Federated Guardians
a nonprofit guardianship agency near pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
How does guardianship of an adult work?
When it becomes clear that an adult is not capable of making their own decisions, the courts appoint a substitute decision-maker, called a “guardian.”
The ideal guardian is always a trusted family member, someone who has an established personal relationship with the individual needing help (the “ward”). When a ward doesn’t have a close family member or friend, or doesn’t have one who is capable of making decisions in the ward’s best interest, the court appoints a professional guardian.
The guardian, whether a family member, friend, or hired advocate, is then responsible for making the ward’s financial, legal, and medical decisions. In some cases, “limited guardianship” may be assigned if the ward is capable of making responsible decisions in some areas but not others. For instance, a guardian may be given responsibility over the ward’s legal decisions only.
How does the court decide a guardian is needed?
The courts assign a guardian when an individual isn’t capable of making responsible decisions for themselves. It isn’t enough for them to make choices that seem foolish or irresponsible—they must demonstrate that they are incapacitated in some way and incapable of caring for themselves.
Mental illness or developmental disability on its own does not necessarily mean a guardian will be appointed. It must be proven that the person is incompetent of making their own decisions.
who we are
The Federated Guardians Difference
Professional Background
Federated Guardians employs highly educated, trained, and experienced staff who can handle complex medical and ethical cases, like elder abuse, financial exploitation, and inadequate care.
Holistic Care
Our background in social work, healthcare, and ethics equips us to advocate for a client’s whole quality of life, seeking the highest level of comfort and care for each individual.
Compassionate Touch
We care about our clients. They are more than just cases to us—every client is an individual who deserves understanding and respect.
Our Background
our
Education
Our staff is highly educated and degreed in the fields of social work, gerontology, and medical ethics.
our
Experience
We each came to Federated Guardians from a different specialty, but we have one thing in common—decades of experience caring for vulnerable populations. Our backgrounds include palliative care, hospital ethics, banking, school social work, nursing home care, acute care, insurance case management, home health/hospice care, geriatric care management, and dialysis.
our
Passions
Our heart for others isn’t limited to Federated Guardians. Our staff members enjoy volunteering for many community organizations like Relay for Life, the National Grange, animal rescues, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, and the Slippery Rock University Social Work Department Community Advisory Board.
Our Team
MEET OUR OFFICE STAFF AND GUARDIANS
Libby Moore, MSW, Dhce
Director
Libby Moore, the Director of Federated Guardians, obtained an M.S.W. from West Virginia University and a DHCE from Duquesne University. She is a National Certified Guardian.
She was the palliative care coordinator and ethicist for the Heritage Valley Health System and is currently one of the faculty for “POLST: Doing It Right!” and the “Death and Dying Fellowship” sponsored by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation.
Judy Hetzell
Business Manager
Holly Powell
Office Manager
Holly Powell is a professional with 30 years in the healthcare industry. She has recently joined Federated Guardians as their office manager.
Holly maintains the office organization and is the liaison for the company’s clients in processing their Medical Assistance Applications. She ensures that all paperwork is completed and maintained in a timely fashion. She possesses excellent leadership and organizational skills and ensures the effectiveness of the company’s processes.
Holly earned her bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Geneva College. She resides in Patterson Heights with her husband and enjoys being outdoors and is also an avid reader.
Tracey Mannerino, MSW, LSW
Guardian
Tracey received her B.S. in Social Work and a minor in Gerontology from Slippery Rock University. She received her M.S. in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.
Tracey has over 25 years of social work experience, including school social work, nursing home care, acute care, insurance case management, home health/hospice care, geriatric care management, and dialysis. She currently holds a School Social Work Education Specialist certification and serves on the Slippery Rock University Social Work Department Community Advisory Board.
Tracey and her husband reside in Chippewa. They have three children. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s athletic games and hanging out with her dogs, Gizmo and Enzo.
Jennifer Lippard, BSAS
Guardian
Jennifer has over 15 years of experience in the human services field and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Her past professional roles have included Victim/Legal Advocate for victims of domestic violence, Mental Health Worker in a psychiatric hospital, Older Adult Protective Services Investigator with the Office on Aging, Domestic Relations Officer, and a Behavior Health Technician.
Denise Verosky, CRNP
Guardian
Denise’s education includes a diploma from West Penn Hospital School of Nursing, a BSN from Penn State University, a Master in Exercise Science and Master of Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, and a post-graduate certificate in Palliative Care at Edinboro University.