KARA L. YOUNGBLOOD, Attorney at Law
Kara L. Youngblood is the owner and founding attorney of Youngblood & Associates. She is a native of Morrison, Tennessee and grew up on a family-owned nursery and cow-calf farm, giving her a deep understanding of the relationship between the agricultural business and its labor force, and the extent to which legalized immigrant workers help local economies and individual livelihoods.
Kara has a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics with a Business Administration minor from Middle Tennessee State University and a law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Kara has worked in real estate law and federal regulatory compliance and has taught undergraduate law courses at MTSU.
Kara’s passion for immigration law is based on an appreciation of the cultural diversity of rural America and the true economic necessity of a vital immigrant workforce. As such, she has developed a centered approach to her practice that incorporates these factors in her dedication to the law.
JAN KOZAK, Employment Visa Coordinator
Jan works exclusively with employer clients, focusing on H-2A and H-2B programs, PERM, and TN Visas. Her 20 years of working in various administrative capacities have given her the customer service and client support experience needed for her current role. Jan has the agricultural experience of caring for ranch animals and running a calf-cow operation with her husband, and therefore has hands-on knowledge of the agricultural and labor needs that employer clients face.
TALYA FREEBORN, Employment Visa Paralegal
Talya is responsible for all aspects of H-2A, H-2B, PERM, and TN Visa filing and processing. She demonstrates that each employer client’s operations meet the government mandates; navigates complex requirements, regulations, and timelines; and ensures that employers understand all aspects of their cases.
Talya has 17 years of experience working in various leadership and training capacities. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and significant technical knowledge of project management, operating systems, and employee training.
CHRISHELEN RODRIGUEZ, Case Manager
Chrishelen manages communication and record-keeping for family- and individual-based cases to ensure that cases are thoroughly organized. She also works in a variety of administrative capacities and is a notary public.
Chrishelen was born and raised in McMinnville, Tennessee, where her parents immigrated to from Mexico when they established permanent residency through the 1985 amnesty program and later became U.S. citizens. She and her family continue to be actively involved in the local Hispanic community.
GIMENA “MENA” JANTES, Case Manager
Mena manages cases that involve waivers and consular processing and serves as a liaison between these clients and the firm. Mena was born in Mexico and came to McMinnville, Tennessee as a child. She is a former client who has gone through the immigration process personally, making her an invaluable resource to both clients and staff.