Guardian Institute Virtual Conference 2026!

James Alaniz is a highly experienced care manager specializing in elder care and guardianship. As a lead care manager with The Good Shepherd Fund, he has spent years working with vulnerable adults and their families to navigate complex medical and ethical decisions. His expertise includes end-of-life care planning, crisis intervention, and ensuring clients receive appropriate care while respecting autonomy and dignity. James frequently consults with medical teams, social workers, and legal professionals on best practices for managing complex guardianship cases.

Michael Hagenlock serves as Chief Financial Officer for the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) and is a member of its Executive Leadership Team. He previously served as Bureau Chief of Adult Protective Services for the State of Montana, overseeing statewide investigations into abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults and managing a $5 million annual budget. Michael is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed addiction counselor with prior leadership experience in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration. A past President of NAPSA and recipient of the NAPSA Presidential Award for leadership and innovation, he frequently presents nationally on APS operations, leadership, and systems improvement.

Sue Weyl has worked in disability services, rehabilitation, and supported housing for over two decades. She joined the Washoe County Public Guardian’s Office in 2005, serving as a case manager for ten years before moving into a supervisory role. Sue developed a formal Guardian Case Manager Academy to standardize onboarding and strengthen ethical training. She is recognized for her practical, systems-based approach to building resilient and competent guardian case managers.

Amy Heffner has worked in developmental services for over seven years. Prior to relocating to Washington in 2021, she served as a Supports Coordinator in Pennsylvania. She joined Washington’s Developmental Disabilities Administration as a Case Resource Manager before transitioning to the Intake & Eligibility team in 2022. Amy specializes in helping families navigate eligibility processes and connecting individuals to appropriate services at the point of entry. She is passionate about educating families and community partners about DDA systems.

Rebekah Kinder serves as Public Guardian with the State of Alaska’s Office of Public Advocacy. She works with culturally diverse populations across both urban and remote communities. Rebekah emphasizes ethical decision-making, cultural humility, and responsive guardianship practice. She provides guidance on integrating cultural considerations into daily case management.

James Alaniz is a highly experienced care manager specializing in elder care and guardianship. As a lead care manager with The Good Shepherd Fund, he has spent years working with vulnerable adults and their families to navigate complex medical and ethical decisions. His expertise includes end-of-life care planning, crisis intervention, and ensuring clients receive appropriate care while respecting autonomy and dignity. James frequently consults with medical teams, social workers, and legal professionals on best practices for managing complex guardianship cases.

Joyce McHugh is a licensed clinical social worker, legal guardian, and certified care manager with Advocate Care Services in Colorado. She specializes in dual diagnoses, trauma-informed care, and complex behavioral cases. Joyce presents nationally on behavioral health challenges, interdisciplinary coordination, and ethical guardianship practices. Her work emphasizes practical tools for managing dysregulation and promoting stability in vulnerable populations.

Janet M. Thompson serves as Boone County Commissioner in Missouri and brings a governance-level perspective to disability services and integration policy. 

Christina Devine serves as Compliance Director for Boone County Family Resources, focusing on ADA compliance and systems implementation supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, they provide legal and policy insight into least restrictive mandates and DOJ oversight.

Robert Campbell works with Pennsylvania’s Office of Elder Justice in the Courts. He provides training and guidance on guardianship oversight, court transparency, and public accountability. Robert frequently presents on media narratives involving older adults and works to promote balanced and informed dialogue regarding guardianship systems nationwide.

Amanda Wilson practices trust, estate, and guardianship law with a focus on fiduciary compliance and litigation. She advises guardians and conservators on ethical obligations, statutory requirements, and court procedures. Her work emphasizes practical risk management and professional accountability within fiduciary roles.

Sarah Tremblay serves as Guardianship Program Manager within Washington State’s Home and Community Living Administration and focuses on strengthening guardianship infrastructure and community transition supports.

Joshua Glasgow and Jody Gasseling work within Washington’s long-term services system supporting implementation of guardianship-related programs and community integration initiatives. Together, they provide practical insight into policy alignment, contractor coordination, and least restrictive transition planning.

Joshua Glasgow and Jody Gasseling work within Washington’s long-term services system supporting implementation of guardianship-related programs and community integration initiatives. Together, they provide practical insight into policy alignment, contractor coordination, and least restrictive transition planning.

Rebekah Kinder serves as Public Guardian with the State of Alaska’s Office of Public Advocacy. She works with culturally diverse populations across both urban and remote communities. Rebekah emphasizes ethical decision-making, cultural humility, and responsive guardianship practice. She provides guidance on integrating cultural considerations into daily case management.

Amanda Wilson practices trust, estate, and guardianship law with a focus on fiduciary compliance and litigation. She advises guardians and conservators on ethical obligations, statutory requirements, and court procedures. Her work emphasizes practical risk management and professional accountability within fiduciary roles.