Abeona Group helps families navigate the complex world of supporting a loved one experiencing intellectual or developmental delay, special needs, or disability. Special needs financial planning is all we do, and we’re here to make your life easier, from understanding how to qualify for benefits and support services to building a retirement plan that considers every member of your family.
Abeona continues our founder’s personal and professional journey.
Alisha Langford has been a special needs parent and active advocate since her oldest daughter, Ashlynn, was born in 1999 with a Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. The long and difficult path of caring for a child who doctors said would never walk, talk or attend school inspired Alisha to help other families build a future with real peace of mind.
Upon graduating from Portland State University with dual degrees, she began her professional career as a Special Needs Planner. After serving families for nearly five years, Alisha started Abeona Group to pursue her passionate vision for the health and financial well-being of families with loved ones experiencing special needs. She lives in Southeast Portland with her two daughters; Lily is a funny, empathic and sassy teenager, and Ashlynn — who has not allowed her diagnosis to define her — is a walking, self-advocating young adult who graduated from high school in 2018.
Our name reflects our mission.
Abeona was the Roman Goddess of outward journeys, who watched over a child’s first steps and protected travelers. She was there to ease the fears of parents and guard their son or daughter as they transitioned to adulthood and left home. She may be petitioned to look after children in a coma, whose souls may be misunderstood as having temporarily departed, or in any situation where a child has become distant or is no longer truly with you. Her name means “to depart, or to go forth” — and we want to help your family move forward with confidence, empowered by a plan that cares for all of you.
Meet the Team
Alisha Langford, ChSNC
Special Needs Planner
Alisha was born and raised in Southern Oregon and has called Portland, Oregon, home since 2002. She holds bachelor of science degrees in Business Management & Leadership and Human Resource Management from Portland State University, and currently lives in Southeast Portland with her two daughters, Lily and Ashlynn, who has a Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy diagnosis. Alisha’s 20+ years of experiences as a parent of a special needs child drive her passion to advocate for families with special needs children. Through the Abeona Group, she is able to focus completely on helping these families navigate the complex process of special needs life care planning.
Licenses: Series 7, Series 66, SIE, Life, Health, Variable Annuity
Designations: Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC)
Nicole Christian
Operations Director
A Pacific Northwest native, Nicole grew up in both Washington and Oregon and now resides in Oregon City with her husband, son Clifton, and their dog, Zoey. With more than two decades of experience in the credit card and healthcare industries, she has developed a passion for organization and a talent for empowering others to succeed.
Outside of work, you can find her on the sidelines, enthusiastically supporting Clifton on the football field or basketball court, and enjoying time with her family and friends.
Crystal Matti
Client Service Manager
Crystal was born in California and raised in southern Oregon. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2003. After living in Scotland for several years working at a downhole drilling firm, she moved back to Oregon. She has been working in the financial services industry since 2015 and has now been with the Abeona Group since 2022 in various roles.
Crystal lives in Salem with her husband and two children, Mac and Q. Mac just graduated from South Salem High and Q is a Sophomore at South Salem High School. Although he experiences challenges with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and some physical disabilities, he is exceling in High School in his areas of interest.
Nikki Serhan
Relationship Manager
Nikki was born and raised in Oregon and loves everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. She graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Since 2015, Nikki has worked in the financial services industry, supporting advisors who help clients pursue their financial goals.
She lives in Canby with her two daughters, Anicie and Emma. Outside of work, Nikki enjoys camping with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her kids at the soccer field.
We'll get there together.
Having a child or loved one with special needs lands most families in uncharted territory. We know that every family’s situation is unique, so our approach is highly personal, moving through four stages:
- Listening & Learning – We want to know as much as possible about your family situation, from current government benefits received and short to long-term financial goals. We welcome any and every question you may have.
- Strategies & Recommendations – We take everything we’ve learned and develop a holistic plan that may include components from our suite of comprehensive services.
- Execution & Coordination – Working closely with your CPA, attorney, case worker and other professionals, we create an action plan and set it into motion.
- Review & Refinement – Life changes, so we regularly assess your financial status, take a fresh look at your goals, and adjust your plan as necessary.
