I'm Matthew, the founder of Maplewood Wealth, and I'll admit it—I'm a financial planning nerd. While I geek out over optimizing finances and taxes for my clients, what truly excites me is witnessing the transformation in their lives as they gain confidence in their financial decisions. At Maplewood Wealth, I've created a fresh approach to financial planning that resonates with fellow millennials who've found success early in their careers. I understand that for our generation, true financial confidence goes beyond mere numbers—it's about aligning our money with our values and goals to design the lifestyle we want. My approach allows you to enjoy life now while also securing a fulfilling future. Based in the Chicagoland area, I bring both professional expertise and relatable life experience to my practice. As a young father balancing career and family life, I intimately understand the challenges and aspirations you face. Whether you're a young professional building a strong financial foundation, a "surprised affluent" navigating sudden wealth, or part of a growing family juggling multiple financial priorities, I tailor my approach to your unique situation. With Maplewood Wealth, you're not just getting a financial planner—you're gaining a dedicated partner in navigating life's changes and achieving your dreams without stress. Let's work together to create a financial plan that empowers you to live your best life, both now and in the future.

Garrett Dahm is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, where he has been providing financial guidance since 2017. He specializes in developing strategies and offering advice tailored to the short- and long-term financial objectives of individuals, families, and businesses. As a qualified Portfolio Manager, Garrett manages discretionary Personalized and Defined Strategies that may include individual stocks and bonds, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management model portfolios, and third-party investment options. His areas of focus include family wealth management, services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits, liquidity management, retirement planning, portfolio management, tax minimization, and strategies for sports and entertainment clients. Garrett earned a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. He completed his high school education at Prospect High School and attended Harper College without earning a degree. Outside of his professional role, Garrett has a background in classical guitar, having performed solo and with orchestras worldwide since the age of four. Notably, he performed in multiple cities in Australia during the opening ceremonies of the 2000 Olympics. He lives in Mt. Prospect with his wife Tanya and their son Jace. His personal interests include golfing, ice hockey, practicing guitar, and spending time with his family.

Frank Novelli is a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments. He collaborates with clients to understand their unique financial goals and motivations, aiming to develop tailored financial plans that address individual needs and objectives. His objective is to serve as a primary financial advisor, providing advice and service. Frank's professional experience includes roles as Vice President and Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab (2022-2023), Senior Financial Consultant at TD Ameritrade (2020-2023), and Vice President and Advisor Consultant at Nuveen Investments (2014-2020). Outside of his professional career, Frank's personal interests include concerts, fishing, parenthood, scuba diving, snowboarding, and traveling.

Amir Jafariaria serves as a Senior Portfolio Advisor and Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He brings a global perspective to his role, shaped by his experiences living in six countries across multiple cities and working in private equity in Istanbul before relocating to the United States in 2014. Since joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2015, Amir has focused on delivering comprehensive wealth management services and proactive financial strategies tailored to his clients' diverse needs. With a background rooted in an entrepreneurial family and professional experience spanning private equity, start-ups, and wealth management, Amir specializes in areas including college education planning, employee benefits planning, executive and equity compensation services, family wealth management strategies, institutional and corporate benefit services, and wealth planning for LGBT and women clients. He integrates his services with clients’ external advisors such as attorneys, tax professionals, business managers, and family offices. Amir holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both from Eastern Mediterranean University. He also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation and is proficient in English, Persian, and Turkish. Outside of his professional life, Amir’s personal interests include bungee jumping, cooking, pickleball, refereeing, skiing, soccer, table tennis, and tennis.

Michelle Place is a Wealth Management Advisor and principal of The Place Wealth Management Group based in Northbrook, Illinois. She began her career in the investment industry in 2007 with Morgan Stanley Asset Management and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor in 2010. Michelle focuses on serving high net worth individuals and families, providing guidance in areas such as executive compensation, family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, liquidity management, philanthropic planning, portfolio management, small business strategies, and tax minimization. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin System and has completed an Accredited Certificate Program at the University of Chicago. Michelle is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™. Her team's mission is to deliver confidence and peace of mind to clients by managing the complex aspects of their financial lives with enduring value. Outside of her professional work, Michelle's personal interests include dancing, ice skating, pickleball, yoga, and spending time with her family.

Michael Ochs is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in personal retirement planning, portfolio management services, and socially responsible, values-based, and ESG investing. Michael and his team focus on creating wealth by providing guidance to help clients avoid financial pitfalls and navigate monetary challenges, prioritizing their goals and establishing timelines to achieve them. Michael holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). He has been in the financial services industry since 2004, with experience in life and long-term care insurance sales, retail banking, and branch operations prior to becoming a financial advisor in 2012. Michael lives in Algonquin, Illinois, with his wife Michelle and their six daughters. He is active in his community and church, serving on several committees, coaching volleyball at his daughters' school, and volunteering with organizations including 4-H of Kane County, Feed My Starving Children, and the Northern Illinois Food Bank. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Eric Thonn is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He specializes in helping equity-compensated executives and business owners simplify their financial lives by addressing complex planning needs. His approach involves building long-term client relationships through consultative, tailored, and comprehensive strategies focused on multi-generational wealth transfer aligned with clients’ values and aspirations. Eric’s expertise includes long-term wealth strategy, equity compensation, business optimization, college education planning, executive compensation, family wealth management, legacy planning, retirement income, portfolio management, small business strategies, and tax minimization. He holds the title of Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill, managing discretionary custom investment strategies to support client objectives. He began his financial services career in 2014 with State Farm and has served as a Financial Advisor with Merrill since 2018. Eric earned a Bachelor’s degree in financial planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Outside of his professional role, Eric volunteers as a mentor for young adults with Erie Neighborhood House. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their dog, Chloe, engaging in activities such as golf, basketball, cooking, and attending concerts.

Deejay Ijaola is Vice President Private Wealth Management Advisor at Fidelity Investments. He has been with Fidelity Investments since 2013, progressing through roles including Investment Consultant, Financial Consultant, Vice President Wealth Planner, and currently serving as Vice President Private Wealth Management Advisor since 2024. Prior to joining Fidelity, Deejay held various positions at Wells Fargo Bank and Wells Fargo Advantage Funds from 2008 to 2013. Since beginning his career in financial services in 2008, Deejay has developed extensive experience in creating financial plans with clients. He focuses on helping clients develop, implement, and maintain financial plans that provide confidence and composure even in challenging markets. Outside of his professional work, Deejay has interests in comedy, family activities, fitness, tennis, theater, and traveling.

Michael Parris is Vice President and Wealth Planner at Fidelity Investments, a role he has held since 2026. In this capacity, he collaborates with clients and their families to understand their financial situations and develop comprehensive plans aimed at growing and protecting their wealth while working toward their financial goals. He emphasizes open communication and building strong, enduring relationships with his clients. Prior to his current role, Michael served as a Financial Consultant at Fidelity Investments from 2022 to 2026. Before joining Fidelity, he held positions at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., including Private Client Advisor from 2017 to 2022 and Private Client Banker from 2011 to 2017. His experience spans various aspects of financial planning and client advisory services.