The Constitutional Approach for Complicated Issues
Our Team
Gilbert Ambler, Esq.
Attorney Ambler is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Much of his practice focuses on constitutional issues and criminal defense throughout Virginia and in central and western Pennsylvania, with many of his cases involving weapons or self-defense related issues. He also has experience representing both individuals and Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) in compliance with the ATF. Gilbert is a contributor to multiple firearms blogs, has taught CLE (continuing legal education) to other attorneys on the subject of firearms law, has been a featured guest on tv and radio programming to discuss important constitutional concepts, and has taught hundreds of self-defense legal seminars to thousands of people. Gilbert is also one of the founding members of the American Council of 2nd Amendment Lawyers (see 2alawyers.org). He is author of the 2021 issue of "Virginia Gun Law, Armed and Educated" and co-author of "The Ultimate FFL Resource Guide," a comprehensive guidebook for Federal Firearm Licensees. Gilbert has represented groups including U.S. LawShield, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, and Virginia Citizens Defense League in various firearm related cases. In addition to state courts for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, Gilbert is licensed to practice in federal court for both the Eastern and Western District of Virginia, the Western District of Pennsylvania, the District of D.C., and the Southern District of Texas. When not working, Gilbert enjoys fast cars, baseball, shooting, and spending time with his wife and two young children.
Martin R. Scheller, Esq.- Managing Attorney
Martin Rodgers Scheller was admitted to the Virginia Bar in 2013. He moved to the Winchester area with his wife Laura in November of 2013 and has been practicing law there since.
Martin’s practice areas include criminal, traffic and DUI, custody and visitation, and child support. Martin particularly enjoys representing individuals charged with drug-related offenses -- including possession and distribution related cases -- and cases that present fourth-amendment evidentiary issues. Additionally, Martin has represented many children as a Guardian ad Litem in cases involving custody/visitation, protective orders, and the Department of Social Services. Martin prides himself on open and thorough communication with his clients. His top priority in any case is to ensure that his client fully understands the proceedings and is making an educated decision as to how to proceed. He is a trial lawyer who spends the majority of his time in the courtroom. Over his almost ten year career, Martin has earned his reputation as a thorough communicator and zealous advocate. He has represented individuals with charges ranging from simple traffic offenses to murder.
Martin graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from James Madison University in 2009. While at JMU, Martin was the president of the philosophy honor society and a member of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity. After graduating from JMU, Martin attended Penn State University's Dickinson School of Law located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, graduating with his Juris Doctorate in 2013. While in law school, Martin worked for the Carlisle Public Defender’s office and clerked for Judges Kenneth A. Mummah and Kathy A. Morrow of the 41st Judicial District.
When he isn't practicing law, Martin enjoys spending time watching Disney plus, building epic lego structures, and having nerf battles with his three young sons and going on walks with his wife, Laura. Martin is also an avid fan of Washington, D.C. sports, including the "Washington Football Team," Wizards, and Nationals.
Tyler P. Simmers, Esq.
Tyler Perkins Simmers was born in Winchester, Virginia and has lived in the Winchester area for nearly his entire life.
Tyler graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Shenandoah University. After graduating from Shenandoah, Tyler earned his Juris Doctorate from the Charlotte School of Law and graduated cum laude while earning the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Family Law.
After being admitted to the Virginia Bar, Tyler worked for several years as an Assistant Public Defender at the Winchester Public Defender’s Office. Tyler gained valuable criminal defense experience at the Public Defender’s Office, handling hundreds of cases ranging from traffic offenses to serious felonies. Many of these cases were resolved through trial.
Establishing excellent communication with clients is something that is of paramount importance to Tyler. Tyler strives to always keep clients informed of the happenings of their case and understands the stress they are dealing with during this difficult time in their lives. Tyler enjoys fighting for his clients.
Outside of the office, Tyler enjoys spending time with his two sons, playing golf, watching sports, and working out.
Caroline J. Guido, Esq.
Caroline Johanna Guido calls Virginia her home. Caroline graduated from Virginia Tech summa cum laude with three degrees in Finance, Accounting, and Political Science. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Caroline earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Caroline’s practice areas include divorce, custody and visitation, child support, adoption, wills, protective orders, and criminal defense. Caroline has familiarity with the Courts throughout the Twenty Sixth Circuit, practicing in Winchester City, Frederick County, Clarke County, Warren County, Shenandoah County, and Page County. In addition, Caroline actively serves as a Guardian ad Litem, representing children in cases involving custody and visitation, protective orders, and the Department of Social Services.
Caroline understands that legal issues are emotionally charged matters for clients. To this end, she takes a compassionate approach and actively listens to her clients’ concerns and input. Caroline assesses her clients’ circumstances to determine whether their case is best suited for litigation or negotiation and agreement. Her goal is to deliver the best possible outcome while minimizing client stress during an already difficult time. During her free time, Caroline volunteers in the Winchester area and spends time with friends and family.
