2026 TGA Annual Conference

In Person Full Conference Registration Includes:

• 14 Continuing Education Credits (CEU/CLE)
• 3 Pre-Conference Intensives
• 8 Sessions with Ethics Credit
• 1.5 Legislative Update Credits
• Opening Welcome Reception on Wednesday
• Morning and Afternoon Catered Breaks

Conference Registration Does NOT Include:

• Hotel Room Cost
• Parking, Personal Incidentals, Gratuities
• Transportation To/From the Conference
• Lunches

Important Deadlines

• August 31, 2026: Conference registration deadline. Registrations received after this date will be assessed a $50.00 late processing fee.
• August 21, 2026: Hotel group rate reservation cut-off date
• September 4, 2026: Cancellations must be made in writing to Barbara@texasguardianship.org to receive a refund. All cancellations will be assessed a $75.00 cancellation fee. No refunds after this date.

Substitutions are allowed with the written permission of the original registrant. You may submit your request via email.
Please note there will be a $50 processing fee for any substitution. Email: Barbara@texasguardianship.org.

Questions? Contact the TGA Business Office at 713-955-9192 or email Barbara@texasguardianship.org.

Cancellations: All cancellations must be made in writing to TGA and received by September 4, 2025 in order to receive a refund. All cancellations will incur a $75 non-refundable processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after this deadline or for ‘no shows.’

Register today

Registration Rates

Become a TGA Sponsor or Exhibitor and take advantage of marketing opportunities at the conference.

Conference Schedule

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

9:00 – 11:00a: Alternatives to Guardianship/Supports and Services Training for Texas Court Investigators/Court Visitors

This two-hour session includes one hour of training on alternatives to guardianship and one hour of training on supports and services available to a proposed ward in accordance with Government Code §22.0133 required for all court investigators and court visitors bi-annually. This session has been approved by JBCC to meet this requirement and will be provided by an experienced statutory probate court investigator and guardianship attorney.

Speakers:

• Rachel Portnoy, LMSW, TxCG | Harris County Probate Court No. 3, Houston
• Rayito Stephens, JD | Rayito O. Stephens Law Offices, PLLC, Pearland

CE: CEU 2.0/ CLE 2.0/ Ethics

9:00 – 11:00a: Guardianship Nuts and Bolts

Professional and family guardians are charged with the responsibility of managing guardianships in accordance with the hundreds of statutes in the Texas Estates Code. This overview of the legal and ethical principles of guardianship in Texas will benefit anyone who wants to better understand the application and adjudication process and post-appointment responsibilities that apply to all guardians.

Speakers:

• Kristin Martinelli, LMSW, CCM, TxCG | Mir Senior Care & Care Consultants, Inc, Austin
• Nathan Peters, JD | Law Offices of Nathan Peters, PLLC, Denton

CE: CEU 2.0/ CLE 2.0 Ethics

9:00 – 11:00a: Guardianship Program/Private Professional Best Practices 

Guardianship program administrators and staff face unique challenges when starting and managing a guardianship program. These challenges include building relationships with the court system, attorneys, fiduciaries, and other important referral sources; compliance with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice; mentoring and training new guardians; emphasizing alternatives to guardianship and less restrictive alternatives; care management, and other program-related issues. Attendees will interact with the presenters to identify and address challenges unique to management of private and public guardianship programs.

Speakers:

• Meghan Hutchinson, MSW, TxCG, NCG | Guardianship Program, The Senior Source, Dallas
• David Vazquez, LMSW, TxCG | Bexar County Guardianship Program, San Antonio
• Catherine Vergara, RN, BSN, CCM, TxCG | CareFor, Austin

CE: CEU 2.0/ CLE 2.0 Ethics

1:00 – 1:30p: Welcome/TGA Annual Meeting/State of the Association

Speakers:

• Courtney Carey, MS, TxCG | TGA President
• Jareli Paquette | Conference Chair

1:30 – 3:00p: General Keynote Session –The Best Practice of You: Leading from Within When the Work Demands Everything

Life is big right now. The demands on guardianship professionals keep increasing, the world keeps shifting, and the version of you that handled last year’s challenges is being asked to stretch even further. And yet, when do you actually stop and focus on you? This interactive keynote is your chance to step away from the outward focus, reconnect with why you got into this work in the first place, and take an honest look at how you’re really doing. Through guided reflection, values work, and real conversation with the people in the room, you’ll walk away remembering what fuels you, clear on what needs attention, and with a plan to keep yourself topped off.

