Our Story and Services

For over 20 years, the NorthStar Legacy Group has had the honor and privilege to help families navigate their financial world. We are positioned to provide thoughtful advice and a personalized approach that will help give you greater confidence to pursue the financial goals to help you live your best life. We are dedicated to serving your needs promptly, professionally, and thoroughly.

We provide advice to help you define your financial objectives and develop a strategy for structuring your investments and liabilities to put you in the best position for success. Our focus is working with individuals, families, and small businesses, who value close relationships and professional advice from experienced advisors. Most people understand the importance of making thoughtful and strategic financial decisions, but roadblocks such as time pressures, business priorities, economic circumstances, and even human emotions, often occur. Our seasoned advisory team knows what it takes to help achieve results. We work with successful professionals to integrate their complex lives into a comprehensive, goal-based plan seeking to help achieve their objectives. With a deep history of enduring relationships, we focus on what is most important to you.

Working closely with you, we will develop an investment strategy focused clearly on your objectives—one that reflects:

• Your lifestyle expectations
• Cash flow needs
• Risk tolerance and
• Aspirations for your family.

Today's investment environment is increasingly complex. New opportunities are everywhere, which is why experienced investment guidance is more important than ever. If you are like most investors, you need an advisory team that has the knowledge and the skills to help you sort through and take advantage of investment opportunities that are right for you. When you look at wealth management from a long-term perspective, one thing becomes clear: It's your future, not just your money. Over time, we can help you navigate the noise and distractions of challenging markets, providing a disciplined sense of focus on what's most important—your progress toward your goals. We take the time to understand your concerns, to advise you on the investment process and to help create a strategy customized to your specific needs. Just as important, we know the value of keeping a long-term perspective on performance and following an investment strategy that can help weather varied market conditions.

Fostering long-term client relationships based on trust and integrity is the benchmark of our business philosophy. Ultimately, we want our clients to succeed in whatever they choose to endeavor from a financial perspective. If we can help you achieve your goals and mitigate risks, we have done our job. As your life and business evolve, The NorthStar Group can help you stay on track across years, decades, and generations. We are honored to be ranked as a 2022 Forbes top teams, in the state of Texas.

We look forward to learning more about you and your family, and to discussing how we can help you address your challenges and reach your goals.

Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams 2024
Source: Forbes.com (Awarded Jan 2024) Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on time period from 3/31/22-3/31/23.
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*

Approach

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Discovery Process
Investing the time to learn about you and your family; your assets and liabilities and the risk exposures, enables us to formulate strategies and customize the relationship to your needs.
Formulation of Tax, Trust and Estate Strategy
Working with your tax and legal advisors, we help analyze your income and estate tax circumstances to identify and tailor planning techniques that may be used to address your objectives.
Creation of Customized Strategic Asset Allocation
Your customized asset allocation reflects risk, opportunities and taxation across multiple entities, while integrating your investing and estate plans.
Integration of Tactical Asset Allocation
Short-term adjustments seek to capitalize on temporary market distortions. Before making adjustments, we analyze the impact of taxes and trading costs on potential returns.
Implementation of a Customized Wealth Strategy
After comprehensive due diligence and analysis of expected results across multiple market scenarios, strategies are chosen from our expansive investment platform.
Ongoing Assessment
In coordination with your other advisors, we can conduct ongoing reviews and comprehensive reporting to ensure that your strategy adapts to changing financial and family needs.

PLANNING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

We're here to help manage the stress around financial decisions by offering knowledge and thoughtful guidance.

