Meet Our Staff
Sarena Payne
Legal Assistant
Sarena has lived in Gainesville for over 25 years. She graduated from Santa Fe College in 2008 with an A.S. in Legal Assisting, and from Western Governors University in 2017 with a B.A. in Special Education. Of our support staff, Sarena has been with us the longest, joining the firm in 2008. Sarena is married with one daughter and one son. She enjoys hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and anything else that allows her to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather outside with her family.
Teresa Willard
Legal Assistant
Teresa, a Iowa native, planted her roots in Gainesville twelve years ago, bringing her vibrant energy and determination along with her. A devoted mother to her adventurous daughter, Teresa treasures their walks together, where they share stories and laughter. For the past eight years, she has poured her heart into her work, driven by an unwavering passion for helping others and championing their rights. When she’s not making a difference professionally, Teresa embraces life to the fullest—playing games, exploring new places, and embarking on thrilling adventures with her daughter, crafting memories that last a lifetime.
Jamie Odeh Mousa
Operations and Property Manager
A Jacksonville native, Jamie made the move to Gainesville in 2007 after marrying her husband, Michael, and has embraced the community ever since. A proud mom of two amazing children, she thrives on the adventure of family life while managing a successful career as an Operations & Property Manager.
Jamie is known for her strategic mindset, operational excellence, and a sharp eye for detail. With over 20 years of experience leading teams and refining organizational systems, she plays an integral role in driving efficiency and supporting the firm’s growth.
What truly sets Jamie apart is her infectious energy and the depth of her compassion. She’s full of life, brings positivity to every interaction, and has one of the biggest hearts you’ll ever encounter. Her dedication to her family, her commitment to healthy living, and her unwavering loyalty to Alabama football all reflect the passion and authenticity she brings to everything she does. Whether she’s streamlining processes or simply uplifting those around her, Jamie is the kind of leader who inspires excellence and makes every space she enters better.
Amber Schuler
Legal Assistant
Amber is a University of Florida graduate and a dedicated Legal Assistant at Schackow and Mercadante. She is committed to providing exceptional support to both clients and attorneys at every stage of a personal injury case through her strong communication skills, outstanding organizational abilities, keen attention to detail, and efficient time management. As a Legal Assistant at Schackow and Mercadante, she ensures smooth, efficient operations behind the scenes as she expertly manages case files, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Amber’s reliability and proactive service make a measurable difference. Clients appreciate her prompt updates, thoughtful follow-through, and the calm assurance she brings during stressful times. She’s often the first point of contact for clients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and informed throughout the process.
Outside the office, Amber is a proud wife and hands-on mom to one incredible son. Family is at the heart of everything she does—it’s her guiding value. Amber loves traveling, exploring new places, and cherishing the time she spends with her family creating memories. Her passion for teamwork and leadership extends into coaching. She coaches her son’s youth sports teams and also coaches middle and high school girls’ basketball. Amber strongly believes the same values of resilience, mentorship, and collaboration she brings to coaching also enrich her work at the firm.
Sabrina Davis
Law Clerk
Sabrina brings a unique and compassionate perspective to the legal field, rooted in a personal story and a professional background in healthcare. Originally from South Carolina, where her father was stationed in the Navy, she spent most of her childhood in Tampa before moving to Gainesville in 2012.
After a career in the medical field, Sabrina’s path shifted following the tragic loss of her father due to medical malpractice. That experience ignited a passion for advocacy and justice, leading her to become actively involved in legislative efforts at the state Capitol. For several years, she has worked to champion the rights of families through grassroots advocacy, building strong relationships with community members, policymakers, and professionals alike.
Sabrina is known for her determination, empathy, and clear communication—traits that have become central to her work in the legal space. Her ability to connect with clients and her commitment to fostering trust make her a valued member of the team.
Outside of the office, Sabrina is a proud mother to one son, who keeps her busy with baseball games and shared adventures. She enjoys traveling, watching sunsets, staying active at the gym, and most of all, setting a strong example of leadership and resilience for her son.
Personalized Advice & Concierge Level Experience
Direct Communication With Your Attorney
Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
Practicing in The Gainesville Area 55+ Years
Awarded & Recognized
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Professional, courteous, and treat you like family.”
“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”
-Andy Smith
“I'm in good hands if I ever get into an accident”
“Marie was able to explain my coverage in a way that made it digestible and understandable. With Marie's help I was able to fix my insurance coverage to a policy that included the best protection and I now also rest easier knowing I'm in good hands if I eve”
- Josh Talmore
“Highly recommend for personal injury cases.”
I'm a UF student who got injured on campus. Schackow & Mercadante handled my case extremely well. Everything was settled in about a year. I highly recommend them for any personal injury case.
- Jenny Haber
“Professional, courteous, and treat you like family.”
“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”
- Ashley Wilson
“Trustworthy and client-focused”
I would absolutely trust Schackow & Mercadante to handle any injury claim. After several meetings with their staff, I'm 100% comfortable with their positive outlook and trust they want what's best for their clients.
- Rob Matthews
“Far Exceeded My Expectations”
They treated me with great respect and negotiated a settlement for me far beyond my expectations. They answered my calls promptly and were available each time I needed them throughout my case. I have recommended this law firm to others I know because I trust the attorneys and staff here immensely.
- T Harrison
“Treated Me Like a Family Member”
I highly recommend Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.!!! The office staff is very polite and professional. Attorneys were great and treated me like a family member.


