Protected Tomorrows founder, Mary Anne Ehlert, CFP, had a successful career in financial planning when she decided to act on her lifelong desire to specialize in serving the families of the disabled. The source of her inspiration was very dear to her heart. Mary Anne herself had come from such a family. Her younger sister, Marcia, to whom she felt especially close, suffered severe mental handicaps due to cerebral palsy. And, although their parents were naturally determined that Marcia should get the best possible care, they had also for years been understandably confused how best to plan and provide for her future, especially financially.

Like many families in such circumstances, they were particularly fearful of doing anything while they were alive that might jeopardize Marcia’s right to benefits she would need when they had passed away. So, the first special needs family Mary Anne provided with vital information and guidance was her own. Today, 15 years later, Mary Anne Ehlert has built a national network of Protected Tomorrows expert advisors, or “Advocates,” who all share her financial planning background and her dedication to serving the families of individuals with special needs. Although Mary Anne’s sister Marcia eventually passed away at the age of 39, her inspiration lives on in the important work that we do. Literally, thousands of families have benefited by the future care plans and other vital services we provide.