WHO ARE WE ?

B. John Ovink, Esq.

Attorney B. John Ovink was born and raised in The Netherlands. He lived and worked in Africa and Asia for 5 years and, in 1988, sailed across the Atlantic. He personally experienced the lengthy, and difficult process of immigration before he was allowed to live , work, and study in the United States. In 1994, John received his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude from the University of Miami, Florida. In October, 1996, John opened his law office in Tampa, Florida. John concentrates his practice exclusively on immigration law, and practices throughout the United States. His clients live in 12 States, and originate from over 50 countries.

On September 1, 2003, John expanded his practice, and opened an office in Dade City. John usually spends every Tuesday in the Dade City office. In addition to immigration cases, the Dade City office also assists with VAWA cases, family matters, such as guardianships, divorces, and child support. The move to Dade City offered an opportunity to continue his assistance to victims of domestic violence, especially in coordination with Sunrise of Pasco County.

John is married to Chris, a native Floridian, and they live in Tampa, on the Hillsborough River. John is actively involved in preserving the river, and is co-founder of a group called Friends of the River The group is currently working with Tampa city counselmember Linda Saul Sena, and Mayor Pam Iorio to preserve and protect the River.

Extensive traveling through over 80 countries across all 5 continents has provided John with the opportunity to study and understand a wide variety of cultures and languages, experience that he often draws upon in his practice of immigration law. John speaks fluent Afrikaans, Dutch English, French, German and Spanish. Chris and John are avid golfers (which is not reflected in their handicaps!), and they love to spend time outdoors, either hiking, or canoeing one of Florida's many rivers and creeks.

Attorney B. John Ovink is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar and the Central District of Florida. From 2002 - 2004, he was Chair of the Central Florida Chapter of A.I.L.A., the American Immigration Lawyers Association. On a national level, John serves on the NBC liaison committee as vice chair. John is a frequent speaker at national seminars on how to obtain a waiver for those immigrants who are either inadmissible, or are being deported. In addition, John is a frequent speaker on how to assist victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Araceli Corona

Araceli has been assisting immigrants for over 20 years, beginning with the 1986 Amnesty, when she would travel up and down the east coast of the United States to help farm workers register. After moving to Dade City, she ran the immigration section of the not for profit group Farmworkers Self Help, in Dade City, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing health, financial, and legal advice to indigent farmworkers.

In September of 2003, Araceli joined John's office as legal assistant and office manager in Dade City. Through her, our office has made a commitment to continue to assist Farmworkers Self Help and their indigent clients with immigration questions on a pro bono basis.

Araceli is very active in the community, working with Santa Rita Church to provide social services among the migrant workers and the poor in Pasco County. She was born in Mexico, and became a United States citizen in 1999. She lives in Dade City with her husband Rutilio, and their two children, Rickie and Stephanie.

Gisell Middleton

Gisell joined us in June 2010, as legal assistant in our Tampa office. She was born in Peru, but recently became a United States citizen. She mostly grew up in the United States, but attended UPC University in Peru and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. 

Gisell is married to Michael and they have one daughter, Rebel. Gisell also volunteers as a Guardian Ad Litem for Hillsborough County, verifying that the needs of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect are being met. Gisell is very familiar with the immigration process, both as an immigrant going through the process herself and now as legal assistant assisting our clients with their immigration questions.  Gisell is dedicated to helping clients achieve their immigration goals.

Christine Conde

Christine works at our Tampa office, as receptionist. She was born in the U.S. but grew up in Venezuela. Therefore, she speaks fluent English and Spanish. Chances are that when you call our Tampa office, you'll get to speak to Christine. 

Juana Corona

Juana joined our Dade City office as receptionist, so Araceli can concentrate more on legal work. Juana is married to Araceli's brother, and she was also born in Mexico. Juana is the mother of two