Speaker:

• Renita Joyce Smith, ACC | Leap Forward Coaching and Consulting

CE: CEU 1.5

3:15 – 4:45p: General Keynote Session – Guardianship Nuances: Special Populations, Individualized Care

This presentation will explore guardianship concerns for three specific populations of individuals, including those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LBQTQIA+), those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those living with dementia. Specific and unique concerns for these adults and their guardians, and how to best navigate medical and psychosocial complexities, will be explored. Additional consideration of the potential intersectionality of these individuals’ stories will also be considered.

Speaker:

• Julia Hiner, MD | UTHealth Houston, Houston

CE: CEU1.5 /CLE 1.5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

8:30 – 10:00a: Breakout 1 – Guardianship in Texas: Legal, Ethical, and Practical Considerations

Guardianship in Texas is one of the most significant legal actions a court can impose, requiring careful consideration of both protection and personal autonomy. In this session, Judge Burns provides valuable insight into the judicial perspective on guardianship, emphasizing why it must always be considered a last resort. Attendees will explore the legal and ethical responsibilities involved in determining when guardianship is truly necessary, as well as the critical importance of evaluating less restrictive alternatives.

Speaker:

• Hon. Patricia Burns | Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1, Ft. Worth

CE: CEU 1.5/ CLE 1.5/Ethics

8:30 – 10:00a: Breakout 2 – Texas ABLE: Helping Texans with Disabilities Save Today and Plan for Tomorrow

Explore the Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (Texas ABLE®) Program and how it empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses through tax-advantaged accounts—without jeopardizing eligibility for key public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. This session will provide an overview of the program’s foundation in federal and state law, its administration by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and the wide range of qualified disability expenses that ABLE funds can support to enhance health, independence, and overall quality of life. Attendees will also gain practical guidance on eligibility requirements and the steps to open and manage an ABLE account in Texas.

Speaker:

• Vanessa Goodson | Texas Able-Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Austin

CE: CEU 1.5

8:30 – 10:00a: Breakout 3 – Ethical Considerations in the Guardianship Assessment/Investigation for Criminal Court Referrals

The presentation examines the significance and complexity of guardianship investigations and assessments in cases referred from criminal courts, particularly those involving individuals alleged to be Incompetent to Stand Trial (CST) and members of special populations. Drawing on real case examples, the session will highlight investigative approaches and interview strategies used in matters involving individuals such as alleged trafficking victims, persons with traumatic brain injuries, and defendants facing serious criminal charges. Through guided discussion, attendees will distinguish between competency and capacity, and better understand how these concepts intersect with the legal mandate to pursue the least restrictive options.

Speaker:

• Daniel Chavez | El Paso County Probate Court No. 2, El Paso

CE: CEU 1.5/ Ethics

10:30a – Noon: Breakout 1 – In A Pickle: Understanding Your Duties and Limitations When Your Ward Is in Trouble with the Law

Being a dedicated Guardian means advocating for and protecting your client, and Guardians have clients from all walks of life. Often times your responsibilities as Guardian are complicated by a Ward with a significant criminal history or present involvement with law enforcement. You have a duty to protect your person under Guardianship, but you are also a mandatory reporter. You want your client to be safe, but you don’t want to endanger anyone else. Your expertise is in the Estates code, but you may not be familiar with the Texas Penal Code. We are going to delve into the unsavory aspects of Guardianship, such as sex offenses, assault, illegal drug use, and incarceration.