Your financial goals and priorities will likely shift with time. To help prepare for the road ahead, ask yourself what matters to you and your family long term. We will work with you and look across your assets and liabilities to help you adapt your strategy to meet those changing demands. Whether it is saving for retirement and other expenses, securing retirement income, family financial decisions, healthcare planning, taxes, education, trust funds, or legacy planning, we’re here for you.
Services Include
  • Retirement Planning
  • Education Funding
  • Portfolio Management
  • Tax Planning
  • Healthcare Planning
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Alternative Investments
  • Sustainable Investing
  • Investing with an Impact

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

We offer a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your wealth more effectively in today’s busy world. We are happy to assist you in signing up for any of these services.
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    Morgan Stanley Online (MSO)
    When you sign up for MSO, you can conveniently and securely manage your account online or on your mobile device.
    Click here to learn more
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    Total Wealth View
    With this service, you can view all your assets and liabilities together – whether held at Morgan Stanley or elsewhere – in one place for a comprehensive overview of your assets.
    Click here to learn more
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    Portfolio Risk Management- Aladdin
    Portfolio Risk Platform – Powered by Aladdin is a risk management platform that provides comprehensive risk estimation and reporting across a broad range of asset classes and security types. This platform provides a holistic view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.
    Click here to learn more
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    LifeView
    LifeView begins with a thorough understanding of you, your needs, your lifestyle and family. This provides our clients with comprehensive investing and planning solutions for their individual goals.
    Click here to learn more
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    CashPlus
    CashPlus Accounts are brokerage accounts specifically designed for your cash management needs. It is a modern alternative to banking that allows you to access your cash anytime and anywhere.
    Click here to learn more
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    American Express Card
    Eligible Platinum CashPlus clients can get a $695 Annual Engagement Bonus if they have The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley. Certain Morgan Stanley Debit Cardholders may also qualify7. Terms Apply.
    Click here to learn more

Location

2800 Post Oak Blvd 18th
Fl
Houston, TX 77056
US
Direct:
(713) 965-5000(713) 965-5000
5001 Spring Valley Road
Suite 900 West
Dallas, TX 75022
US
Direct:
(972) 774-6585(972) 774-6585
600 Main Street
Hilton Head, SC 29926
US
Direct:
(843) 689-7226(843) 689-7226

Meet NorthStar Legacy Group

About Gail Stalarow

Gail is a Texas native through and through – she was born and raised in Houston and attended the University of Texas in Austin where she received her B.A. in Accounting.

Gail began her career in finance in 1997 and is now a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor at the Morgan Stanley Houston branch. During her tenure, Gail has earned her Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®. Additionally, Gail is An active member and former co-chair of the Houston Women's Advisory Council, a select group of approximately 10 Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors who support the firm through client events, community events, and promoting strategy for women in a predominantly male-oriented career. In 2025, she was listed as a member of the Century Club at Morgan Stanley, a prestigious group of the firm's elite financial advisors.

Gail is married to Norman Stalarow and they have two amazing boys, Micah and Logan. Following in mom’s footsteps, both of Gail’s sons attended and graduated from the University of Texas. As young adults, Micah has joined his Dad at their family-owned branding, embroidery, and silk-screening company. Logan is working as a management consultant. Gail and Norman enjoy traveling with their kids as often as possible.

Gail has always been an active volunteer. Gail is currently the Chairperson of the Holocaust Museum of Houston Foundation board. Gail has also recently been dedicated to increasing the blood supply by chairing two drives to benefit M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. There are many causes near and dear to Gail and her family, as exhibited by the variety of causes they have supported over the years.

Outside of the office, Gail enjoys volunteering, baking, Pilates, walking and jogging – having completed her very first half marathon around the time of her half-century birthday!

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. In 2025, she was listed as a member of the Century Club at Morgan Stanley, a prestigious group of the firm's elite financial advisors.
Securities Agent: CA, LA, VA, NM, KS, FL, CO, SC, OH, MA, ID, GA, DE, TX, NC, KY, NJ, MI, IN, WA, UT, NY, NV, AZ, AL, PA, OK, IA, MT, MO; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 1290515
CA Insurance License #: CA Insurance #0L76466

About David L. Doan

After the Vietnam War David emigrated with his family as refugees to the United Kingdom. They lost everything, including their home but for what they could bring. Somehow, with a little help from family and neighbors his family scraped together a living in London. Unbeknownst to him, these experiences were foundational to his life and impacted his later years.

