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.

Matthew Nathan is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who focuses on helping families and businesses achieve their financial goals. He works closely with clients to understand their unique priorities and develop personalized financial strategies that address short-, mid-, and long-term objectives. Matthew provides guidance on a range of topics including investing, retirement planning, and managing unexpected expenses, and offers access to Bank of America specialists for additional financial services. His client focus areas include family wealth management strategies, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, as well as socially responsible, values-based, and ESG investing. Matthew holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and obtained his high school diploma from Bruton High School. Outside of his professional work, Matthew engages in horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing, and spending time with his family. His approach emphasizes working one-on-one with clients to create financial plans tailored to their personal and family goals.

Christopher Tomaskovic is a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, he works closely with individuals, families, and businesses to develop and implement financial strategies tailored to their unique circumstances and goals. His areas of expertise include college education planning, family wealth management, retirement planning, legacy planning, and services for endowments, foundations, non-profits, and defined benefit plans. Christopher holds a Bachelor's Degree from Fordham University and holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients’ life priorities and collaborates to create personalized financial plans designed around their goals and aspirations. Outside of his professional role, Christopher is involved in several community organizations such as the Dutchess County 10-13 Foundation, the Dutchess County Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Dutchess County Gaelic Athletic Association, the Dutchess County St Patrick's Parade Committee, St Martin De Porres CYO, The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and The Knights of Columbus. His personal interests include basketball, golfing, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Craig Irwin is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management specializing in areas such as family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, tax minimization, and retirement income. His client focus also includes services for endowments, foundations, non-profits, women and wealth, as well as individual and corporate investment strategy. Craig holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designations. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management from the University of Arizona and completed his high school education at Avon Old Farms School. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2008, he has developed expertise in retirement planning and investment advising. Residing in Poughkeepsie, NY, Craig is active in his community, serving on the boards of the Foundation for Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys antiquing, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, ice hockey, interior decorating, reading, running, and spending time with his wife Amy and their two daughters.