DESERT ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL, INC.

Arosa Care Management Panel on Elder Abuse:
The Many Shades of Elder Abuse

Panel Members:

Angelica Lopez is a Life Care Manager.

Angelica holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Angelica received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Brentwood, CA. Angelica has professional experience in Social Work as a Medical Social Worker for Adult Day Healthcare Centers in Carson and Corona. Angelica has experience serving older adults and individuals with disabilities that live in the community. Angelica previously held a position as a Critical Intervention Specialist working with clients of the Inland Regional Center. Angelica provided crisis services to clients with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Angelica is experienced in developing interventions and strategies to address behaviors and help clients meet their goals. Angelica is passionate about advocating for client’s needs. Angelica strives for integrity and excellence when working with clients and their circle of support.

Jennifer Bennett is a Care Consultant with Arosa, formerly LivHOME Inc. and services Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Coachella Valley and the Temescal Valley. Jennifer has been with Arosa for 18 years, working closely with families and clients in their time of crisis and need. She has a passion for helping seniors age in place and thrive, wherever they call home. Jennifer values professional connections with trusted partners and looks forward to utilizing those relationships as resources and educational tools for her clients.
Jennifer serves on the board of the Desert Estate Planning and Trust Council and holds the position of secretary. She is an active member of the Riverside Estate Planning Council and She is also an active member of the ProVisors Riverside and Orange County groups.

Arosa is one of the nation's largest professionally led Care Management and Home Care companies.
Arosa offers a care elevated experience with our caregiving team and integrated care management model. Our mission is to attract, train and treasure the best care professionals while creating a superior model of care that serves the greatest number of clients.

Our core values:
Be ambitious, while humble and grateful.
Push ahead together.

Don't be held back by fear and we walk a mile to build relationships.

Scott Phipps, MDiv, CLPF, NCG

Scott Phipps, MDiv, CLPF, NCG earned a Bachelors Degree with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago in the College of Liberal Arts with a major in Communications/Mass Media. Following a spiritual path Scott entered McCormick Theological Seminary and graduated with a Masters of Divinity (MDiv).

He then served as a minister for six years including one year as Interim Bishop for the Northwest District USA. Upon leaving the ministry Scott embarked on a career in business management primarily with non-profit organizations, and has additional experience in banking. He has over 30 years of community service experience and community development with local, regional, and national organizations.

Scott began working as a Private Professional Fiduciary in 2002 and concurrently has earned a Certificate in Professional Fiduciary Management from California State University Fullerton. He is a National Registered Guardian and has served on the board for the Center for Guardianship Certification. Scott is a member of the National Guardianship Association and served as an interim board member in 2014.

Scott is a proud member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California since 2004 and has served as a Chapter President, Northern California Regional Vice President and President, Vice President and President and now as a Past President for PFAC.

Valerie A. Powers Smith, Partner, Slovak Baron Empey Murphy & Pinkney LLP with offices in Palm Springs and Indian Wells, CA; Princeton, NJ; and Manhattan, NY. She has over twenty-two years of experience in the field of special needs and elder law including the following practice areas: health care insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, special needs trusts, trust administration, estate planning & administration, guardianships and conservatorships. Valerie also practices in the area of estates, trusts, and probate.

Over the years, Valerie has concentrated her legal work in the area of health care law and has vigorously advocated for families and people with disabilities to gain medically necessary care from private insurance companies, Medicaid, Medicare, and other health insurance providers. She has additionally focused her practice in the areas of special needs trusts and estate planning and routinely advise families, executors, and corporate trustees on the area of special needs law and the administration of the same.

She has additionally focused her practice in the areas of trusts, special needs trusts, and estate planning and routinely advise families, executors, and corporate trustees on the area of special needs law and the administration of the same.  Valerie has additionally focused on complex matters including same-sex and multi-generational planning.

Valerie is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia; but, has lived in the Coachella Valley, now, since 2008.  Valerie is married to Dr. Mark J. Smith; and, has a loving family of rescue German Shepherd Dog mixes – Winston (4) and Rhys (2).  Valerie’s passion for athletics and animals is played out 5 days a week playing polo in Indio and doting on her beloved polo ponies, Annabella, B.I.G., and Prosecco.

Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test results (within 72 hrs of meeting) is required at check-in for all In-person events. If you are ill, please do not attend In-person. 

THIS IS A VIRTUAL ONLY EVENT