Meet Our Staff

The Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program’s staff and board members are dedicated to advocating for vulnerable Central Oregonians.

Janet Basney brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to her work, along with a strong background in higher education and community-based services. She has worked locally to address issues impacting individuals experiencing homelessness in Central Oregon and is deeply committed to strengthening systems of care for vulnerable populations. Janet applies her expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and program leadership to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the organization.
She earned her Master of Science degree from Walden University in 2014, graduating in the top 2% of her class. Outside of her professional work, Janet enjoys kayaking, camping, attending live music events, and hiking with her dogs.

Mandi Zitzelberger brings a strong background in behavioral health and direct client support to her role as Guardian. Prior to joining our team, she worked with a local nonprofit organization managing cognitive-behavioral treatment services for youth involved in the justice system. During her time in college, she also gained valuable hands-on experience as a caregiver, primarily supporting individuals living with advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mandi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Education from Oregon State University. In her role as Guardian, she conducts regular client visits to ensure each individual’s needs are being met and that appropriate supports and services are in place.
On her days off, Mandi enjoys reading, practicing martial arts, and spending time with her two cats.

Members of the Board

Matt is a seasoned attorney with a background in healthcare, guardianship, conservatorship, and civil litigation. Prior to joining COGAP, Matt served as in-house counsel at St. Charles Health System and has spent time in private practice, where he specialized in business law, estate planning, guardianship, conservatorship, real property transactions and general civil litigation.
As a native Oregonian, Matt has spent his life enjoying all that Oregon offers. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through hiking, kayaking, fishing and playing basketball. He graduated from Saint Martin’s University where he played collegiate basketball, before obtaining his J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School.

A native Oregonian, Kristin has been a practicing attorney since 2002. She graduated from Crook County High School (Prineville, Orgon), Pomona College (Claremont, California) and Lewis & Clark Law School (Portland, Oregon). She specializes in family law, wills & trusts, probate, guardianships and conservatorships, and adoptions. Kristin was named as one of Cascade Business News’ Accomplished Under 40. She was voted by her peers as one of Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Kristin is currently on the Deschutes County Access to Justice Committee and on the board of directors for the Central Oregon Guardian Assistance Program. In the past, Kristin has served on the board of directors for Grandma’s House, CASA of Central Oregon and the Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Kristin interned for Ron Wyden, served as s VISTA volunteer and was an assistant director for the Portland Hilton Hotel. Kristin spends her spare time enjoying the natural beauty of Central Oregon, traveling to other fascinating locations, attempting to cook gourmet meals, and relaxing with her family.

Connor, originally from Tualatin, Oregon, is a University of Oregon graduate with a degree in Math and Physics. After three years as an analyst at a hedge fund, Connor founded his own financial planning firm in 2022. With a specialized focus on tax strategies, he serves small and medium-sized businesses, medical professionals, attorneys, and executives. His expertise spans tax law, estate planning, and comprehensive financial strategies. A former athlete in basketball and football, Connor is passionate about using his analytical skills and community-focused mindset to make a positive impact.

Jesse Nehring is a local Physician Assistant and hospitalist with Summit Health. She has witnessed first- hand in her professional life patients, families and care providers struggle when there are no resources or legal representative to make informed medical decisions for an incapacitated person hospitalized in our community. In her free time she enjoys nordic skiing, running, biking and spending time with her dog.