Speakers:

• Lindsay Howell-Rached | Legacy Guardianship & Harper Advocacy Services, Dallas
• Louis Stefanos, JD | Wick Phillips, Dallas

CE: CEU 1.5/ CLE 1.5/ Ethics

10:30a – Noon: Breakout 2 – Common Social Security and Benefits Challenges

This breakout session will explore common Social Security benefits and Medicaid challenges frequently encountered in guardianship cases. Attendees will gain practical guidance on navigating Supplemental Security Income (SSI) vs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applications, understanding temporary Medicaid eligibility, and working with Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) programs. The session will also address resource limits and the impact of lump-sum payments, equipping guardians with tools to better support and protect their clients’ benefits.

Speakers:

• Andrea Perez, TxCG | Family Eldercare, Austin
• Nuvia Bueno, TxCG | Family Eldercare, Austin

CE: CEU 1.5

10:30a – Noon: Breakout 3 – Guardianship Reporting in Texas: How the Filings Fit Together

This breakout session provides a clear, practical overview of the key reports and accountings required in Texas guardianship proceedings and how they work together over the life of a case. Designed for attorneys and guardians, the presentation explains what must be filed, why each filing matters, and how documents connect from start to finish. Participants will walk through the purpose and timing of essential filings and understand how these requirements ensure accountability, support court oversight, and guide guardians in effectively managing and closing a guardianship.

Speakers:

• Susan Fillion, JD | Harris County Attorney’s Office, Houston
• John Henry, JD | Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC, Houston

CE: CEU1.5/CLE1.5

1:30 – 3:00p: Breakout 1 – Leveraging Unique Community Relations

This session explores partnership between guardianship agencies and Texas Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and how coordinated efforts can improve outcomes for adults under guardianship or at risk of guardianship. Through real-world examples and discussion, participants will gain an overview of the role and services of AAA’s, identify points of intersection with guardianship responsibilities, and examine how this partnership supports least restrictive alternatives and person-centered decision-making.

Speakers:

• Misty Earles | Texoma Guardian Group, Pottsboro
• Cara Lavender | Texoma Guardian Group, Pottsboro

CE: CEU 1.5

1:30 – 3:00p: Breakout 2 – Creating Financial Security for a Loved One with Special Needs

This workshop provides families and caregivers of individuals with special needs a practical roadmap to building long-term financial security. Participants will learn how to assemble the right professional team, navigate essential government benefits, and develop a coordinated plan that supports both immediate and future needs. Attendees will leave with greater clarity and confidence in creating a sustainable plan that preserves benefits and enhances quality of life for their loved ones.

Speaker:

• Crystal Herrington | Northwestern Mutual, Austin

CE: CEU 1.5

1:30 – 3:00p: Breakout 3 – Mistreatment in End of Life

This presentation is designed to help those involved in any part of the guardianship process become better at recognizing the risks occurring at end-of-life that may make adult mistreatment more likely, including in certain high-risk populations. Additionally, foundational information about adult mistreatment and what an individual at end-of-life may look and act like will be presented.

Speaker:

• Julia Hiner, MD | UTHealth Houston, Houston

CE: CEU1.5/ CLE1.5/ Ethics

3:30 – 5:00p: Breakout 1 – Guardianship Case Review Guardianship

A panel of three guardianship attorneys will summarize and discuss Texas guardianship appellate decisions in order to warn, instruct and encourage guardians, attorneys for guardians, and court staff and judges who deal with guardianship matters.

Speakers:

• Steven Fields, JD | Tarrant County Probate Court 2, Ft. Worth
• Dyann McCully, JD | The Blum Firm, Ft. Worth
• Terry Hammond, JD | Terry W. Hammond & Associates, PLLC, El Paso

CE: CEU 1.5/ CLE 1.5

3:30 – 5:00p: Breakout 2 – Trusts and Other Supports and Services as Alternatives to Guardianship

Explore the practical alternatives to guardianship, focusing on how trusts and coordinated support services can provide effective, less restrictive options. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the differences between guardianship and trust relationships, and how each structure impacts decision-making, autonomy, and long-term planning. Through real-world examples, participants will see how trusts have been successfully implemented as alternatives to guardianship and learn the value of collaborating with professional care managers to coordinate essential services and support.

