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Ryan Platt

MBA, ChFC®, ChSNC™, CFBS

Keynote Speaker and Founder of A Special Needs Plan

You are the very best in this field....

“Every time I hear you speak, I find myself asking the same question…how did someone with your charisma, humor, and personality end up in financial planning? You have an incredible gift for taking one of the most intimidating topics families face and making it understandable, engaging, and even enjoyable. I truly believe you’re the very best in this field. Your knowledge is exceptional, but what makes you stand out is how you connect with people. Families don’t just learn from you—they trust you, and that’s a rare gift.”

—Jeanetta Bryant

Founder & CEO, Abilities Workshop, Inc.

Ryan's insights have been absolutely invaluable...

“In the short time I spent with Ryan, I was overwhelmed at how much I learned about being a true advocate for my child with special needs. Ryan’s insights on how to navigate the legal and regulatory issues for my family were not only important, but absolutely invaluable. The knowledge I received from his speaking at a parent seminar far exceeded what I learned by paying an attorney thousands of dollars.”

—W. Christopher Chesson

CPA, Former President of The Arc of Davidson County

What's Ryan Talking About?

Planning for Two Lifetimes

A unique planning perspective is needed when your plan needs to work over multiple generations. Ryan will guide you in learning how to create your “Two Lifetime” plan so that everyone can realize Lasting Independence!
Attendees will learn about Special Needs Trusts, ABLE Accounts, Guardianship, Government Benefits, the importance of having a Tax Strategy, and then wrap it all together with a critically important Communication Plan.

ABLE Accounts and
Special Needs Trusts

Ryan takes a dive deep explaining the best practices for ABLE Accounts and how to best use them in conjunction with Special Needs Trusts to provide the best life for your loved one!

Medicaid Waivers and
Government Benefits

Covered Topics:

What are Medicaid Waivers?
Does your child need them?
How can they help in planning for your child's future?
What government benefits are useful and available?

Building the Support Team

Your Loved One’s team needs to be prepared, but first let’s determine who needs to be on the team. Ryan will discuss selecting your team, roles and responsibilities of each member of the team, and how to ensure your child’s team is always collaborating and connected! If you struggle with these decisions he will review the most common obstacles to this part of future planning and ways to overcome them.

Finances for Families with Special Needs

Money decisions are different for families with a loved one with a diagnosis. They have to be because the money needs to last for the lifetime of the parent - and for the lifetime of the individual with a disability. Ryan will expose why Multi-generational money is unique, and explain the Four Stages of Money, the proper accounts to use in each stage, and why asset location is critical in keeping as much money in your family as possible (without losing it to “tax leaks.”)

Some of the many companies and organizations Ryan has collaborated with and spoken to over the years.

A pioneer in his field, Ryan Platt founded A Special Needs Plan in 2005. As CEO of the firm, his background includes completing his Special Care Planner Certification as well as advanced training in estate and tax planning, special needs trusts and government programs. He understands the emotional dynamics of working with people and families who have loved ones with special needs and is an impassioned speaker whose talks come from the heart and decades of experience.
 
Ryan is also an award-winning author from Autism Parenting Magazine and a regular contributor to Exceptional Needs Today Magazine.
Ryan Color

Ryan Platt

MBA, ChFC®, ChSNC™, CFBS Founder, A Special Needs Plan

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Carter Platt

Carter serves as a Project Manager, supporting the team by coordinating projects and helping drive brand growth through social media and digital engagement. With several years of experience building brands online, he brings a strong understanding of social media strategy, content creation, and online community development.

 

He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and is originally from Concord, North Carolina. He enjoys staying current with emerging technologies and digital markets while continually expanding his professional network and exploring new ways to create and share content online.

 

Outside of work, Carter enjoys spending time with friends, meeting new people, visiting the beach, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.

 

Brianna Anzalone

As a Relationship Manager, Brianna works with clients with their applications, paperwork, and changes to existing accounts. 

 

With over 11 years of experience in administrative roles within the financial services industry, Brianna plays a key part in ensuring smooth operations and delivering exceptional support to both clients and team members. Her attention to detail and commitment to service reflect a deep passion for helping families navigate their financial journeys with confidence.

 

Outside of work, she enjoys puzzles, true crime, and spending time with her significant other and their two daughters.

 

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Neville Fearing, AIF®, CFBS

 

In July of 2012, Neville began his career at The Vanguard Group, Inc. as a Client Relationship Associate. Less than a year later, Neville was twice promoted and served as an Institutional Equity Trader on Vanguard’s Trading Desk. Though Neville was very appreciative for the opportunity he was given at Vanguard, he knew he wanted more exposure to the capital markets along with an entrepreneurial atmosphere.

 

In 2014, Neville joined HF Financial as a member of the Wealth Management Department to work alongside of a team to bring a breadth of experience in developing investment strategies for advisors and their clients. Through this role, Neville developed a relationship with A Special Needs Plan to build and support corporate retirement plans for clients. For this role, he and the Retirement Plan Consulting Group actively supports Plan Sponsors, Human Resources and Employees of companies both on a local and national scale.

