Walt Shurden Elder Law

Bios

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  Malisa Jernigan

  Community Relations Director

  With over 20 years experience in marketing, sales and event planning, Malisa Jernigan has developed a diverse knowledge of different marketing strategies. Ms. Jernigan has created and implemented marketing plans and surpassed goals. She has consistently proven to be a creative and enthusiastic asset to the projects she has participated in. While with a national retirement housing corporation, Ms. Jernigan increased assisted living census by 150% in less than six months and maintained 98% occupancy during her four year tenure as Marketing Representative. She was recipient of an Exceptional Team Player of the Year Award and two Eagle Awards for going over and above the call of duty. While serving as Marketing Director at a franchise of a national motel chain, she negotiated a contract with a major trucking firm and increased revenues by 500%. Ms. Jernigan has planned and implemented highly successful events to increase traffic and sales in a national life care retirement community and sold over one million dollars in life care contracts. Ms. Jernigan is a member of several civic and charitable organizations including: Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center, Board of Directors, GFWC Harbor Woman’s Club, Bay Area Medical Marketing Association , Better Living for Seniors, Safety Harbor Wine Festival Planning Committee. Moved to Florida in 1981, studied Marketing at St. Pete Junior College and Tampa College, grown daughter in the Washington, D.C. area., originally from Mississippi.

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  Bette Washburn-Nieman

  Probate, Guardianship and Trust Administration

  Bette joined our firm in 2006. She currently handles the Probate, Guardianship and Trust Administration fields in our office. She was born and grew up in New Hampshire. She has two sons and eight grandchildren. She is a currently enrolled at St. Petersburg College with anticipated graduation in July 2014 with a BAS in Paralegal Studies. She is a Certified Legal Assistant and a Florida Registered Paralegal. She has also attended the New Hampshire Technical Institute, and the University of California, Berkeley where she earned a certificate in project management.

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  Jennifer Ake

  Administrator

  Jennifer has been working with Walt since 2004. She is our front office Administrator and is responsible for answering the phones, setting appointments and everyday clerical duties. Jennifer also compiles the drafts of the estate planning documents for our clients. Jennifer is a true “Floridian” who graduated from Seminole High School and earned an Associates degree from St. Pete College in 2007. She is currently working on receiving her Paralegal Certificate. Jennifer is recently married, a mother to three four legged children as well as a new step-mother of 2.

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  Kathy Gibbons

  Paralegal

  Kathy has been working with Walt since 2002. She is a Florida Registered Paralegal and has 29 years of Law Office experience, the last 22 with Elder Law Firms. Kathy is the firm’s Medicaid and VA Paralegal, she also handles the day to day Administrative duties for the firm. Kathy lives in Palm Harbor with her husband of 28 years, has 2 children, 3 step-children and four grandchildren. She enjoys walking on the beach, reading, sewing and spending time with her family here and in Massachusetts.