Staff

Kayla M. Whitford

Office Manager

Kayla Whitford is the Office Manager at Hibbeler & Associates, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the legal department’s operations. Her responsibilities include ensuring that case management processes are efficient and consistent, and that our HR policies and procedures comply with legal and regulatory standards. Kayla is instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture and handles crucial functions such as recruitment, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compliance, as well as payroll and benefits administration.

Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, Kayla’s family relocated to Clarksville when her father was assigned to Fort Campbell in 2002, and they have been a part of the Middle Tennessee community ever since. She holds two Associate Degrees in Applied Science from Daymar Community College and Tennessee State University. Since joining our firm shortly after its inception, Kayla has consistently demonstrated her value and dedication. Her extensive experience and commitment make her an essential and cherished member of our team, and we are proud to have her as a key contributor to our firm’s success.

Sadie Rudiger

Director of Operations

As the Operations Director at Hibbeler & Associates, Sadie plays a crucial role in driving efficiency, enhancing operational processes, and optimizing performance across our organization. She is responsible for collecting and analyzing business data, developing long-term operational strategies, setting performance goals, and providing vital support to the Executive Team. Sadie oversees intake processes, maintains internal communication, and manages internal technology systems. Her role also includes developing client and staff resources, assisting with budgeting and resource allocation, contributing to policy development, participating in onboarding and training, and supporting marketing initiatives and social media management.

With a strong background in human resources and legal work, Sadie excels as a creative problem-solver, compassionate communicator, and versatile business professional. Her HR experience has sharpened her ability to handle complex and demanding tasks with remarkable efficiency. It has equipped her with expertise in managing people operations, encompassing everything from knowledge management to employee engagement. This background allows her to streamline processes, foster a positive work environment, and ensure that team members are motivated and well-supported. Her skills in these areas contribute significantly to the overall success and smooth operation of our firm.

Sadie thrives in a mission-driven environment and enjoys the challenge and diversity that legal work presents. Passionate about public service, she is proud to contribute to a Family Law and Criminal Defense team that makes a meaningful impact on the community.

Sadie holds a B.A. in English (2016) and an M.A. in Literature, Rhetoric, and Composition (2019), having defended her thesis with distinction and graduating at the top of her class. Additionally, she obtained a Certification in Human Resources Management and Services in 2022 and is a Certified Notary for the State of Tennessee.

Jessica Miller

Paralegal

Jessica is a Senior Paralegal at our firm, bringing over 14 years of experience and a passion for family law. She began her legal career as a part-time legal secretary after earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration but quickly fell in love with the field. This role allowed her to merge her business expertise with a new and challenging profession. In her current position, Jessica oversees the drafting and filing of complex legal documents, manages crucial deadlines, court dates, and client appointments, and ensures case details are accurately recorded in the firm’s client management system. She also coordinates communication between attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel, while providing leadership in legal administrative support. Jessica’s dedication to family law and her ability to guide clients through tough times make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Lauren Travis

Paralegal

Lauren is a skilled paralegal at our office, where she plays a key role in supporting attorneys and ensuring smooth case management for family law matters. Her responsibilities include drafting legal documents, managing and filing them with the court, and accurately maintaining case details in the firm’s client management system. Lauren also oversees calendar management, scheduling important appointments, court dates, and deadlines, while regularly communicating with clients, attorneys, and opposing counsel. With over six years of experience in family law across South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee, Lauren brings valuable insight to her role. Her background includes training under a seasoned 15-year paralegal, as well as experience as a corrections officer, which honed her interpersonal communication skills. A domestic violence survivor and someone who has personally navigated a challenging divorce, Lauren empathizes deeply with her clients and is committed to guiding them through difficult legal processes with compassion and understanding. She holds an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Madison Area Technical College and is set to pursue a bachelor’s degree in legal studies at UW-Whitewater in Fall 2025.