 

As a North Carolina native, Neville strives to make a positive impact on the community. In his time out of the office, Neville enjoys traveling, anything that is outdoors.

Jason R. Goldy, CFP®, ChFC®, CFBS

As the Director of Professional Development, Jason puts a large focus on coaching and consulting with our financial planning team. A Senior Advisor in the firm, he also works in marketing, advisor relations and communications.

 

Born in Kentucky, Jason has been a Charlottean for over 30 years. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Business Administration. In his spare time, Jason enjoys golfing, traveling, staying active in his church, NAIFA, GAMA, and SFSP, and serving in the Hands & Feet outreach program. He resides in Waxhaw with his wife, three children and rescue dog.

Lou Galletto, Jr., AIF®

Lou’s career started on Wall Street in New York where he worked as a retail broker for Shearson Lehman before joining OppenheimerFunds as a Vice President from 1989 – 2003. Lou has been instrumental in building the Wealth Management Department. His expertise in Investment and Financial Services expands through Private Wealth Management, Corporate Retirement Planning, Retirement Income Distribution Planning, and Financial Planning.

 

Lou has appeared in the Charlotte Business Journal and Charlotte Observer on a number of occasions where the topics have ranged from personal financial planning to establishing and maintaining retirement plans for businesses. He and his wife have four beautiful children and he has dedicated his community service towards sports ministries, support group facilitation, and high school group leadership through the ministry team at Calvary Church in Charlotte.

Michael Burns

As a Planning Associate, Michael assists our team of advisors by onboarding new families into their personalized special needs plan. He also facilitates the scheduling and preparation of ongoing meetings for existing planning families.
 
Michael is a North Carolina native and graduated from Weddington High School. He moved to Hoboken, New Jersey to attend Stevens Institute of Technology and play Division 3 lacrosse. He earned a BS in Finance and returned to Charlotte to start a career pursuing his passion to support families in financial service; and became licensed in life and health insurance.
 
Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, exercising, and watching football. His favorite vacations are weekend trips to visit family in Oak Island and Hilton Head.

Kyra Rosado

As a Manager of Marketing and Family Engagement, Kyra coordinates speaking engagements, in-person events, educational webinars and assists with managing our social media presence. 

 

Kyra graduated from Appalachian State University in 2013 with a BA in English and went on to spend many years in the mortgage Industry as a loan originator and supervisor. Her passion for helping others with special needs blossomed when her nephew was diagnosed with autism, and she joined Camp Blue Skies as a Day Volunteer in 2022.

 

Outside of the office, Kyra enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends but mostly enjoys a quiet night at home with her husband, Steven.

Daniel Snow

As Business Manager, Dan’s goal is to ensure a positive experience for the families we serve. He manages the day-to-day operations for our team of advisors and is responsible for communicating with our families and keeping them updated on the progress of their Action Plan. He is also responsible for assisting clients with paperwork.

Dan joined A Special Needs Plan in 2022 with many years of experience working with families with special needs as well as vast financial service knowledge. He quickly grasped our vision to serve, and diligently works to ensure every family is treated with concern, compassion, and respect.   

 

Amber Licari

As Director of Concierge Services at A Special Needs Plan, Amber works tirelessly to ensure a positive experience for the families we serve. She handles a wide range of responsibilities, including data tracking, client service escalation, business processes/strategy, licensing, and compliance audit reviews. Her qualities of efficiency, accuracy, and reliability set her apart, bringing immense value to A Special Needs Plan. Amber’s true passion lies in helping others and serving our families.

 

Amber has played an integral role with A Special Needs Plan since it was founded in 2005. She holds Series 7, 63, and SIE registrations, as well as life and health licenses.  She also is a registered notary public. Away from the office, she enjoys building memories with her husband and growing children.

Margaret Gaffney

Margaret is the parent of an adult with an intellectual disability and an integral part of our team. She is well known in the special needs community as a trusted resource with helping families transition their child with special needs to adulthood. She walks our families through completing communication pieces, prepare for guardianship, as well as applying for SSI and Medicaid benefits. She also works with organizations to offer educational events that can serve the special needs community.

David Cove

CFP®, ChSNC™

David has been in the financial services industry since 1996 and has acquired the CFP® and ChSNC™ designations. Before joining A Special Needs Plan, David held several leadership positions in the financial planning field including Regional Vice President of a fortune 100 financial services company and Managing Partner of a financial planning firm. He is driven by his desire to impact people’s lives by helping them gain clarity on their goals and remaining alongside them as they work to achieve them.

David is married to his wife Caroline, and together have a daughter. They live in Holly Springs, a small town just outside of Raleigh, NC. He has personal experience raising a child who has special needs along with the challenges and blessing that come along with that. His personal experience helps him bring a level of understanding and compassion to the planning process.

David graduated with distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a concentration in finance. In 2008 and 2009 he was recognized as one of “America’s Top Financial Planners” by Consumer Research Council of America.

He is driven by a deep desire to help families who are responsible for the lifetime care of a family member with special needs.

David Cove is a Registered Representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services LLC.  Member SIPC (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Office: 4350 Congress St., Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28209   704-557-9600. A  Special Needs Plan is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies.

 

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