Meet Two New Team Members: Gio Shepard and Antonia Tello

We are excited to introduce two new additions to our team, Gio Shepard and Antonia Tello. Gio is a paralegal working with Housing and Family Law. Antonia is joining the new Consumer Law division as a paralegal. Both bring diverse experiences, a passion for service, and a shared commitment to helping individuals in need of legal assistance.

Gio Shepard: A Passion for Justice and Equity

Gio Shepard’s path to 603 Legal Aid is rooted in his dedication to equity and community service. After earning his BA in Global Security and Intelligence Studies from Franklin & Marshall College, Gio joined Teach for America and spent time teaching middle school science. This experience of shaping young minds inspired him to pursue law, which led him to attend the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

After leaving law school, Gio worked with youth at a residential school program for behavioral management, helping to guide them through difficult situations and equipping them with tools for personal growth. Gio decided to join 603 Legal Aid because, “I wanted to commit myself to help provide those most in need with civil legal aid. Working towards a legal system that helps reduce economic disparities in representation, as well as contributing to building a system filled with professionals from diverse backgrounds has always been a passion of mine.” 

Outside of work, Gio enjoys playing basketball, reading history books, and playing piano. His dedication to both personal growth and community-building makes him a strong asset to the 603 Legal Aid team.

Antonia Tello: A Lifelong Learner with a Passion for Teaching

Antonia Tello brings a rich background in education and legal studies to 603 Legal Aid. Born and raised in the North Shore of Massachusetts, Antonia has always been passionate about learning and teaching. Before transitioning to the legal field, she worked with special education students from kindergarten through 12th grade, honing her ability to communicate complex ideas and help others succeed.

Antonia’s legal career began at a corporate debt collection firm, where she quickly mastered the laws governing credit card debt in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She then shifted to a private family law practice, where she expanded her knowledge and gained experience in a different legal setting. Despite her success, Antonia felt drawn back to her original passion—education—and was looking for a way to merge her love for teaching with her growing expertise in the law.

Now pursuing her Master’s Degree in Legal Studies at Northeastern University School of Law, Antonia found the perfect balance at 603 Legal Aid. She says, “This was the opportunity to leave a dispersed, corporate environment, and indulge in community and care. The move from a corporate environment to a community-focused organization has given her the chance to fulfill her goals of making a meaningful impact through both law and education.

We are thrilled to welcome both Gio and Antonia to the team. Their experiences, insights, and shared commitment to service will undoubtedly help strengthen 603 Legal Aid’s mission to provide access to justice for all.