The Team

Gelasia has had a passion for criminal law and preventing wrongful convictions since high school. Gelasia has been particularly inspired by cases like “the Central Park 5.” This motivates her to advocate for client’s rights and ensuring that the client has a fierce advocate.

Gelasia graduated from Queen’s University in 2022 with an Honours BA in Global Development. During her undergraduate studies, she continued to develop a passion for policy work and advocating for vulnerable people both locally and abroad. Gelasia also has a passion for public speaking from her experience in theatre in high school and many years participating in Queen’s Model Parliament as a senior whip.

Gelasia pursued her legal education at Peter A. Allard School of Law focusing specifically on criminal law. During this education, Gelasia served as treasurer and co-president of the Allard Criminal Law Club. This allowed for her to network with lawyers and students who shared her passion for criminal law. Gelasia also participated in a Peter Burns Moot as defence counsel which gave her invaluable skills regarding direct and cross examination. Throughout law school Gelasia worked as a coach for a criminal law moot and workshop with Pro Bono Student’s Canada that worked with Indigenous youth. This inspired her to continue to work with BIPOC youth and adults that are involved in the criminal justice system.

Gelasia worked as a summer student at Collett Read LLP in 2024 and was excited to be asked back to Collett Read LLP to complete Articles. Gelasia is looking forward to continuing to learn from the experienced lawyers at the firm and is excited for a meaningful career in criminal defense.