Our Team

Gary Garland, Esq.

Attorney

Gary B. Garland, Esq. is the founder and managing attorney of Garland Law Offices, P.A. His practice is devoted to Estate Planning, Elder Law, and ensuring his clients are fully protected – with most of his clients being either seniors, of the children of seniors concerned about their loved ones. To provide a holistic approach, Mr. Garland often engages the use of the firm’s social worker for Life Care Planning – where we fully service the elder and their family.

Mr. Garland grew up in Brooklyn, and spent the weekends at his grandmother’s home – sensitizing him to the needs of seniors. A reformed litigator, Mr. Garland didn’t find the Courtroom enjoyable – but he does enjoy helping families reduce or avoid estate taxes, save money, and protect assets.

Mr. Garland lives in Monmouth County with his wife, 3 daughters, and female dog. He is an avid golfer, and fortunately, a better lawyer than duffer. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney* one of only about 45 in the state. He was the President of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Central New Jersey from 2015 to 2016, a former President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals Monmouth/Ocean Chapter, and is a frequent speaker and lecturer.

Dina Tuccillo

Administrative Assistant

Dina joined Garland Law Office, P.A. in August of 2015 as an administrative specialist. She assists every department in the firm and is often your first point of contact. She oversees the client intake process, among her many responsibilities including the management of client correspondence, the calendar, and helping things move smoothly, from inception to completion. She is also responsible for the visual overview of complex documents that our trust clients receive. 
Dina lives in Manalapan with her husband, Mark, and her three wonderful sons, Mark Jr., Vincent, and Joseph. In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys gardening and watching mysteries.

Tina Ruane

Social Worker / Elder Care Coordinator

Tina Ruane is the Elder Care Coordinator for the law practice. Prior to joining the team at Garland Law Offices, Tina worked for 15+ years in the long-term care health industry. Her prior professional roles include nursing home administration, social work, and hospice case management. Tina serves as an expert advisor empowering the clients and families with support through the health care maze to ensure individual needs are met. Tina has valuable connections in the senior services community that continue to grow.

Tina has been on the receiving side of services, having been a caregiver for an Aunt that suffered and died from ALS. This experience has made Tina’s contribution to the Elder Law Firm so unique. Tina will always help our clients and families find the best options available to them.

She holds her Certified Assisted Living Administrator license and social work certification in the state of NJ. Tina completed her undergraduate studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, and is masters prepared from Rutgers, The State University of NJ.

Tina is a lifelong Middletown resident and a married mother of one daughter. She enjoys the beach as much as possible and her beloved dog Dolly Llama.

Amy Pelina

Paralegal

Amy joined the firm early in 2021 and swiftly became an essential part of Garland Law. Amy assists in drafting, executing, and managing the many legal details that may be required to meet your family’s goals.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling and studying new languages. She is a mother of two and resides in Monmouth County with her family and Shih Tzu, Appa.

Bonnie Chaskes

Administrative Assistant

Bonnie joined Garland Law Offices in 2021 and has provided her specialty in handling all things Medicaid. Bonnie manages the filing of applications, processing, and renewals of Medicaid applications. Bonnie works earnestly to help families through the Medicaid maze with her organization, diligence, and passion to help others. She enjoys the reward of knowing she is helping families at a crucial time in their lives.

Bonnie’s professional background proves her dedication to helping the elderly and their families. Before Garland Law, she worked in nursing homes in the business office. There, she was working closely with the families of residents during the Medicaid application process, giving them peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe.

Bonnie currently resides in East Brunswick and enjoys her free time walking along the beach and being with her family.

John Florentino

John Florentino is our Chief Financial Officer and Suite Manager. His duties include making sure the financial operations of the practice work well, ensures we are in compliance with taxes, oversees payroll, P&L, and ensures we have a thriving, successful practice able to care for our clients today for the future. John’s belief is that performing excellent work is not enough – a business that is not fiscally responsible can not weather out seasons or properly handle its clients and infrastructure.

As Suite Manager, John is responsible for the overall issues with the suite and was involved in the lease negotiations, dealing with vendors and contractors, and handling other issues for Garland Law Offices, P.A., Garland & Mason, LLC, and the other businesses within the suite. John accepts private clients for accounting issues – personal and businesses. John is an Enrolled Agent and frequently appears for audits resolving issues caused by prior accountants.

John lives in Old Bridge, New Jersey, and is married to Sophia. They have a son, John. John attended college on a baseball scholarship and aside from athletic activities, enjoys collecting rare batman items and memorabilia.