Paralegal Staff in CCA Award Winning Company 19 Years in a row

Our amazing paralegal team has an extensive amount of (over 50+ years combined) experience and has processed tens of thousands of legal applications for our clients

Deborah L. Ward, Owner

Deborah L. Ward, the Owner/Manager of the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc., has worked in the paralegal industry since 1987 assisting over 10,000 clients with Canadian Pardons (now called Record Suspensions), United States Waiver of Inadmissibility applications, Uncontested Divorces, Legal Separation Agreements, and Fingerprinting.

She has a degree in business (B.Comm.), two paralegal diplomas, an Immigration Practitioner Diploma, and continues to take continuing education courses in a variety of areas including family law and mediation. Debbie is also a Commissioner for Oaths as well as an Accredited and Certified RCMP Fingerprint Agent.

As evidence of her commitment to excellence, the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. has won the Consumers Choice Awards 14 years in a row (2006 to 2019), has an A+ Reputation with the Better Business Bureau, and is one of the largest paralegal companies in Canada.

On a personal level, Debbie has competed in Powerlifting (she broke a world record and all of the Canadian Records for her weight class) and has won two bodybuilding competitions. Debbie is a drug-free athlete. Her past hobbies include singing in a choir (14 years), participating as a member of Toastmasters International (7 years), and volunteering with Special Olympics (Assistant Powerlifting Coach).

Raphael Ponciano, Paralegal & Fingerprinting

Raphael is an RCMP Accredited and Certified Fingerprint Agent who joined our team in January 2021. Specializing in both ink and digital fingerprinting, he also handles the digitization of fingerprints from other countries for Canadian processing, conducts 48-hour name checks, and assists with various in-office administrative tasks. With 9 years of experience in the hospitality and customer service industries, Raphael brings a wealth of transferable skills from his background in Church ministry. He is known for his patience and dedication to ensuring each client’s experience is seamless and stress-free.

In addition to his work as a fingerprint agent, Raphael is a licensed financial advisor. Passionate about financial literacy, he helps individuals learn how to save more effectively and plan for their financial futures. Raphael’s attention to detail and ability to work with diverse groups of people are essential assets in both his financial and fingerprinting roles.

Outside of work, Raphael enjoys staying active through gym workouts and recreational sports. He is also an avid guitarist, photographer, and enjoys light video editing in his free time. Above all, Raphael knows the importance of relaxation and always makes time for his favorite snacks.

Ella Ponciano, BA., Paralegal & Fingerprinting

Ella has been with the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. since October 1, 2013. She works in the Pardons/Waiver department and also assists with fingerprinting.

Ella has recently graduated with Honours from the Professional Legal Assistant program. Previously, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Law and Society and a minor in Chinese. As well, she is able to speak and write in Tagalog and Mandarin and has won the Chinese Speech Contest in her final year at the University of Calgary. Ella has worked for almost 12 years in customer service and understands the need for efficient and friendly service. Having worked with people from various backgrounds, she is adept at being a team player.

Ella is passionate about volunteering. She has worked with both local and international organizations such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, Pinoy Without Borders, and World Vision. She loves working with youths and is part of the Youth Ministry at her local church. When she’s not working or volunteering, Ella enjoys various extra-curricular activities. She loves reading novels and has a big collection of books. She is also an avid writer and film editor and has a blog where she writes and creates fan-made videos. Most of all, Ella loves traveling and tasting foods from different parts of the world and has enjoyed foods from China, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Starting in September 2016, Ella is going from a full-time to a part-time position with the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc., so that she may pursue full-time Pastoral Studies (Master of Divinity).

Sarah Attrell, Paralegal & Fingerprinting

With extensive experience in customer service, Sarah Attrell brings a compassionate and detail-oriented approach to every interaction. As a proud mom of three boys—one of whom is a bonus kid—and a birth mom, she values connection, understanding, and resilience in all aspects of life.
In her professional role at Canadian Legal, Sarah specializes in fingerprinting, processing U.S. waivers, and serves as the ASO (Alternate Security Officer). Her dedication to accuracy and efficiency ensures a seamless experience for clients navigating complex legal processes.

Outside of work, Sarah channels her creativity as a passionate photographer and fuels her love for the arts through her involvement in Encorps Winterguard, where she finds joy in both the performance and community. When she’s not working or snapping photos, you might find Sarah embracing her playful side by dressing up as Mrs. Roper—a nod to her love of fun and flair.
Whether behind the camera, in the office, or on the sidelines of Winterguard events, Sarah is driven by her commitment to excellence and enthusiasm for life.

Jocelyn Ward, Paralegal

Meet Jocelyn Ward, a dedicated divorce paralegal with a wealth of experience and a passion for helping clients navigating through challenging legal processes. Jocelyn graduated from the Legal Assistant Diploma Program at SAIT in 2002 and accumulated over 18 years of experience working with family lawyers before transitioning to her current role in January 2021.

Since joining Canadian Legal Resource Centre, Jocelyn has primarily focused on handling uncontested divorces, both with and without children involved. She is also actively involved in preparing separation agreements, demonstrating her commitment to expanding her skills and responsibilities within the company.

