Laplante & Associates, Inc.

115 Orchard Street (Rear) New Bedford MA 02740
Tel 508-999-7499 Fax 508-999-7495

	Paula Negalia, CSR, RPR, Associate’s Degree in Court Reporting, Massachusetts Bay Community College,16 years experience, 225 wpm. Born and raised in New Bedford by her two parents, Alfredo Silva and Violet Charbonneau, Paula is the youngest of four children. Paula is a New Bedford High School graduate and obtained her degree in court and conference reporting from Mass. Bay Community College in 1991. She thanks Mom and Dad for making the college years easy. "My parents always stressed that college was important. Mom's biggest goal was to see that her children were financially independent and Dad made going to college easy on all of us. Thanks Mom for insisting I get a career and Dad for the financial support." Paula has been with Laplante & Associates for more than 16 years working as a freelance reporter. ("They can't get rid of me!") She is a notary in Massachusetts and a Commissioner for the State of Rhode Island, allowing her to take sworn testimony in both states. Paula and her family reside in Fairhaven, Mass. She is married to her childhood sweetheart and is a mother of two boys; Kross is ten and Chance is eight. ("Great names, huh?") "I enjoy being a freelance reporter because it gives me the flexibility I need and want so that I can be available to meet the needs of my children and family." "After freelancing for so many years, I can't imagine being confined to an office. We've got a great clientele and I enjoy meeting new potential clients. The change of who, where and when keeps it from getting boring. ("And you don't have to worry about wearing the same suit Again!!!)" HARDEST JOB ASSIGNMENT: The First One. (Whew!) FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT: Madeira, Portugal. (Beautiful!) HOBBY: Photography. (Smile!)
	Shaunna L. O’Connell, RPR, CSR Shaunna graduated from Massachusetts Bay Community College in 1995 with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Conference and Court Reporting. Shortly after graduating, she passed the national certification examination. Shaunna’s first employment was with Laplante & Associates. After three years with Laplante, Shaunna decided to venture out on her own. During the next seven years, she worked freelance for various agencies, attorneys, and courts. She gained a tremendous amount of experience in reporting cases involving medical malpractice, patent disputes, and advanced technology, to name a few. Shaunna also took on many demanding jobs such as arbitrations, town meetings, and Federal and Superior Court work. To keep abreast of the latest technology and continually improve her reporting skills and knowledge, Shaunna regularly attends continuing education seminars. Shaunna has brought back this wealth of experience to Laplante, where she says she feels right at home and is looking forward to her future here.