it lets her connect with history in person. Her dream vacation? A trip to London to explore everything from iconic landmarks to quiet country cottages.
Being part of the AFTA team has allowed Kathy to combine her passion for the law with people-centered, meaningful work, and she’s proud to be on a path that allows her to grow while making a difference.
Family Law Paralegal
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
Bailey found her way into family law thanks to a friend who recognized her potential, even before she saw it in herself. With several years of experience now under her belt, Bailey has built a career centered on supporting individuals and families through some of the most difficult transitions life can bring. She is deeply committed to helping clients navigate these challenges with compassion, kindness, and a focus on long-term well-being.
Her dedication to advocating for children and helping families create more stable, supportive futures is at the heart of her work. Bailey finds great meaning in being part of a profession where she can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Being a member of the team at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys only amplifies that purpose; she thrives in the firm’s collaborative environment, where shared values and a sense of fun go hand in hand with serious advocacy.
Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University and earned her Paralegal Studies Certification from Ashworth College. Her academic background also includes a focus on exercise science, and she holds a personal training certification, reflecting her lifelong interest in health, wellness, and human performance.
Originally from Forney, Texas, Bailey brings that same energy and spirit into her personal life. She cheered for Oklahoma State University and won two national championships during her time there. A proud fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Stars hockey, Bailey stays active and outdoors whenever possible. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, working out, and finding joy in life’s everyday moments.
TBLS Board Certified Family Law Paralegal
Tell us about yourself. Who you are and how you got here.
Jessica, who goes by Jey, is a Board-Certified Paralegal specializing in Family Law. Her legal journey began while earning her Certificate in Paralegal Studies, during which she interned at a Family Law firm and quickly discovered a passion for helping families navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions. That early experience sparked a career that has since spanned a wide range of legal environments, including solo practitioners, statewide firms, national practices, and even international law firms. This diverse background has equipped her with a strong foundation, an adaptable skill set, and a well-rounded understanding of Family Law from multiple perspectives.
Jey later transitioned into contract paralegal work, where she collaborated with skilled legal professionals across various firms. During this time, she met Gianni, shortly after the launch of her practice. The strong professional rapport they developed—along with the supportive, empowering culture Gianni cultivated, made it clear that joining her team was the right next step in Jey’s career.
Outside of the office, Jey is a proud mother, stepmother, and wife. She enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories with her family, experiences that keep her grounded and fuel the empathy she brings to every client interaction. A fun fact: Jey is also an ordained minister, a role that allows her to celebrate meaningful milestones with others and reflects the same deep commitment to family and community that guides her work in Family Law.
Family Law Paralegal
Estephanie Medina joined AFTA in 2024 as a family law paralegal in the Houston office. Since 2018, she has dedicated her career to the fields of family and immigration law, where she has gained valuable experience in motion practice, discovery, mediation, hearing preparation and client relations. Her approach to legal work is shaped not only by her professional experience but also by her personal journey, which gives her a deep empathy for the families she serves.
Raised by a single mother and custody matters firsthand as a teen mom including having experienced the complexities of divorce, Estephanie understands the emotional toll these issues can take. Her own life experiences have ignited a passion for family law and a desire to be a compassionate advocate for those navigating similar challenges. She is especially driven by a commitment to ensuring that children’s needs remain the priority. Estephanie believes that when families are encouraged to prioritize the well-being of their children, even the most difficult situations can lead to meaningful and positive resolutions.
Outside of her professional life, she is a wife and a mother. Proud mother to four children and spends most of her free time cheering on her sons at the baseball fields or participating in church. She is an active volunteer in her church’s children’s ministry and youth group. Estephanie speaks Spanish and is also the first in her family to pursue higher education and is currently enrolled at Lone Star College, working toward her associate degree in Criminal Justice. She remains committed to lifelong learning and is determined to continue advancing her legal career so she can serve families with even greater impact and care.
