David Whitfield

Elijah has been a fee-only financial planner for over eight years. In 2025, he started Essa Financial to provide transparent and client-centric financial advice to folks in the Louisville community and beyond. As a teacher, Elijah’s favorite part about being a financial planner is communicating complex planning topics to clients in ways that are more easily understood. He enjoys the education aspect of being a planner, especially in a one-on-one environment. He values deep relationships with clients, and is always willing to listen and learn. He also believes exceptional client service (and swift communication) is the cornerstone of financial planning. Elijah is actively involved in the profession. He is an active volunteer with the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), having previously served on their Genesis board for young advisors for five years and currently serving on the South Region board as the Membership Chair. He also reviews scholarship applications for the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning, which provides assistance to qualified candidates for the CFP® exam. In addition to his role as a planner, Elijah teaches part-time as an adjunct professor at the University of Louisville. Elijah resides in Louisville with his wife, Sarah, and dogs, Landon and Korra. Aside from financial planning and teaching, Elijah spends his time frequenting local coffee shops, running (short distances) around his neighborhood, playing video games, watching the Minnesota Timberwolves, and of course, spending time with friends and family.

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.

Dustin Rodgers is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments, where he collaborates with clients and their families to develop personalized financial plans tailored to their goals and preferences. He emphasizes building strong and lasting client relationships in his practice. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2016, progressing through roles including Financial Services Representative, Stock Plan Associate, Stock Plan Consultant, Relationship Manager, and Planning Consultant before becoming a Financial Consultant in 2024.

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.

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.