Rachel Ferguson

Paralegal

As a paralegal at our firm, Rachel plays a key role in managing family law cases with precision and care. Her responsibilities include drafting and filing legal documents, managing court deadlines and appointments, recording case details in the client management system, and communicating with clients, attorneys, and other legal personnel. Rachel’s diverse legal background includes her time at the Alaska Public Offices Commission, where she ensured compliance with financial reporting laws for political candidates and officials, and her work in the Natural Resources Department under the Attorney General, where she managed complex litigation cases. With an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Central Texas College, Rachel’s strong attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and commitment to transparency make her an invaluable asset to the firm. She enjoys working closely with staff and clients to resolve challenges and find effective solutions.

Jennifer Carden

Paralegal

Jennifer is a dedicated paralegal at Hibbeler & Associates, where she plays a crucial role in supporting attorneys and ensuring efficient case management across all family law matters. Her responsibilities include drafting and filing legal documents, maintaining detailed case records, managing calendars for important dates, and communicating with clients to guide them through each step of their cases. With an associate degree in paralegal studies from Columbus Technical College and over four years of experience in family law, Jennifer brings both expertise and empathy to her work. Her favorite part of her role is connecting with clients and helping them navigate challenging times. Jennifer’s lifelong interest in the legal field started with an initial focus on criminal psychology, but after taking time to recover from an accident and later returning to school, she discovered her passion for paralegal work. Today, she is committed to making a positive impact on clients’ lives with professionalism and compassion.

Jennifer Hooper Maners

Paralegal

Jennifer serves as a paralegal at our firm, where she provides essential support to attorneys and ensures the efficient management of family law cases. Her responsibilities include drafting and filing legal documents, maintaining meticulous case records in the firm’s client management system, and managing calendars to keep court dates, appointments, and deadlines organized. Jennifer is often the point of contact for clients, communicating through letters, phone calls, and emails, and she works closely with attorneys, opposing counsel, and court personnel to keep case progress smooth. With over three decades of experience in customer service and public-facing roles—from the restaurant industry to insurance and law—Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her work. A former recipient of the U.S. Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service and the Molly Pitcher Award for her service in USAG Bavaria, she is committed to helping clients navigate challenging times with compassion and professionalism. Her greatest motivation is empowering others to overcome challenges, and she sees her role as a meaningful way to make a positive impact in clients’ lives.

Marisol Salgado-Panchame

Paralegal

Marisol is a dedicated paralegal at Hibbeler & Associates, where she supports attorneys by managing the intricate details of family law cases. Her responsibilities include drafting and filing critical legal documents, scheduling important deadlines, and maintaining open communication with clients. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Northern Arizona University, Marisol’s career has spanned various case management roles, including work with Arizona DCS and assisting individuals on their journey to sobriety. These experiences have sharpened her skills in managing diverse cases with empathy and precision. Marisol takes particular pride in document drafting and navigating complex cases, seeing each one as a chance to help clients find resolution. Her deep-rooted passion for criminal justice and the legal field continues to fuel her dedication to her work every day.

Alexia Fry

Legal Receptionist

Alexia is the friendly and efficient Legal Receptionist at Hibbeler & Associates, where she plays a key role in managing communication and ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors. She supports both the Office Manager and Intake Manager by handling correspondence with potential and current clients, directing phone calls, managing mail and deliveries, and scheduling consultations. With an A.A. in Justice Studies from Kent State University and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Penn State University, Alexia’s diverse experiences, including serving as an Army mechanic and working in customer service, have equipped her with the ability to handle high-pressure situations with empathy and grace. Her passion for helping others stems from her own life experiences, having overcome significant challenges in her youth. Alexia’s personal journey has shaped her into someone who values compassion and second chances. She interned with juvenile probation during college, bringing a unique perspective to her role as she supports clients navigating difficult times. Her resilience and dedication to socializing and problem-solving make her an invaluable part of the team.

Staff Members