President

Sherri McLerran is a Nationally Certified Guardian (NCG) and the sole proprietor of Decisions for Life, LLC. With more than 25 years of experience in probate law and an extensive background as both a legal assistant and program coordinator for Iowa’s Office of Substitute Decision Maker, Sherri is uniquely qualified to understand substitute decision making from multiple perspectives. A current member of the National Guardianship Association and former vice president of the Guardianship Association of Iowa Network (GAIN), Sherri is a dedicated professional who is proud to abide by the ethical principles and standards of best practice when it comes to substitute decision making.

Vice President

I’ve been where you are. That is why when you enter my office for the first time I want you to feel this is a safe space where I not only listen to you, I understand you. I will do my utmost to be friendly and accessible, and thoroughly explain all legal proceedings so that you are confident and secure in the legal advice and assistance I am providing you. My ultimate goal is that you emerge from your legal matter whole, satisfied, and taken care of at every step in the process.

Since graduating from Drake Law School and my admittance to the Iowa Bar in April of 2005, I have practiced primarily in the field of family law, assisting families through divorce and custody matters. About four years ago, following my own family’s struggle with my mother’s Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, I decided to expand my practice to include work in the probate arena. Since then I have found great personal fulfillment helping families find the necessary resources to take care of their loved ones by guiding them through the guardianship and conservatorship process with dignity and compassion. I also work with my clients to be future-focused and develop comprehensive estate plans that ensure they and their loved ones will be protected against the uncertainties that life inevitably throws our direction.

Treasurer

Kim Walker is a Nationally Certified Guardian (NCG) and the sole proprietor of Transitional Life Consulting, LLC. She started her business in 2012 to provide Care Management and then later expanded her services to provide Professional Guardianship and Conservatorship services. Kim has extensive knowledge about available resources and how to access them. Kim loves the opportunity to advocate for those that cannot advocate for themselves.

Recorder

Lori DeVries has been both a Nationally Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and an Iowa Licensed Bachelor of Social Work for the past 25 years. She has worked for Permanent Planning, Inc. (PPI), a corporate guardianship agency in Cedar Falls, IA, for the past 26 years, serving as director since 2001. Lori was one of the founding members of GAIN, serving as Recorder and President over the years. She values the collaboration, learning opportunities, and resources provided by the National Guardianship Association and GAIN. Lori continues to enjoy her career of advocating for others and being a resource for people who want to learn more about guardianship.

Member at Large

Jackie is a licensed master social worker with over 15 years experience in the field of social work. She has strong beliefs in ethics and advocacy. Jackie is currently the director of Guardians of Northeast Iowa. Her work there involves helping the organization build a foundation for growth, with the goal to serve more Iowans in need of guardianship services. Jackie believes each person served within any capacity of the field of social work deserves dignity, high quality of care, and autonomy to make as many decisions for themselves as possible. She carries her beliefs into her work every day.

Member at Large

Alyx Hackert is a dedicated guardianship professional serving on the Board of the Guardianship Association of Iowa Network. In her professional practice, Alyx serves as Lead Case Manager for Guardians of Northeast Iowa, where she supports vulnerable adults through comprehensive guardianship services. Her work is grounded in compassion, evidence-based practice, and a strong ethical foundation, reflecting her belief in empowering individuals and ensuring their rights and needs are upheld. Alyxandra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Loras College, and she has built her career in areas such as hospice care, trauma counseling, hospital social work, and group home support—roles that have shaped her expertise in navigating complex client needs with professionalism and integrity. Her background also includes service with AmeriCorps during the COVID-19 pandemic and six years of service in the U.S. Army, experiences that contribute to her resilience, leadership, and community commitment. Alyxandra’s involvement with the Guardianship Association of Iowa Network underscores her dedication to improving standards and support systems for guardianship across the state. She champions collaborative practice, ongoing professional learning, and policies that protect and enhance quality of life for the individuals and families served by guardianship professionals.

Executive Director

Deanna Clingan-Fischer began serving as the Executive Director for GAIN in May of 2021. Deanna brings together a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding substitute decision making. Deanna worked with the Iowa Department on Aging as the Legal Services Developer. As the Developer she worked with issues of guardianship, conservatorship, advance directives, elder abuse, and powers of attorney and was part of the task force that drafted revisions to the guardianship and conservatorship laws in Iowa. In 2011, Deanna was named the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman overseeing the program that acted as an advocate for persons residing in long-term care facilities. Deanna is a graduate of Drake University –both undergraduate and law school. She is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and currently serves as the  Past-Chair of its Elder Law Section.