Forte/Graviet/Medrano Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley

Charles Forte has been helping families make thoughtful financial decisions since 1977—but if you ask him what keeps him in this industry after all these years, he’ll tell you it’s the people. He began his career with an international brokerage firm right here in New Mexico, building long-standing relationships and a reputation for level-headed guidance. After more than three decades there, he and his team joined Morgan Stanley in 2008, drawn by the broader resources and research the firm could offer to clients.

Today, Charles serves as Senior Portfolio Manager of the Forte/Graviet/Medrano Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, where he works closely with his long-time colleague and partner, Dotti Graviet. Known for his steady approach and deep experience, Charles is one of fewer than 4% of Morgan Stanley financial advisors to earn the Family Wealth Director designation—an achievement that reflects both his technical skill and his commitment to serving multi-generational families with care and clarity.

In addition to that designation, Charles completed the Certified Portfolio Manager program at Columbia University in 2011. These experiences have shaped his philosophy as the team’s investment strategist, where he focuses on long-term direction, disciplined risk management, and thoughtful asset allocation.

Charles was born and raised in Albuquerque and has called Santa Fe home since 1976. Before entering financial services, he studied Chemistry at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and later earned his Accounting degree from the University of Albuquerque—an early sign of the analytical mindset that still defines his work today.

Outside the office, Charles is happiest when he’s moving, learning, or building something. He enjoys staying active, reading widely, and working on his home and garden. Giving back to the community has long been part of his life as well. He currently serves on the boards of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and the Santa Fe Opera, and has previously served as President of Visiting Nurse Services and Treasurer of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.

For Charles, the real reward is the trust families place in him and the opportunity to help them navigate life with confidence.

For Dotti Graviet, financial advising is personal. As a partner with the Forte/Graviet/Medrano Wealth Management Group, she lives by her motto, “it matters”—whether she’s guiding clients through meaningful life transitions or helping women feel more confident and informed about their financial decisions. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel secure and empowered when it comes to their money.

Dotti’s career in finance began in 1989 in the operations department of an international brokerage firm. She quickly moved into client-facing roles, first as a Registered Client Associate and later as an Investment Associate—positions that allowed her to build deep technical knowledge while forming relationships that have spanned decades. She was part of the team’s transition to Morgan Stanley in 2008, continuing to strengthen her expertise and her commitment to clients.

In 2015, Dotti stepped into a new chapter as a Financial Advisor and partner on the team. Since then, she’s expanded the services she provides to include estate planning strategies, retirement planning, financial planning, and insurance-focused conversations. She earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC^®) designation in 2020, equipping her to help clients map out their retirement needs and navigate both the practical and emotional sides of that transition. She also plays an active role in managing the team’s investment portfolios, ensuring that every plan reflects a client’s real goals, values, and aspirations. In 2025 Dotti was honored by Forbes as a Best-In-State Top Women Wealth Advisor.

Philanthropy has always been a major part of Dotti’s life, especially when it comes to supporting young people. She previously served as Foundation President for a local charter school, helping to lay the groundwork for its early growth. Today, she serves as Treasurer on the board of The Mountain Center, an organization dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through personal discovery and social change. A Santa Fe resident since 1978, Dotti is deeply rooted in the community she serves.

Outside the office, one of her greatest joys is being a grandmother to five—her favorite title yet. When she’s not spending time with her family, you can usually find her in her garden or working on a home project, two hobbies that speak to her love of nurturing and building things that last.

Justin Medrano is a Portfolio Manager and Partner on the Forte Graviet Medrano Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, where he focuses on building customized investment strategies for discerning families and individuals. With over 15 years of industry experience, Justin brings a disciplined, research-driven approach to portfolio construction - with particular depth in investment analysis and private markets.

Justin is a graduate of Harvard University where he studied economics and government. He holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA^®) designation from the Investments & Wealth Institute and a Certificate in Investment Theory & Practice from the Yale School of Management. He is also licensed as a General Securities Representative, Options Supervisor, and Investment Advisor Representative (holding FINRA Series 3, 7, 9, 10, and 66 licenses).

In addition to his role on the team, Justin serves as Branch Manager of Morgan Stanley’s Santa Fe office, where he oversees daily operations, maintains supervisory responsibilities, and fosters a collaborative environment where advisors can share ideas and best thinking on behalf of their clients.

Outside the office, Justin serves on the Board of Directors of the Santa Fe Symphony, reads voraciously, and cheers passionately for his favorite teams.

Bernadette is often the first person clients turn to—not just because she keeps our team running seamlessly, but because she brings a genuine sense of care to every interaction. With a gift for anticipating needs and a calm, solutions-oriented approach, she oversees our day-to-day operations and streamlines the systems that help us respond quickly and thoughtfully to the families we serve. Her ability to move from one request to the next with precision, patience, and efficiency is something our entire team—and our clients—deeply value.

In her role as Wealth Management Associate, Bernadette blends her technical knowledge with her natural curiosity. She supports the management of our investment portfolios, monitors bond and equity pricing, and ensures the details behind the scenes are handled with accuracy and intention.

A proud Santa Fe native, Bernadette began her career working with several international brokerage firms before joining the Forte/Graviet team when the practice moved to Morgan Stanley in 2008. She holds an accounting certificate from DeVry Technical Institute in Phoenix and has pursued additional studies in computer science at Santa Fe Community College.

Outside of the office, Bernadette’s world is just as lively. A former basketball, softball, and Little League coach, she still carries the heart of a coach—steadfast, encouraging, and team-minded. She’s a dedicated sports enthusiast and an avid reader of historical fiction, often trading book recommendations with colleagues and clients alike.

Shannon began her career in finance in 1989, starting in the operations department of a Morgan Stanley predecessor firm. What she remembers most about those early days isn’t the systems or processes—it’s the people. Over the years, she has worked alongside talented colleagues and supported clients through meaningful milestones, holding roles in both support and leadership across regional and national firms. Returning to a client-facing role feels like coming home for her; it’s where she finds the greatest purpose and connection.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Shannon is embracing a new chapter in the sunny Southwest. With her three grown children now living in Portland and Dallas, she followed her own spark of inspiration to Santa Fe after a visit left a lasting impression. The shimmer of snow under desert sunlight, the warmth of the community, and the deep sense of creativity in the city’s art scene drew her in instantly—and made the transition feel just right.

Beyond the office, Shannon has an artist’s heart. She loves discovering new places, settling into the sunshine with a good book, and finding peace in hands-on creativity. Whether she’s sewing, painting, or crafting her own jewelry, she brings the same thoughtfulness and eye for detail that she offers to clients: a steady blend of patience, warmth, and care.