LAPSWV EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2025-26

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Cynthia "Cindy" L. Kline, ACP

president@lapswv.org

With over 35 years’ experience as a paralegal, Cindy is currently employed as a litigation paralegal with Robinson & McElwee PLLC in their Charleston office. Cindy received her A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from BridgeValley CTC in 2015.  While at BridgeValley, she helped start the first student chapter of LAPSWV.  She has been a member of LAPSWV since 2004, having held various offices throughout the years, including President, Vice-President, Secretary, and NALA Liaison.  Cindy holds an Advanced Paralegal Certification in Discovery from NALA. She is an active member of NALA and has served on NALA’s Professional Development Committee (PDC), NALA’s Continuing Education Committee (CEC), served as the 2015-2016 Chair of NALA CEC “NALA Campus Live!, and was a member of NALA’s 2012 Leadership Enhancement and Preparation (LEAP) Class. Cindy is a paralegal member of the Defense Trial Counsel of WV.

Vanessa Beam, ACP

vicepresident@lapswv.org

Vanessa is a Social Security Claimant's Representative. She earned ACP designations in both Civil Litigation and Social Security Disability. As chairperson of Legal Aid of West Virginia's Social Security Taskforce, she is responsible for mentoring, educating, and training members of that group. Before entering the Social Security arena, Ms. Beam practiced civil litigation for over 20 years. Beyond work, Ms. Beam is an avid "doll hospitalist" who refurbishes American Girl dolls for donation to various charities' Christmas giveaway programs.

Cynthia "Cindy" J. Spreacker

secretary@lapswv.org

With more than 30 years of legal experience, Cindy currently works as a litigation paralegal at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in the firm’s Huntington office. Her primary focus is on Railroad Litigation, particularly cases involving diesel exposure, solvents, asbestos, and personal injury claims. Cindy has been actively involved with the Legal Assistants/Paralegals of Southern West Virginia (LAPSWV) since its founding in 2004, serving on various committees, as Second Vice President from 2012 to 2013, and as Treasurer from 2022 to 2024. She was honored with the LAPSWV Shining Star Award for 2016–2017.

Cindy studied at Marshall University and Huntington Junior College, concentrating on legal studies. She is a paralegal member of the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia and generously volunteers her time with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, CASA, and serves as Vice President of her Homeowners Association.

Wynona Maynor 

treasurer@lapswv.org

Wynona has been employed with Dinsmore & Shohl LLP for 20 years and works primarily in record retention management with emphasis on legal compliance and security.  She Is a member of ARMA (American Records Management Association) and holds an associate degree from Marshall Community and Technical College in applied sciences with prominence in legal studies. She earned her Paralegal Certification in 2006. She is currently a member of LAPSWV serving as treasurer. 

Carmel Stuart

nalaliaison@lapswv.org

Carmel Stuart is a paralegal, celebrating over 10 years with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Bridgeport, WV. She works in the Office of General Counsel handling matters of policy, compliance, and audits for the firm. Carmel also supports the firm’s attorneys in Energy and Litigation Departments in various capacities. Carmel has been a paralegal for 35 years after graduating from Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC, in 1993, earning her associates degree in Paralegal Studies with honors. During that time, she served as President of the Paralegal Studies’ student organization and as NALA Liaison with the North Carolina Paralegal Association. Throughout her career she has participated in leadership roles to various nonprofit organizations and notably received the President’s Award for Service by the Lions Club, Berea, KY.

Carmel loves music, writing, biographies, and participating in community events in Bridgeport, WV. She is a member of Bridgeport United Methodist Church and has an adult son, a paramedic, serving in Morgantown, WV.

Paula Smith

parliamentarian@lapswv.org

With more than 37 years’ experience as a paralegal, Paula is currently employed as an Administrative Law Paralegal with Jackson Kelly PLLC in their Charleston Office. She has worked at Jackson Kelly for her entire career of  38 years serving as a Paralegal in the Workers’ Compensation and Federal Black Lung Departments.    Paula completed her Degree in Paralegal Studies at The University of Charleston in 1991. Paula has been a member of LAPSWV since its founding in 2004.  She was a member of the statewide WV Paralegal Organization prior to LAPSWV being founded.  She is currently a member of LAPSWV serving as Parliamentarian.