Dr. Heather Connors is a Gerontologist and advocate for ethical guardianship. 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 facts about the needs of seniors, adults with challenges that be described as incapacity, and communities. This research can be downloaded at The Center’s website. This research is also used to develop webinars, training programs and job aids.
Dr. Connors has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in aging, sociology, and qualitative research methods. She is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences and educational summits.
During her 2023 presidency of the National Guardianship Association, she helped to develop new training for guardians in collaboration with NGA colleagues and staff.
In addition to her role at The Center, Heather serves as adviser to guardianship-related organizations including Public Guardian Services in Massachusetts.
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.