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Катя Стельмах

Founder and Managing Director

With over 16 years of experience in U.S. immigration law, Katya has guided her firm to achieve a 99% approval rate, helping thousands of professionals, startup founders, and entrepreneurs achieve their American dream.

Katya’s journey as an immigrant from Belarus shapes her dedication to her clients. At 19, she won a U.S. government scholarship and moved to the United States. She earned her J.D. from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Her academic success was paired with practical experience, including litigation and corporate law roles at respected firms.

Before establishing Stelmakh & Associates in 2008, Katya managed the business immigration practice for an international law firm with offices in Philadelphia, Moscow, and Kyiv. She advised one of the world’s largest ferroalloy and steel manufacturers on international personnel relocation and travel matters, handled international legal disputes, and counseled business transactions.

Katya founded Stelmakh & Associates, LLC to empower immigrants by helping them navigate U.S. immigration law. She believes talent and ambition deserve opportunities, regardless of borders.

Her firm is known for creating effective immigration strategies tailored to each client’s needs. In addition to legal services, Katya and her team offer practical support for relocation, including connections to experts in taxation and other essential services. This approach ensures clients are well-prepared for their new lives in the United States.

Katya’s vision for Stelmakh & Associates is to continue bringing talented individuals to the U.S., enriching the country with their contributions. Her commitment, expertise, and personal experience make her a trusted advocate for those seeking to build their future in America.

Professional headshot of Sergey, Chief Operating Officer at Stelmakh & Associates, wearing a black blazer and light purple shirt, smiling confidently against a dark gray background.

Sergey Tumakha

Главный операционный директор

Сергей совершенствует бизнес-процессы, рыночную ориентацию, культуру и операционные стандарты в компании Stelmakh & Associates с 2008 года.
Имея степень доктора философии в области электротехники и вычислительной техники и степень MBA Уортонской школы, Сергей уникальным образом сочетает опыт в области высоких технологий с навыками предпринимательства и стратегического управления бизнесом.

Сергей занимал значительные должности в ведущих корпорациях, таких как Amazon и Microsoft, и руководил инициативами в области технологий сохранения конфиденциальности. Его значительный опыт работы в сфере технологий, включая основание и управление стартапами, дает ему глубокое понимание проблем, с которыми сталкиваются предприниматели, особенно основатели технологических компаний. Лидерство Сергея выходит за рамки внутреннего управления и напрямую влияет на успех клиентов, стремящихся получить рабочие визы O-1, зеленые карты EB-1 и петиции EB-2 NIW. Его непосредственный опыт работы с проблемами инноваций и лидерства в технологической отрасли определяет его стремление помогать клиентам ориентироваться в сложных иммиграционных процессах.

Professional headshot of Karen Studeny, Associate Attorney at Stelmakh & Associates, wearing glasses and a black blazer against a neutral beige background.

Karen Studeny

Associate Attorney

Karen is an experienced business immigration attorney with a strong background in employment-based visa petitions and corporate immigration matters. She has worked extensively on EB-1A, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW, EB-5, E-2, L-1, and H-1B cases, providing strategic guidance to individuals and companies navigating complex immigration pathways. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Karen has successfully represented clients in various industries, including technology, finance, biotech, and academia.

With a Juris Doctor from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Duquesne University, Karen brings a sharp legal acumen to her work, complemented by her expertise in corporate governance and compliance. Her previous roles included managing investor-based immigration cases for Chinese nationals and advising multinational clients on entity structuring and regulatory compliance. Karen’s ability to blend legal precision with a client-centered approach makes her an invaluable advocate for professionals and businesses seeking U.S. immigration solutions.

Портрет Санджаны Беллам, мл. Помощник адвоката, на нейтральном фоне.

Санджана Беллам

мл. Помощник адвоката

Санджана Беллам – высококвалифицированный и целеустремленный младший помощник адвоката с тонким пониманием иммиграционного и бизнес-права. Недавно сдав экзамен на звание адвоката штата Нью-Йорк, самый сложный экзамен в США для иммиграционных юристов, Санджана привносит в свою работу уникальный опыт и стойкость. Она получила степень магистра международного делового права в Северо-Восточном университете и степень бакалавра английского права в Университете Данди, Шотландия.

