Our Team
David Bary
David Bary leads our disability team. With more than two decades of experience in Social Security Disability law, David has worked on thousands of cases before hundreds of judges. There’s very little in the field that he hasn’t encountered.
David witnessed the difficult and lengthy process his father endured to receive the disability and health benefits he deserved. It was this profound personal experience that instilled in him the desire to help the injured and unable to work. David was born and raised in the coalfields of West Virginia. The son of an educator, David understands the importance of working with individuals from all walks of life. David was a young adult when his father was forced to stop teaching due to a rare and debilitating neurological disorder.
David received a bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College where he graduated cum laude. After graduating college, David worked several years as an SSA disability paralegal in SWVA before graduating magna cum laude with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Appalachian School of Law. While in law school, David served as President of the Student Bar Council, received twelve academic achievements (book) awards, West’s Outstanding Achievement Award, ASL Student of the Year and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association Trial Advocacy Award.
Upon graduation, David followed his calling to practice Social Security Disability law. David has zealously represented SSA disability clients for over eighteen years and is well respected by his colleagues. He has represented thousands of clients throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee and is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Representatives. David has taught continuing legal education classes in handling Social Security Disability cases. He is licensed in both Virginia and West Virginia.
David is married and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren. He coached and administered the Thunder Gold Sports fast-pitch softball program until 2020 when he moved to Roanoke.
Terry Newman
SSD Case Manager and Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant
Terry has a master’s degree in psychology and a certificate of advanced graduate studies. She has over 30 years of experience helping people with disabilities during her work in the fields of vocational rehabilitation and special education. As a case manager, Terry helps our clients with the challenging task of completing multiple forms required by the Social Security Administration. Her background in vocational rehabilitation and special education have uniquely positioned her to effectively communicate employment issues faced by our clients to Social Security decision makers.
Terry is married and has two daughters and three grandchildren. When she is not helping people with disability claims, she enjoys living on a small farm with her husband, where her activities include gardening and preserving fresh produce. She also enjoys family gatherings, playing with her grandchildren, and feeding and watching hummingbirds.
Vickie Schroder
SSD Paralegal
Vickie assists with hearing preparation, contacts clients to review medical treatment and request those records, and follows up with clients and others on items required for hearings. Outside hearing preparation, Vickie completes client intakes, checks claim status with the state Disability Determination Services office, and follows up with Social Security on the status of clients’ past benefits. She has worked in the Social Security Disability field since 2004 and loves being able to help people through her work.
In Vickie’s spare time, she loves to cook, garden, sew, quilt and crochet. She also enjoys playing with her two cats, Mickey and Minnie, and her yellow lab, Freedom.
Crystal Howell
SSD Case Manager
Crystal manages a caseload of Social Security Disability clients, maintaining accurate records, tracking deadlines, and communicating with Social Security on behalf of clients. She provides empathetic, professional support throughout the often stressful disability application process, helping clients stay informed and supported as their cases move forward.
Crystal holds a Paralegal Certification from Virginia Western Community College and will graduate in December 2025 with an associate’s degree in legal studies. Her legal training supports her detail-oriented approach to case management and client advocacy.
Crystal is a mother of three daughters and shares her home with three dogs and two cats. When they are not at home, her family can often be found on a softball field, cheering on the next game.
Donetta Epperly
Intake and Case Development Specialist
Donetta plays a key role in preparing cases for Social Security Disability hearings by requesting and organizing medical records and ensuring all required forms are received from clients in advance of their hearings. She also assists with processing mail, answering phone calls, and completing new intakes, helping keep cases organized and moving forward efficiently.
Outside of work, Donetta enjoys spending time with her family and her Goldendoodle, Tucker. She likes reading, walking, visiting the beach and Tennessee, shopping, motorcycle riding, and embracing whatever new adventure comes her way.
Lisa Bivens
Intake and Case Support Specialist
Lisa supports the day-to-day operations of Joyce & Bary Law, providing office support and assisting with bookkeeping. Her behind-the-scenes work helps keep the firm organized and running smoothly so clients can be served efficiently and effectively.
Cyndi Baier
Receptionist
Cyndi serves as the first point of contact for Joyce & Bary Law, welcoming all prospective clients and visitors with a friendly smile, kindness, and respect. She helps ensure that every person who contacts the firm feels comfortable, valued, and supported from the very first interaction.