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Hi, I’m April Trostle, Regional Trust Supervisor at Achieva Family Trust. I’ve been with the organization for over four years, starting out as the Regional Trust Liaison for the Capital Region. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey growing into my current role and working alongside a passionate team in human services.

One of my favorite parts of the job is that no two days are ever the same.

There’s always a new challenge to tackle or a problem to solve. I especially enjoy advocating for our beneficiaries and making sure their needs are heard and met. It’s meaningful work, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Before joining AFT, I earned my degree in elementary education and spent several years teaching third grade. I loved working with kids, but eventually felt drawn to a different kind of helping profession—one where I could make an impact in people’s lives in new ways.

Outside of work, life is wonderfully full and a little chaotic! I live with my husband, our three amazing kids, a corgi who thinks he’s in charge, four cats, a bearded dragon, and a gecko. When I’m not chasing after someone (or something), I love traveling, reading, and spending as much quality time with my family as possible.

The Benefits of Establishing a Special Needs Trust Early

Article by Lee Pruitt, Special Needs Answers


Takeaways

• Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) protect assets for individuals with disabilities while preserving eligibility for public benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Establishing an SNT early allows for long-term financial planning, protects future benefits, and provides peace of mind for families.
• Creating an SNT involves assessing needs, identifying funding sources, choosing trustees, working with professionals, and regularly reviewing and updating the trust.

For families of children with disabilities, planning for a lifetime of support is both a practical necessity and a compassionate act. One of the most powerful tools available to help secure a stable financial future for a child with special needs is a special needs trust (SNT). These trusts provide a way to protect assets while preserving the individual’s eligibility for critical public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Setting up an SNT early in a child’s life can bring significant advantages that grow over time.

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Achieva Family Trust is a corporate trustee for three different types of special needs trusts. If you have any questions or would like additional information on the services provided by Achieva Family Trust, contact us at 412-995-5000 Ext 565.

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