Karen Fabiano, MPAff, NCG – President
Karen has been a professional fiduciary since 2010 and has led Avanti as President since 2014. Advocacy for vulnerable persons makes Karen’s work meaningful, especially protecting people from financial fraud. Karen is a board member of the Oregon Guardian-Conservator Association and a member of the National Guardianship Association and is a National Certified Guardian. She has offered many public presentations and continuing education classes, and she is available as a speaker or consultant on fiduciary topics, especially ethically complex decision making and special advance instructions for cognitive impairment.
Karen previously worked for the Joint Budget Committee of the Arizona Legislature as a Senior Fiscal Analyst. Additionally, she renovated distressed properties for ten years, and was a foster-mom to youth with mental health challenges. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from U.C. San Diego in Cultural Anthropology (focus in cross-cultural psychology) and a Master of Public Affairs degree from U. T. Austin (focus in fiscal administration). Outside the office, Karen devotes many hours to the practice and teaching of Ki-Aikido at the Oregon Ki Society. She also volunteers through her church, and enjoys whitewater kayaking and back-country skiing with her family.
Audrey Ward – Deputy Director
Audrey is a dedicated advocate for protected persons and others who need assistance making the most of their assets, health care benefits, financial benefits, and rights under the law. At Avanti, Audrey manages staff, coordinates care management services, supervises client financial operations, and works alongside Karen and Ron as a conservator and guardian.
Audrey’s previous role was as an Associate Advisor at a wealth management firm where she provided financial management, portfolio development and financial coaching. Prior to that she was the Chief Policy Analyst at the Speaker’s office of the Guam Legislature where she worked on military affairs, policy strategy and legislative organizing. Audrey’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in July of 2020 and Audrey is his financial attorney-in-fact, health decision-maker, and most passionate advocate. In her free time, she grows flowers and vegetables with her family.
Kris Jaxon, MSW – Care Manager
As the lead Care Manager at Avanti, Kris helps with planning for transitions in clients’ living situation, coordinates care teams, arranges care services, and works as a partner to care community staff to ensure that client needs are met. Kris knows how to stay calm in a crisis and helps people find solutions even when everything feels overwhelming.
Kris has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Portland State University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Oregon State. Kris interned with Senior & Disability Services and SAGE Metro Portland as part of their graduate program. Kris’s favorite part of their role is their opportunity to engage with, learn from, and support LGBTQ+ Elders with the hope of improving the future for all LGBTQ+ individuals. Kris is a dedicated care partner for their mother. In Kris’ spare time they can be found working in the yard or on hiking trails with their dog, Pax.
Ron Perez, NCG – Associate Fiduciary
Ron is an Associate Fiduciary who works on conservatorship estates, trusts, money-management cases (including services under power of attorney), and decedent estates. In addition to managing his own cases, he supports the Avanti team by managing the flow of legal documents. He is a National Certified Guardian with a degree in Paralegal Studies. His past work in nursing homes and as a legal assistant gave him a solid footing in both the human and legal sides of Avanti’s services and helped lead him toward his career as a fiduciary and fiscal case manager. Ron is currently working on his economics degree with a minor in astrophysics. An avid hiker and photographer, Ron may be spotted along the trails of Western Oregon, camera in hand. Look for his photographs at local fairs and galleries.
Aaron Wigham – Care Manager
Born and raised in Lane County, Aaron comes to Avanti from the Lane Community College’s Human Services Program. Aaron loves to be a helper and a supportive listener to those in difficult situations. He hopes to help make a difference in the transition to a more gentle and comfortable place. When not visiting clients in the field, Aaron enjoys hiking Oregon’s rivers and barbecuing with his family.
Photos by Shimizu Photography, Wendy Gregory and Avanti staff