Guardian Institute Virtual Conference 2024!

Joe Cunningham is a public affairs consultant with a state and federal
lobbying practice, including representing Northwest Estate Planning &
Probate.  He has years of experience as a development and advocacy
professional for a variety of non-profit causes helping children and adults
with developmental disabilities. Formerly the Director of Advocacy at the Arc
of King County, he formerly was on the development staff of the Legal Aid for
Washington's LAW Fund and Endowment for Equal
Justice.  Previously, Joe served as the human services analyst on the staff of
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci and has served as a legislative
assistant to two members of the State House of Representatives.

Maureen Carroll. Certified MHP (mental health professional) Over 30 years in
the field of mental health. Experience collaborating with First Responders as
well as extensive work with people with Intellectual disabilities. Experience
as a CPG so unique understanding of the struggles!

Robert B. Nettleton is a partner in the law firm of Harlowe & Falk, LLP in Tacoma, Washington. He has been practicing law in the state of Washington since 1987. His practice emphasizes probate, guardianship/conservatorships, trusts, and vulnerable adult proceedings.

Peter J Wall is the Director of Fiduciary Services at True Link Financial Advisors. With more than 20 years of trust administration experience at national bank trust companies, he is well known throughout the country for his deep understanding of special needs and Elder Law issues. Prior to joining True Link, Mr. Wall developed and led a dedicated Elder Law and SNT division of a nationally chartered $80B trust bank. This division coordinated fiduciary management, banking needs, unique asset management, tax preparation, and investment management for SNTs, PSNTs, and other fiduciary appointments. Mr. Wall currently serves on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals, as well as several other estate planning and charitable organizations; he is also a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners. A frequent presenter on the topics of special needs trusts, estate planning, taxation, and trust administration, he is also a published author, most notably in the Elder Law in Colorado Red Book, Fourth Edition. He is licensed with a Series 65 by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Shannon Butler is the founder and director of Ethical Solutions LLC established in 2020.  Shannon has over 20 years experience working as a guardian and conservator and is currently the only Nationally Certified Master Guardian in the State of Minnesota.   provide   Shannon has served on the MAGiC Board, Center for Guardianship Certification Board (former President of CGC) as well as serving on the NGA Board and will be the 2024 President of NGA.  Ethical Solutions is dedicated to following the NGA standards of practice and ethical principles to  provide professional, quality, ethical, and least restrictive guardianship and conservatorship service in Southern Minnesota.

Heather is the Executive Director of The Center for Guardianship Excellence, where she strives to ensure that those in need of guardianship have guardians trained to support their values, goals and preferences.  In her prior role, as the Director of Research for Guardian Community Trust she designed and launched the Guardianship Academy which provided training on issues surrounding guardianship.  It was that work that provided the foundation and inspiration for The Center for Guardianship Excellence and the work she is doing today.  

Heather began exploring guardianship as an undergraduate intern and has continued in the field throughout her educational and professional career.  She is a published author and has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in aging, sociology and qualitative research methods.  In addition to her work, she serves on the Boards of multiple organizations including the Center for Guardianship Certification, the National Guardianship Association, and the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging.  She is a member of the Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute and serves on the Advisory Committee for Public Guardian Services. 

Heather is a nationally certified guardian.  She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Gerontology Policy Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston where she completed a dissertation titled Autonomy vs. Protection: A Comparison of Physicians, Elder Law Attorneys, and Protective Service Case Managers.  She earned a Master of Science in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the College of the Holy Cross.

Amy Heffner has worked in the field of developmental services for over seven years. Originally from Pennsylvania, where she served as a Supports Coordinator, Amy relocated to Washington in June 2021. In Washington, she initially worked as a Case Resource Manager with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) before transitioning to a role in Intake & Eligibility in 2022. Amy is passionate about meeting clients and their families at the 'front door' and enjoys educating them, along with community partners, about DDA and the eligibility process.

Amanda Wilson is owner and sole practitioner at Northwest Estate Planning & Probate, PS with offices in Jefferson County and King County. Amanda practices law in Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, and Guardianships and has done so since 2010 when she opened her own solo firm in Jefferson County, Washington (the firm was called Olympic Peninsula Law Offices, LLC). Amanda has run a thriving practice since 2010, pausing briefly to work as a deputy prosecutor in Jefferson County, where she handled cases that included protection orders and financial abuse of elders. In private practice, Amanda has worked as a Title 11 Guardian ad Litem and petitioner/guardian attorney for guardianship cases in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam counties.