Speakers:

• Rayito Stephens, JD | Ra
• Anna Mendez, JD, ATFA | Cadence Bank, Austin
• Lina Supnet-Zapata, MBA, CMC, TxCG | Aging Life Care Manager, Advance Professional, MIR Care Consultants, Inc., Austin

CE: CEU1.5/ CLE 1.5

3:30 – 5:00p: Breakout 3 – Estate Readiness 101: The Paperwork That Matters Most

A practical framework for creating an “Estate Readiness Binder” to ensure critical information is organized, accessible, and ready when it’s needed most. Participants will learn how to gather and maintain essential legal, financial, and healthcare documents. Will also highlight the real-world risks of missing or outdated documents—such as delays, financial loss, or assets becoming subject to unclaimed property laws—and provide actionable strategies for securely storing, updating, and communicating document locations.

Speaker:

• Tanya Castro, CFP®, CTFA, AEP | Texas Regional Bank, Houston

CE: CEU 1.5

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

8:30 – 10:00a: Keynote: Judges Panel Discussion

Harris County Statutory Probate Courts Judges Burns, Bell, and Denton County Statutory Probate Court Judge Jahn and Associate Judge Nolter will comprise the panel in this interactive session that will offer their thoughts on the state of guardianship practice in their courts and will be available for a question-and-answer session at the end of the panel discussion The session is moderated by the Hon. Dru Farmer.

Speakers:

• Hon. Patricia Burns, JD | Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1, Ft. Worth
• Hon. Brook Bell, JD | Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2, Ft. Worth
• Hon. David Jahn | Denton County Probate Court No. 1, Denton
• Hon. Edward Nolter | Denton County Probate Court No. 1, Denton

CE: CEU 1.5/ CLE 1.5

10:30a – Noon: Guardianship Legislative Update

Ron Morgan and Victoria Seybold will summarize and discuss the impact of legislation passed by the 89th Texas Legislature in 2025 on guardians, guardianship attorneys, guardianship courts and those under guardianship. The speakers will also discuss trends that impacted the 89th Legislative Session in 2025, and the roles that the Texas Guardianship Association and the Office of Court Administration/Judicial Branch Certification Commission may have in shaping guardianship-related legislation.

Speakers:

• Ronald Morgan | Enterprise Planning and Regulatory Services Texas Office of Court Administration, Austin
• Victoria Seybold, JD | Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton, L.L.P, Austin

CE: CEU 1.5/ CLE 1.5

You can download a PDF of the schedule by clicking this LINK.

 

Become a Conference Sponsor

TGA welcomes Sponsors and Exhibitors. Please follow the link above to view the Sponsor/Exhibitor levels for full details and registration. Exhibitors will be provided with a 6ft. draped table. Please contact the TGA Business Office at 713-955-9192 or email Claudia@texasguardianship.org for information.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration

To download a PDF version of the table below, click the link.

 

The 2026 TGA Annual Conference will be held at the Fort Worth Hilton Hotel.

Please NOTE: A limited number of rooms are reserved at a discounted group rate.

Reservations: To make your room reservation, please book online (link below) or call 1-800-445-8667 and mention group code TGA 2026 Annual Conference to receive the group rate. Reservations must be made no later than Friday, August 21, 2026. Please note that the available room block may fill prior to the aforementioned cut-off date. Reservations made after the cut-off date, or if the room block has been filled, will be accepted based upon availability with the group rate. Be sure to book early!

Hotel Reservations: TGA Hotel Booking Group Rate
Conference Registration: https://txtga.memberclicks.net/2026tgaconference