Abigail S. Groski, Esq.
Abigail S. Groski has been practicing in the Shenandoah Valley since being admitted to the bar. She formerly worked as a prosecutor, handling numerous misdemeanor and traffic offenses, as well as significant felonies and drug-related crimes. During her time in the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, Abigail spent much of her time in the courtroom, gaining valuable experience.
Abigail earned her Juris Doctorate from Liberty University School of Law, where she met her husband, Will.
Abigail works with clients to ensure they can confidently walk through their legal proceedings. Frequent and open communication is a priority so that her clients stay informed. She uses the insights she gained as a prosecutor in crafting defenses and ensuring that her client's rights are protected. Her practice areas include criminal law, family law, and firearms law.
When she is not in the courtroom, Abigail enjoys being outside with her family and friends.
Howard J. Manheimer, Esq.
Howard J. Manheimer joined Ambler Law after having spent 17 years as a solo practitioner Winchester, VA. His primary focus has been criminal defense. In that capacity, he has represented thousands of clients in courts throughout the Commonwealth on charges ranging all the way from simple traffic violations to complex multi-day murder trials - and just about everything in between.
While his primary focus has been criminal defense, Howard also has experience representing clients in domestic matters such as custody and visitation, child support and protective orders. Howard has also been appointed by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts to serve as a guardian ad litem for over 200 children, ensuring that their interests are protected in cases involving custody/visitation and child abuse and neglect.
Howard graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Lousiana with a BA in political science, and earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He lives in Winchester with his wife Katie. They have one daughter together.
While not practicing law, Howard enjoys travel and outdoor activities such as: golf, hiking, skiing, and going for walks with his wife and their dogs, Oscar and Teddy.
Howard also understands and embraces the challenge of obligations that require a lot of time, work and endurance. He has completed the Marine Corps Marathon and over a dozen half-marathons.
Oliver M. Krawczyk, Esq.
Oliver Matthew Krawczyk lives and works in the Carlisle, Pennsylvania area. After graduating from the Honors College at Rutgers University—New Brunswick with a B.A. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Oliver earned his Juris Doctorate from Penn State Dickinson Law with a certificate in Criminal Litigation and CALI awards in Advanced Legal Research and White Collar Crime. Much of Oliver’s practice involves firearms law, self-defense, and constitutional issues, and he has represented nonprofits Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation as litigants and amici curiae in state and federal firearms cases across the country. Oliver is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, Virginia, the U.S. District Courts for the District of Columbia, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Eastern District of Texas, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Circuits.
While in law school, Oliver served as the Executive Articles Editor of the Dickinson Law Review, the fifth-oldest legal journal in the nation. He is the author of a published legal journal article, Dangerous and Unusual: How an Expanding National Firearms Act Will Spell Its Own Demise, which has been cited in legal textbooks, academic journals, and lawsuits throughout the federal trial and appellate courts.
Oliver takes pride in meticulous legal research and writing. The son of Polish immigrants, Oliver was raised to love the American constitutional system. His singular focus is reclaiming and preserving clients’ rights.
Outside the office, Oliver is an avid collector of Title I and II (NFA) firearms and is an 03 FFL holder. He also plays guitar and bass and has an appreciation for European sports cars. Oliver pronounces his last name Krav-chick.
Ashley R. Dierkes, Esq. - Carlisle Pa. Managing Attorney
Ashley Rose Dierkes is originally from the Philadelphia area, but currently lives and works in Carlisle, PA.
Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Honor's College at Liberty University, with a degree in Western Legal Tradition. While at Liberty, Ashley was involved in the Criminal Justice Club, Pre-Law Society, and Student Government Association. Additionally, Ashley was a fellow in the Washington Fellowship and she spent time working for a Congressman on Capitol Hill. During her time at University, Ashley wrote and published a thesis entitled "Is it
it Ever Justifiable to Sacrifice the Rights of the Individual for the Security of the Collective?”.
Ashley attended Campbell University School of Law located in Raleigh, North Carolina. There, she obtained her Juris Doctorate with a focus in criminal law. During law school, Ashley participated in the law school's Trial Advocacy program. Additionally, Ashley was a part of the Prosecution Advocacy program. During law school, Ashley was recognized for the highest achievements in both legal research and writing as well as in practical skills for lawyering.
Throughout college and the years since, Ashley has worked for various law firms specializing in criminal defense and family law. Ashley is deeply passionate about engaging with clients, listening and understanding their needs, and zealously representing their interests.
In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and working out.
Eleni M. Simmers, Esq.
