Attorneys
Nicole Derden
Owner
Nicole has always been driven by the principals of social justice and learning a foreign language. She grew up in western Oregon and began her work with immigrants in the agricultural industry in Woodburn, Oregon, in 1998. She graduated from Carroll College with majors in Spanish and History and a minor in Catholic Theology in 2001 and went to live in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. In 2002 she moved to Idaho to attend the University of Idaho College of Law. She has been licensed with the Idaho State Bar since 2005 and has dedicated her entire legal career to the advocacy of Idaho’s immigrants.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring rural Idaho, hiking and fishing in the Wood River Valley, doing yoga, reading historical fiction, traveling the world (as much as time permits), and spending time with her husband and their four boys.
Caris Lopez
Associate
Caris became an immigration attorney because she believes everyone deserves a fair shot at building a safe and stable life. She’s passionate about helping people through what can often be a confusing and overwhelming process, and she’s committed to treating every client with respect and compassion.
Caris went to law school at the University of Idaho and has called Idaho home for the last 6 years, where she lives with her husband and their cat. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and she’s proud to serve clients in both languages.
When she’s not working, she loves traveling, cooking new recipes, and doing puzzles.
Yvonne Franco Perez
Contract Counsel
Yvonne Franco Perez earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho College of Law with an emphasis in enterprise organization. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Political Science, with a minor in Spanish and a Masters of Public Administration from Idaho State University. Prior to law school, she served with AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program designed specifically to fight poverty and help those in disadvantaged circumstances – dedicating her time to creating a sustainable KinCare Program for relatives raising relative children. Yvonne is admitted to the bars of Idaho and North Dakota, and dedicates her time to serving the community through her immigration law practice.
Law Office Staff
Ana Maria Dorame
Office Manager
Ana Maria supports the dedicated legal team behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly at Idaho Immigration. With many years of experience as a legal assistant, she brings a deep understanding of casework and client needs to her role as Office Manager.
As the daughter of immigrant parents who navigated the U.S. immigration system without knowing the language or process, Ana Maria has a personal connection to the work Idaho Immigration does – helping others move forward with dignity and support.
Outside of work, Ana Maria enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their two daughters.
Ana Orozco
Legal Assistant Supervisor
Working in immigration law is deeply personal to Ana. As a child of immigrants, she understands first-hand the challenges and hopes that come with starting a new life in a different country. This connection fuels her passion for helping others navigate the complex immigration system.
Since joining the law firm in 2013, Ana has supported individuals and families on their journey towards stability, safety and reunification. With each approval received, she is reminded of why this work matters and motivated to continue advocating for and uplifting our community.
Janely Duarte
Janely Duarte is senior legal assistant with over ten years of experience. She started working at Idaho Immigration since April 2015.
Passion for her continued work in immigration law comes from the belief that we all deserve a chance to feel safe and to build a better future. Being part of that journey and helping others obtain the American Dream is an amazing privilege for her. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Boise State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, music, and photography.
Amy Schneider
Amy grew up in Vancouver, Washington, but moved to Idaho in 2017 to begin her undergraduate studies at Boise State University, where she earned degrees in International Business and Spanish Language. As part of her studies, Amy spent time abroad in San Sebastián, Spain. Amy began working as a legal assistant in 2019, which solidified her commitment to pursuing law as a career. She is currently in her final year at the University of Colorado Law School, where she is focused on a career in public interest. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Amy enjoys running, camping, and exploring the outdoors.
Valeria Lagos-Sosa
Valeria has been with Idaho Immigration since May of 2022; she joined the team after graduating from Boise State University Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Spanish and Global Studies and an emphasis in International Governance. Val has experience in preparing a multitude of family-based petitions, victim and trafficking applications, preparing court documents, and building court required evidence. Valeria witnessed her parents navigate the complex and consuming immigration process, which ignited her passion to work with those who seek better opportunities for themselves and their families. She is attending the University of Idaho College of Law in hopes of becoming an immigration attorney.
Kelly Luna
Kelly Luna is a Legal Assistant. She joined the firm with an open mind about her career path and quickly developed a strong passion for immigration law. Kelly finds meaning in supporting clients through the challenges of navigating a complex legal system and is inspired by their resilience and determination.
A graduate of Borah High School, Kelly is currently pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Spanish at the College of Western Idaho. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, she values time with her family and enjoys playing volleyball with her sisters.
Alberto Escobar
Originally from El Salvador, Albert Escobar journeyed through Guatemala and Mexico to reach the United States; an experience that deepened his empathy for the clients he serves. At the front desk of Idaho Immigration’s office in Hailey, Idaho, he finds joy in connecting with clients, understanding their stories, and helping them navigate their journeys. Albert’s bilingual skills and cultural background allow him to offer genuine support and a welcoming environment to everyone who walks through the door.
Aurora Broderson
Growing up, Aurora was always intrigued by learning about other cultures and their backgrounds. She started working as a Case Manager for foreign nationals victimized by labor trafficking, Refugee Resettlement, and eventually transitioned to immigration legal assistance. Aurora is passionate about this work, having seen first-hand the value immigrants bring to our society, and wants to help protect their right to live here.
Kristin Heckenlively Lay
Billing Manager
Kristin was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. After an 18-year career in the healthcare industry, she moved to utilize her skills in another meaningful industry, immigration. Her focus with Idaho Immigration is providing accurate and timely client billing, small business operations, and Project Management. She has been a proud member of the team for one and a half years. She enjoys outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing with her family in her free time.
Wendy Cardenas
Billing Specialist
Wendy Cardenas is currently pursuing her studies at Boise State University while working as the Billing Specialist at the Idaho Immigration. Born and raised in Idaho and proud of her Hispanic background, Wendy is deeply committed to supporting families throughout their immigration journey. She values building meaningful connections with clients, listening to their unique stories, and takes pride in being part of a team dedicated to preserving family unity.