Our Team

Founder and Managing Director

Immigration attorney Katya Stelmakh has over 15 years of successful experience in the field of business immigration law. Prior to founding Stelmakh & Associates in 2008, Ms. Stelmakh managed business immigration practice of an international law firm with offices in Philadelphia, Moscow, and Kiev. While with the firm, Ms. Stelmakh counseled one of the world’s largest ferro-alloy and steel manufacturers on all international business personnel relocation matters and travel concerns. She also litigated international legal disputes and advised corporate clients on business transactions.

Chief Operating Officer

Sergey has been refining business processes, market focus, culture, and operational standards at Stelmakh & Associates since 2008. With a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering and an MBA from The Wharton School, Sergey uniquely blends high-tech expertise with entrepreneurial and strategic business management skills.

Sergey held significant roles in leading corporations like Amazon and Microsoft and drove initiatives in privacy-preserving technologies. His substantial experience in technology, including founding and managing startups, equips him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly tech founders. Sergey’s leadership extends beyond internal management to directly influencing the success of clients seeking O-1 Work Visas, EB-1 Green Cards, and EB-2 NIW petitions. His extensive background in technology development, combined with his entrepreneurial success and a profound commitment to helping others realize their potential, drives him. Sergey’s firsthand experience with the demands of innovation and leadership in the tech industry provides him with unique insights into the specific needs and potentials of clients navigating complex immigration processes.

Associate Attorney

Kimberly is a dedicated and compassionate immigration attorney with expertise in the O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa, as well as various permanent residency paths such as EB-1 Extraordinary Ability and Outstanding Researchers, EB-2 National Interest Waivers, and their accompanying Adjustment of Status applications (“green cards”). She is experienced in assisting clients navigate complex legal systems in creative ways, adept at creating optimal outcomes for clients and collaborating in teams to foster successful results for internal and external stakeholders. She has experience at both small and mid-sized firms, as well as in the private and public sector. Prior to becoming an attorney, Kimberly held roles in the startup and finance industries.

Senior Paralegal

McKinnell is a seasoned Senior Paralegal with a proven track record in business immigration law. She possesses deep expertise in navigating the intricacies of complex visa petitions, having specialized in EB-1A, EB-1 OR, NIW, O-1A, and O-1B visa categories for the past seven years. Her experience spans various settings, from boutique and corporate law firms to immigration support start-ups. As such, she also has extensive experience in drafting H-1B, TN, L-1A, L-1B, EB-1C, and AOS petitions.

McKinnell’s legal journey began in New York City, where she honed her skills by crafting successful O-1B and EB-1A petitions for a roster of high-profile clients, including renowned artists, actors, designers, directors, and musicians. After relocating to Denver, Colorado, McKinnell expanded her portfolio to include drafting O-1A, EB-1A, and NIW petitions for globally recognized leaders in sustainable and renewable energy, as well as visionary tech founders and C-suite executives driving some of the world’s most influential organizations. Her expertise also extends to drafting highly technical EB-1 petitions for leading physicians and scholars.

McKinnell takes great pride in the research involved in her work, enjoying the process of uncovering her clients’ achievements and crafting narratives that highlight their unique contributions. 

Paralegal

Carlie has over four years of experience specializing in employment-based immigration, managing various visa petitions such as O-1A, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, H-1B, L-1, TN, Adjustments of Status, and the full-cycle PERM process. She has served clients ranging from Series A startups to Fortune 50 corporations in the insurance, medical device manufacturing, technology, pharmaceutical, e-commerce, and diesel fuel industries, to name a few. Carlie takes pleasure in getting to know each client, researching their field of endeavor, and crafting creative arguments to gain approval on their unique petitions. At Stelmakh & Associates, Carlie’s expertise, attention to detail, and empathetic approach are invaluable in helping extraordinary clients navigate complex immigration processes.

Carlie is passionate about removing barriers to access for everyone. She participates in restorative justice initiatives, and has served as Vice President of the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison Alumni Association. She has taught a legal writing class inside of a prison, guest lectured a DePaul University community service studies class with a formerly and wrongfully convicted incarcerated student,  and volunteered in a law and policy think tank with incarcerated students. This think tank successfully passed Illinois House Bill 2541: Re-Entering Citizens Civic Education Act. HB 2541 mandates that re-entering citizens in Illinois are allowed to learn about their reinstated right to vote, how to vote, and why it is important.

Paralegal

Abel specializes in immigration law and supports the firm’s legal team. His role involves preparing and managing various immigration petitions, ensuring that each case is handled with the highest precision and care. With his bilingual proficiency in English and Russian, Abel effectively assists clients from diverse backgrounds in navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment.

Abel’s strong organizational skills and expertise in project management and legal procedures make him an integral part of the firm’s operations. His background in customer service and legal assistance has equipped him with a well-rounded skill set, enabling him to manage client interactions efficiently and contribute to the firm’s success.