Amy Gross, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, First Vice President
Cynthia M. Vavrik, CFP®
Vice President,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(708) 226-5435(708) 226-5435
Toll-Free:
(800) 323-1340(800) 323-1340
My Mission Statement
Our team combines youth with experience, advanced certifications with world-class technologies, and a relentless commitment not just to your future-but to your children and grandchildren's future, too.
My Story and Services
Cindy is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and Financial Advisor with The Tree Point Group at Morgan Stanley. She provides customized advice and investment solutions to financially successful professionals, retirees and business owners in the Chicago area and across the country. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Cindy is dedicated to helping clients define and pursue their financial goals, so they may enjoy the wealth they have created and focus on the people, interests and passions that matter most to them.
A graduate of Illinois State University, Cindy began her career in private banking, serving as a Vice President at First National Bank of Chicago and Citibank Private Bank. During her 17-year tenure, she helped meet the private banking needs of national and global law firms and their senior partners. In 2000, she joined Stein Roe Investment Counsel as Vice President of Business Development, where she managed investment portfolios for attorneys, CPAs and their clients. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2003 and earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation from the College for Financial Planning in 1992.
Cindy’s diverse background in private banking, investment management and financial planning enables her to bring a thoughtful, comprehensive perspective to each client relationship. She joined Morgan Stanley to share her financial planning and investment experience with individuals and families, while building deeper, more personal relationships with the clients she serves. She has also been a member of the firm’s Association of Professional Investment Consultants since 2013.
As a Financial Advisor, Cindy takes pride in her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Her mission is to help guide clients in the growth and preservation of their assets, while addressing their current income and cash flow needs. Cindy’s comprehensive approach begins with a deep understanding of each client’s needs, wants and wishes. This foundation helps her develop and implement customized financial strategies designed to adapt as life circumstances and market conditions evolve.
Originally from St. Louis, Cindy and her husband, Michael, currently reside in Frankfort, Illinois. They have three daughters, Carly, Katelyn and Grace, and four grandchildren. Cindy is a member of the Financial Women’s Association and the Illinois CPA Society, and she is an affiliated member of the Chicago Bar Association. She also serves on the Board of the Something for Kelly Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on helping end eating disorders among children ages 6 to 12. Outside of work, Cindy enjoys outdoor activities, including running, biking and golfing, as well as vacationing with family and friends.
A graduate of Illinois State University, Cindy began her career in private banking, serving as a Vice President at First National Bank of Chicago and Citibank Private Bank. During her 17-year tenure, she helped meet the private banking needs of national and global law firms and their senior partners. In 2000, she joined Stein Roe Investment Counsel as Vice President of Business Development, where she managed investment portfolios for attorneys, CPAs and their clients. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2003 and earned her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation from the College for Financial Planning in 1992.
Cindy’s diverse background in private banking, investment management and financial planning enables her to bring a thoughtful, comprehensive perspective to each client relationship. She joined Morgan Stanley to share her financial planning and investment experience with individuals and families, while building deeper, more personal relationships with the clients she serves. She has also been a member of the firm’s Association of Professional Investment Consultants since 2013.
As a Financial Advisor, Cindy takes pride in her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Her mission is to help guide clients in the growth and preservation of their assets, while addressing their current income and cash flow needs. Cindy’s comprehensive approach begins with a deep understanding of each client’s needs, wants and wishes. This foundation helps her develop and implement customized financial strategies designed to adapt as life circumstances and market conditions evolve.
Originally from St. Louis, Cindy and her husband, Michael, currently reside in Frankfort, Illinois. They have three daughters, Carly, Katelyn and Grace, and four grandchildren. Cindy is a member of the Financial Women’s Association and the Illinois CPA Society, and she is an affiliated member of the Chicago Bar Association. She also serves on the Board of the Something for Kelly Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on helping end eating disorders among children ages 6 to 12. Outside of work, Cindy enjoys outdoor activities, including running, biking and golfing, as well as vacationing with family and friends.
Securities Agent: MD, DE, NC, MA, LA, OK, MO, MN, MI, KY, NV, IL, IA, CT, SC, RI, GA, OH, NJ, KS, CO, VT, TN, OR, WI, WA, PA, NE, IN, ID, CA, VA, TX, NY, FL, AZ, AK; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1282438
CA Insurance License #: 0G88838
NMLS#: 1282438
CA Insurance License #: 0G88838
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
The Value That Drives Us
Trust. Honesty. Respect. Integrity. Commitment. These five values are the foundation of our team. We strive to embody them in everything we do. Our clients know that, and it’s the reason so many of them have been working with us for decades.
Leaving Your Mark
From creating a “nest egg” for loved ones, to advancing the
efforts of a favorite charitable organization – our clients all want to leave their mark. That’s why we:
• Start to have legacy conversations early on in our relationship so that we can account for your estate plan, charitable giving strategies, etc.
• Coordinate with your network of accountants, attorneys, and other advisors to help provide key investment perspective in the times you need it most
• Meet with your loved ones to help them develop healthy
long-term financial habits
Click on the link to learn more about The Tree Point Groupefforts of a favorite charitable organization – our clients all want to leave their mark. That’s why we:
• Start to have legacy conversations early on in our relationship so that we can account for your estate plan, charitable giving strategies, etc.
