GAPC BOARD MEETING

The GAPC Board meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

3-Day Registration

Monday, September 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Virtual (Zoom) | 2 CEUs

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Virtual (Zoom) | 2 CEUs

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

East Bay Country Club | 6 CEUs

702 Country Club Dr, Largo, FL 33771

************

Registration

Members | $250.00

Non-Members | $350.00

************

Agenda and Speakers

Explore the 2026 Conference Agenda

************

Book Your Hotel!

Hampton Inn & Suites Largo Florida

100 East Bay Drive

Largo Florida 33770

Thursday, September 17 & Friday, September 18

$129/Night

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Or visit: https://group.hamptoninn.com/wdk2e3

Monday-Only Registration

Monday, September 14, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Virtual (Zoom) | 2 CEUs

Members | $45.00

Non-Members | $65.00

************

Supporting Guardians in Conflict Communication Skills

Megan Hunter, MBA - CEO, High Conflict Institute

************

Speaker Information

Megan Hunter, MBA

CEO, High Conflict Institute

Megan Hunter, MBA, is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of High Conflict Institute and a recognized expert in high-conflict behavior and conflict communication.

Megan has trained professionals across government agencies, healthcare systems, law firms and courts, and educational institutions—helping organizations navigate complex interpersonal challenges with greater clarity and effectiveness.

She is known for translating complex behavioral dynamics into practical, actionable strategies that professionals can apply immediately.

Megan is co-author of BIFF at Work and co-host of the podcast It’s All Your Fault!, and has helped organizations worldwide strengthen their approach to managing high-conflict situations.

************

GAPC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

The Membership Committee will meet on the second Monday of September at 4pm.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

Wednesday-Only Registration

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Virtual (Zoom) | 2 CEUs

Members | $45.00

Non-Members | $65.00

************

Confidentiality, Discretion & Trust

Heather Connors, PhD - The Center for Guardianship Excellence

Guardians uncover personal information about clients and their families. Often, these clients live in group settings where privacy is limited, and/or they are supported by a varied team of individuals who may not share a deep understanding of confidentiality.

Now add on social media and the over-sharing that has become so widely accepted in many people’s lives, and the challenges associated with maintaining a person’s privacy have grown dramatically.

Yet, “confidentiality, discretion & trust” are still among the most profoundly important fundamental principles of guardianship. What are guardians expected to do to balance collaboration, cooperation and discretion in this day and age?

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 new rules of confidentiality to today’s real-world challenges.

During this informative, interactive workshop, participants will learn:

1. How the National Guardianship Association describes expectations for maintaining confidentiality.

2. The topics to focus on where privacy is essential.
3. Best practices for being seen actively protecting confidentiality.
4. Four types of inquiries and how to determine when sharing information is appropriate.
5. Ideas for handling social media.

Learn more about the 2026 Conference!

Heather Connors, PhD

The Center for Guardianship Excellence

Dr. Heather Connors is a Gerontologist, National Certified Guardian, and advocate for ethical guardianship. During the last twenty years she has worked as a professional guardian, researcher, college professor and speaker. Her vision for educating and supporting professional and family guardians has come to life at The Center for Guardianship Excellence.

As Executive Director, Heather leads research projects that help to reveal information about the needs of adults with temporary or long-term challenges that can be described as incapacity. This research is used to develop training programs and tools for guardians and families of adults in need of decisional support.

She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and educational summits on subjects related to providing logical, thorough, thoughtful and well-documented decisional support for adults.

She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Gerontology Policy Studies from the University of Massachusetts Boston, 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.

************

GAPC PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Public Relations Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

Friday-Only Registration

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

East Bay Country Club | 702 Country Club Dr, Largo, FL 33771

Members | $210.00

Non-Members | $270.00

************

Agenda

Click here to explore the full schedule and read session descriptions!

Session 1 - LGBTQ+ Older Adults and the Cost of Being Invisible

Melissa Wojewnik, CDE®, C.D.S., CPSL® - Executive Director, Cypress Palms

Session 2 - Re-instatement of Rights Panel

Irene Rausch - Professional Guardian and Instructor

Magistrate Bama Tearney - Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Magistrate Arlene Stevens - Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Nick Robinson

Alecia Lyons

Session 3 - Bad Grandson

Master Detective Phillip Klimpel - Economic Crimes Section, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Session 4 - Bringing The Lost Home – Using Scent To Locate Those Who Wander

Paul Coley – CEO, Scent Evidence K9

Session 5 - Interpretation Vs. Intent when Administering Trusts

Darby Jones, JD - Professional Fiduciary

Erica K. Smith Roodhouse - Roodhouse Law, PLLC

Session 6 - Hot Topics and Updates in Guardianship

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

Click here to learn about your speakers!

************

GAPC CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Conference Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC BYLAWS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Bylaws Committee meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

The Membership Committee meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

Monthly Guardian Peer Breakfast

GUARDIAN MEMBERS ONLY

Wednesday ~ October 7, 2026

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Join us for an informal morning of networking and support - this event is for MEMBER GUARDIANS ONLY.

These informal gatherings offer a chance to talk through situations with other guardians and share resources for different types of clients (veterans, low-income, and high net-worth).

Please let us know if you are planning to attend so we have an accurate count for refreshments.

IN-PERSON FOR GUARDIAN MEMBERS ONLY

LOCATION: 

Palm Gardens | Largo, 10500 Starkey Road, Seminole, FL 33777

GAPC EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING

The Education Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC BOARD MEETING

The GAPC Board meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

GAPC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Presented by Jenna C. Jordan, Esq. - Partner, Deeb Elder Law, P.A.

