Workshop #1

Robert Seewald, Esq.
Senior Attorney
JASA Elder Justice Program -  Queens

Robert Seewald is a Senior Staff Attorney at JASA/Legal Services for Elder Justice. Robert serves as one of JASA’s Legal/Social Work Elder Abuse Program (“LEAP”) attorneys, representing senior citizens in all stages of litigation in domestic violence, financial abuse, and exploitation cases in Queens and Brooklyn Family and Supreme Courts. Robert also does Appellate practice and represents senior citizens facing foreclosure in Queens County Supreme Court. Robert graduated from St. John’s University School of Law in 2009. At St. John’s Law, Robert was an active member of Phi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity.

Robert’s passion for public interest lawyering grew from his experience at St. John’s Consumer Justice for the Elderly: Litigation Clinic (formerly, “the Elder Law Clinic”), first as a student and following graduation as a Dean’s Fellow. Robert joined the JASA/LSEJ staff in 2011. He is a frequent speaker at forums and presentations on foreclosure defense, defending victims of deed theft and foreclosure rescue scams and on domestic violence. Robert is a member of the Queens County Bar Association.

Dianne Woodburn, Esq.
Supervising Attorney
JASA Elder Justice Program - Queens

Dianne O. Woodburn is the Legal Services Supervisor for the Senior Initiative and Home Retention Programs at JASA/Legal Services for Elder Justice. Ms. Woodburn assists seniors who victims of scams or who are at risk of foreclosure. Ms. Woodburn is also the Supervising attorney for Queens’ Legal/Social Work Elder Abuse Prevention Project (LEAP). LEAP is an elder abuse prevention project that combines teams of social workers and attorneys to help senior citizens fight against physical and financial abuse and exploitation in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Prior to joining Legal Services in 2003, Ms. Woodburn was employed at the trial litigation firm of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart Oliver & Hedges. Ms. Woodburn is also an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University School of Law. Ms. Woodburn graduated from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law.

Takai Forde-Hillman, LMSW
Associate Director of Government Affairs
JASA

Takai Forde is JASA's Associate Director of Government Affairs and the former Queens JASA Elder Justice Social Work Supervisor. A New York State Licensed Master Social Worker, Takai received her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2016 and has made it her mission to serve the older adult population with dignity and respect. Takai served as a vital component in Elder Justice at JASA and in the larger community, collaborating with organizations like the NYPD, NYC Elder Abuse Center, the Office of Victims Services, and others.

In her desire to provide improved comprehensive resources to older adults, Takai strives to advance racial equity for older adults and those who support them. She has been highlighted by the NYC Elder Abuse Center’s Racial Equity Task Force, sharing her insight on the unique aspects of abuse for older adults in their African-American and Black communities. Takai demonstrates her expertise through staff training and her work with student scholars. Her desire to promote educational field experience in the evolution of elder justice fuels her commitment to nurture a solid foundation for the next generation of social workers.

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Moderator:

Florian Edwards
Senior Director of Protective Services
JASA

Florian Edwards, LMSW is JASA’s Senior Director of Protective Services, which entails oversight of Adult Protective Services (APS), Elder Justice Prevention Services, and the Annual Elder Justice Training Institute. Florian has provided individual and group therapy in her professional work with victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, and modern-day slavery. She is a core member of the Enhanced Multi-Disciplinary Team (EMDT). She is passionate about fighting for social justice, especially for vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Florian attended CUNY’s Herbert H. Lehman College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2002, with honors. Florian attended Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service where she received her Master’s of Social Work in 2004. Florian remains an active member of the National Association of Social Workers.