Jaime S. Huff graduated with a degree in social sciences with emphasis on psychology, human development and women’s studies. After spending over 20 years in the accounting and business sector, she earned her Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law in 2007. She spent over 10 years with the Office of the Attorney General representing multiple programs within DSHS, including adult protective services, child protective services, residential care, foster care licensing and day care licensing.

Jaime currently serves as Director of Community Guardians, a nonprofit guardianship/conservatorship agency located in Kitsap County and is certified as a professional guardian. She also maintains a small solo law practice focusing on guardianship matters and vulnerable adult protection. Jaime serves as a Title 11 adult Court Visitor, settlement and probate GAL, along with representing lay and professional guardians and petitioners.

Jaime and her husband reside in Kitsap County with their cats and she spends as much time as possible with their adult daughter. In her spare time, Jaime loves gardening, cooking, traveling, yoga and traveling with her horse.

Since her first high school job in food service at a retirement community, Leah Rathwell has always had a passion for working with older adults, family caregivers, and other vulnerable individuals. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services from DePaul University. She then received her M.S.W. from University of Illinois at Chicago, focusing on gerontology and community and administrative practice. She interned for Chicago Department on Aging, Metropolitan Family Services, and the Suburban Area Agency on Aging, assisting primarily with programs for seniors, family caregiver supports, and collaborating with various professionals in the field of aging. Leah has worked in life enrichment and activity planning roles for residents of assisted living and memory care facilities in a variety of settings; most recently, leading a 5-day/week adult day program geared specifically towards older adults with early to mid-stage memory loss. In her current role, she helps to coordinate The Guardian Institute’s not-for-profit Representative Payee program and assists with the day-to-day administrative operations of Bridge Builders, Ltd, a professional guardianship agency. She is currently enrolled in the University of Washington’s CPGC certification program and expects to be a practicing CPGC in June of 2022.

Darryl Lynch is highly regarded in the financial services sector, especially renowned for his expertise in Inherited IRA Special Needs Trusts. With a tenure of over 35 years, Darryl currently leads as Managing Director-Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. His role not only demands deep understanding and skill in financial planning but also a compassionate approach to advising Conservators, Guardians, Elder Law Attorneys, and Trustees on investments tailored to their unique needs. Darryl's expertise is so well-regarded that he is frequently invited to speak at national conferences, underscoring his role as a champion for advocacy in the special needs area.

Darryl's academic journey took him to Duke University, where he earned his MBA, laying a solid foundation for his career. His combination of professional excellence and educational pedigree positions Darryl as a pivotal figure in the field, whose advice and guidance are sought after by professionals nationwide.

Sharon Reich is a Senior Trust Advisor for AGED, Inc. where she works with clients to implement and administer special needs trusts. Sharon has over 27 years of experience in the trust industry with an added expertise in providing services to the senior and disabled population. Sharon speaks throughout the community to educate and promote awareness of special needs trusts. Sharon earned her Finance degree from the University of Central Florida and is an Honor Graduate of Cannon Financial Institute Trust School. She obtained her designation as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor in 1998 and as a Certified Senior Advisor in 2011.

Mrs. Reich is a Past President of the Central Florida Estate Planning Council and the Executive Women’s Golf Association, Orlando Chapter. She is a board member of the Gracia B. Livingston Foundation and received the Canon Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2007 from the EWGA. Mrs. Reich has two grown children and resides in Orlando, Florida with her husband of over 35 years.

Fran Piekarski is the founder of Life with Dignity. Her passion to advocate for those that are not able to find the support they needed led her to start Life with Dignity in 2012. She previously owned a successful company that specialized in life/organization coaching. Through personal and professional experiences, she became aware of the real need for support for families and individuals with disabilities. This inspired her to take a leap of faith to fill the need.

Fran holds several industry professional certifications, including a Certified Professional Guardian (CPG), a Certified Dementia Professional (CDP), a Certified Holistic Aromatherapist, and holds a Level II CD from the Institute for Chronic Disorganization with an emphasis on skills working with individuals with Hoarding Disorder. Fran is a speaker, author, and mentor who has been featured on TLC’s “Hoarding, Buried Alive”, WGN morning show, WGN Radio “The Wendy McCormick Show” and many print media articles.

Mary Galvez is a Nationally Certified Master Guardian (NMG), Certified Manager of Care (CMC), and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA). She is also a certified mediator. She has been providing guardianship and care management services in New Mexico for over 20 years and has over 25 years of professional experience in the healthcare and social work field. Mary has a passion for serving New Mexico's seniors and persons with special needs.

Mary received the 2019 Center for Guardianship Certification National Master Guardian Star Achievement Award.

