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Welcome to the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (PAF)
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence
Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends,
It is with immense pride and heartfelt gratitude that I step into the role of President during this extraordinary milestone—our association’s 50th anniversary year. For half a century, we have stood as a beacon of professionalism, advocacy, and advancement for paralegals across our state and beyond. This golden anniversary is not only a celebration of our past but a powerful springboard into our future.
As we honor the visionaries who laid our foundation and the countless members who have carried the torch forward, we also embrace the opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and recommit. The legal landscape continues to evolve, and so must we—through education, innovation, and unity.
This year, we will celebrate our legacy with purpose. Our theme will guide a series of events, initiatives, and conversations designed to elevate our profession and empower every member. From commemorative gatherings to forward-thinking seminars, we will blend tradition with transformation.
I invite each of you to be part of this journey. Let’s celebrate our shared history, amplify our collective voice and shape the next 50 years—together.
With deep appreciation and great anticipation,
Karen Wortman, CP, FRP
President, Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.
50th Anniversary Year – 2026
[email protected]
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President – Karen Wortman
Karen Wortman is a Certified and Florida Registered Paralegal with over 10 years of experience in estate planning, guardianship, and probate/trust administration and litigation. She became a member of the Paralegal Association of Florida in 2014 and moved into the Secretary position of the Brevard Chapter in 2015. After serving two years as Secretary, she became President of the Brevard Chapter, and she served in that capacity until 2020. After taking a break from board positions for a few years to attend to her family and career obligations, Karen returned to serve as First Vice President of the Paralegal Association of Florida in 2025 and is currently serving as President for 2026. In her spare time, Karen enjoys writing, playing pickleball, attending live music shows, and visiting craft breweries around the state.
1st Vice President –
Kristina M. Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP
Kristina M. Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP
is an accomplished legal professional with more than 20 years of in-house experience supporting national and global companies in Florida across complex, high-growth industries. In December 2024, she joined Merrimac Ventures, a leading real estate investment and development firm, as its inaugural Manager of Legal Affairs, where she oversees legal operations and provides strategic support across corporate, transactional, and real estate matters.
Kristina holds an MBA with a specialization in International Business from Florida Atlantic University and is a Florida Registered Paralegal through The Florida Bar. She is also an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) in Discovery, Contract Management/Administration, and Real Estate Principles—credentials earned through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). A dedicated member of NALA since earning her certification in 2007, Kristina was appointed to NALA’s Continuing Education Council in August 2024.
Since 2016, Kristina has been an active leader within the Paralegal Association of Florida (PAF), serving in multiple board roles at both the chapter and state levels, including Vice President, President, and NALA Liaison. Her long-standing commitment to the profession reflects her passion for lifelong learning, mentorship, and elevating the standards of paralegal practice. She continues to give back as a volunteer mentor in the Broward College Paralegal Mentor/Mentee and Paralegal Eagle Programs.
Outside of her professional work, Kristina enjoys running. After completing six full marathons, she now focuses on half marathons—finding them a more balanced and manageable way to stay active while pursuing her many professional and volunteer commitments.
2nd Vice President – Jodee Buck
Jodee
L. Buck is an advanced certified paralegal with more than 25 years of legal experience primarily in the fields of Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Corporate, and Government law. She currently works at Weiss Law out of Boca Raton, Florida. Jodee received her AA degree from Keiser University in 2004 and completed her paralegal certification with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). In 2023, Jodee was honored with NALA’s Affiliate Award. Keiser University featured Jodee in a testimonial commercial for their institution. In 2006 Jodee completed the requirements to become a Florida Certified Paralegal as well as a Florida Registered Paralegal and in 2020 took the NALA exam to become an Advanced Certified Paralegal in Real Estate. She was the President of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., and remains a member of the Treasure Coast Chapter. She has devoted many years supporting the United Way and March of Dimes. Jodee has been with her husband since 1997, and they have a beautiful daughter and reside in Vero Beach, Florida. She also has a Boston Terrier, a Blue Tick Coon Hound, a black cat, 3 snakes (small ones), and a squirrel. Jodee’s hobbies include taking care of the zoo at home, dancing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Secretary – Marisa Stidam
Treasurer – Carrie Brooks
NALA Liaison – Brean Salvo
Parliamentarian – Kerri Sangeleer
Director at Large – Kristin Kadaj
Immediate Past President – Sherry Webber, ACP, FCP, FRP
Sherry Webber has been a Litigation Paralegal in the Palm Beach County Attorney’s Office since 2005.  Before that working in the private sector, handling both plaintiff and defense assignments for firms in and around the Palm Beach County.
Since joining PAF, Inc. and her local Palm Beach County Chapter in 1999, she has served on the PBCC Executive Board in almost every capacity, including as Law Week Chair since 2004; and Career Network Chair since 2017.  She is Immediate Past President of the Palm Beach County Chapter.  On the State level, she became the Editor of “In Brief” in 2014;  2nd Vice-President for two terms (2018-19 and 2019-20); First Vice President for 2022; and is honored to be President of PAF.
Always remember "It's not the absence of fear, it's overcoming it.  Sometimes you've got to blast through and have faith" ~ Emma Watson
Kristin Kadaj, At Large Director
Additional Board Members
Carlie Duquette, Director (
Chapter President – Big Bend
Carol Goraczko, Director (
Chapter President – Broward
Jennifer Heape, Director (
Chapter President – First Coast
Michelle Arty, Director (
Chapter President – Palm Beach County
Kristin Kadaj, Director (
Chapter President – Pinellas
Janet Merz, Director (
Chapter President – Southwest
Kristen Remling, Director (
Chapter President – Treasure Coast
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Recent Posts
2026 PAF State Nominations Open
2024 Membership Drive
2024 Leadership
State Events
Broward PAF Monthly CLE: Medicaid, LTC, and Social Security
April 29th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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PAF-FCC March 19, 2026 CLE (Via Zoom)
May 21st 2026 at 12:00 pm
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Broward PAF Monthly CLE
May 27th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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PAF-FCC June 4, 2026 Board Meeting (Via Zoom)
June 4th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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PAF Pinellas Dinner Meetting
June 9th 2026 at 5:30 pm
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Paralegal Power Hour - At Large Chapter Monthly Luncheon Series
June 17th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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First Coast In-Person CLE Luncheon on 6/18/2026
June 18th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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PAF-FCC July 2, 2026 Board Meeting (Via Zoom)
July 2nd 2026 at 12:00 pm
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PAF Pinellas Dinner Meetting
July 14th 2026 at 5:30 pm
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Paralegal Power Hour - At Large Chapter Monthly Luncheon Series
July 15th 2026 at 12:00 pm
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