Elijah Essa

We could use this space to talk all about how great we are. But the decision you are making is not about us, it's about you. I'd rather tell you why we do what we do and why our clients work with us: https://www.carriagehouseplanning.com/about-chp

Cristalle Vivona is a Financial Solutions Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, specializing in goals-based wealth management for affluent families, accomplished professionals, and large institutions. She works alongside a team of specialists to deliver customized advice and disciplined investment strategies, focusing on helping clients plan for long-term objectives such as education funding, retirement income, and health care costs. Cristalle emphasizes a client-centered approach that takes into account individual perspectives and priorities. Before transitioning to wealth management, Cristalle practiced law and successfully secured grants for a large nonprofit organization. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bellarmine University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky. Outside her professional role, Cristalle is active in the community, serving on the Bellarmine Alumni Board and involved with Gilda's Club Kentuckiana and St. Edward Catholic Church. Her personal interests include traveling, hiking, and engaging with the Louisville community.

Linda Marcukaitis is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She joined Merrill in 2014 as a part-time Client Associate and entered the Merrill Financial Advisor training program in 2017. In 2018, she became a fully licensed Financial Advisor and currently supports the team in her senior role. Linda’s expertise includes family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and portfolio management services. She holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Louisville. Additionally, she maintains Series 7 and 66 FINRA registrations and holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Prior to joining Merrill, Linda worked in the banking industry. Outside of her professional work, Linda enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She resides in Prospect with her husband, Brian, and their two children.

Susan Claywell serves as a Branch Leader at Fidelity Investments, a role she has held since 2025. Prior to this, she worked as a Planning Consultant at Fidelity Investments from 2023 to 2025. Her experience also includes positions as Assistant Vice President and Investment Executive at Fifth Third Securities between 2022 and 2023, and as a Wealth Management Advisor at TIAA from 2016 to 2020. In her leadership role, Susan focuses on fostering a collaborative and transparent culture that supports both client service and team development. She emphasizes the importance of integrity and a growth mindset in building a motivated and trustworthy team environment. Outside of her professional endeavors, Susan's interests include food, gardening, outdoor adventures, pets, photography, and scuba diving.

Jenn Czubak is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, a role she has held since 2022. She partners with individuals and families to help them understand their options and build goal-oriented financial plans. Her areas of focus include retirement planning, income strategies, risk management, protection strategies, and support around estate planning considerations.

Stephen Wilkinson is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, bringing nearly three decades of experience in wealth management and banking. He is committed to providing a positive client experience by focusing on listening carefully to clients and addressing their unique goals and concerns. Stephen specializes in areas such as college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, and retirement income. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in 2020, Stephen held financial advisory roles at PNC Investments for seven years and spent more than 15 years at Wells Fargo Advisors and River Valley Bank. He leverages Merrill research and portfolios to create diversified investment strategies tailored to clients’ risk tolerance, timelines, and liquidity needs, incorporating alternative investments when appropriate. Stephen also collaborates with clients' CPAs and attorneys to develop tax-minimization and estate planning strategies, and provides access to various lending options through Bank of America, N.A. Stephen holds a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and earned his high school diploma from Providence High School. He lives in New Albany, Indiana with his wife, Kelly, their two children, and their Golden Retriever. Outside of work, Stephen enjoys hiking, adventure sports, swimming, music, traveling, and spending time with his family. He is actively involved in supporting the University of Louisville Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is dedicated to volunteering within his community.