Awards State, Community and Chapter Leaders For Their Advocacy For Seniors; Presents Representative Stanley with the Legislator of the Year Award

At its annual meeting held on December 11, 2025, the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) honored several individuals for their advocacy efforts and commitment to raising awareness of legal issues affecting older adults. Massachusetts State Representative Thomas Stanley was named the Legislator of the Year for going above and beyond in supporting legislation that protects the rights and improves the lives of older adults and individuals with special needs.

JohnJoe Hallisey, Assistant Register at the Norfolk Probate and Family Court, received the Arthur Stavisky Award, an honor MassNAELA bestows each year to a person in the community who has dedicated themselves to advocating for the populations MassNAELA serves.

MassNAELA member Lauren DeMatteo, Boston, MA, was presented the Deborah H. Thomson Advocacy Award, which recognizes a member’s efforts in advocating for elder issues at the state level. Attorney DeMatteo actively participates in the MassNAELA Durable Power of Attorney workgroup and has contributed to advancing legislation related to the Barbetti v. Stempniewicz case involving trusts and estate law.

The John J. Ford Litigation Advocacy Award, which honors a member’s litigation efforts on behalf of older adults and MassNAELA, was bestowed on Julie Low, Beverly, MA, for her successful resolution in the Estate of the Late Leroy V. Nelson v. M&T Bank case, filed in Salem District Court.

MassNAELA also recognizes chapter members each year for their commitment of time and energy to advancing the chapter’s mission. The award for Outstanding Chapter Member of the Year was presented to Martin Flax, Dedham, MA, for his dedication to the chapter’s DEI and Special Needs and Disability committees, through which he has volunteered at multiple Health Care Proxy signing clinics. He has also presented on basic estate planning to low-income individuals.

The President’s Award was bestowed to Kimberly Kelly, Stoneham, MA, for her service to and support of the chapter and its president. Erin McBee, Harvard, MA, was awarded for her service and dedication as the 2025 chapter president.

The MassNAELA annual meeting also included the election of chapter officers and directors for the upcoming year. The 2025 officers include president Gina Barry, Springfield, MA; president-elect Faith Delaney, Haverhill, MA; vice president Shani Collymore, Quincy, MA; treasurer Steven Mann, Waltham, MA; clerk Ashley Aubuchon, Newton, MA; and immediate past president Erin McBee.

Newly elected directors include Brandon Campbell, Beverly, MA; Elizabeth Caruso, Norwell, MA; Nancy Catalini Chew, Harvard, MA; Valerie McCormick, Newburyport, MA; and Michelle Mulvena, Stoneham, MA.

About MassNAELA

The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the premier organization of elder and special needs law attorneys in the country, is dedicated to developing awareness of issues concerning the elderly and those with special needs. Over 400 attorneys are members of the Massachusetts Chapter. Members work directly with the elderly and those with special needs in areas as diverse as planning for catastrophic care costs, disability planning, age discrimination in employment and housing, benefits planning, estate planning, veterans’ benefits, and more.

For more information about MassNAELA, visit www.massnaela.com.

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Massachusetts State Representative Thomas Stanley was named the Legislator of the Year for going above and beyond in supporting legislation that protects the rights and improves the lives of older adults and individuals with special needs.