Education

• 2006 Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology M. Div.
• 1994 Texas Wesleyan University School of Law J.D. degree
  • Organizing member of the Law Review
  • Class rank 2nd
• 1982 Amber University M.B.A. degree
  • Deans List four semesters
• 1976 Austin College B.A. degree
  • Major Political Science

Additional Course Work

• 2009 VA Aid and Attendance Training, Victoria Collier, Esq.
• 1992 Settlement Consultants International Inc. Mediation Training

Legal Experience

• 1994 Present Private Practice - Experience in a number of areas of law including elder law, probate, wills, guardianship, nursing home neglect and trial practice.
• 1993-1994 The Law Offices of Eddie Vassallo - Employed as a legal assistant at this firm which specializes in Eminent Domain.
• 1991 Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas - Served two internships with the court. My duties as an intern included researching the law, reviewing briefs and drafting opinions.

Other Work Experience

• 1982-1993 Self-employed Free-Lance Writer - I developed, marketed and wrote magazine articles, specializing in Business and Travel, with over one hundred publishing credits.

Professional Memberships

• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Public Policy, Managed Care Sub-Committee
  • UnConference Planning Committee 2002
• Texas Chapter, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • Board of Directors (2002 2005)
  • By-laws committee
• Dallas Bar Association
  • Probate, Trusts & Estate Section Member
• Best Southwest Bar Association
  • Organizing Treasurer
• State Bar of Texas
• College of the State Bar of Texas

Licenses

• U. S. Supreme Court
• State of Texas
• U. S. District Court, Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas
• Veterans’ Administration

Community Service

• Texas Advocates for Nursing Home Residents
  • Chairman Legislative Review Committee
  • Member of the Board of Advisors
• Presbyterian Elder
  • Active in the Presbyterian Church serving in many different positions

Presentations

• 1997 Medicaid Issues Activity Directors Association, Tarrant, Johnson & Wise Counties
• 1998 Governor's Conference on Aging, Austin, Texas, "In the Nursing Home: Resident's Rights."
• 1999 Governor's Conference on Aging, Austin, Texas, "In the Nursing Home: Resident's Rights."
• 2002 Texas Elder Law, Taking Control of the Planning Process NBI
• 2002 Texas Probate: Beyond the Basics NBI
• 2004 Elder Care in Texas; Legal and Financial Issues NBI
• 2004, 2005 Medicaid Issues Alzheimer's Association Care giver Conference Dallas
• 2005 Protecting the Elderly Through Wise Estate Planning AARP
• 2005, 2006, 2007 Estate Planning DeSoto Triad
• 2006 Advanced Planning and Giving Protecting Elderly Assets 10th Conference on Philanthropy and Leadership Symposium
• 2006 Medicare and Elder Law Issues in Texas Lorman
• 2006 Resolving Legal and Financial Issues in Elder Care NBI
• 2006 Medicaid Assistance Planning in Texas Lorman
• 2007 Resolving Legal and Financial Issues in Elder Care NBI
• 2007 Exploring Probate Issues in Texas Lorman
• 2007 Medicaid and Elder Planning in Light of DRA 2005 Lorman
• 2007, 2008 Estate Planning for Widows Women of Hope
• 2008 Estate Administration Procedures Why Each Step is Important NBI
• 2008 Estate Planning in Alzheimers Hopkins Senior Center Duncanville
• 2008 The Probate Process from Start to Finish for Paralegals Working With Executors and Administrators IPE
• 2009 VA Benefits and Disability Planning DeSoto Triad
• 2010 Estate Planning for Homeowners Homeowners Association
• 2010 Elder Law and Estate Planning DeSoto Triad
• 2010 The Probate Process from Start to Finish for Paralegals Working With Executors and Administrators IPE

Legal Publications

• 1998 "Estate Planning for Single Parents", Single Rose
• 1999 "Nursing Home Litigation", The Elder Law Report.
• 2002 Texas Elder Law, Taking Control of the Planning Process (selected chapters) NBI
• 2002 Texas Probate: Beyond the Basics (selected chapters) NBI
• 2003, 2005 A Will is Not Enough in Texas, (contributor)
• 2004 Elder Care in Texas; Legal and Financial Issues (selected chapters) NBI
• 2006 Medicare and Elder Law Issues in Texas (selected chapters) Lorman
• 2006 Resolving Legal and Financial Issues in Elder Care (selected chapters) NBI
• 2006 Medicaid Assistance Planning in Texas (selected chapters) Lorman
• 2007 Resolving Legal and Financial Issues in Elder Care (selected chapters) NBI
• 2007 Exploring Probate Issues in Texas (selected chapters) Lorman
• 2007 Medicaid and Elder Planning in Light of DRA 2005 (selected chapters) Lorman
• 2008 Estate Administration Procedures Why Each Step is Important (selected chapters) NBI
• 2008 The Probate Process from Start to Finish for Paralegals (selected chapters) IPE
• 2010 The Probate Process from Start to Finish for Paralegals (selected chapters) IPE

Achievements

• Law Review Texas Wesleyan School of Law
• 1996 Texas Hall of Fame
• 1999 Who's Who in America, Law Edition
• 2001, 2002 Who's Who in America
• 2006, 2008 Who's Who in American Law
• 2010 Ten Year Service Award, Dallas Bar LRS