The Center for Guardianship Excellence

Support Group | Wednesday, August 16, 2023 11 AM - 12 PM EDT
2023-08-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for our monthly Support Group.

6 Ways to Be A Great Conservator | Wednesday July 26 11AM - 2 PM Eastern Time
2023-07-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
What is a Conservator? And what makes for a successful, ethical, and productive conservatorship?
In this training, participants will learn 6 actions great conservators take to meet the individual needs of their clients or loved ones. Two very different conservatorship stories show the practical application of the 6 actions, and the challenging decisions conservators must make.
Downloadable job aids include a tool for preparing to become someone’s conservator, a form that helps conservators take a person-centered approach to conservatorship, a contact record for building relationships, and a handout with the National Guardianship Association’s ethical standards for guardians and conservators. This virtual instructor-led training has 3 hours of interactive discussion and insights.
Three CEUs are available for people who actively attend the entire course.

Support Group | Wednesday, July 12, 2023 11 AM - 12 PM EDT
2023-07-12 11:00 - 12:00

Disability Pride Month Interview with Special Guest, Ryan Litchfield, AC, CCC | Monday, June 26, 2023 1 PM - 2 PM EDT
2023-06-26 13:00 - 14:00
In honor of the annual Disability Pride Month, The Center for Guardianship Excellence presents an interactive discussion with Special Guest, Ryan Litchfield, Autism Life Coach, and disability rights/awareness advocate. Our guest will answer questions about the needs of working adults with lifelong disabilities.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of ways to be a solution provider and ally.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits: 1 Ethics Credit Hour (ECH)
There is no charge for attending this virtual event. Pre-registration is required.

Support Group | Wednesday, June 21, 202311 AM - 12 PM EDT
2023-06-21 11:00 - 12:00
The Center for Guardianship Excellence leads a support group for guardians. This online meeting is usually held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Eastern. Please check the Event Calendar for up-to-date information.
During this informal hour, Dr. Heather Connors, Executive Director for The Center guides participants through interactive discussions that draw out your challenges, concerns, problems and solutions.
Participants leave with practical advice and resources for addressing family and professional guardianship real-world situations.
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required.

Five Point Fundamentals of Guardianship | Thursday, June 15, 2023 1 PM - 4 PM EDT
2023-06-15 13:00 - 16:00
Find your “true north” as a guardian by focusing on 5 guideposts. During this introductory workshop, you will learn fundamental principles of guardianship in Massachusetts including how guardians get appointed, how to determine what is expected of you, how to navigate decision-making that is in line with your client’s values, and the documentation and paperwork standards you must meet.
This course is designed for individuals who:
• Are assigned by the court as guardian to a paying client
• Are assigned by the court as guardian to a family member or friend
• Are currently researching guardianship in MA
• Are healthcare or a legal professional wanting to learn more about guardianship
Three, free CEUs are available for those who actively attend the full event.

Guardianship Networking: End of Life Conversations & The Five Wishes | Tuesday, June 13, 2023 3-4 PM EDT
2023-06-13 15:00 - 16:00
Join this 1-hour virtual meeting and connect with our community of guardians, conservators, social workers, case managers, attorneys, and folks learning about guardianship. On June 13, 2023, our monthly networking group will discuss the Five Wishes document. Participants will learn about the document’s key points and how people are using it to plan for the future.
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required.

Guardians as Coaches | Tuesday, June 6, 2023 11 AM - 2 PM EDT
2023-06-06 11:00 - 14:00
Guardians and Conservators are influential leaders in a variety of settings. We advise, correct, steer and support clients, loved ones, caregivers, and employees, when appropriate. Our efforts may be met with cooperation or disdain.
When Guardians and Conservators adopt a “coach approach” to interacting with others, a long list of wonderful things occur. Relationships get stronger. People listen and take action on our valuable advice. Behavior changes and results improve. This is not magic. It is effective coaching.
In this 3-hour workshop participants will learn:

How some people become the coach that is remembered, respected, and appreciated forever.
When to act as “official coach” and when to act as “occasional coach” in order to get the best possible results.
Best practices for “official coaching” including observation and interactive feedback.
Best practices for “occasional coaching” that meets the needs of the coached and influences change.
How to address your simple and challenging people and situations to save time and effort.

