Mary Katherine Plas is a 2001 graduate of The University of Toledo, College of Law. She has a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and German from Valparaiso University where she also studied Music and performed extensively as a vocalist. Having earned a post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies in 1995, she worked full time as a Certified Paralegal while putting herself through law school at night. Mary Katherine brings a unique perspective to both the emotional and legal aspects of adoption and parenting; having been an adopted child and now as an adoptive parent herself. As a former teacher and later an advocate for people with special needs (both kids and adults), she understands and values the dynamics of many different kinds of families. As a mediator, Mary Katherine is experienced in working with people of diverse communities, cultures and backgrounds, and realizes that there is no such thing as “one size fits all” approach to parenting, financial planning law or family issues. Making her home in Olympia since 2006, Mary Katherine has fallen in love with Washington State. Her interests include music, hiking, classic literature, and environmental advocacy.
		Rachel da Silva received her JD from the University of Washington School of Law in 2001 and then worked for ten years in legal services and community organizing. She received her mediation training from the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County and continues to serve as a volunteer mediator and conciliator for the DRC. Rachel believes that teaching and practicing mediation skills builds more peaceful communities and happier, more successful children and adults. Prior to beginning her law career, Rachel founded and managed several small businesses in the fields of printing, publishing and women’s outdoor adventure travel. Rachel co-founded the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Legal Issues (SOGILI) section of the Washington State Bar Association in 2005 and currently serves as Treasurer on the section’s Executive Committee. She also serves on the Boards of Olympia Community School and CIELO in Olympia, and volunteers for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Rachel grew up in New York City but has lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of her life. She lives with her partner and family in Olympia. She enjoys backpacking, baking, biking and actively supporting her children’s schools.
		Cindy Burke is a certified Paralegal and is experienced in working with a number of different family law issues. She and her husband, Ryan, relocated to Washington in 2008, when he accepted a position as a Firefighter with the Lacey Fire Department. They are parents to two amazing young children. Cindy received her Associates degree in office administration focusing on legal secretarial administration in 1999. She became a certified paralegal in 2001. Prior to moving to Washington, Cindy worked for a large firm primarily doing divorce and custody cases. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her husband and children.
		Taylor Reaves is an office assistant for Rainbow Family Law. She began as a volunteer/intern for her Senior Project in 2010. Making a great impression on Mary Katherine, she has continued to work with the law firm through her first, and now her second year of college. In the Spring she will be graduating with her Associates in Business and has plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree majoring in Mathematics. Taylor grew up in Southern California and moved to Washington in the fall of 2008. She graduated from Timberline High School in 2010. During high school, Taylor was a leader for the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and is now an active member in South Puget Sound Community College’s Queer Straight Alliance and Diversity and Equity Center Team. Taylor spends most of her time working, tutoring, babysitting, and studying. She also enjoys role playing games and socializing with friends.

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