Real people. Real expertise. Real results.
Escrow can be daunting, but with the right partner it doesn’t have to be.
At Uptown Escrow, our team combines decades of hands-on experience with a people-first approach that puts your goals at the center of every transaction. Whether you're buying, selling, refinancing, or guiding clients through the process, you deserve a team that communicates clearly, solves problems quickly, and makes sure your deal closes on time. That’s exactly who we are.
Meet the Team
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Laura Stone
OWNER & ESCROW OFFICER
Laura Stone began her journey in the Escrow Industry in February1983, in Fresno, CA where she worked for multiple title companies, consistently being one of the top 3 producing escrow officers in Fresno County. In November 2005, Laura decided to take a break from escrow and move with her family to La Quinta, CA and then to Lake Arrowhead in July 2009. Due to the real estate market and economy being in a downward spin at the end of 2010, Laura decided to take a chance to get back into escrow and opened her own Independent Escrow Company in February 2011, giving her an opportunity to build a business not only for her future, but for her entire family as you will see.
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Catherine Ste. Marie
ESCROW MANAGER
Catherine, daughter of Laura Stone, moved to Lake Arrowhead in 2009. She has become quite passionate for snowboarding and all activities which the lake offers, making this mountain community a perfect fit. She graduated from Cal State University of San Bernardino with her bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing. Catherine started working in the Real Estate and Escrow Industry in 2011, bringing experience and prospective from all sides of both businesses. With Catherine’s high work ethic and sincere qualities, she constantly provides that gentle and caring touch which her clients appreciate and rely on.
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Kim Ornellas
ESCROW OFFICER
Kim recently joined Uptown Escrow Services in 2025 as an Escrow Officer. She has been working in escrow in Orange County all her professional career, and just recently moved to The Coachella Valley. It has been a lifelong dream to move there and continue her career in escrow. She has been working in escrow for the past 35 years, and she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has developed a love for escrow, and helping clients navigate through the escrow process is very rewarding. She has strong communication skills, exceptional work ethic, problem solving and adaptability, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. She’s a mother of three and has two grandchildren.
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Michael Figone
ESCROW OFFICER
Michael Figone, son of Laura Stone, has resided in the San Bernardino Mountain Community, since 2009 and has been an employee with Uptown Escrow Services since 2015. He is currently attending California State University, San Bernardino, working toward a master’s degree in marketing and computer design. Michael is the gentle giant in the company, always providing customers with that caring customer service at all times, regardless of how big or small the task may be. Michael’s favorite motto is: “You are confined only by the walls you build yourself”.
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Deanne DeBiasi
ACCOUNT MANAGER
A graduate of Lewis & Clark College, Deanne brings over 25 years of experience in retail and wholesale to her role as Account Manager at Uptown Escrow. With a background in fashion, customer service, and sales strategy, she’s known for her client-focused approach, attention to detail, and ability to build lasting relationships. Outside the office, she enjoys painting, the arts, and a good day on the golf course.
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Gary DeBiasi
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Gary is an Account Manager at Uptown Escrow, bringing decades of client service and business development expertise to the real estate transaction process. Over 35 years, he built a stellar reputation rooted in trust, innovation, and consistent results. His passion for work is matched only by his love of golf—a sport he values both for its challenge and the camaraderie it fosters.
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Jill Darwish
ESCROW ASSISTANT
Jill Darwish joined Uptown Escrow in 2018, coming from a career in the insurance and financial industry. A Lake Arrowhead native, she returned to the mountains to raise her son in this beautiful community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at her second home on the Colorado River with her family.
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Christina Monaco
ESCROW ASSISTANT
Christina, a Redlands, CA native, has called the San Bernardino Mountains home since 2015. She joined Uptown Escrow in 2021 after 12 years in the banking industry. Christina’s positive, calming presence makes her a valued teammate and trusted resource for clients.

Estimate before you list or buy.
Ready to Open Escrow? Let’s Get Started.
Smooth closings start with a solid foundation—and the right escrow team by your side.
Whether you're working on a residential resale, refinance, or something more complex, our experienced escrow officers are here to walk you through the process step by step. From timelines to documents to personalized support, we’ll make sure your transaction stays on track and stress-free.
Call Us
Contact us today to open escrow or get answers tailored to your deal. We’re just a phone call away and always happy to help.
Send a Note
Send us a note to open escrow or ask a quick question and one of our escrow officers will get back to you promptly.