This workshop was created by parents who are also professionals—people who have spent years working with families like yours while living this journey themselves. We know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate complex systems, fight for the right support, and make tough decisions for our children. We also know that with the right tools, knowledge, and community, you don’t have to do it alone.

With over 15 years of personal and professional experience, we’re here to share what works—the strategies, insights, and real-life lessons that can make a difference. We’re also joined by a financial expert who understands our community and works closely with families like ours, helping them navigate the financial side of this journey.

Meet the team who will walk alongside you on this journey:

Christine Staple Ebanks, Award-Winning Author, Special Needs Parent Coach, Advocate, Public Speaker

Workshop Designer, Presenter, and Facilitator

Christine Staple Ebanks is a veteran special needs mother, international parent-professional advocate, and award-winning bestselling author dedicated to empowering families raising children with disabilities. As the founder and CEO of Raising Special Needs Inc./The Special Needs Mama Bear and the Nathan Ebanks Foundation, she has helped thousands of families move beyond survival mode and build thriving, empowered lives.

Drawing from personal experience raising a child with disabilities in both Jamaica and the United States, Christine brings a global perspective and deep expertise in advocacy, resilience, and family empowerment. Her background as a human services practitioner equips her to help parents advocate effectively, build strong support networks, and create a vision for their families’ future.

As the author of multiple award-winning books—including the upcoming Special Needs Mama Bear Playbook—Christine provides practical tools and strategies through her workshops, coaching programs, and community-driven initiatives. Her work has impacted families worldwide, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate challenges, access essential resources, and create a future that works for them.

Christine’s mission is simple but powerful: to help special needs families rise above their challenges, embrace their strength, and create a future filled with possibility.

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, Financial Expert, Award-Winning Bestselling Author & Transformational Speaker

Workshop Presenter

Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, is a seasoned financial expert, award-winning author, and sought-after speaker who specializes in financial trauma and long-term financial security. With decades of experience in wealth-building, financial literacy, and strategic planning, she has dedicated her career to helping families achieve financial independence, especially those navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with a disability.

Financial planning isn’t just about savings for parents of children with special needs—it’s about creating long-term stability, securing the right resources, and ensuring their child’s well-being. Dr. Simpson understands these complexities and provides practical, results-driven strategies to help families build security, maximize available benefits, and create a sustainable financial future.

As a highly respected financial coach and thought leader, she has helped countless families eliminate financial stress, navigate government benefits, and build lasting legacies through smart, strategic planning. Her approach goes beyond numbers—it’s about empowerment, peace of mind, and ensuring that every parent has the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions confidently.

Dr. Simpson’s mission is simple: to equip parents with the financial clarity and strategies they need to secure their family’s future—without fear, confusion, or overwhelm.

Robert Ebanks – Special Needs Advocate, Mentor & Financial Strategist

Workshop Facilitator

Robert Ebanks is a passionate advocate, mentor, and financial strategist committed to empowering special needs families. As a devoted father to a child with disabilities, he brings a firsthand understanding of the triumphs and challenges that come with navigating the special needs journey. His advocacy is deeply personal, driven by a mission to ensure that families have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to help their children thrive.

With a background in finance, Robert provides families with strategic guidance on financial planning, stability, and securing a future for their children. He believes in fostering strong partnerships between parents, professionals, and communities to create inclusive environments where children with disabilities can flourish.

Robert is the co-founder of Raising Special Needs Inc. (USA) and the Nathan Ebanks Foundation (Jamaica), organizations dedicated to advancing inclusion and accessibility for children with disabilities and their families. He also plays an integral role in the literary work of his wife, Christine Staple Ebanks, contributing to her books and advocacy initiatives that inspire and educate parents worldwide.

Through his leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Robert continues to be a powerful voice for special needs families, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and support to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and purpose.