11:00 a.m.

Ethical Principles In Adult Guardianship: 2-Hour Interactive Training

Heather Connors, Ph.D. - The Center for Guardianship Excellence

Ethical principles guide many professions and guardianship is no exception. From NGA Standards of Practice to medical ethics applied by providers, there are many concepts for guardians to wade through.

In this 2-hour virtual workshop, Heather Connors, PhD, Executive Director of The Center for

Guardianship Excellence, shares useful and memorable ways to understand and apply ethical principles to real-world challenges.

During this lively, interactive program, participants with learn:

1. How the National Guardianship Association incorporates ethical principles into the Guardianship Standards of Practice and what is expected of you.
2. The ethical principles to use when acting as Client (Ward) Advocate and ways to apply these principles in situations you face.
3. Medical ethics terms and definitions that help to communicate with providers and how they can support medical decisions you need to make.
4. Business and financial ethics that protect clients from harm and guardians from repercussions.
5. Ways to use a 6-step decision-making tool that helps you to work through complex decisions and then explain your choices later, if asked.

11:00 a.m.

Guardianship & Wealth: Strategies for Managing Affluent Investment Portfolios

Cassandra Smalley, CFA, CFP® - Cassandra Smalley Wealth Management

This session provides practical tools to manage affluent investment portfolios through a fiduciary lens. Attendees will learn strategies to balance risk, optimize asset allocation, and ensure financial sustainability for their wards across both short- and long-term horizons.

Key Learning Takeaways:

• Understand how to apply fiduciary principles to investment oversight in guardianship cases
• Learn risk management and asset allocation investment strategies tailored to the responsibilities of guardians
• Explore how to evaluate and plan for liquidity needs versus long-term sustainability of a ward's financial resources

12:00 p.m.

FBI Elder Fraud Presentation

Elisabeth Conley - Community Outreach Specialist, Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI Elder Fraud Presentation provides vital information to help older adults, caregivers, and community members recognize and prevent common scams that target seniors. Attendees will learn about the latest fraud schemes—including romance, lottery, tech support, and government impersonation scams—along with red flags to watch for and practical steps to avoid becoming a victim. The session also highlights real case examples, reporting resources, and how the FBI works with partners to protect our senior community.

 7:30 a.m.

8:15 a.m.

9:00 a.m. 

SESSION 1: AHCA Regulatory Updates and Trends for Guardians

Mary C. Maloney, MPH, RDN, CSG, LD/N - Agency for Health Care Administration

This presentation will cover recent regulatory updates and trends that guardians need to know about nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

SESSION 2: What? My ward is pregnant?

Irene Rausch and Megan Chatham

This compelling and complex case study explores one guardian’s unexpected discovery that a new ward was pregnant—and the legal, ethical, and procedural challenges that followed. Panelists Irene Rausch, a nationally recognized leader in guardianship practice, and Megan Chatham, an experienced guardian and former attorney, will walk attendees through the events from case intake to ongoing oversight.

11:20 a.m.

SESSION 3: Coverage with Compassion: Insurance for the Ones Who Count on You

Richard Ficca - Florida Coastal Insurance Agency

This engaging and highly practical session, led by seasoned insurance expert and risk management consultant Richard Ficca, explores the complex insurance landscape in Florida and its impact on guardianship work.

Attendees will gain insight into 2025 Florida insurance trends, common marketplace challenges, and strategies for addressing guardianship-specific risks. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Richard will provide actionable solutions, case examples, and key takeaways that empower guardians to make informed decisions while protecting those they serve. Whether you're new to guardianship or a seasoned professional, this session will equip you with tools to manage insurance with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

SESSION 4: Navigating Different Housing Arrangements and Minimum PNA in the State of Florida

Natalie Alden - Disability Rights Florida

An overview of the most common housing arrangements outside of independent living for individuals with disabilities, to include:

• The difference between services and customary room and board rates
• The Optional State Supplement
• Home and community-based Medicaid
• Minimal amounts of personal needs allowance to be set aside under the different housing arrangements

There will also be a brief overview of the types of benefits received, how different living arrangements affect benefits, and ways to make sure the beneficiary’s needs are being met while properly safeguarding funds.

 2:20 p.m.

SESSION 5: Skin Deep: What Guardians Need to Know About Skin Clues, Skin Cancer, and Daily Protection

Dr. Patricia M. Delgado, DNP, AGPCNP, DCNP, PMHNP - Sunrise Skin & Wellness

This talk will empower professional guardians to recognize when something on the skin may signal a deeper medical issue, understand skin cancer treatment options (including when surgery may not be the only answer), and learn practical strategies for daily skin protection in vulnerable populations. With guardians often managing multiple individuals’ care, having this foundational knowledge can help prevent missed diagnoses, reduce unnecessary interventions, and support better outcomes.

3:20 p.m.

SESSION 6: Hot Topics and Updates in Guardianship

Honorable Judge Pamela Campbell - Section 4 – Probate and Mental Health Division, Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Join Judge Campbell for an insightful session that delves into hot topics and updates in the world of guardianship. This presentation will explore the latest developments in guardianship law and practice, addressing emerging challenges and potential reforms impacting professional guardians in Florida. Key topics may include evolving legal standards, accountability and oversight, and regional impacts to wards and guardianship.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the evolving legal landscape and its implications for their roles as guardians. The session will provide valuable insights into the judicial perspective on guardianship, equipping professionals with the knowledge to navigate current challenges and anticipate future developments in the field.