Indiana Guardianship Services, Inc.

Executive Director

Staff Attorney

Amber Poff, J.D., NCG

Amber Poff is an Honors Graduate from Bethel College with a BA in Pre-art Therapy and graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2013. Upon graduation, Amber took on the role of Guardianship Coordinator for Michiana Resources, Inc.'s Adult Advocacy in 2014, taking over services for the LaPorte County Council on Aging. Amber has restructured the program to run efficiently while simultaneously obtaining grants for the program on both the state and federal levels. In the spring of 2017, Amber incorporated IGS as a non-profit dedicated exclusively to guardianship services and is advocating for clients effectively and compassionately through a newly structured agency. Amber is a Nationally Certified Guardian and a licensed attorney. She sits on the board of directors of the Indiana State Guardianship Association and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and she serves as the President of the LaPorte County Bar Association. Amber also practices elder law, family law, and disability appeals at Poff & Reynolds, LLC.

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Email: amber@inguardian.org

Office: (219) 238-6510

LaPorte County Program Director

Social Work Field Instructor

Kayla Shifley, MSW, CCFP

Kayla Shifley is a dedicated and compassionate professional who holds a Masters in Social Work and certification as a Compassion Fatigue Professional. Kayla has focused her expertise on working with individuals facing the challenges of dementia and intellectual & developmental disabilities. Driven by a deep passion for elder care issues, Kayla has dedicated herself to enhancing the quality of life for her clients. She firmly believes in empowering individuals to maximize their rights towards self-determination, recognizing the importance of autonomy and dignity in the lives of those she serves. Kayla has demonstrated a profound commitment to ethical practices within the field of social work. Her comprehensive understanding of ethical models, coupled with her proficiency in the responsibilities of professional guardianship, reflects her dedication to upholding the highest standards of care and advocacy for her clients. She is adept at tailoring her approach to the specific challenges presented by each client, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment to promote their safety and well-being.

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Email: kayla@inguardian.org

Emergency Line: (219) 262-0143

Porter County Program Director

Kardetra Redmond

Kardetra Redmond is a proud graduate of Indiana University Northwest, holding an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Studies. With a passion for advocacy and a commitment to making a positive impact, Kardetra has dedicated more than ten years of her career to the developmental disabilities field. Throughout this time, she has taken on supervisory roles, allowing her to effectively advocate for the rights and well-being of her clients. Kardetra is known for going above and beyond to ensure the highest quality of life for those under her care, always striving to maximize their autonomy and promote self-determination. Compassionate, competent, and confident in her role, Kardetra brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. Her in-depth understanding of resources available in the community allows her to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Kardetra's dedication and expertise make her a valuable asset to the IGS team. Her commitment to advocacy, coupled with her compassionate and competent approach, reflects her unwavering belief in enhancing the lives of her clients.

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Email: kardetra@inguardian.org

Emergency Line: (219) 214-1443

LaPorte County Case Worker

Katie Szczepanski

Katie Szczepanski is a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in the field, specializing in working with clients diagnosed with dementia and intellectual & developmental disabilities. Her extensive background includes collaborating with various skilled nursing facilities and day programs, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves. Katie played a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of care by actively participating in the accreditation process of a company with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Her dedication to excellence and her in-depth knowledge of industry standards contribute to the provision of top-tier services for clients under her care. She creates genuine bonds with those she serves, fostering a sense of trust and understanding that is essential in providing personalized and effective support. Katie's passion for her work is evident in her commitment to creating positive and meaningful connections with her clients. Her unwavering dedication and compassionate approach make her a valued professional in the field.

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Email: katie@inguardian.org

Emergency Line: (219) 243-0451

Board President

Christopher Wheeler, MBA

Chris Wheeler is a 2019 Graduate of Murray State University with a Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration and a 2015 Purdue North Central graduate. Chris has been a Medicaid Waiver Case Manager for the past 7 plus years. Chris helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live out their good life by establishing goals to help them get there. Chris expertly manages services and budget coordination across many teams ensuring individuals receive the services they desire. Chris has been married to his beautiful wife, Nicole for 10 years and together they have 2 fluffy cats Kingsley and Granger. Together, they own Allen Street Roasters, a small coffee roasting business in LaPorte. Outside of work Chris enjoys traveling and finding the small mom and pop coffee shops/roasters to support.

Board Vice President

Erin Fry-Lawton, MA, LMHC

Erin Fry-Lawton is a licensed mental health therapist serving clients in Northwest Indiana. She has served on the board of directors for IGS since its inception and is proud to be associated with such a valuable, compassionate, and respected organization. She brings the perspective of over 10 years of clinical experience working on the front lines with community mental health problems and treating children, teens, and adults for the consideration of the IGS board and staff in collaboration with its goals for improving the lives of vulnerable populations in the community. She enjoys running, yoga, reading, baking, and chasing around her kids.

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Board Secretary

Christian Sightes, MSW

Christian Sightes holds a Masters in Social Work and is currently working on his Masters in School Counseling. He is a high school counselor with various backgrounds in social work, including child services, hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice. Christian thoroughly enjoys the Boston Bruins Hockey, live music, history, and movies.

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Board Member

Jeff Niemi

Jeff lives in Chesterton with his wife, four kids, and adult disabled sister. Growing up in Northwest Indiana and having extensive involvement in two separate Porter County nonprofits over the last 12 years gives him insight and experience as he supports IGS. A Master Marine Technician at B&E Marine in Michigan City, he has an invested interest in LaPorte County as well. When he is not spending time with his family, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and snuggling his dog, Stella.

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