Team

Having relocated every few years as a child, Heidi proudly calls Fort Myers, FL home. Some years back, in a chance encounter, she met Leland at her previous home in Colorado. Heidi decided to move to Florida and then landed a job as a teacher in an early childcare center here in Fort Myers; with a degree in Education, that seemed to be a natural fit for her.

After a few years of teaching, a unique opportunity presented itself to work as a banker within a retirement community in SWFL. Heidi, an advocate for lifelong learning, welcomed any chance to engage in multi-generational relationships, took the job, and began to work her way up in the Banking world as a result of her desire to serve others and ability to see the “big picture”.

In late 2021, Heidi took a leap of faith, leaving the corporate banking world to come and work with her husband when she joined the Garvin Injury Law team, she quickly dove into helping the business in any capacity as needed.

She remains excited to play such an integral part of the team and has found her home working in the family business. In her current role, as the Director of Client Experience, she accepts the responsibility of ensuring that the law firm’s clients experience the highest level of care and attention as they journey to recovery. She takes pride in regularly checking in with clients to ensure that their needs and expectations are met.

When Heidi is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Leland, their son, Levi, and dog, Frankie, exploring natural parks and participating in local events. Despite her busy schedule, Heidi makes time for exercise and strongly believes that movement is the best medicine for maintaining physical and mental health. She enjoys practicing yoga, barre, hiking, and playdates at the park.

Susan Dandino Director of Legal Services / Litigation Paralegal

Susan was born and raised in the scenic southwest Michigan region. Her strong work ethic was instilled in her from a young age, and she began her career at the age of 16 as a legal assistant for a reputable firm in St. Joseph, Michigan.

After working there for a number of years, Susan decided to relocate to northern Indiana in 1985, where she continued to work as a legal assistant and paralegal for 25 years. Her areas of practice were diverse, and included estate planning, family law, corporate, tax, foreclosure, criminal, personal injury, errors and omissions, legal and medical malpractice defense.

In 2010, Susan relocated to Florida and joined Chico's FAS, a women's clothing and accessories retailer headquartered in southwest Florida. She worked there as a paralegal in the Real Estate Legal Department for several years. However, she soon began to miss the culture of private practice and decided to return to her passion in 2015.

Susan started working for Garvin Injury Law, focusing her efforts on helping clients who had suffered from car accidents, medical negligence, and other personal injury cases. She took pride in starting at the ground floor of the firm and watching it grow, eventually working with her daughter, Carmella.

Susan is known for her expertise, dedication, and strong work ethic. She is passionate about helping people through the legal system and is proud of the impact she has had on her clients' lives. In her free time, Susan enjoys yoga, spending time with family, and exploring the beautiful beaches of Florida and traveling back home to Michigan.

Carolyn HorbaczLitigation Paralegal

Carolyn was born in Saginaw, Michigan and moved with her family to Fort Myers when she was 14. While a Senior at Riverdale High School, she was recruited through her office, educational and clerical class to be a receptionist at the respected downtown law firm of Moorey, Seals & Garvin. After a just a few months at the front desk, she began working for Tom Moorey preparing estate planning documents and shortly thereafter started her longtime career with Jeff Garvin in the personal injury field, with that career now lasting more than 40 years, which she remains very proud to continue to work with and for Leland and the rest of the team.

Carolyn’s insight, thoroughness and legal ability have been invaluable to the firm over the years. She prides herself on being an asset and helpful wherever her experience is needed while dealing with the investigation of cases, litigation and trial preparation.

In Carolyn’s down time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys playing penny slots and travels frequently to the Hollywood Hard Rock and she enjoys cooking & baking, all of which she finds a relaxing break from the fast paced legal world.

Dayana HernandezLitigation Paralegal

Dayana is a dedicated legal professional with a passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in the lines of her clients. Born and raised in Florida to Cuban parents, she brings a strong cultural background and a deep sense of family values to both her personal and professional life. As a seasoned paralegal, Dayana excels in guiding clients through difficult situations, combining her expertise in legal procedures with natural empathy to provide the support her clients need during challenging times.

Dayana works closely with the attorneys to manage the litigation process, communicate with clients, and ensure all aspects of the case is handled with precision. Her goal is to make the legal process as seamless as possible for clients, offering them not just professional support but a compassionate presence during tough moments.