Mindi Blanchard founded Bridge Builders, Ltd in 2003 as a Certified Professional Guardian Agency located on the North Olympic Peninsula. The agency currently consists of three certified professional guardians, an office manager, and a bookkeeper. In 2013, she founded The Guardian Institute to create a venue to support and assist professional and lay guardians with the challenges of guardianship. Over the years she has provided presentations at the Washington conferences, the National Guardianship Association conferences at the World Conference on Adult Guardianship in 2014, and the World Conference on Adult Capacity held in Scotland in 2021. She strives to help improve the perception of professional guardians within her community.

Mindi Blanchard founded Bridge Builders, Ltd in 2003 as a Certified Professional Guardian Agency located on the North Olympic Peninsula. The agency currently consists of three certified professional guardians, an office manager, and a bookkeeper. In 2013, she founded The Guardian Institute to support and assist professional and lay guardians with the challenges of guardianship. Over the years, she has provided presentations at Washington state conferences, National Guardianship Association conferences, and international events such as the World Conference on Adult Guardianship in 2014 and the World Conference on Adult Capacity in Scotland in 2021. She is dedicated to improving the perception and standards of professional guardianship.

Stephanie Parker is an experienced guardian and care manager with over 15 years of expertise working with vulnerable adults and their families. As the lead guardian at Paramount Guardianship, she specializes in supporting individuals with cognitive impairments, mental health challenges, and complex family dynamics. Stephanie’s background includes extensive work in crisis intervention, elder care advocacy, and navigating legal and medical systems to ensure optimal client outcomes. She has collaborated with courts, medical professionals, and community organizations to develop guardianship strategies that prioritize dignity and autonomy. A dedicated advocate for client rights, Stephanie regularly provides training for professionals on best practices in guardianship and care management.

Frank R. Acuña is a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. He is a founding partner of Acuña & Regli, LLP, with over 37 years of experience in estate planning, business and real estate succession, special needs trusts, and inheritance litigation. Acuña is nationally recognized for his expertise in real estate wealth transfers and advising professionals on financial and legal concerns. He frequently speaks at national conferences, teaching tax seminars and legal ethics courses for fiduciary professionals.

Channa Copeland is the founder of Northstar Case Management, specializing in fiduciary services and guardianship operations. She has extensive experience in business management, client advocacy, and risk mitigation strategies for guardianship professionals.

Joyce McHugh is a licensed social worker, legal guardian, and certified care manager working in the Boulder, Colorado area. She has been with Advocate Care Services for over a decade and now serves as a co-owner of the agency. Joyce has dedicated her career to advocating for and supporting protected populations, helping individuals with dual diagnoses navigate complex medical and mental health care systems. She actively works to increase awareness of the role of guardianship in medical and legal decision-making, collaborating with state agencies, local facilities, and healthcare providers. In addition to her full-time work, Joyce is currently writing a book on legal guardianship, aimed at demystifying the process for professionals and families alike.

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 that clients receive the best possible care while respecting their autonomy and dignity. James frequently consults with medical teams, social workers, and legal professionals on best practices for managing guardianship cases involving significant medical and personal challenges.

Darryl Lynch is a highly regarded expert in financial services, particularly in the area of estate planning and probate asset consolidation. With over 35 years of experience, Darryl specializes in working with conservators, guardians, elder law attorneys, and trustees to streamline the financial aspects of estate management. He is known for his expertise in Inherited IRA Special Needs Trusts and financial asset transfers. As Managing Director of Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Darryl regularly advises fiduciary professionals on wealth management strategies, tax planning, and asset protection. His insights have made him a frequent speaker at national conferences, where he provides guidance on best practices in estate planning and probate finance.

Alethia Battles joined the Office of the General Counsel at the University of Michigan in 2017 and holds a dual appointment in the Department of Social Work at Michigan Medicine, where she has worked as both a clinician and a supervisor for over 20 years. Alethia is also an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Her legal practice focuses on guardianship, mental health consultation, and litigation. She advises medical providers on complex patient care issues involving decisional capacity, substituted decision-making, and medical-legal ethics. With over 30 years of combined experience as a clinical social worker and health care attorney, Alethia is a sought-after speaker at local, state, national, and international conferences. She presents on issues related to guardianship pathways, medical ethics, complex patient care decision-making, and transitions of care.

Eric Mayfield is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary and a National Certified Guardian with extensive experience in investigative research for guardianship and estate management. With years of expertise in locating missing persons and uncovering essential background information, he trains professionals on ethical skip-tracing techniques to enhance case management and fiduciary responsibilities.