Legal Assistants
Debbie Gentry
Senior Paralegal
Debbie has an extensive professional background with certifications in both the legal assistant and real estate professions. She has served as in-house corporate paralegal for the largest commercial real estate developer in the country, based in Florida at the time, and has served as senior commercial real estate paralegal for a Top 50/Fortune 500 home improvement company based in North Carolina, including being handpicked by its General Counsel to help oversee the company’s international entry into Mexico. Her arrival in Texas led to her position as Director of Operations for a privately held entrepreneurial real estate investment and development company in The Woodlands, and she has served as a title analyst, lease administrator, legal compliance manager, and/or transaction coordinator for retail shopping centers, hotels, and commercial landlords for over 300 transactions totaling more than $250 million. Debbie now utilizes that wealth of experience to assist with the Firm’s developer and special district clients’ real estate matters as well as her work in meeting administration, district operations, open government compliance, and public finance (bond) work now exceeding $25 million.
Sharla LaConti
Legal Assistant/Office Coordinator
Sharla has spent decades involved in the special purpose district industry both as the spouse of a career industry consultant and a regular attendee of the semi-annual Association of Water Board Directors. She now serves the Firm in the dual role of legal assistant and office coordinator, helping coordinate the Firm’s homeowners association legal matters and assessment payments/collections as well as assisting the special district clients and Firm with the full range of administrative tasks from agenda postings to TCEQ filings. She is quite simply one of the most pleasant people with whom you will ever interact.
Jessica Gentry
File Coordinator/ Legal Assistant
Jessica joined the firm in January 2022 after graduating with a Business Administration Business Management Specialization from Lone Star College along with a Certificate in Business Operations and Business Administration in Marketing. Her role with Roach & Associates originated as file manager in charge of processing client and firm electronic/historical records, and she has now transitioned to one of the firm’s legal assistants, aiding with special purpose district clients. Her management, organizational, and client services skills make her a great asset to the firm and those served by it, and she is very quickly learning the industry and growing successfully along with the firm’s expanding client base.
Jennifer Rodriguez
Legal Assistant
Jennifer joined the firm in August 2023 as a legal assistant after graduating with a Political Science Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. She had previous internship experience with various government agencies and political campaigns. Jennifer attends Board of Directors’ meetings, drafts minutes, and focuses on the myriad of Special Purpose District Director and consultant follow-up matters. She also works extensively on drafting easements, resolutions, annexation documents, and similar real estate and government instruments. Additionally, Jennifer collaborates on planning and conducting Board of Directors’ elections and assist with a number of legislative matters for the firm. Jennifer is currently a law student at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC where she is pursuing a Juris Doctor. She continues to work with, particularly on legal research and coordinating potential Special Purpose District coalitions.
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Jewel Wheeler
Legal Assistant
Jewel is a dedicated and knowledgeable professional who joined the firm in June of 2024 after earning an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies from Angelina College. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Houston, with aspirations of attending law school thereafter. Her role as one of the firm’s legal assistants allows her to specialize in assisting with Special Purpose Districts. Her educational background and passion for the industry makes her a valuable asset to the firm and its clients.
Supporting Staff
Ray Arce
Client Services Coordinator
Ray joined the Roach & Associates team with nearly 10 years of experience working for special purpose districts. He has a comprehensive background in property tax administration, annexations, developer finance, and general industry standards & practices. He works closely with developers, Boards of Directors/clients, and consultants alike to facilitate and streamline working relationships while expanding and interweaving his vast network of industry professionals. Prior to achieving his Registered Texas Collectors (RTC) license through the TDLR under the tutelage of a prominent industry tax assessor/collector, he spent 7 years as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico working on sub-sea construction, demolition, welding, explosives, and sub-sea inspections. He loyally commits his time to the firm and its extended family of clients.
Hayden Toth
IT Project Coordinator
Hayden joined the firm after graduating with his bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University’s School of Divinity in May of 2022. Predominantly his role is centered around Information & Technology Support. Internally he aids in the resolution of technical difficulties & obstacles inclusive, but not exclusive, of hardware and software concerns, audio recording, and video broadcasting. His extensive exposure to software development is of particular importance to the firm by way of streamlining internal processes through proprietary R&D. Roach & Associates PLLC prides itself on being at the forefront of technological advancements including access to electronic documents, records, and procedures. It is worth noting that remote access to information and meetings for staff & clients is of particular importance to the firm. Hayden provides the technical support externally that bridges the gap and shortens the learning curve for the firm’s team and clients.
Jeffrey Blankenship
Legal Clerk
Jeffrey joined Roach & Associates during high school, bringing a keen interest in public policy and law to the team. As a legal assistant, he supports the firm’s work with Special Purpose District clients, combining research and practical assistance to ensure clients receive well-informed guidance tailored to their needs. Jeffrey’s experience working on congressional campaigns has cultivated his interest in legislative matters, allowing him to contribute valuable insights that help the firm stay responsive to regulatory developments affecting its districts. He also manages drone operations for the districts' websites, adding a unique visual dimension to their online presence. With aspirations to become an attorney, Jeffrey is currently enrolled at the University of Houston and is driven by a genuine passion for helping others and building meaningful relationships, embodying the firm’s commitment to exceptional client service.