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
Smoothing Out the Mother/Daughter Relationship with Giselle Armantrout and Dr. Carrie Emonet
By Erik Garcia
Navigating the Mother-Daughter teen/tween relationship is tough, especially this year. In this episode of the Building Us podcast, Giselle Armantrout, LMFT, LPC, Licensed Counselor at Matt Morris & Associates, and Dr. Carrie Emonet, PhD, Licensed…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Article
Are Your Spending Patterns Aligned with Your Financial Future?
By Erik Garcia
This all may sound oversimplified, and it is to a degree. I’ll admit it is way harder, and more complicated to execute, but if you can simply do these 3 things, you’re on your way…
Topics Spending & Budgeting
Podcast
How to Build Better Habits with Dr. Laurie Darling
By Erik Garcia
In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interviews Dr. Laurie Darling, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Owner of HealthWise Psychology. Dr. Laurie talks about the system of developing and maintaining healthy habits and…
Article
Federal Government Suspends Required Payments to Federal Student Loans
By Erik Garcia
The federal government suspended required payments till the end of the year for federal student loans. Read about it here. This is good news if you are having difficulty making your payment. HOWEVER, if you…
Topics College Planning
Article
Will the presidential election impact my investment portfolio?
By Erik Garcia
The election is heating up and so is the debate on what a Trump or Biden victory means on your investments.The election is going to dominate the news. There will be no shortage of…
Topics Investing
Podcast
The Next Normal: The Future of Higher Education with Dr. Stanton McNeely
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Dr. Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D, President at the University of Holy Cross. Dr. Stanton talks about his thoughts on…
Topics Building Us Podcast, College Planning
Article
Should I Consider Refinancing My Mortgage
By Erik Garcia
With the decline in interest rates, mortgage refinances have become a popular topic. And given your mortgage may be your biggest budget expense, you owe it to yourself to consider refinancing. Some compelling reasons to…
Topics Investing
Podcast
#grownupcivics: If Only Today’s Politicians Took Civics with Mary Dawn Pugh
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview Mary Dawn Pugh, High School Civics teacher. Mary Dawn talks about the significance of learning Civics and Geography, and the impact…
Topics Building Us Podcast
Podcast
How He Rapped His Way to $0 in Sallie Mae Student Loan Debt with Dee-1
By Erik Garcia
EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of the Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT interview David Augustine Jr., better known by his stage name, Dee-1. Dee-1 is a Hip-Hop Artist, Public Speaker, and Educator….