Despite a challenging upbringing David strived for better and ultimately attained a Ph.D. at the University of Oxford. David's values are grounded in hard work, perseverance, humility and kindness to others. Those values have served him well not only in life, but also in his career as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. David truly enjoys his work for its varied and challenging demands, but the part of his role that gives him the greatest purpose and satisfaction is being able to help others better manage all financial aspects of their lives.

Now as a seasoned professional in his field, David is looking to lead efforts to give back and lift others in our community using the collective skills of his years of experience, his diverse and dynamic NorthStar Legacy team, and Morgan Stanley, one of the leading wealth management firms of our time and the network of other likeminded professionals he has built.

David lives in the Houston area with his wife Victoria and children; Olivia and Mark. In his spare time he enjoys reading, traveling and volunteering in the local community.
Securities Agent: MA, LA, FL, AR, VA, OK, NC, MO, NM, IL, DE, CO, PA, NY, KY, IA, AL, SC, NV, ID, AZ, CA, OH, GA, CT, TX, MI, IN, KS, WA, NJ, MT; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1423935

About Thomas Baker

Thomas formally began his career in the financial services industry in 2002 after completing a college internship with Morgan Stanley.  His collegiate experience with Morgan Stanley solidified his career choice as a financial advisor and he is continually grateful to be working in an occupation which he loves.  Thomas is committed to finding customized financial solutions for his clients based on their long term goals and predilection to risk.  Thomas and his team use a wholistic approach to wealth management to provide value-added service to their clients.  His areas of concentration are in financial planning, asset allocation, fixed income, mutual funds and alternative investments.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Thomas earned a Bachelors degree in Finance at Texas A&M University, and is a graduate of the Certificate Program in Financial Planning at Southern Methodist University.  Thomas also has gained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING certification.

Residing in the Dallas area since 2002, Thomas and his wife, Natasha have three children, Jake, Charlotte & Elin. They are active within their church, The Village Church and other community organizations. After office hours, Thomas enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including mountain biking, and bird hunting and he also has a passion for music and classic cars.
Securities Agent: AR, WA, TX, OH, IN, AL, VA, PA, OK, NV, NM, NJ, MA, CO, NY, KS, IA, NC, GA, FL, CA, KY, AZ, SC, MO, LA, ID, MI, MT, PR, DE; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1265252

About Scott Baker

Scott Baker serves as the Vice President and Branch Manager of Hilton Head Island, SC. Harnessing nearly two decades of experience, Scott consistently demonstrating an uncanny ability to navigate the intricacies of today's dynamic markets. Coupled with an unwavering dedication, Scott becomes an indispensable asset for clients and advisors alike. His enthusiasm for the investment world is unmatched, and helps foster success for all associated with him.

The cornerstone of Scott’s investment philosophy is rooted in a profound understanding of his clients. He believes in first acquainting himself with every detail of his client's background, aspirations, and goals. From this foundation, he crafts individualized financial plans, setting each client on a path tailored to achieve their objectives. For Scott, the process doesn’t conclude at planning; it involves ongoing communication and periodic reviews of the plan to ensure it remains aligned with the client's evolving life and aspirations.

Scott's educational background includes the CFP® designation, a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Science from Purdue University. Scott is committed to ongoing education to maintain and improve his skills in this fast-paced global environment where information and variables are constantly changing. In addition, he offers mentorship to financial advisors, equipping them with the latest in technological tools, from advanced risk management analytics to innovative wealth planning resources.

Outside the professional sphere, Scott and his wife, Trish, are deeply embedded in their community. Their involvement ranges from the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce to initiatives like Turtle Trackers and The First Tee. This active participation underlines their unwavering commitment to the growth and vitality of the Hilton Head community.
Securities Agent: VI, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA; BM/Supervisor; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative; Managed Futures
NMLS#: 1326795

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 Maricris Felicidario

Maricris Felicidario is a Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Texas.

Private Bankers partner with 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.

Maricris began her career in financial services in 1997, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2015 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, she was a Senior Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. She also served as a Premier Client Manager at Bank of America.

Maricris lives in Houston, Texas. Outside of the office, she enjoys writing, photography, and traveling.
NMLS#: 620169

About Randy Payne

Randy Payne is a Senior Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth Market.

