Kimberly Barnett

I work with women who feel unseen by traditional financial service providers, and are tired of being talked at instead of spoken to. This includes women breadwinners, who want to be sure they're doing all they can with their money to secure the future; and women who feel like they should be able to create a financial plan but aren't sure where to start. Outside of financial planning, I serve on the board of a non-profit affordable housing network in the metro New York area, am active in my local Rotary Club, and am slowly learning how to build a garden that is friendly to pollinators and unappealing to rabbits. My journey has included life and work in India, Vietnam and other places, an MBA from Cornell University, several years on a trading floor right out of college and stops along the way that contribute to the life experience that I bring to each of you.

Mark Burlingame is a Senior Resident Director at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in the Poughkeepsie office, where he has spent his entire career since beginning in 1998. He holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, and other professional credentials including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Mark graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. His expertise encompasses a broad range of financial planning services such as college education planning, employee benefits planning, family wealth management, philanthropic and retirement income planning. He also serves on the board of directors for Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, demonstrating his involvement in community initiatives. Mark resides in Poughkeepsie with his wife, Sara, a local school teacher, and their two sons.

Eric Cassalina is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, having joined the firm in 2013. He has been active in the financial services industry in the Hudson Valley since 2011. In his role, Eric works closely with clients to identify and prioritize their personal financial goals, including retirement planning, estate planning, tax minimization strategies, legacy planning, and portfolio management. He leverages the resources of Merrill Lynch and his team to develop personalized investment management strategies and comprehensive financial plans aimed at building, managing, and preserving wealth over time. Eric holds several professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He applies his experience working with retirement plans to assist business clients as well as individuals. Eric earned a High School Diploma from Marlboro High School and attended Marist College without obtaining a degree. Outside of his professional activities, Eric enjoys golfing, spending time with his family, and traveling.