Connect
To Top

Rising Stars: Meet Ebony Phinisee of Gwinnett County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Phinisee.

Hi Ebony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started from a place of love, faith, and purpose. I’m a mom raising a son on the autism spectrum, and like so many other moms, I know what it feels like to search for answers, balance emotions, and still show up with strength every single day. Out of that personal journey, Chosen Moms was born — a community created to empower and support moms raising children on the autism spectrum through advocacy, faith, and connection.

What started as a small support group quickly evolved into something much bigger. I became an Autism Advocacy Coach, helping moms find clarity, confidence, and community. From there, I launched the Chosen Moms podcast, created the Chosen to Reflect journal to encourage daily reflection and self-care, and began hosting events like our sensory-friendly Back-to-School Bash for families.

In 2025, I took a major leap and turned Chosen Moms into a nonprofit called The Chosen Circle for All Spectrums — expanding our mission to include not just moms, but dads and children as well. The Chosen Circle is built on inclusion, education, and empowerment for families navigating the autism journey.

Through it all — from building businesses to grieving the loss of my father — my faith and purpose have kept me grounded. Every step, even the hard ones, has been preparing me for the next level of impact. Today, I’m grateful to be building spaces where families feel seen, supported, and chosen.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many journeys with purpose, mine has been filled with both challenges and growth. As a mom raising a child on the autism spectrum, I’ve faced moments of uncertainty, exhaustion, and even loneliness. There were times I questioned if I was doing enough or if anyone truly understood the daily highs and lows we experience.

Building Chosen Moms while balancing motherhood, advocacy, and my personal life has also had its hurdles. I had to learn how to wear multiple hats — mom, advocate, leader, and now nonprofit founder — often without a roadmap. Losing my father earlier this year was another major turning point. Grieving while still showing up for my son, my purpose, and my community was one of the hardest seasons of my life.

But through every obstacle, I’ve learned resilience, faith, and the importance of grace — for myself and others. Each challenge reminded me why I started: to create a safe space for families like mine, where love, support, and hope can exist even in the toughest moments.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of my work, I specialize in helping moms raising children on the autism spectrum navigate their journey with confidence, clarity, and faith. As an Autism Advocacy Coach, I guide families through understanding their child’s unique needs, accessing resources, and learning how to advocate effectively in schools and communities.

I’m most known for creating safe, uplifting spaces for moms — places where they can be transparent about their struggles while also celebrating their victories. That’s what led me to create Chosen Moms, which has now grown into The Chosen Circle for All Spectrums, a nonprofit that supports not just moms, but dads and children as well.

I’m also the author of Chosen to Reflect: A Daily Reflection Journal for Moms Raising Children on the Autism Spectrum, a tool designed to help moms process their emotions and find strength in their journey. I’m incredibly proud of that project because it’s more than a book — it’s a lifeline for moms who often pour into everyone else but forget to pour back into themselves.

What sets me apart is that my work comes directly from lived experience. I don’t just teach advocacy — I live it every day. I understand the emotional, spiritual, and practical layers of raising a child on the spectrum because I’ve walked that path myself. My faith also plays a major role in how I lead. I believe every parent and every child is chosen for a purpose, and my mission is to remind families of that truth while equipping them with tools, support, and community to thrive.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t really believe in luck — I believe in purpose and divine timing. Every challenge, delay, and breakthrough in my life has served a greater purpose, even when I didn’t see it right away. There were moments that felt like bad luck — like doors closing, plans falling through, or seasons of deep grief — but looking back, those were the moments that shaped my character and strengthened my faith.

Losing my dad earlier this year, for example, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. But even in that pain, I found renewed clarity about my mission and the importance of legacy. It pushed me to turn Chosen Moms into The Chosen Circle for All Spectrums and to keep building something that will impact families for generations to come.

So instead of calling it luck, I call it alignment. I believe that when you walk in your purpose, everything — the good and the hard — aligns to prepare you for where you’re meant to go next.

Pricing:

  • Advocacy Coaching Sessions: Starting at $125/hour — One-on-one sessions designed to help parents gain clarity, confidence, and tools to advocate effectively for their child.
  • Chosen to Reflect Journal: $17.00 (Paperback), $30.00 (Hardcover)— A daily reflection journal created for moms raising children on the autism spectrum, available on my website and Amazon.
  • Chosen Circle Annual Events: Our annual Back-to-School Bash and sensory-friendly community events are free to families, supported through donations and sponsorships. July 18, 2026, register on the website!
  • Subscription Box Program (Coming Soon): A quarterly curated box designed to uplift and support autism families — subscription pricing will be announced soon.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories