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)
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)
Katelyn Galante
Financial Services Professional
Katelyn is a compassionate and dedicated professional who was born and raised in Southern Oregon. With a deep passion for helping others, she became a certified yoga teacher after traveling to Thailand to complete her 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training. Katelyn then spent time teaching yoga to children in special education classes, from elementary to high school. As she continued to grow and evolve, Katelyn found herself drawn to the world of financial well-being, recognizing the importance of helping families navigate the complexities of life's changes. Katelyn's experience as a yoga instructor has instilled in her the importance of compassion, empathy, and patience, which perfectly aligns with the core values of Abeona Group.
Licenses: SIE, Life, Health
Crystal Matti
Relationship Manager
Crystal was born in California and raised in southern Oregon. She received her Bachelor of Science 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 for seven years and looks forward to new challenges and opportunities at Abeona Group.
Crystal lives in Salem with her husband and two children, Mac and Q. Mac is an honors student at South Salem High and Q is a sweet and positive 6th grader at JGEMS. Although he experiences challenges with ADHD, developmental delays and some physical disabilities, he always has a smile on his face.
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.