Compassionate Legal Guidance

Our Attorneys

Angela is a cum laude graduate of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY where she pioneered (along with others) her own major. She received a B.A. in Cognitive Science after four years of upper-level coursework across four disciplines. Today, the Cognitive Science program at Vassar is the oldest undergraduate cognitive science degree-granting program in the world and one of the most popular established majors at Vassar.

Angela Burke’s career is highlighted by her ability to deliver results in less than favorable circumstances. Using her strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, Angela finds opportunities to build business and create value. She specializes in improving operations, streamlining practices, and developing plans for growth.

Angela has held board positions for Junior Achievement and Friends of Matènwa (a non-profit devoted to education, social justice, and community development in Haiti), was co-chair for the United Way campaign, and has volunteered for numerous academic, social, charitable, and athletic organizations.

Freeda graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Education. Her goal was to teach at the secondary level, however, her path in life directed her to working in the legal profession for the past twenty-five years. During that time, Freeda has worked in various areas of law, including commercial banking, real estate, worker’s compensation, and estate planning. She speaks fluent Greek. Freeda belongs to an organization that supports educational opportunities for youth in Vietnam, Africa, and Haiti.

In her free time, she enjoys shopping with her daughter, watching her son golf, perusing local Real Estate websites, reading, and relaxing on the beach with her husband.

Emily began her education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), graduating with a Distinction in Major in Health Administration and Policy. During her time at UMBC, Emily was a member of the Health Administration and Policy Committee Board and co-founded the university’s Circle K International club. She then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from New England Law | Boston where she focused her courses, internships, and pro bono activity on health and elder law. In 2017, Emily was awarded the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for her work in elder justice and was named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll for providing over 50 hours of pro bono legal services within the year.

Emily officially began her career in estate planning and elder law in 2021. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, going to the movies, exploring new breweries, traveling, and spending time with her fiancé, Travis, and goldendoodle, Tessie.

Stacey graduated from Salem State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and received her Paralegal Certification from Boston University. Stacey pursued her childhood dream of becoming a police officer and graduated the police academy at twenty-one years old, eventually serving over twenty-six years as a law-enforcement officer. Stacey is most proud of her work as a Detective for the City of Framingham working with victims of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and homicides, as well as her successful endeavors while working as a hostage negotiator. After retiring from law enforcement, Stacey pursued a paralegal career, specifically focusing on Trust and Estate Planning.

Stacey lives in Framingham with her husband, her twins, as well as her dog Willow and six chickens. In her spare time, she can be found hosting family holiday events, cooking her famous Italian Wedding Soup or cheering her children on at their many sporting events.

Sydney graduated cum laude from Worcester State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in History. She was granted membership to Omicron Delta Kappa, Chi Alpha Sigma and Alpha Phi Sigma honor societies while at WSU. During her time at WSU, she was a two-year captain of the varsity softball team, while also being a two-time Player of the Year for her conference and one time All-American. She then went on to get her Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is currently a J.D. candidate at New England School of Law in Boston, in her second year. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys reading, crocheting, golfing and spending time with her husband and her three kitties, Max, Salem and Shuri.

Beth graduated from UMass Amherst with a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. She has worked as a legal assistant in the areas of foreclosure, bankruptcy, personal injury, real estate, and estate planning. She also spent eleven years as an Administrative Assistant for a civil engineering firm. Beth has written several novels, one of which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She enjoys reading, puzzles, and spending time with her husband, son, and cat, Spruce.

Shontay graduated from Utah Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in Criminology. Before becoming a Virtual Legal Assistant, Shontay spent four years at the Justice Court as a Judicial Assistant in Washington County, Utah, where she served in many different roles. Shontay has worked in various areas of law including criminal, estate planning, small claims and real estate. 

She is committed to the ideals of compassion, justice and equality. An INFJ personality type (The Advocate), she loves researching the psychology as to why people behave the way they do. Shontay enjoys spending her free time with her family, including her two children, Declan (2 years old) and Jade (5 years old). She has also visited all fifty states.

Elliot, a Worcester native and UMass alum, spent most of his career outside of Massachusetts managing technology services companies. He witnessed first-hand how frustrating it can be when clients are introduced to new and complex ideas with no one to provide meaningful help or guidance.With that understanding, Elliot conducts all our client meetings with patience and compassion. He offers explanations in clear and easy to understand terms frequently supported by documentation and real-life examples. 

Elliot has adult three children and currently lives with his wife, Lainey, in Natick. In his spare time, Elliot can be found at the gym, refinishing furniture, pulling his hair out over Boston sports teams, or doing battle with a 70-year-old house.

Kristine P. Romano, Esq., LLM, PC, purchased Shipley & Associates with the intention of providing high-quality, compassionate and thoughtful estate planning and elder law guidance to clients throughout Natick and Northborough, Massachusetts.