My Story

I bring a lifetime of experience to my role as a wealth management professional. As an industry veteran with more than 35 years' experience, I have worked with highly successful executives, business owners, retirees and folks from all walks of life providing personalized advice through a disciplined approach based on extensive research and attention to detail. With a diverse background in Accounting, Economics and Finance, I help you understand and navigate the intricacies of creating and preserving wealth. I focus on what is most important to you and your family, and build a strategy designed to achieve your goals and enable your wealth. I provide my clients with a comprehensive strategy that addresses all of their specific goals. My Accounting background allows for tax efficiency. My Certified Financial Planner ™ designation allows me to develop creative strategies and my extensive professional network allows me to coordinate and collaborate with other professionals to create the desired outcomes you seek.

I combine two important skills that are often difficult to find in one financial advisor: The ability to work through unique and often complicated family dynamics around your wealth and the insights to build and manage an investment portfolio that is aligned with your goals and values. Over the course of my career, I have earned a number of important industry credentials, including Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning. This credential certifies that I have mastered the rigorous education, examination, experience and ethics requirements required by the Certified Financial Planner® Board of Standards, an independent professional regulatory organization. My emphasis on family financial planning – combined with a keen understanding of macro-economic trends – enables me to take the mystery out of the markets, delivering a disciplined approach to smart money management for your family and the generations that follow.

I am also a Corporate Retirement Director at Morgan Stanley. As one of only a handful of Morgan Stanley advisors bestowed with this title, I specialize in providing retirement plan solutions to companies all over the United States. Retirement plans are an employee benefit but is some cases plans can be designed to provide excellent tax shelters to business owners. Becoming a CRD is no easy task. There are rigorous standards the firm requires you to meet and recertify each year. In addition to being a CRD, I also have my QPFC (Qualified Plan Financial Consultant) designation as sponsored by NAPA (National Association of Plan Advisors).

Getting started is easy. It begins with a conversation. I look forward to discussing how I can create the lifestyle and legacy you envision for you and your family.

About Me:

I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance. In eighth grade, I asked my parents to subscribe to the New York Times so I could study the stock market. I wanted to understand how changes in the economy made an impact on the stocks I was following. Upon graduating from CW Post College, where I earned a degree in Accounting and Economics, I began my career at Merrill Lynch as an Accountant. It is here where I discovered my love of research. In 2002, I joined Smith Barney (now Morgan Stanley) for the opportunity to work more directly with clients and use my research skills to guide them towards the achievement of their goals.

Throughout my career, I have remained committed to professional development, earning such important industry credentials as my Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist® designations. I am also a Corporate Retirement Director and Family Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley and earned an MBA from St. John's University.

I grew up in Syosset and now live with my wife in Huntington, where we raised our two adopted sons, biological brothers originally from Siberia. I active in several endeavors close to my heart: International Adoption, suicide prevention and animal rights.

Services Include
Securities Agent: CA, MA, WA, SC, PA, DC, MO, TN, OR, VA, NY, TX, NJ, GA, FL, MN, ID, NC, CT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1279185
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Clients

When I made the decision to start my own wealth management practice, I gave a lot of thought to the types of individuals and families I would like to help. I asked myself what were my strengths and perspectives, and who would best be served by my experience, skills and values. 
 
Over the years, I have developed a strong and active practice that includes a diverse group of clients, including:
 
•  Families spanning multiple generations
•  Retirees and individuals planning for retirement
•  Successful professionals, corporate executives and business owners
•  Women seeking guidance for themselves and their families
•  Referrals from existing clients and industry professionals
 
While each client has unique goals and circumstances, they all have one thing in common: The desire to simplify their finances and develop an integrated wealth strategy for now and the future.

I strive to provide the knowledge and insights they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced world, so they may enjoy their wealth and leave the legacy they desire.

Working With You

My process ensures my recommendations are comprehensive and cohesive. I ask very specific questions about your life, your family and your legacy, and then I listen. It’s an ongoing dialogue that enables me to customize a plan that is aligned with your personal goals and values.
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    Step 1: Discovery
    • Learn about your goals and the values that shape your decisions
    • Understand what keeps you up at night and any challenges unique to your situation
    • Identify your financial priorities
    • Collect financial statements, tax returns and other documents
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    Step 2: Analysis
    • Review your current and future financial situation
    • Analyze current investment portfolio
    • Develop a tailored investment plan, utilizing a breadth of world-class investments
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    Step 3: Present Plan
    • Present your plan, prioritizing activities and establishing timelines
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    Step 4: Implementation
    • Execute your plan
    • Interface with your CPA and estate attorney to ensure strategies are fully coordinated
    • Follow up regularly to ensure transparency and understanding
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    Step 5: Ongoing Service & Care
    • Set up tools to provide convenient access to your accounts
    • Apply strict due diligence process to evaluate performance of your investments
    • Schedule regular discussions to review and track your progress
    • Discuss changes in your life, adjusting your strategy accordingly

A Full Suite of Services for Your Business

Providing a comprehensive retirement plan offering is essential to the wellbeing of your employees, and the long-term success of your business.

