Licensed in PA (inactive), NC, and SC

CELA

Cindy is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to certify practitioners of elder and special needs law. The focus of her practice here at Monk Law Firm, PLLC, is planning for individuals with special needs, designing plans for estate and asset preservation, and assisting families with eligibility for government benefits.

She routinely works to formulate overall plans that assure eligibility and retention of public benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security for individuals with disabilities; families concerned about, or already facing, expensive care needs; and families with children or grandchildren who have disabilities.

Cindy is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in each state. She is also a member of the South Carolina Elder Law Committee and is pending VA reaccreditation to represent Veteran benefit claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Cindy has written numerous articles on Elder Law and Special Needs planning, has taught over 20 Continuing Education classes to fellow attorneys, medical providers and financial planners, and has made dozens of educational presentations to the public. While residing in Pennsylvania prior to her move to the Carolinas, she was honored to be a member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Cindy is a native Hoosier. She played volleyball at Indiana University Bloomington, where she received her undergraduate degree in business economics, with a minor in finance. She received her Juris Doctor degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was a member of the Order of the Barristers.

Prior to starting her career as an Elder Law Attorney, Cindy was a Division I Women’s Volleyball coach. She was the Head Coach for the University of Pittsburgh Women’s Volleyball team, a member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America committee, and President of the Big East Volleyball Coach’s Association. Prior to her time at Pitt, she was an Assistant Coach at Pitt, Texas A&M, The University of Wyoming, and the US Olympic Junior Team. Cindy lives in Fort Mill, SC with her husband, Russ, and they have two children, Alexandra and Jesse.

Education/Experience
  • Indiana University undergrad – Economics and Finances
  • Indiana University McKinney School of Law – JD, Order of Barristers, Deans List
Social/Volunteer Organizations
  • Special Olympics of Pennsylvania past board member
  • NAELACaring Seasons Health Advisory Committee
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