There is no charge for attending this virtual training. Pre-registration is required.

Elder Abuse Prevention Month Interview with Taryn Lee-Turgeon, JD | Thursday, June 1, 2023 1 PM - 2 PM EDT
2023-06-01 13:00 - 14:00
In honor of the annual Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, The Center for Guardianship Excellence presents an interactive discussion with Elder Rights Advocate, Attorney Taryn Lee-Turgeon, JD. Ms. Lee-Turgeon will answer questions about the many types of elder abuse, the symptoms to recognize, and the steps to take that could save someone’s life. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of who is at risk and how to help.
There is no charge for attending this virtual event. Pre-registration is required.

Guardianship Ethics in Practice | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 1 PM - 4 PM EDT
2023-05-24 13:00 - 16:00
Guardianship Ethics in Practice teaches professional and family guardians how to make decisions that are good for the person with a guardian and for the guardian or conservator. Built on the principles outlined by The National Guardianship Association, this training shows practical ways to apply 3 categories of ethical principles.

Participants will learn:
1) How making specific ethical decisions can protect your clients and yourself
2) Precise ethical principles that govern guardianship and what they mean
3) Ways to apply medical, business, and personal ethics to real-world guardianship challenges
There is no charge for attending this virtual training. Pre-registration is required. Click “Get This Course” to register.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits: 3 Ethics Credit Hours (ECH)

Support Group | Friday, May 19, 2023 11 AM - 12 PM EDT
2023-05-19 11:00 - 12:00
The Center for Guardianship Excellence leads a support group for guardians.
*PLEASE NOTE – THE MAY SUPPORT GROUP IS ON FRIDAY MAY 19*
During this informal hour, Dr. Heather Connors, Executive Director for The Center guides participants through interactive discussions that draw out your challenges, concerns, problems and solutions.
Participants leave with practical advice and resources for addressing family and professional guardianship real-world situations.
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required. Click “Get This Course” to register.

Networking Group: Supported Decision Making | Tuesday, May 9, 2023 3-4 PM EDT
2023-05-09 15:00 - 16:00
Join this 1-hour virtual meeting and connect with our community of guardians, conservators, social workers, case managers, attorneys, and folks learning about guardianship.
On May 9, 2023, our monthly networking group explores alternatives to guardianship including Supported Decision-Making. Which US states are recognizing SDM alongside or instead of guardianship? And, what can adults in other states do?
Participants will see samples of SDM agreements and learn about ways adults can use this option to help adults retain or improve control over their lives.
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required. Click “Get This Course” to register.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits: 1 Ethics Credit Hour (ECH)

How to Get Started with Supported Decision Making | Tuesday, May 4, 2023 2 PM - 3:30 PM EDT
2023-05-04 14:00 - 15:30
Imagine helping a client or loved one to claim ownership of effective decision-making instead of having a guardian? That is the goal of the Supported Decision-Making movement.
Instead of a guardian, the adult has a posse or crew of trusted advisors who the person selects to be involved in making decisions such as when to spend money or if they should agree to recommended medical treatment. These supporters help the adult gather and understand information, compare options, and communicate decisions to others.
This 90-minute webinar shares steps you can take to:

Determine if a specific adult is a good candidate for this guardianship alternative
Explain how an SDM program makes sense for an adult who has a guardian, who is trying to prevent a guardianship, or who seeks to terminate a guardianship
Help an adult select 4-6 trusted individuals who will agree to learn how to be part of an SDM team (called Supporters) and then be available to help
Create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement
Provide training and tools for the SDM team that will support their work on behalf of your client or loved one
Monitor the activities of the SDM team to ensure the adult is safe and thriving

