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
Article
Year-End Charitale Gift Giving and You
By Erik Garcia
Are you making charitable donations at year’s end? If so, you should know about some of the financial “fine print” involved, as the right moves could potentially bring more of a benefit to both you…
Topics Give to Others, Taxes
Podcast
It’s Trending: Adult Kids Moving Back In with Mom and Dad with Dr. Robert Casares
By Erik Garcia
How do parents react when their young adult children return home either in a planned or unexpected way? Robert Casares, Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University shares his research and insights on “Boomerang Parents” in…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Kids & Money
Article
Trends in Charitable Giving
By Erik Garcia
Trends in Charitable Giving According to Giving USA 2020, Americans gave an estimated $449.64 billion to charity in 2019. That’s one of the highest totals in more than 60 years since the report was first…
Topics Give to Others
Podcast
What Does the Data Tell Us about Love and Money?
By Erik Garcia
How did a family therapist and a financial advisor decide to start a podcast? In this special bonus episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts, Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT take…
Topics Building Us Podcast, Couples & Money
Podcast
Influence Your Way to Stronger Relationships with Brian Ahearn
By Erik Garcia
What’s the difference between manipulation and ethical influencing? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, we are joined by Brian Ahearn, CPCU, CTM, CPT, CMCT, International Keynote Speaker, Author and Chief Influence Officer of…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Article
Managing Anxiety Through Charitable Giving
By Erik Garcia
Managing Anxiety Through Charitable Giving How are you holding up? If you’re like many of us, you’re probably feeling some level of anxiety regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. And that’s okay. We’re living in a time…
Topics Give to Others
Podcast
The Comic Doc. How Humor Can Break Down Barriers and Strengthen Relationships with Dr. Vien Phommachanh
By Erik Garcia
What is the significance of laughter in medicine? In this episode of the Building Us podcast, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, are joined by Dr. Vien Phommachanh, Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose,…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
How One Therapist Embraced Teletherapy and Is Thriving with Tralana Eugene
By Erik Garcia
Is Teletherapy the new normal? Health as we know it is looking a little different these days and Teletherapy can be a useful tool, for both therapists and clients. In this episode of the Building Us podcast,…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
Rethinking Adult ADHD with Dr. Arwen Podesta
By Erik Garcia
How would you know if you have ADHD? Dr. Arwen Podesta, MD, ABPN, FASAM, ABIHM, Director of Psychiatry at Podesta Wellness, joins the podcast to discuss the root causes of ADHD, along with an integrative…
Topics Building Us Podcast