Outside of her professional life, Dayana enjoys spending time outdoors, especially in the summer months on the boat with her husband, and cherishes family moments. An avid traveler, she loves exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Whether enjoying Florida’s natural beauty, or embarking on new travel adventures, Dayana values the balance between work and personal life. Her enthusiasm for exploration and her commitment to family and community shape her approach to both her personal and professional endeavors.

With a unique blend of legal expertise and a strong commitment to helping others, Dayana consistently makes a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

Kandi VasquezCase Manager

Since Kandi joined Garvin Injury Law she has proven to be a dedicated and kindhearted case manager who is passionate about her work and helping the clients. With over a years of experience in the legal field, Kandi has become an invaluable asset to the firm and a trusted advocate for clients who have been injured due to the negligence of others.

Born and raised in Mexico, Kandi has been able to, not only share her cultural experiences and deliciously spicy cuisine but also assist our Spanish-speaking clients throughout the life of their case. Kandi’s passion for helping others and seeking justice for those who have been wronged has been a driving force in her career based on her personal experience with a loved one, who was killed in a crash.

In her role as a case manager, Garvin Injury Law, Kandi works closely with the attorneys to assist in all aspects of personal injury cases, from gathering medical records & bills to drafting demands to resolve client’s cases. She is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that each client receives the best possible representation and achieves a successful outcome. Kandi is not afraid to speak what’s on her mind and is known for her strong analytical skills and unwavering dedication to her client's cases.

When she’s away from the office, Kandi enjoys spending quality time with her family in LaBelle, FL, specifically her two children. She is devoted to enriching the lives of those around her, whether it be one of her many extended family members or a fellow team member.

She is truly a shining example of professionalism, integrity, and empathy in the legal profession, and her colleagues and clients alike are grateful to have her on their side. Kandi’s passion, curiosity, and humility make her a joy to have on our team!

Noah BarbotCase Consultant

As the dedicated Intake Specialist at Garvin Injury Law, Noah Barbot brings a unique blend of compassion and expertise to his work in the area. With over eight years of experience in customer service and marketing, coupled with a strong foundation in writing and language arts, Noah is exceptionally skilled at communicating with clients during some of the most challenging times of their lives. His academic background, combined with multiple advanced courses in writing and language arts, has equipped him with the ability to articulate complex legal scenarios in an accessible and approachable manner, ensuring clients feel understood and supported from their very first interaction.

Noah's approach to personal injury law is rooted in a profound belief that every client's low can be transformed into a peak opportunity for positive change. By striving to understand and respect the perspectives of all parties involved in a case, Noah helps foster an environment of mutual respect and open communication. Driven by a passion for helping others, Noah was inspired to pursue a career where he could make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Outside of work, Noah's interests are as diverse as his skills. An avid music producer and light designer, he creatively expresses himself through various mediums. Additionally, Noah is a Star Wars enthusiast, participating in Star Wars cosplay, which showcases his love for storytelling and community engagement.

Noah Barbot is more than an Intake Specialist; he is a compassionate advocate for those in need, a creative force committed to making a difference one case at a time.

Tori TilleroCase Manager

Tori, is a dedicated professional with a passion for justice and community service. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science. During her college years, she found a sense of belonging and sisterhood as a member of Kappa Delta Chi sorority.

With a diverse background in the legal and social services field, Tori has gained experience in various roles. She has served in corrections, probation, and residential treatment, gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of the justice system. Her tenure as an immigration paralegal further honed her skills in navigating legal procedures and advocating for clients' rights.

Tori's commitment to serving others was highlighted with her recent involvement with Project Hope and FEMA, where she played a crucial role in providing relief to residents of SWFL in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Her dedication to helping those in need extends to her current role as a Case Manager, where she collaborates closely with attorneys to ensure thorough and effective representation for her client’s personal injury cases. From gathering essential medical records and bills to drafting demands and keeping clients updated, Tori goes above and beyond to secure successful outcomes for her clients.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Tori finds joy in spending quality time with her fiancée Valentina, dog Nova, and cat Lily. An avid traveler and cruise enthusiast, she embraces new adventures and experiences. Tori also finds fulfillment in giving back to her community, whether it's volunteering at local events or enjoying the serene beauty of the Florida beaches.

With her unwavering dedication, compassion, and drive for excellence, Tori continues to make a positive impact in both her professional endeavors and personal life.