• Coordinate with your network of accountants, attorneys, and other advisors to help provide key investment perspective in the times you need it most
• Meet with your loved ones to help them develop healthy
long-term financial habits
Client Service Team
Belinda Y. Castellanos - Portfolio Associate
Phone:
(708) 226-5451(708) 226-5451
Email:Belinda.Castellanos@morganstanley.com
Belinda provides high level administrative focus and exceptional service to clients. She works with the team to deliver and manage our wealth management process, creates tailored investment proposals and wealth management reports for our clients. Belinda has dedicated over twenty years to providing outstanding service to clients and continues to build professional relationships.
Belinda currently resides in the south suburbs of Chicago along with her three children. She loves to cook and spend time with family and friends.
Belinda currently resides in the south suburbs of Chicago along with her three children. She loves to cook and spend time with family and friends.
CA Insurance License #: 4222320
Laura Cardinal - Registered Client Relationship Analyst
Phone:
(847) 291-5631(847) 291-5631
Email:laura.cardinal@morganstanley.com
Laura Cardinal is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with the Tree Point Group at Morgan Stanley. She brings over 30 years of experience to the table and is always looking for ways to expand her knowledge base in order to help clients with their financial needs. She joined Morgan Stanley with Steven Howard in 2022 and assists clients with all things administrative including account opening, maintenance and all around problem solving.
Laura resides in the suburbs of Chicago with her Shih Tzu, Vita. She has two grown sons and in her free time she volunteers at her church, loves to cook, swim, read books and spend as much time as possible with dog, Vita.
Laura resides in the suburbs of Chicago with her Shih Tzu, Vita. She has two grown sons and in her free time she volunteers at her church, loves to cook, swim, read books and spend as much time as possible with dog, Vita.
CA Insurance License #: 4296715
Location
15341 S. 94th Ave
Ste 200
Orland Park, IL 60462
US
Direct:
(708) 226-5435(708) 226-5435
Toll-Free:
(800) 323-1340(800) 323-1340
Fax:
(708) 226-5444(708) 226-5444
The Power of Partnerships
By partnering with experienced individuals across wealth disciplines, Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors can align specialized resources with your custom needs and deliver strategic guidance through the familiarity and trust of existing relationships
About Amy Gross
Amy Gross is a first vice president and financial planning director serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in the Chicago suburbs. She is responsible for helping financial advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.
Amy began her career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she worked at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse as a senior registered associate working with high-net-worth clients on an individual basis and making sure all of their financial and operational needs were met.
Amy graduated from Illinois State University and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Amy lives in Brookfield, IL with her husband Garrett, daughter Felicity, and son Emmett. Outside of work, Amy enjoys both going to and volunteering at Brookfield Zoo and is a Chicago Zoological Association Associate Board Member. She also enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places whenever she can.
Amy began her career in financial services in 2009 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2021. Prior to her current position, she worked at Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse as a senior registered associate working with high-net-worth clients on an individual basis and making sure all of their financial and operational needs were met.
Amy graduated from Illinois State University and holds her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Amy lives in Brookfield, IL with her husband Garrett, daughter Felicity, and son Emmett. Outside of work, Amy enjoys both going to and volunteering at Brookfield Zoo and is a Chicago Zoological Association Associate Board Member. She also enjoys reading, traveling and exploring new places whenever she can.
Important information about your relationship with your Financial Advisor and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC when using a Financial Planning tool. When your Financial Advisor prepares a Financial Plan, they will act in an investment advisory capacity for thirty (30) days after the delivery of your Financial Plan. To understand the differences between brokerage and advisory relationships, you should consult your Financial Advisor, or review our “Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships,” brochure available at https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
You have sole responsibility for making all investment decisions with respect to the implementation of a Financial Plan. You may implement the Financial Plan at Morgan Stanley or at another firm. If you engage or have engaged Morgan Stanley, it will act as your broker, unless you ask it, in writing, to act as your investment adviser on any particular account.
Morgan Stanley offers a wide array of brokerage and advisory services to its clients, each of which may create a different type of relationship with different obligations to you. Please consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning, charitable giving, philanthropic planning and other legal matters.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Cynthia M. Vavrik today.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.
The information, products and services described here are intended only for individuals residing in states where this Financial Advisor is properly registered as described in this site.
Morgan Stanley reserves the right, to the extent permitted under applicable law, to retain and monitor all electronic communications. Morgan Stanley will not accept purchase or sale orders via any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. Morgan Stanley does not endorse and is not responsible and assumes no liability for content, products or services posted by third-parties on any Internet site, social media site and/or its messaging systems. All electronic communications are subject to terms available at the following link:
https://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers/mswm-email.html. Any profiles and associated content are for U.S. residents only.
The securities/instruments, services, investments and investment strategies discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all investors. The appropriateness of a particular investment, investment strategy or service will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, strategies and services, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor or Private Wealth Advisor. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. It has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for legal matters.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”) is not implying an affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement with/of the third party or that any monitoring is being done by Morgan Stanley of any information contained within the website. Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the information contained on the third-party website or the use of or inability to use such site. Nor do we guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The views, opinions or advice contained within third party websites or materials are solely those of the author, who is not a Morgan Stanley employee, and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, or its affiliates. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be appropriate for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
*References to length of service at Morgan Stanley include years at Morgan Stanley and predecessor firms.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization's initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
The use of the CDFA designation does not permit the rendering of legal advice by Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors which may only be done by a licensed attorney. The CDFA designation is not intended to imply that either Morgan Stanley or its Financial Advisors are acting as experts in this field.
Awards Disclosures | Morgan Stanley
CRC 4665150 (8/2025), 4763067 (9/2025)