Private Bankers partner with 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.

Randy began his career in financial services in 1993, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2014 as a Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Divisional Sales Director at Wells Fargo Advisors.

Randy is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Management. He lives in Northlake, Texas with his family. Outside of the office, Randy enjoys spending time in Oxford, MS with his family cheering on Ole Miss football and baseball teams.
NMLS#: 1214288

About Frank Vatuna

Frank Vatuna is an Associate Private Banker serving Morgan Stanley Wealth Management offices in Texas.

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.

Frank began his career in financial services in 1988, and joined Morgan Stanley in 2019 as an Associate Private Banker. Prior to joining the firm, he was a Wealth Management Banker at Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Lending Officer at Bank of America.

Frank is a graduate of the University of Houston, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He lives in Magnolia, TX with his family. Outside of the office, Frank enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. He also volunteers for March of Dimes and Houston Food Bank.
NMLS#: 620249

About Logan Mitchell

Logan Mitchell, CFP® is an Associate Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Houston-Post Oak. She is responsible for helping Financial Advisors with their clients' and prospects' financial planning needs.

Logan began her career in financial services as a Wealth Advisor Associate, at Morgan Stanley in 2019. She matriculated from that role to a Financial Advisor, and joined a team managing a book of business north of $200 million. In order to focus on more complex financial planning strategies, she switched to her current role in 2022.

Logan graduated from Howard University School of Business with honors, in 2018 and holds her Certified Financial Planner® designation. She lives in Memorial City, Houston with her family. When she is not playing with her 6-month-old daughter, she can be found working out, watching basketball, or spending time with her parents in Oklahoma.

About Stan Quelle

Stanley Quelle is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Stanley provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.


He earned his undergraduate degree from Iona University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Stanley is originally from Montreal, Canada and currently resides in Rockville Centre, NY.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office

Portfolio Insights

Retirement

Working with you to understand your life goals and develop a personalized wealth strategy. Today and for the years to come.
  • 401(k) Rollovers
  • IRA Plans
  • Retirement income strategies
  • Retirement plan participants
  • Annuities
4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts
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4 Financially Smart Ways to Take Money Out of Retirement Accounts

Discover how planning for required minimum distributions from retirement accounts can help you fund future needs and support loved ones.

Investing

Working closely with you to guide your wealth and investments through the most challenging market cycles.
  • Asset Management
  • Wealth Planning
  • Traditional Investments
  • Alternative Investments
  • Impact Investing
2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth
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2025 Global Economic Outlook: U.S. Policies May Temper Global Growth

Global growth is likely to be around 3% in 2025 and 2026, as tariff and immigration policies begin to slow the U.S. economy late next year, and China's underperformance restrains emerging markets.

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
Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse
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Taking Control of Your Finances After Death of a Spouse

Financial planning after a divorce or death can be trying, but with the right approach and the right advice you can turn a difficult situation into empowerment.

Business Planning

Helping you on key aspects of your business such as ownership, liquidity and developing opportunities.
  • Succession Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Qualified Retirement Plans
Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business
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Financial Planning for Life After Selling a Business

Selling your business can mean big changes for your life, both personally and financially. Know how to make the most of your windfall.

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
Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 
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Donor Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Manage Your Giving 

There’s more to charitable giving than you may realize. Here’s one method that may be a tax-efficient way to give and can help maximize your impact.

Mosaic

Explore ideas and inspiration with captivating, original lifestyle stories created exclusively for Morgan Stanley clients.
A Change of Greenery
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A Change of Greenery

Houseplants add oxygen, flair, and warmth year-round, and the right one in the right space can do just as much for a room as any painting or side table.

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.
The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce
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The Business Case for a Financially Resilient Workforce

In the face of turbulent markets, the word “resilience” may be top of mind. Broadly speaking, resilience is the ability to “bounce back” when encountering life’s inevitable challenges.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact NorthStar Legacy Group today.
Market Information Delayed 20 Minutes
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Check the background of our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck*.

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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)