Имея опыт работы с комплексными стратегиями для виз категорий EB-1, EB-2 NIW и EB-5, Санджана успешно подготовила важнейшие юридические документы, включая подзаконные акты, партнерские соглашения и соглашения акционеров. Ее профессиональный путь включает ключевые роли в поддержке корпоративного управления, соблюдения нормативных требований и создания некоммерческих организаций, что неизменно приводит к высоким показателям одобрения. Владея несколькими языками, включая хинди, телугу, французский и английский, Санджана легко ориентируется в общении с клиентами из разных слоев общества. Ее основательный подход и глубокая заинтересованность в успехе клиента делают ее бесценным помощником в преодолении сложностей иммиграционного законодательства.

Молодая женщина с короткими светло-каштановыми волосами ярко улыбается.<br />
На ней серьги-обручи и полосатый топ с высоким воротником.<br />
Выражение ее лица теплое и дружелюбное.

Карли Манно

Senior Paralegal

Carlie has over four years of experience specializing in employment-based immigration, managing various visa petitions such as O-1A, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, H-1B, L-1, TN, Adjustments of Status, and the full-cycle PERM process. She has served clients ranging from Series A startups to Fortune 50 corporations in the insurance, medical device manufacturing, technology, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, and diesel fuel industries, to name a few. Carlie takes pleasure in getting to know each client, researching their field of endeavor, and crafting creative arguments to gain approval on their unique petitions. At Stelmakh & Associates, Carlie’s expertise, attention to detail, and empathetic approach are invaluable in helping extraordinary clients navigate complex immigration processes.

Carlie is passionate about removing barriers to access for everyone. She participates in restorative justice initiatives, and has served as Vice President of the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison Alumni Association. She has taught a legal writing class inside of a prison, guest lectured a DePaul University community service studies class with a formerly and wrongfully convicted incarcerated student,  and volunteered in a law and policy think tank with incarcerated students. This think tank successfully passed Illinois House Bill 2541: Re-Entering Citizens Civic Education Act. HB 2541 mandates that re-entering citizens in Illinois are allowed to learn about their reinstated right to vote, how to vote, and why it is important.

 

Молодой человек с короткими темными волосами и козлиной бородкой, одетый в повседневный пиджак поверх бордовой рубашки.<br />
У него нейтральное выражение лица, и он смотрит прямо в камеру.

Абель Ситник

Параюрист

Абель специализируется на иммиграционном праве и помогает юридической команде фирмы.
Его роль заключается в подготовке и ведении различных иммиграционных петиций, гарантируя, что каждое дело будет рассмотрено с максимальной точностью и тщательностью.
Владея английским и русским языками на двух языках, Абель эффективно помогает клиентам из разных слоев населения ориентироваться в сложностях иммиграционного законодательства США, способствуя созданию инклюзивной и разнообразной среды.

Сильные организаторские способности Абеля и его опыт в управлении проектами и юридическими процедурами делают его неотъемлемой частью работы фирмы.
Его опыт работы в сфере обслуживания клиентов и юридической помощи позволил ему получить широкий набор навыков, позволяющих ему эффективно управлять взаимодействием с клиентами и способствовать успеху фирмы.

 

Professional headshot of Maddalena Rae Baker, an immigration paralegal with long blonde hair, glasses, and a warm smile, set against a dark gray background.

Maddalena Rae Baker

Paralegal

Maddalena is an analytical and empathetic immigration paralegal and technical writer with extensive experience in employment-based immigration. Her expertise spans case strategy, RFE response preparation, and legal writing, including cover letters, affidavits, and client-facing materials.

A graduate in International Studies focusing on Global Diplomacy from Louisiana State University, Maddalena earned multiple awards for academic excellence and her senior thesis.
She has worked closely with clients in sectors like clinical medicine, biotech, and academia. She has achieved successful outcomes in complex EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, O-1A, and H-1B petitions.

Maddalena pairs her technical expertise with a warm, client-centered approach, making the immigration process smoother for each individual she supports. Known for attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and dedication to thorough research, she is a reliable and compassionate guide for clients navigating complex immigration pathways.