Through my background in providing Corporate Retirement Services, the vast resources of Morgan Stanley, and an extensive professional network - I partner with you to provide a thoughtful plan that encompasses the unique needs of your organization.
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    Plan Evaluation
    Our process begins with identifying and understanding your needs to help you ensure your plan is set up to achieve its goals.
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    Investment Management
    We work with plan sponsors to develop investment policy statements and utilize those guidelines to determine an investment selection that is appropriate for your goals.
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    Plan Management Support
    We provide you with ongoing support in the management and administration of your retirement plan - ensuring you have all the necessary resources along the way.
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    Plan Participant Education
    We can provide unique content and a vast set of resources to help engage and educate your plan participants on the benefits of saving for retirement.

Core Values

I come to work every day focused on making a real difference in the lives of my clients and their families. The following core values serve as the cornerstone of my practice and underscore my commitment to an exceptional client experience.
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    Experience
    Over the course of my career, I have acquired a diverse set of skills and experiences that enable me to tackle the complexities of significant wealth. I have earned important credentials, including Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Planning Specialist® (CRPS®), Family Wealth Advisor, and Corporate Retirement Director. My priority is to be your first call for any financial matter – no matter how simple or complex the situation.
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    Integrity
    Every decision is focused on doing the right thing for you. As a CFP®, I am held to a higher standard, offering the best solutions for your consideration.
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    Caring Relationships
    I am dedicated to building deep and caring relationships. I do this by working with a select group of individuals, families and business leaders, who value my depth of knowledge in providing comprehensive solutions that go well beyond investments. The bonds I form are fundamental to my mission, and it is my intention that they span generations.
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    Giving Back
    With deep roots in my community and a deeper commitment to sustaining its character for future generations, I serve a number of important organizations that include the Gift of Life, Rotary International and the LI Association. I am also a big proponent of adoption and found great joy raising our two adopted boys. I continue to support the organization, Help Us Adopt.
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    Personalized Service
    I recognize every client is unique. Some require in-depth explanations of investment concepts, while others understand those concepts thoroughly and prefer an advisor with whom they can formulate strategies. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals in a manner that aligns with your expectation of a concierge experience.

Location

58 South Service Rd
Ste 400
Melville, NY 11747
US
Direct:
(631) 755-8881(631) 755-8881
Toll-Free:
(800) 477-7522(800) 477-7522
Fax:
(631) 755-8999(631) 755-8999

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 Dominique Hicks

Dominique Hicks is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Western Long Island, New York. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.


Dominique began her career in financial services in 2015 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to her current position, she acquired a great deal of acclamation & recognition for her work in Private Client and Small Business at JP Morgan Chase Bank. She continued to grow as a resource and joined Merrill Lynch later as a Financial Advisor.

Dominique graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with a bachelor’s in accounting and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation. Dominique lives in Stony Brook, NY and cherishes spending time with her loved ones. She is a loving mother of two, adores practicing yoga with her kids and volunteers as a mentor for young college women.

About Andrew Bertalli

Andrew Bertalli is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Eastern Long Island, NY. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Andrew began his career in financial services in 2000 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, Andrew served high-net-worth clients for over 17 years. Andrew also has worked at Charles Schwab, USAA, and TIAA.

Andrew Bertalli graduated from Saint Francis College and has a Bachelor of Science in Business. Andrew holds his Certified Financial Planner® designation. Andrew lives on Long Island with his wife and children. Outside of work, Andrew likes to keep fit and spend time with his family. Andrew holds a private pilot license and served in the US Navy.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC 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 visit us at http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com or consult with your Financial Advisor to understand these differences.

About Kathleen Kowlessar

Kathleen Kowlessar is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in New York.

Associate Private Bankers partner with Private Bankers and Financial Advisors to develop a specialized approach for managing clients’ cash flow, liquidity and financing needs, leveraging our comprehensive suite of cash management and lending solutions.

Kathleen began her career in financial services in 2013, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Store Manager at the TD Bank.

Kathleen is a graduate of the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, where she received a Master of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. She lives in Garden City, New York with her family. Outside of the office, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and trying new foods.
NMLS#: 1037493
Wealth Management
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  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
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Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
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  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
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Family

Creating customized financial strategies for the challenges that today’s families face.
  • Estate Planning Strategies
  • 529 Plans / Education Savings Planning
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Trust Services
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Business Planning

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  • Succession Planning
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  • Qualified Retirement Plans
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Philanthropy

Making sure your philanthropic dollars are managed with the same high quality service as the rest of your wealth.
  • Endowments
  • Foundations
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Impact Investing
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Retirement for Plan Sponsors

End-to-End Services, Made Simple:
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  • Plan Evaluation
  • Investment Management
  • Plan Management Support
  • Plan Participant Education
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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:
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  • Improve retention and engagement, and
  • Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

1Morgan 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 and other legal matters.

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2Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

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3Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.

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4When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals should always check with their tax or legal advisor before engaging in any transaction involving 529 Plans, Education Savings Accounts and other tax-advantaged investments.

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5Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors or 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 legal matters.

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6Morgan 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.

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7Morgan 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 or review our Understanding Your Brokerage and Investment Advisory Relationships brochure available at www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.

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8When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals 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.

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9Morgan 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 and other legal matters.

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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:
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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 Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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
CRC 6491812 (04/2024)