In this interactive and scenario-driven session, Jenna C. Jordan, Esq., moves beyond basic eligibility to tackle the intricate legal and financial hurdles encountered by professional guardians, facility teams, care coordinators, and legal staff working with Florida Medicaid. Using real-world questions and case studies submitted by GAPC members, this presentation provides a practical roadmap through Medicaid's most common pain points—from income-cap management and Qualified Income Trusts (QITs) to transfer penalties and asset preservation. Attendees will leave with actionable guidance they can apply immediately to improve case coordination and reduce avoidable denials.

Key takeaways:

• Strategic Management of Income and Asset Hurdles: Attendees will be able to identify and apply the correct legal instruments—including Qualified Income Trusts (QITs), Pooled Special Needs Trusts, and Personal Service Contracts—to overcome "income cap" obstacles, avoid or cure transfer penalties under the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) transfer-of-asset rules, and reduce avoidable Medicaid denials in guardianship cases.
• Fiduciary Compliance and Case Coordination: Attendees will be able to distinguish which asset-restructuring strategies require prior court authorization under Florida Statute § 744.441, coordinate effectively with elder law counsel and facility staff to avoid fiduciary liability, and integrate Medicaid-compliant planning into the guardian's annual reporting obligations under Chapter 744 of the Florida Statutes.

****************

WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 14, 2026

Virtual - Zoom | Noon to 1:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION

• Members - FREE (Included as a benefit of membership)
• Guests are invited to attend one meeting before submitting an application for membership. Email GAPC HERE for more information.
• • Guardian guests - FREE
  • Non-guardian guests - $25.00

All education programs will apply for one (1) hour CE for Professional Guardians

****************

SPEAKER BIO

Jenna C. Jordan is a Partner at Deeb Elder Law, P.A., a St. Petersburg, Florida law firm providing specialized representation in elder law, estate planning, and guardianship. Ms. Jordan focuses her practice on the legal needs of the elderly and individuals with disabilities, with particular emphasis on Medicaid asset protection, contested and uncontested guardianship proceedings, injunctions against the exploitation of vulnerable adults, and probate and trust administration.

GAPC PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Public Relations Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC BYLAWS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Bylaws Committee meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Conference Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC ANNUAL BOARD RETREAT

The 2026 GAPC Board Retreat will take place Friday, October 30 from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

LOCATION: 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL (9th Floor Conference Room)

GAPC MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING

The Membership Committee meets on the 1st Monday of the month at 4:00 p.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

VIRTUAL Monthly Guardian Peer Breakfast

GUARDIAN MEMBERS ONLY

Wednesday ~ November 4, 2026

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Join us for an informal morning of networking and support - this event is for MEMBER GUARDIANS ONLY.

These informal gatherings offer a chance to talk through situations with other guardians and share resources for different types of clients (veterans, low-income, and high net-worth).

GUARDIAN MEMBERS ONLY

LOCATION: Virtual | Zoom

MEMBERS ONLY NETWORKING BREAKFAST

Start your morning with fellow GAPC members at our in-person Networking Breakfast, an informal opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and build relationships with other professionals in the community. This members-only gathering is intentionally limited to 40 attendees so the conversation stays personal, active, and worthwhile for everyone in the room.

All members are welcome to attend!

Please note this event will not feature speakers. The morning is all about making space for meaningful peer-to-peer networking. Breakfast and refreshments will be provided—RSVP today to let us know you’ll be there!

Location:

Westminster Suncoast | Quak Center 1095 Pinellas Point Dr S, St Petersburg, FL 33705

All GAPC members are invited to this event as a benefit of membership.

GAPC EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING

The Education Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC BOARD MEETING

The GAPC Board meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

GAPC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Presented by Elizabeth P. Allen, JD, LLM - Elder Law Attorney & Shareholder, Gibbons | Neuman

This presentation pertains to the VA’s program for certain ”war time” Veterans and their surviving spouses who are in need of long term care services and a source for payment for those services. The program does not require a service connected injury or illness. The applicant must meet medical and asset/income criteria. The presentation will focus on the basics of the program: the definition of a “wartime veteran” and the medical and financial criteria for eligibility.

****************

WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 11, 2026

Virtual - Zoom | Noon to 1:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION

• Members - FREE (Included as a benefit of membership)
• Guests are invited to attend one meeting before submitting an application for membership. Email GAPC HERE for more information.
• • Guardian guests - FREE
  • Non-guardian guests - $25.00

All education programs will apply for one (1) hour CE for Professional Guardians

****************

SPEAKER BIO

Elizabeth P. Allen, JD, LLM, provides individuals and their families with estate planning, asset protection, long term care/Medicaid planning, probate & trust administration, special needs trust planning, and VA benefits planning.

Liz is a shareholder in the Tampa law firm of Gibbons | Neuman, Attorneys at Law, where she has been practicing since 1989. She graduated from the University of South Florida in 1986 and then attended Stetson University College of Law receiving her Juris Doctor degree. Ms. Allen later returned to Stetson and received her Masters of Law in Elder Law. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Stetson Law School. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys. She is also a member of the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar and is on that Section’s Medicaid Committee. Liz is former member at large on the Board of Better Living for Seniors-Hillsborough. She is a former officer of the Thomas E. Penick Inn of Court, past–chair of the Hillsborough County Bar Association’s Elder Law Section and was co-editor of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney’s weekly national eBulletin newsletter. She has published national articles on Elder Law issues, been a guest on radio and tv shows and is a frequent speaker on the topic.

GAPC PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING

The Public Relations Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org

GAPC CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Conference Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.

All members are encouraged to join a Committee, if you are interested in participating, please email information@guardianassociation.org