I never set out to work in financial services—my plan was to become a teacher. While finishing my final semester at Utica College of Syracuse University in 2007, I took a part-time filing job at a financial firm to earn some extra income. But what started as temporary work quickly turned into something I loved. I was drawn to the organization, the problem-solving, and the sense of purpose that came with helping clients. Instead of stepping into a classroom, I decided to stay and build a career that continues to challenge and inspire me nearly two decades later.
Since then, I’ve grown my expertise in operations and leadership, earning my FINRA Series 7 license in 2021 and my Series 66 license in 2024. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles, including on Osaic’s Service Excellence Council (formerly the National Operations Excellence Council) in 2022. In January 2025, I was selected to return to the council—a role I’m honored to hold as we continue working together to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and the overall client experience. After spending most of my career with one firm, I was drawn to Xavier and Erik’s client-centered approach to financial planning. After many great conversations, I knew it was the right fit and officially joined the Plan Wisely team in November 2024.
On a personal note:
Outside of work, my story centers on family and community. My husband, Andrew, and I live in West Winfield, NY, where we’re raising our three daughters. Between soccer and volleyball schedules, school events, and cheering for our favorite teams (the Buffalo Bills, Manchester City F.C., the USMNT, and UNC), there’s always something happening—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Giving back and staying active are big parts of who we are as a family. Each year, I take part in the American Heart Association’s Heart Run and Walk in Utica, honoring family members affected by heart disease and remembering my Uncle Frank. We also proudly support the Kelberman Center’s annual autism fundraising efforts and walk to celebrate my niece—and the unique, wonderful qualities autism has awarded her. Both causes are deeply personal to me and remind our family of the power of compassion, awareness, and community.
And if you know me, you know I’m rarely without a great pair of heels, a bold lip color, and a good laugh with family or friends. I believe life’s better when you bring a little style, warmth, and joy to everything you do—whether that’s at work, at home, or somewhere in between.
My Content
Podcast
One More Month… We’re Having Our First Baby with Lee and Izabela Cormier
By Erik Garcia
We are having our first baby, in one month! Listen in as Lee Cormier and Izabela Cormier, of Canal Street Church, share their pregnancy story and talk about the physical and emotional aspects of becoming…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Kids & Money
Podcast
Feeling Upside Down? Helping Kids Thrive Through the Pandemic…One Year Later with Dr. Laura Hernandez
By Erik Garcia
One year later, “Feeling Upside Down?”, the poem Dr. Laura Hernandez penned to help kids cope with the pandemic, is still relevant. Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT and Erik Garcia, CFP® discuss with Dr. Hernandez…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Kids & Money
Podcast
Part 2: How Am I Going to Pay for College? With John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
College is CRAZY expensive. As a parent, where do you start planning for your child’s Higher Ed? There is so much competing for money. How much should you be saving? Should you prioritize college savings…
Topics Building Us Podcast, College Planning
Podcast
Part 1: Where Do I Start in Planning for My Child’s College? With John Hupalo
By Erik Garcia
College is CRAZY expensive. As a parent, where do you start planning for your child’s Higher Ed? There is so much competing for money. How much should you be saving? Should you prioritize college savings…
Topics Building Us Podcast, College Planning
Article
Goal Setting
By Erik Garcia
Goal Setting How to Set Smart Goals Just like any goal we create -whether it be financial, health-related, education driven, or job-related, the most important thing about creating a goal is just that: creating it….
Podcast
The Best From the Next Normal, A Compilation
By Erik Garcia
What are some of the key takeaways from The Next Normal series? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT share and reflect on a…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Get Your Kids To Sleep and Get Back Your Bed With Dr. Nilong Vyas
By Erik Garcia
Is your child getting enough sleep? Dr. Nilong Vyas, the Owner of Sleepless in NOLA, discusses why children must have an adequate amount of sleep and why it makes a big difference in this…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Kids & Money
Podcast
The Next Normal: Your Spirituality with Sister Rochelle Perrier
By Erik Garcia
Being a religious sister for 55 years, Sr. Rochelle Perrier, a member of the Marianites of Holy Cross, shares her knowledge and expertise on religion and spirituality and discusses how to be grateful in the…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
The Next Normal: Your Business with Dr. Billy Williams
By Erik Garcia
What do we need to do to be successful? Dr. Billy Williams, Ph.D., the President of Inspire a Nation Business Mentoring, shares his knowledge and expertise in business mentoring and the four types of discipline…
Topics Building Us Podcast

