Support Staff

Senior Paralegal / Clinic Director
Amberlene Hernandez
(530) 406-4567
Amberlene is a senior paralegal and current clinic director of the Record Mitigation and Community Reintegration Clinic. She began working with the office in August 2014 as a legal secretary and earned her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies in 2016. After briefly leaving the office to work as a paralegal for a private trust and estates attorney, she returned to the office in September 2018 as a paralegal supporting attorneys in the clinic. With a decade of experience in both public and private legal sectors, Amberlene is passionate about growing the role of paralegals within public defense, and is committed to providing exceptional service to clients and supporting the mission of justice for all. In her free time, Amberlene enjoys spending time with her husband, two kids, and dog, watching baseball, and tackling home improvement projects.

Paralegal
Sherry Coelho
(530) 406-4572
Sherry joined the Public Defender’s Office in 2017, bringing a dedication to supporting our attorneys and clients. Her passion for social justice grew and motivated her to expand her skills. She returned to school while working full-time, earning her Paralegal Certificate from U.C. Davis. Now, she plays a vital role in post-conviction casework, helping clients navigate the complexities of the legal system. As a mother and grandmother, Sherry brings a compassionate perspective to her work, understanding the challenges our clients face. Originally from Maryland, she enjoys spending time with her family and tackling DIY home projects in her spare time. Her commitment to advocacy and exceptional client support make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Associate Administrative Analyst
Daniel Johnson
(530) 406-4560
Daniel, a Davis, CA native, holds a Sociology degree from UC Davis and a Web Development certificate from UCLA. Passionate about technology and automation, he works as an associate administrative analyst, tackling coding, data analysis, and tech solutions. In his free time, he enjoys coding, cooking, and gardening.