2024 Report to Philanthropic Partners
Center Achievements and Updates
The American College Center for Special Needs is committed to elevating the special needs planning knowledge of financial professionals and the public.
Under the leadership of Joellen Meckley, JD, MHS, ChSNC®, managing director, the Center’s impact was broadly recognized in 2024. The annual Special Needs Planning Symposium was nominated at the Wealth Management Industry Awards (The Wealthies).
Additionally, Meckley was named one of ThinkAdvisor’s Luminaries with a Heart honorees, celebrating those who redefine excellence in financial services. Meckley was proud to share this honor with those striving to have a positive impact on the community and world.
The Center hosted a webcast with Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging. Entitled Aging Retirement Planning Challenges and Solutions for Women and Caregivers, the webcast taught advisors how to address the complex challenges faced by clients planning for aging and disability.
Meckley, participated in an additional webcast through The College’s Knowledge Hub+ platform, discussing trends and practical application of long-term care insurance strategies.
Joellen Meckley, JD, MHS, ChSNC®, Associate Vice President, Centers Strategy and Operations Managing Director, Center for Special Needs
Program Highlights
Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) Program Enhancements
With a commitment toward promoting the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) designation program, the Center made substantial enhancements to the curriculum last year. Among these enhancements was a comprehensive redesign of the Introduction to Disability and Lifetime Planning course, making material more relevant to the needs of our students. The Center also designed pilot initiatives to provide opportunities for live discussion between professors and students in asynchronous classes. By continuing to meet students where they are and promote the designation on a broad scale, the ChSNC® designation has seen a 30% increase in new student enrollment from 2023 to 2024.
Increase in new student enrollment from 2023 to 2024.
Resilient Finances: Thriving with Disability
In July, the Center launched Resilient Finances: Thriving with Disability, a free consumer literacy program specifically designed to support individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injury and other paralyzing conditions. Developed with the help of a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the program has been made available to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and independent living centers throughout the country.
Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium
In November, the Center hosted the second annual Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium in Phoenix, AZ. With over 100 professionals in attendance, the two-day symposium offered expertise regarding financial planning for those impacted by disability. Attendees were given the opportunity to network with colleagues who concentrate their practices among the special needs community.
Among the speakers were Jerry Hulick, a principal with Caring Consulting Group, and Eric Ochmanek, program director of ABLE Today. Hulick and Ochmanek spoke with attendees about ABLE accounts and how financial planners can use them to benefit clients.
Attendees
Scholarship
As a proud second-generation Special Needs Planner, Amanda Corral is committed to giving back. At Corral Financial Strategies, she honors her late father’s memory by helping families enjoy financial peace of mind. Also inspired by her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Corral understands what families impacted by special needs are going through. This allows her to serve as an advocate for families facing uncertainty.
Thanks to a scholarship through the American College Center for Women in Financial Services, Corral has been able to stay true to her father’s values and enroll in The College’s ChSNC® program. The Center sponsored her attendance at the 2024 Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium , which allowed Corral to honor her father's legacy and continue to serve the community that holds a special place in her heart.
Upcoming Plans
In 2025, the Center is excited to work with scholars from across The College and explore opportunities to expand thought leadership surrounding later life planning and increased longevity. Additionally, planning will continue for the 2025 virtual special needs education event and 2026 Advanced Special Needs Planning Symposium.
A Legacy of Industry Leadership
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
Your Life's Work
Powered by the leading academic institution for applied financial knowledge and education.
The American College of Financial Services provides equal opportunity to students and employees, regardless of race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
© The American College of Financial Services
866-640-3748