our team

Florida Senior Living Association Staff

Gail Matillo, MPA
President & CEO
850.496.2562
gmatillo@floridaseniorliving.org

As the Association’s President/CEO, Gail is responsible for directing the association and identifying policy objectives that support Florida Senior Living Association’s mission, vision and growth. Previously, she spent more than two years as the State Housing Director with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and more than 18 years with the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, now LeadingAge Florida, as the Director of Housing and Professional Development. Gail has a master’s degree in public administration, and a bachelor’s degree in business and health care administration.

Susan E. Anderson, Esq.
Vice President of Public Policy & Legal Affairs
850.708.4971
sanderson@floridaseniorliving.org

Susan Anderson is responsible for managing the legislative, regulatory, and policy activities of Florida Senior Living Association on behalf of its members. Prior to this position, Susan served as Deputy General Counsel within the Florida Department of Elder Affairs where she had primary responsibility for legislative activities and rulemaking, contracting, and public employment litigation. In private practice, Susan represented clients operating senior housing communities and was involved in business development and operation matters.

SUSAN E. ANDERSON, ESQ. Lisa Murray
Manager of Professional Development
850.708.4972
lmurray@floridaseniorliving.org 

Lisa is responsible for serving the association’s members through an increased focus on education and development. Prior to joining Florida Senior Living Association, Lisa served the Department of Elder Affairs in several different roles, including certification coordinator for assisted living facilities throughout the state; legislative affairs analyst; and planning and grant development specialist. Before working with the state, Lisa taught middle and high school Spanish. 

Florida Senior Living Association Staff

Cathy Van Atta
Office and Accounting Manager
850.508.7573
admin@floridaseniorliving.org  

Cathy Van Atta is responsible for member services, including renewal information and communication. She is in charge of scheduling various education programs and special events, coordinating accounting functions and assisting with special projects as necessary. Cathy has more than 30 years of association experience.

CONSULTANTS

JAMES MCFADDIN, ASSOCIATION LOBBYIST
SOUTHERN STRATEGY GROUP, INC.

NOREEN FENNER, POLITICAL COMMITTEE MANAGER
PAC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

SANDI POREDA, APR, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS COUNSEL
BULLDOG STRATEGY GROUP

TRAINERS

MONICA WILSON, MS
ICE BRIDGE CONSULTING

Monica Wilson is an experienced trainer, facilitator and educator with a passion for older adults, technology and connecting people and processes. Previously, Monica was one of the original Department of Elder Affairs ALF trainers and was responsible for development of the initial ALF Core training certification exam developed in partnership with the University of South Florida.  She has extensive knowledge of and experience with assisted living regulation both in Florida and nationally. She has a Master of Science in Gerontology and more than 20 years of experience working with organizations that provide services for older persons, including serving in management roles in senior living organizations.

DAWN PLATT, LPN, CDP, CADDCT

Dawn Platt is a regional trainer and memory care specialist with Legend Senior Living, a training consultant for Florida Senior Living Association, and a trainer for the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. She is also a facilitator for a Neuroplasticity Study on PARO Seal Therapy for Legend Senior Living in coordination with the University of Texas at Tyler. Dawn’s approach to Memory Care is passionate and innovative; focusing on training and the development of therapeutic programming for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia’s. Dawn is a Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and an Assisted Living Residence Director, and brings over 30 years’ experience in the Long-Term Care Profession.