“As a wealth advisor, professor, and financial therapist, I am passionate about empowering families impacted by special needs and expanding access to financial literacy. I have helped individuals, families, and organizations navigate complex financial decisions with compassion and clarity, bringing together a unique blend of financial planning and psychology. My practice focuses on holistic estate planning, financial therapy, and tax mitigation strategies. With certifications including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, Chartered Special Needs Consultant®, and Certified Financial Therapist™, I bring both technical expertise and compassionate interviewing to my work. I serve as a decision scientist and crisis counselor to creative entrepreneurs, athletes, veterans, and survivors of trauma, individuals navigating complex financial and emotional landscapes. Throughout my career, I have integrated financial expertise with advocacy and service. From guiding families through estate and tax planning to supporting survivors of trauma in moments of crisis, my work bridges technical knowledge with human dignity. I believe that when families impacted by trauma and special needs are empowered to thrive, our communities grow stronger, more compassionate, and more just.
In higher education, I serve as adjunct faculty at New York University, John Carroll University, Harper College, and UCLA Extension, teaching courses in financial planning, accounting, taxation, and decision-making for business owners. My research and doctoral studies in instructional design explore how gamification, AI, and Universal Design for Learning can expand financial literacy for veterans, neurodivergent learners, and underserved communities. I have been honored to serve as an ambassador for the CFP Board and the National Down Syndrome Foundation. My volunteer work includes crisis counseling with Rape Victim Advocates and Standing Together Against Rape, advocacy for survivors of interpersonal violence, and mentoring young professionals in finance. Across these roles, I bring a commitment to equity, healing, and resilience, grounded in lived experience and professional dedication.”
