Profile

With more than 15 years spent in financial services, Ellen has attracted clients she defines as “fascinating.”  Like Ellen, they are not extravagant.  Instead, her clients are financially astute and forward thinking with distinct perspectives on wealth and the world.

From business owners and executives, to real estate professionals and other successful individuals, Ellen’s racially and culturally diverse clientele includes single women and men, members of the LGBTQ community, couples recently divorced, as well as Black, African-, Asian- and Latin-American families.  While they’ve taken different paths to Ellen’s door, many are facing formidable transitions such as divorce, a child leaving for college, the sale of an enterprise, or retirement.

“I want to help people rest easy with what’s ahead, so they can spend less time worrying and more time living,” Ellen explains.  "Whenever possible, I educate clients.  They don’t need to know every detail, but they deserve a higher level of understanding of ‘what and why’ we’re doing something.”

Given her background in communications, Ellen believes that clear explanations and frequent conversations are critical to building trusted, open relationships with clients.

She also finds that her rigorous industry training gives her an extra measure of knowledge that can benefit clients and their families.  Ellen holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

In each client relationship, Ellen recognizes that establishing a comfortable rapport is critical to setting the stage for productive conversations.  Asking open-ended questions (and listening more than talking), she wants to know about a client’s career, family, lifestyle, short-term goals, and how they envision retirement, for example.  Often she asks, “Tell me about yourself.  What’s important to you?  What do you spend your time doing?  What is it you’d like to do with your money, that you don’t think you can?”

When it comes to investments, Ellen takes her cues from each client and the firm’s Chief Investment Office.  Based on a client’s objectives, risk tolerance, need for liquidity, and investment timeline, she offers diversified portfolios that typically include ETFs, separately managed accounts and mutual funds—with an eye toward long-term, risk-managed performance, cost efficiency and tax efficiency. 

With a client’s permission, she also introduces herself to their CPA and attorney, to act as a helpful liaison and align tax-minimization and estate planning strategies.  In addition, Ellen offers clients ready access to residential and securities-based lending through Bank of America, N.A.

Ellen finds joy in connecting people and knowing her efforts can change the trajectory of their lives.  Formerly a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster system), she is an active volunteer with the AAMC Foundation, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, Junior League of Annapolis and several other area organizations.  Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wesley College and lives in Edgewater Beach.

*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.