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Dallas College

Ellie Pope

“I heard about the Paralegal program at El Centro, and after I went to talk with Carole Olson, I just saw an opportunity to start a new career that I would really enjoy. I like learning about the legal system and the law, and I really enjoy working with the clients and attorneys. There are a lot of career options for paralegals, from corporate to self-employment — just a whole myriad of things.

“My education at El Centro has been very thorough. They go over all types of law and all of the details that you need to know for work: paperwork, pleadings, court documents — it’s a very well-rounded education. They teach you how to interact with attorneys and how to get started on documents — it’s just a great background. Most of our instructors are attorneys or judges, and they’re very experienced people in their field.

"To do well in this field, you should be interested in the law and willing to do time-consuming, meticulous work. It is pretty exacting. You should also enjoy working with people from all walks of life. 

“I would definitely recommend El Centro’s Paralegal program. The outlook for becoming a paralegal is very bright — there are so many options and ways to go. It was helpful to me to have already earned a bachelor’s degree because I got to skip a lot of prerequisites. But I think for young people just starting their college education, getting an associate degree is a great way to go to get prepared for a good paralegal job.” 

Ellie Pope earned a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., more than 30 years ago. After working in customer service for the U.S. government for more than 20 years, she began the Paralegal program at El Centro. The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program works with the Dallas Bar Association in recruiting attorneys to take pro bono cases for indigent and low-income clients.


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Maggie Brosowske

Maggie Brosowske, EMT-P, FF

Firefighter/Paramedic McKinney Fire Department
“The skills that I learned in the classroom, I use in the workplace all of the time. I’m the only female on my shift and one of only three female firefighter/paramedics in McKinney, but as long as I can pull my own weight, I’m fine.”
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Rudy Salas

Rodolfo (Rudy) Salas

Hopeful future firefighter
“In my Fire Protection classes, I’ve learned a lot about how fire administration works — the chain of command — and it’s really exciting. I’m earning my associate degree because I think it will help me get my foot in the door and move toward my dream career as a firefighter.”
Fire Protection Technology
Roland Tay

Roland Tay, M.D.

Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield
“I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.”
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Kathy Mack

Lt. Kathy Mack

Campus Police Officer, Cedar Valley
“Going back to school with work and a family isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. There were a few times when I wanted to give up, but then I’d get encouragement and keep going. You’re going to have obstacles but you have to fight for your goals.”
Criminal Justice
Ellie Pope
Ellie Pope
Legal Secretary Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program
Paralegal
School of Law and Public Service
Updated September 16, 2025