Breakfast (Independence): Navigating the Journey: Special Needs Planning sponsored by Stout
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Breakfast and networking will start at 7:45 am and an update from NAEPC just prior to the program will start promptly at 8:10am.
About the Program
Families with children and other dependents with special needs, no matter what the age or disability, face many serious questions about how to best prepare for the future well-being of their loved ones. It is important to be aware of the care options that are available, including connecting with the DD system and supports for those not eligible for DD services. You also need to understand how special needs financial & estate planning is different than traditional financial & estate planning. Our panel will discuss the importance of integrating all the necessary pieces into one cohesive plan.
About the Speakers
Allison McMeechan focuses her practice on elder and special needs law, including estate and long-term care planning, estate and trust administration, probate and guardianships. She serves as the Chair of both Reminger's Elder Law and Special Needs Planning practice group and Estate and Trust Administration Practice Group. Allison is an Accredited Attorney with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation (CELA) and a Certified Elder Law Specialist through the Ohio State Bar Association. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys National and Ohio Chapters and the Ohio State Bar Association's Estate, Trust & Probate Law Section, and Elder & Special Needs Law Committee. Allison serves as a member of Julie Billiart Schools’ Advancement Committee, and the Board of Directors of Milestones Autism Resources.
Catherine Rush grew up in a small farm town in Indiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education/Multicultural Education from Ball State University and a Master’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has nearly 45 years experience as a teacher in schools, at the college level, public speaking for hundreds of audiences on disability related topics and life enrichment classes for many years as well. She was named one of the top 150 Aging/DD experts in the world in 2001. After retiring from her management position with the Board of Developmental Disabilities, she worked briefly with the Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College to assist in the curriculum development for Rule 66 training. Catherine is the author of the book, “In Pursuit of Danny”, a story of a little boy born with disabilities in the 60’s and the difficult decisions his family had to make at that time. She’s passionate about assisting people of all ages and abilities in developing their creative outlet and strives to learn new skills every day. As she says, she is not retired, but “rewired”, and serves as a consultant for persons with disabilities in accessing services that are confusing to navigate. She works also with seniors; teaching life enrichment classes and has a home-based sewing business.
Matt Slain is the President/Founder of Fortitude Wealth Management in Beachwood, Ohio. With a BA from Bowling Green State University and an MPA from Cleveland State University, he launched his practice, specializing in creating financial strategies for a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, professionals, as well as families and individuals with special needs. His practice is more than just cultivating assets; it's about making complex financial concepts relatable and being a trusted resource. He believes in clear, straightforward advice, which is why over 90% of his new clients come from referrals. He also proudly advocates for families with developmental disabilities, serving on the board of Milestones Autism Resources.
Joclene Vanik is committed to serving the aging community and their families with long-term care and probate-related issues. Located in Reminger Co. LPA’s Cleveland office, Joclene focuses her practice on elder law & special needs planning, asset preservation, estate and trust administration, estate planning, and guardianships. Joclene has experience with the complex nature of Medicaid and helps her clients create plans that allow them to maintain or improve their quality of life during their later years. Joclene is an Accredited Attorney with the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
Jaclyn M. Vary │ 2024-2025 Program Chair
Continuing Education – The following credits will be available (as of 3/12/25):
CLE – Pending approval from the Ohio Supreme Court.
CFP® – Pending approval from the CFP® Board.
General – Available for those AEP®, CPA, and CWS designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements.
Reservation Policy –
IN PERSON: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only. The meeting cost is $35 for members when paid in advance before noon 03/07/25, $50 for members at the door, $50 for guests, and $210 for a table of six (can be mix of members and non-members - please submit names to admin@epccleveland.org by 03/07/25). If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office to cancel by noon 03/07/25 to avoid a no-show reservation billing.
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