There is no charge for attending this virtual webinar. Pre-registration is required.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits: 1 Ethics Credit Hour (ECH)

Mental Health Awareness Month Interview with Kimmie Jordan | Monday, May 1, 2023 1 PM - 2 PM EDT
2023-05-01 13:00 - 14:00
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Center for Guardianship Excellence presents an interactive discussion with mental health expert instructor and professional guardian, Kimmie Jordan, CPRP, LMFT, LADAC, NCG.
Ms. Jordan will answer questions about best practices for working with people who live with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental illness; symptoms and treatments; and the challenges faced by individuals, families, guardians, and the court.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of mental illness from many perspectives.
There is no charge for attending this virtual webinar. Pre-registration is required. Click “Get This Course” to register.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits: 1 Ethics Credit Hour (ECH)

Support Group | Wednesday, April 26, 2023 1 PM - 2 PM EDT
2023-04-26 13:00 - 14:00
The Center for Guardianship Excellence leads a support group for guardians. During this informal hour, Dr. Heather Connors, Executive Director for The Center guides participants through interactive discussions that draw out your challenges, concerns, problems and solutions. Participants leave with practical advice and resources for addressing family and professional guardianship real-world situations.
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required.

Healthcare Decisions: Challenges & Solutions | April 19, 2023 1 PM - 2 PM EDT
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:00
Do you know your options for making sure your personal healthcare decisions are followed in the future? Are your clients and loved ones able to have important end-of-life conversations that may prevent the appointment of a court-ordered legal guardian?
In time for Healthcare Decisions Day 2023, this 1-hour discussion group will explore a complex topic to answer your questions and provide clarity.
Our special guest is Dr. Zachary Sager, expert in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Sager will share insights and solutions for adults of all ages.

Networking Group | Tuesday, April 11, 2023 3-4 PM EDT
2023-04-11 15:00 - 16:00
Join this 1-hour virtual meeting and connect with our community of guardians, conservators, social workers, case managers, attorneys, and folks learning about guardianship. On April 11, 2023, our monthly networking group explores the new “Bill of Rights for Adults with Guardians.” This powerful document clarifies can be used in many ways to strengthen relationships and protect vulnerable adults. How will you use it?
Hosted by: Dr. Heather Connors
There is no charge for attending this virtual meeting. Pre-registration is required.
Guardianship Continuing Education Credits:1 Ethics Credit Hour (ECH)

Guardianship Ethics in Practice 08-04-22 1-4 PM EST
2022-08-04 13:00 - 14:00

Guardianship Rounds 06/29/22 12-1:30 PM EST
2022-06-29 12:00 - 13:00

How Social Position Affects Client Experiences 06/15/22
2022-06-15 12:00 - 13:00

Tackling the Transition to Adulthood 5/10/22
2022-06-14 10:00 - 12:00

Achieving Equity for LGBTQIA+ People 05/26/22
2022-05-26 13:00 - 15:00

Guardianship Rounds 05/25/22 12-1:30 PM EST
2022-05-25 12:00 - 13:00

Guardianship Networking 05/19/22 11 AM EST
2022-05-19 11:00 - 12:00

Guardianship in the Era of COVID 05-18-22 2-3 PM EST
2022-05-18 14:00 - 15:00

Support Group 05/11/22 11 AM EST
2022-05-11 11:00 - 12:00

Guardianship Rounds 04/27/22
2022-04-27 12:00 - 13:00

Guardianship Ethics in Practice 04/26/22
2022-04-26 13:00 - 16:00

Guardianship Networking: The Rights of People Under Guardianship 04/12/22
2022-04-20 13:00 - 14:00

5 Point Fundamentals of Guardianship 4/14/22 10-1 EST
2022-04-07 10:00 - 13:00