Eleni M. Simmers graduated with a B.A. in Politics from the University of Virginia. After graduating from UVA, Eleni earned her Juris Doctorate from the West Virginia University College of Law. While in law school, Eleni served as a Student Attorney for the Child and Family Advocacy Clinic. Additionally, Eleni sat on the Executive Board of the West Virginia Law Review as a Senior Article Selection & Symposium Editor.
Eleni is passionate about assisting those dealing with sensitive family law matters including divorce, custody and visitation, child support, adoption, and protective orders. Outside of the office, Eleni enjoys baking, scrapbooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Adam DeBernardis, Esq.
Adam DeBernardis lives and works in the central Pennsylvania region. Adam is an enlisted veteran of the United States Coast Guard where he served as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist, focused on federal law enforcement and counterterrorism. Adam graduated Summa Cum Laude from the American Military University with a degree in political science. Adam earned his Juris Doctorate from Penn State Dickinson Law with a certificate in Civil Litigation along with three CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Contexts and Competencies, Property, and Military Law. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
During law school Adam worked in a variety of environments as a judicial law clerk, legal intern for corporate counsel, criminal defense and firearms law clerk, and a real estate law clerk. Adam spent the early part of his legal career focusing on land use and real estate in Pennsylvania.
Outside the office, Adam enjoys spending time with his family, spending time at the shooting range, and working out.
Corie Ganoe, Paralegal
Corie Ganoe has experience working in criminal law. She formerly worked with the Fairfax County Criminal Division as well as the Commonwealth’s Attorney's office in Frederick County. Corie earned her degree in Paralegal Studies from Liberty University School of Law. She has a passion for criminal law, defending the rights of gun owners, and researching constitutional case laws. She strives to maintain excellent communication and to help clients understand legal procedures. She works closely with clients to coordinate available resources to help mitigate their cases. Outside of the office, Corie likes to spend time with family and friends, play with her adorable toddler son, as well as hiking, kayaking, traveling, riding motorcycles and shooting firearms.
Susan Franks, Paralegal
Susan Franks has lived in Winchester most of her life. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Shepherd University and is a certified paralegal. Susan has extensive experience in domestic relations and criminal law, including over seven years as a paralegal in the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. She has a passion for law and justice, always striving to provide excellent customer service to the firm's clients. When not working, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, Rev. Charly Franks, traveling, and playing trivia on the award winning team, the Sinister Ministers.
Sarah Dorwart, Paralegal
Sarah Dorwart is a paralegal in our Carlisle office. Sarah was born and raised in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Harrisburg Community College in 2020 with a degree in Paralegal Studies and a Minor in Communications. While Sarah’s experience is primarily in Family Law, she enjoys Criminal Law as well.
Sarah’s love for the legal world began when she was old enough to watch Criminal Minds. Sarah has always wanted to help people and she feels that she can do that through her work as a paralegal.
When Sarah’s not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her young son and family. She also enjoys golfing, hiking, camping, and photography.
Megan Price, Paralegal
Megan was born and raised in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, where she graduated from Strasburg High School. Her experience as a legal assistant and paralegal has focused mainly on family and criminal law.
Her love of the work stems from the fast-paced nature of the job, the diversity of the cases, and the ability to meaningfully help clients. She particularly finds satisfaction working in the family law sector, which allows her to help other families.
When she's not at the office, she enjoys her active life with her husband and their two children. Megan is also active in her community, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Strasburg Little League.
Michelle Cartwright, Legal Assistant
Michelle was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the past several years she has also lived in Wisconsin, Indiana, and now Virginia. She lives with her husband, dog, and two cats. Michelle graduated from The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts in 2015, and while her passion in the pastry and culinary world still exists, she is excited to acquire new skills in the legal field. Michelle has a passion for delivering an excellent experience to clients while acting as a resource for any questions or concerns they may have.
Ashlyn Goepel, Paralegal
Ashlyn was born in Louisiana and moved around the country while being raised in a military family before ultimately settling in Cross Junction, VA. Ashlyn is a graduate of James Wood High School. In the office her top priority is being a reliable team player and helping clients feel heard during difficult times. Outside of work, she loves living surrounded by the Shenandoah mountains and often hikes in her free time. Her other hobbies include photography, reading, spending time with family and friends and playing tennis.
Sylvia White, Office Manager
Sylvia was raised in a military family, which resulted in her moving all over the country while growing up.
Ms. White graduated in 2015 from Harrisburg College with a degree in paralegal studies, and is an experienced and passionate criminal defense paralegal. She has a special interest in defending the rights of gun owners.
Sylvia will work closely with you throughout your entire case. A phone call away, she is available to answer questions and provide you with an always friendly and attentive contact at Ambler Law Offices.
Ms. White enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her young son and daughter. She also enjoys crafting, anything DIY, and shooting firearms. Her favorite gun is her Sig Sauer P938.