Professional headshot of Andrew Wojcik, Legal Operations Analyst at Stelmakh & Associates, wearing glasses, a checkered blue shirt, and a dark blazer, smiling confidently against a light background.

Andrew Wojcik

Legal Operations Analyst

Andy, with his background in account management and legal operations, skillfully connects lawyers and clients with seamless communication, assisting in documentation, case preparation, and compliance. He specialized in various processes of employment-based visas, including EB-1, EB-2 NIW, O-1, and H-1B petitions.

Before joining Stelmakh & Associates, Andy was a Senior Paralegal and Account Manager at a prominent immigration law firm, where he managed visa processing for large corporate clients in various industries, including technology, finance, insurance, and engineering.

His technical expertise, particularly in creating automation tools for managing data, significantly improves the efficiency of legal processes. His analytical nature, coupled with a client-oriented disposition, renders him a valuable asset to the firm and its clients as they chart the complicated immigration paths.

 

Портрет Надежды, молодой женщины с темными волнистыми волосами, в фиолетовой узорчатой блузке, уверенно смотрящей в камеру.

Nadya Shakina

Paralegal, Onboarding Specialist

Nadya graduated with the highest distinction from Lomonosov Moscow State University, where she earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Law. Currently pursuing her LL.M. at Temple University Beasley School of Law, she combines her international legal expertise with a focus on mastering U.S. law. 

Nadya’s professional background includes serving as an attorney at the Moscow Bar Association, where she contributed to high-profile cases. She is also a published conference presenter, having delivered award-winning presentations on the interplay between law and religion and the economic analysis of family law institutions.

At Stelmakh & Associates, Nadya focuses on drafting petitions and onboarding new clients. She provides personalized support, ensuring clients understand the process, upload the necessary documents, and have their questions answered promptly.

Fluent in Russian and English, with basic proficiency in French, she brings a global perspective and a meticulous approach to legal problem-solving, making her a valuable asset to any legal team.

Portrait of Vanessa Navarro, a young woman with sleek black hair, dressed in a black top, standing against a neutral background.

Vanessa Navarro

Intake Specialist

Vanessa ensures a seamless experience for prospective clients. With several years of experience in customer service, sales, and administrative support, Vanessa masterfully manages client consultations, retainer agreements, and coordinates with attorneys for effective communication.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Vanessa is very strong in relationship building with the clients, answering their questions, and making sure they understand what needs to be done to move their case forward. She is adaptable, attentive to detail, and committed to the success of the client, which makes her a valuable member of the Stelmakh & Associates team.

 

Professional headshot of Jhanier Cardoza, Client Relationship Manager at Stelmakh & Associates, wearing a black suit, blue shirt, and black tie, with a confident smile.

Jhanier Cardoza

 Client Relationship Manager

Before Stelmakh & Associates, Jhanier worked in international business development, providing data-driven intelligence and crafting market strategies for overseas business expansion. His customer success expertise, public relations acumen, and strategic consulting background enable him to assist clients in establishing their professional reputations by obtaining memberships, judging engagements, and achieving thought leadership positions in leading media publications.

Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in working across international markets, Jhanier is committed to helping global talent achieve their immigration and business goals in the U.S. His capacity for fostering long-term relationships guarantees that clients enjoy customized support throughout every step of their process.

 

Professional headshot of Alicia Thomas, Principal Recruiter & Talent Acquisition Specialist at Stelmakh & Associates, posing against a green background in a beige sweater with a confident expression.

Alicia Thomas

Principal Recruiter & HR

Alicia is a strategic talent acquisition professional with over five years of experience in global recruitment. She has worked across startups, tech companies, and government institutions, bringing a unique perspective to hiring challenges.

At Stelmakh & Associates, Alicia ensures that the firm attracts top-tier legal and operational professionals who align with our mission and values. Her data-driven hiring and employer branding expertise helps enhance the candidate experience.

Before joining the firm, Alicia played a pivotal role at Deel, Legalpad, and Elevated Remodeling, where she spearheaded recruitment strategies, optimized hiring workflows, and helped scale teams across diverse industries. Her ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and candidates makes her hugely valuable in shaping high-performing teams.

 

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