Who We Are

About Us

The team at Collins Elder Law Group has one goal – protecting you! We have the experience, dedication and legal knowledge to create solutions that work for you and your family.

Lisanne Mangum

Compassion, patience and advocacy reflect family values that Lisanne has lived from early childhood. Born into a large family with all four grandparents, lots of aunts, and uncles, many cousins and two younger siblings, Lisanne understands the love, laughter and closeness that family ties bring. When Lisanne’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease during her teenage years, she learned quickly what planning ahead for difficult times meant. It was in this event, that Lisanne found her calling and eventually her career.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and working for many years as a healthcare administrator in the Charlotte area, Lisanne refined and refocused her passion for the elderly and their families while attending law school.

As an Estate Planning and Elder Care attorney, today Lisanne continues those values and helps clients navigate difficult situations with compassion and dedication. Lisanne knows that dealing with legal issues that arise in the difficult and often later stages of life can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. She is committed to walking clients through every step of the process to reach the best solution for their families’ individual need.

Lisanne has sound experience assisting clients with estate planning, special needs planning, elder abuse, guardianship matters, public benefits and long-term care planning, and asset protection.

Lisanne resides in Union County and has strong ties to Charlotte and the surrounding areas. As an avid, volunteer, she extends the same commitment she has to her clients to multiple community organizations and groups.

If you are looking for a passionate advocate committed to helping you plan and protect your family, call Lisanne today.

Shawna Collins

Shawna Collins is the original founder of Collins Elder Law Group. She has lived in the Carolinas since she was very young, having been raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston in 1992 and law degree from the University of Florida in 1995, after spending her last year of law school at Wake Forest University.

Attorney Collins is licensed to practice law in the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. She has been an attorney for over 24 years, and has litigated civil and criminal cases. Shawna handles complex divorce cases, as well as municipal and civil litigation. Additionally, she handles complicated estate litigation matters, such as will contests where the validity of a will or the competency of the deceased is contested.

It is extremely important to Shawna that people are aware of all their options when faced with a legal dilemma. Litigating a case in court is merely one of many options. When a client comes into our office, they are often facing the most challenging period of his/her life. Shawna will listen carefully to your situation and offer advice as to what she believes to be in your best interests. If your case can be handled effectively outside of court to minimize litigation expenses, she will make sure you are aware of that option. If your case needs to be litigated, Shawna will be an aggressive and effective advocate for you.

Amanda Lynn

Amanda Lynn has lived in Union County, North Carolina, for the majority of her life and enjoys calling Union County home. While in high school and college, Amanda worked part-time at Collins Elder Law Group which helped Amanda gain invaluable insight into the dynamics of family law. Amanda has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. After graduating college, Amanda joined Collins Family Law Group as the head paralegal and client liaison. In 2015, Amanda became the firm manager and has continued in that integral role ever since.

Amanda’s goal is to provide clients the understanding and support they need as they navigate the legal process. Amanda is the point of contact for clients and court personal. She also works closely with all attorneys and staff to ensure the firm continues to run smoothly and effectively to benefit the needs of the client.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris and her two children, Grayson and Claire. Amanda loves traveling with family and friends.

Victoria Rowell Hoogland

Victoria Rowell Hoogland was born and raised in Union County, North Carolina. Victoria graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. While at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and in addition to her studies, Victoria worked as a bank teller and paralegal for a large real estate law firm for five years. Victoria draws on this experience to help clients facing difficult financial and emotional times that often arise in family law cases. Victoria joined Collins Elder Law Group in 2018 as a Paralegal and has since taken on the role of Firm Administrator. Victoria works with clients, attorneys, and staff to ensure that each client’s needs are being met with the care and competency that each client deserves. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband, Pete, and her dogs, Connor and Franklin. Victoria loves taking care of her horses and cows on her family farm.

Toni Riggins

Toni Riggins is our receptionist and the first friendly voice heard on the phone at Collins Elder Law Group.

With over 25 years of experience, Toni has the unique ability to make anyone feel comfortable while dealing with planning issues and financial decisions. She excels as a friendly, calming, and comforting point of contact for our firm. In her free time, Toni likes to spend time with her husband, family, and her pup, Taser.

Amber Johnson

Amber was born and raised in Union County, North Carolina and is proud to call it home. Before joining our firm, she graduated from Central Piedmont Community College with a degree in Business Administration. With over ten years of experience in customer service, Amber is very compassionate about helping others. This is true in her work ethic, as well as her personal life. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and traveling to the mountains with family and friends.

Kristin Patera

Kristin has lived in Union County, North Carolina, for most of her life and currently calls it home. With over 10 years of experience in the customer service industry, she uses her knowledge and understanding to guide our potential new clients to the attorney who she believes will best fit their personal needs.

As our Client Relations Manager, Kristin uses her relational skills and calming voice to help our clients through their stressful situations. She recognizes that our clients need a person who can relate to them and provide personal guidance in their times of need.

Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and traveling to the beach.

Leslie Laney

Leslie Laney has lived in Union County, North Carolina, for most of her life. Before joining the firm, she worked in healthcare for eight years at a local nursing home. She has a passion for helping people and continues to help people during difficult times in their lives. She is currently attending South Piedmont Community College to earn her Associate Degree in Paralegal Technology.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and camping with her husband and daughter, as well as riding motorcycles or horses with friends and spending time with family.

Sandy McManus

Sandy is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and has lived in the Charlotte area all of her life. She has worked extensively in customer service for the last 35 years, including serving as a manager for a local restaurant for over 30 years. Sandy makes certain all of our offices are well-equipped and organized. She also helps organize many of our after-hour and non-profit events as well. When she is not at work, Sandy is caring for (and organizing) her family and loved ones.

Susan Turner

Susan Turner was born in Mecklenburg County and has lived in Union County for 30 years. She has 25 years of Accounting and Managerial Experience with various companies in the Greater Charlotte area. She came to Collins after a career as a Supervisor with North Carolina Department of Social Services, where she worked for 8 years in both Union and Cabarrus Counties. She enjoys spending time with her children Brooke, Elizabeth and Cody and her 7 grandchildren Adriana, Jolie, Luke, Liyah Grace, Jaxon, Raylan and Tate. She is an avid gardener and she and her husband Michael enjoy raising cattle and spending time with family.

Maggie Trimble

Maggie is from Lancaster, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Finance from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work experience has involved finances and client services. She places a high priority on doing the right thing for the client and for the firm.