Heather L. Connors, Ph.D
Heather L. Connors is Director of Research for Guardian Community Trust, Inc. (Community Trust), a non-profit organization located in Andover, Massachusetts, that advocates for guardianship reform through research, education and an active grant-making program. Heather has done ground-breaking research on guardianship issues, and prior to joining Community Trust, Heather was Guardianship Program Manager for Jewish Family & Children’s Services in Worcester, Massachusetts. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from The College of the Holy Cross and her Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
As a college student, I was required to complete an internship in order to receive my certificate in Gerontology. Like many of my classmates, I assumed I would help in Activities at a Nursing Facility or do some administrative work at a Council on Aging. But when my advisor suggested that I intern at an…
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Recap of the National Guardianship Association Meeting by Heather Connors, Ph.D In October, the Guardianship Institute sent three representatives to the National Guardianship Association Annual Meeting in Palm Springs California. The conference brings together guardians and guardianship stakeholders from across the nation to learn, network and share resources. Educational opportunities included keynote speakers, breakout sessions…
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Models for Decisional Help Balancing Autonomy and Risk By Heather Connors, Ph.d. Photo Credit: Corinna Spinale One of the greatest challenges of serving as someone’s guardian or conservator is knowing when to limit interventions, so as to maintain the individual’s independence and dignity, without unduly risking harm to him or her, or to others.
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