Lisa M. Gardner | Private Professional Guardian, Mediator & Arbitrator

Private Professional

Guardian

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Mediator

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Arbitrator

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About

I became a Texas Certified Private Professional Guardian after serving as a Guardian of the Person and Estate, as well as a VA Fiduciary and Social Security Representative Payee for my brother. The amount of time, energy, vigilance and advocacy required to manage his care showed me firsthand how many “cracks” the person needing help can fall through in the absence of dedicated, knowledgeable and fully-engaged help. The gift of that experience also made me realize that a vulnerable elderly, disabled or incapacitated person without that help can feel afraid, alone and abandoned and, worse, often fall prey to abuse and neglect.

As a successful business owner for over 30 years providing services to cities, municipalities, government agencies, and communities, I developed well-honed skills and experience in navigating government regulations, procedures and processes, as well as reporting and payment systems. I also managed a number of large budget projects. At the same time, I gained expertise in understanding and reconciling the various interests of diverse stakeholders that included government, local businesses, and community groups.

As a professional Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), I apply my training and experience in the principles of Functional Medicine, nutrition, positive psychology and mind/body medicine to improve my clients' health and well-being. I see and respect each client as a whole and unique individual, addressing what matters most to them in improving their lives — just as I do serving as a guardian. Additionally, my training and skills as a trained mediator and arbitrator enable me to work through and solve needs-based conflicts with win-win solutions wherever possible.

I am a member of the Texas Guardianship Association and the National Guardianship Association.

Guardianship of David S. —

Before my appointment as my brother's guardian, replacing the state-agency that had been assigned previously: his finances were mismanaged and in the red; he lived in a facility where he received inadequate care and was overmedicated; and he was paying for a phone line that did not exist.

After my apppointment: I sought and obtained full Aid and Attendance VA benefits for him, putting his finances in the black; moved him to a skilled nursing facility where he could get the care he needed; eliminated unnecessary expenses; arranged for him to receive computer training; and scheduled weekly visits from a professional companion. His quality of life, along with his exposure and interest in the outside world, improved dramatically.

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Services

Private Professional Guardianship

Guardianship is a legal process designed to protect vulnerable incapacitated persons from abuse, neglect (including self-neglect), and exploitation. Guardianship provides for the person’s care and management of his or her money while preserving, to the largest extent possible, that person’s independence and right to make decisions affecting his or her life.

Guardianships are created for a variety of different reasons. People become incapacitated due to disease, injury, or developmental disability. No matter what the cause, the decision to seek guardianship is often painful and difficult for the alleged incapacitated person and his or her family members. [Texas Guardianship Association]

Mediation

Mediation is an informal conflict resolution process of facilitated decision-making in which the parties are empowered to resolve issues in ways that uniquely meet their needs and desires. As a trained mediator, I provide a neutral, fair, confidential and safe process for the parties to reach an agreement on their terms.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a more formal and structured conflict resolution process in which the parties in conflict present their argument and evidence to a neutral arbitrator who makes a decision by applying the law and rules of arbitration to the evidence presented. I am a member (independent contractor), of the National Dispute Settlement panel of neutrals trained to arbitrate auto warranty case.

For current rates and availability, please provide a description in the comments section that includes the nature of your matter, the types of services you seek and your preferred timeframe for a free initial telephone consultation.

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