Meet Ascend's Editorial Team
We're a team of personal finance nerds who care deeply about getting people fresh starts.
Editorial Team
Our subject matter experts on debt and personal finance who give the initial quality-check for our written content.
Ben Tejes
Ben Tejes is a co-founder and CEO of Ascend Finance. Ben specializes in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, Debt Settlement, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Management, and Debt Payoff Planning. He is a certified credit counselor and helped launch Nationwide Bankruptcy Classes, which provides education to individuals considering filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Justin Haber
Justin is driven by a desire to help people break free from the stress that debt can create. Justin specializes in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt settlement and debt management. He also shares his debt expertise on Ascend's YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 followers. He helped launch a non-profit that provides low cost and free education to individuals looking to file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Ireny Abrahim
Ireny was drawn to Ascend because of its mission and integrity. Ireny specializes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, non-profit credit counseling, and debt negotiation. She has been writing and editing bankruptcy articles for many years, and her previous bankruptcy blog attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, educating individuals about bankruptcy.
Writing Team
Our dedicated writers that help put together articles to help you get out of debt cheaper, easier, and faster.
Dylan Kamalay
Dylan was initially drawn to the finance world and Ascend after experiencing some unexpected financial hardship herself. That experience sparked a passion for helping others understand their options including bankruptcy, debt management plans, and debt relief when dealing with debt. In addition to contributing to writing articles, she also assists with design work, editing educational videos for Ascend's YouTube channel, and improving the overall user experience.
Brody Patillo
Brody has a background in accounting and bookkeeping, and loves to help people find clarity regarding their debt situation. His expertise is in debt settlement, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and credit counseling. He enjoys helping people understand how their debts, income, and expenses interact so they can make clearer financial decisions.
Chelsea Haber
Chelsea works as a Financial Operations Analyst at Ascend and regularly contributes educational content to help readers better understand their debt relief options. She enjoys researching financial topics and sharing insights that help people make more confident financial decisions. Chelsea specializes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, debt relief and debt management. She has published many YouTube videos helping people understand debt relief and bankruptcy. Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys spending time with family, discovering new coffee shops, and traveling somewhere new whenever she can.
Jeffrey Anastasius
Jeffrey is a knowledgeable expert in debt relief, and is dedicated to assisting people in navigating their financial challenges. His expertise lies in business bankruptcy, Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and debt management. He loves helping individuals feel more confident and in control of their complex debt situations. His goal is to help readers feel more informed and less overwhelmed when facing financial hardships. Outside of work, he finds joy in spending quality time with his poodle and loves to indulge in espresso.
Hinten Mui
Hinten was drawn to the finance world by Ascend's mission of helping people get out of debt cheaper, easier, and faster. Hinten's expertise is debt settlement where he understands complex debt negotiation techniques and debt settlement processes. He loves educating people to help them understand their options to get out of debt and lifting the weight off their shoulders. In his free time you can catch him surfing, hiking, or trying new foods!
Trusted Attorneys
Our network of trusted attorneys that help keep our articles up-to-date with relevant information.
Gregory J. Wald
With 30+ years of experience practicing and teaching bankruptcy law, Gregory J. Wald is one of the most respected legal minds in this area of practice, and is thoroughly knowledgeable about Minnesota bankruptcy laws. While his knowledge and application of the law is vast, his attentiveness and personal investment into the circumstances of each client is honed and careful. You will never be criticized or judged, and can rest assured that your defense strategy will be tailored to your individual needs. Gregory J. Wald’s small yet far-reaching practice receives the highest ratings by both the AVVO and the Better Business Bureau. His firm maintains a 5.0 rating on Google based on over 125 reviews.
Karina P. Lucid
Karina Pia Lucid is a New Jersey bankruptcy attorney who works closely with individuals and small business owners navigating financial hardship. As a solo practitioner, she takes a hands-on approach. Her background combines experience as a bankruptcy litigator with the perspective of a small business owner. This allows her to approach cases with both legal precision and a practical understanding of how financial challenges impact day-to-day life. Clients often come to her feeling overwhelmed, and her focus is on helping them understand their options clearly and move forward with confidence. Karina represents clients in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy matters, as well as related issues such as creditor disputes and financial restructuring. She is known for being detail-oriented, straightforward, and thoughtful in how she guides clients through what can be a very personal and stressful process. She is licensed to practice in New Jersey and appears in both State and Federal Court.
Tom Zeni
Tom Zeni is a West Virginia and Pennsylvania bankruptcy attorney who brings a unique, court-informed perspective to his practice. Before founding Zeni Law PLLC, he worked as a Legal Analyst for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, giving him firsthand insight into how cases are reviewed and decided. Tom works closely with individuals, families, and business owners navigating financial challenges, with a focus on bankruptcy, estate planning, and business law. His approach is practical and strategic, helping clients understand their options clearly and move forward with confidence. In addition to his legal work, Tom has an extensive academic background, including a law degree from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This combination allows him to guide clients through complex financial decisions with both legal precision and real-world understanding.
Dane L. Hines
Dane Hines is a Utah-based bankruptcy attorney who helps individuals and families navigate debt and financial challenges. His practice has a strong foundation in both debt collection and bankruptcy law, with the past several years focused primarily on consumer bankruptcy matters. Dane takes a personal, client-first approach, prioritizing direct communication and thoughtful guidance for each person he works with. Much of his practice is built on referrals, reflecting the trust he has earned from clients over time. He works closely with clients to simplify complex financial situations, helping them understand their options and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Vaughan R. Perry
Vaughan Perry is a South Carolina bankruptcy and consumer law attorney and the owner of V.R. Perry Law Firm, serving clients across the state. His practice focuses on bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, repossession, and consumer litigation, with experience handling complex matters including federal court adversary proceedings. Before starting his firm, Vaughan served as Managing Partner at Stone Law Firm and worked with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in the Capital and Collateral Litigation Department. His background has given him a strong foundation in both bankruptcy and consumer protection law. Vaughan chose this field with a clear purpose, helping individuals stand up to large corporations and navigate difficult financial situations. He takes a practical, client-focused approach, working to protect his clients and give them a path forward.
William Harville
William Harville is a Virginia-based bankruptcy attorney who has been helping individuals regain control of their finances for over three decades. Since starting his private practice in 1990, he has worked closely with everyday working people to navigate debt challenges and find practical paths to financial relief. Before entering legal practice, William earned his Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law and served three years in the U.S. Army. His background reflects a disciplined, service-driven approach that carries through in how he supports his clients. William focuses on bankruptcy and debt relief strategies, while also handling select business litigation matters such as fraud and partnership disputes. He serves clients throughout Charlottesville and the surrounding counties, providing straightforward guidance to help them reduce stress, eliminate debt, and move forward with confidence.