Jocelyn’s approach to her work is characterized by patience, empathy, and a knack for listening to clients. Her extensive experience has made her adept at managing interactions with the court, as well as providing support and reassurance to clients during what can be a stressful time.

Collaboration is a key element in Jocelyn’s work philosophy. She emphasizes the strong working relationship she has developed with Debbie, where they seamlessly check each other’s work and collaborate effectively. Jocelyn’s meticulous nature ensures that she stays organized and prioritizes tasks.

Beyond her professional life, Jocelyn’s motivation stems from her genuine enjoyment of the job and her commitment to helping others. Outside of work, Jocelyn loves traveling and has explored Europe, the United States, and the Cayman Islands, with plans to visit Costa Rica next year. She shares her home with her husband Terrence, teenage son and two cats, and enjoys attending live events, particularly musicals. Jocelyn’s passion for her career, combined with her commitment to personal growth and continuous learning, positions her as a valuable asset to the company as she looks forward to a long and fulfilling career.

Brianna Guenard

Brianna Guenard, Reception & Fingerprinting

Meet Brianna Guenard, the welcoming face at Canadian Legal’s Macleod Trail location. Joining in September 2015, Brianna has become an integral part of the team, starting as a part-timer, and evolving into a full-time role. As the receptionist, she excels at being the first point of contact for clients, managing emails, and recently adding fingerprinting to her skill set.

Brianna’s keen eye for detail and dedication shine through as she handles various responsibilities, including reviewing digitization packages and assisting with files. Her proactive approach and commitment to teamwork are evident in her role as a substitute during lunch breaks and holidays.

Beyond her official duties, Brianna constantly seeks ways to enhance the client experience and improve processes. Her commitment to excellence reflects her genuine dedication to her work. Canadian Legal isn’t just a job for Brianna; it’s where she discovered her capabilities and found a significant place in her life.

Outside the office, Brianna leads a dual life, nurturing her love for reading and writing fantasy novels. She’s even gearing up to publish her own novel online, showcasing her creativity beyond the corporate world. Whether at work or at home, Brianna approaches each moment deliberately, contributing to her continuous professional and personal growth.

Reflecting on her journey, Brianna emphasizes the value of learning at one’s own pace and the sense of inclusion within the team. Her unique perspective and commitment to improvement make her an indispensable member of the Canadian Legal family.

Tracy Spike, Digital Marketing & Sales Associate

Tracy Spike is our dedicated Digital Marketing & Sales Associate who brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. Tracy boasts an impressive 13-year background in private post-secondary education, where she excelled in attending to all students’ needs and thrived as a mentor and manager of learning requirements.

Rejoining the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc after 25 years, Tracy stepped into her role in 2024 with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence. As a certified Canadian Professional and Life Coach, she leverages her coaching skills to enhance team dynamics and foster personal and professional growth.

In her current position, Tracy is at the forefront of content creation and social media moderation, ensuring a compelling online presence for the company. She also plays a pivotal role in cultivating strong customer relationships and spearheading the development of a Learning Management System (LMS) for employee education.

Tracy’s communication prowess is a standout attribute, and she brings this strength to her role, emphasizing the importance of effective and transparent communication. Her dedication to providing top-notch customer service and building lasting relationships through networking aligns seamlessly with the company’s values.

Noteworthy is Tracy’s achievement of a 50% reduction in attrition in her previous position, a testament to her ability to create safe and trusting bonds with people. She firmly believes in finding solutions to every problem and actively coaches others in discovering their personal answers.

In her personal life, Tracy values honesty, hard work, and dedication. Despite being perceived as outgoing, she enjoys quieter moments spent with her furbabies and family. Tracy indulges her creative side by writing lyrics and poems, immersing herself in reading, and actively investing in her personal growth. A self-proclaimed foodie, Tracy’s passion extends beyond her career, as she aspires to contribute to the long-term success of the company and help build a dynamic workplace that everyone wants to be a part of.

Terrence Ward, IT Management

Terrence Ward, our dedicated IT Manager, discovered his passion for technology at the age of six when his aunt introduced him to programming on an Atari 600 XL. Terrence’s computer skills became his pathway to employment—having assisted the Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. with most of their IT needs over the past 28 years.

Terrence has been responsible for web-development, hardware/software solutions, integration with phone systems, office automation, artwork/video production and troubleshooting.

While working full-time and raising two sons, Terrence pursued higher education, earning a scholarship and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems.

With the past eight years at our company being full-time, he has played a key role in implementing efficient processes and enhancing customer service. Terrence’s innovative thinking is evident in accomplishments like developing certified fingerprinting software during the pandemic. Outside the office, Terrence is focused on a startup venture in artificial intelligence, balancing this with his current responsibilities. Known for his resilience, out-of-the-box problem-solving, and passion for coding, Terrence is a vital asset to our team. His relentless pursuit of solutions and excitement for his startup venture make him an invaluable member, embodying the philosophy that “Where there’s a Ward, there’s a way.”