Kathleen Kowlessar
Associate Private Banker
Leonarda Okpych, QPFC
Financial Advisor,
Financial Planning Specialist
Direct:
(631) 987-5658(631) 987-5658
My Mission Statement
Assisting individuals navigate asset management on a cross-border basis in today's complex geopolitical climate
My Story
Leonarda (Lena) joined Morgan Stanley as an intern her Senior year; upon graduation, Lena joined Morgan Stanley as a full time Financial Advisor.
Lena works with individuals navigating the nomadic, ex-patriot life to help achieve their financial goals leveraging Morgan Stanley's en-suite Investment Universe. In conjunction with Investment Management, Lena’s practice heavily emphasizes Financial Planning using Financial Literacy as a tool in an effort to ensure her clients are achieving their financial and personable goals.
Living in Switzerland whilst the CHF was unpegged from the EUR and a keen interest in history and economics, has provided Lena with a high-level understanding of the impact of the macro and micro economic environment on her clients portfolios.
Being based in New York poses the challenge for Lena to enjoy her favourite hobbies year around; swimming and golfing. The other nine months out of the year, you can find Lena at the gym or the aeroport.
NMLS 2334701
Lena works with individuals navigating the nomadic, ex-patriot life to help achieve their financial goals leveraging Morgan Stanley's en-suite Investment Universe. In conjunction with Investment Management, Lena’s practice heavily emphasizes Financial Planning using Financial Literacy as a tool in an effort to ensure her clients are achieving their financial and personable goals.
Living in Switzerland whilst the CHF was unpegged from the EUR and a keen interest in history and economics, has provided Lena with a high-level understanding of the impact of the macro and micro economic environment on her clients portfolios.
Being based in New York poses the challenge for Lena to enjoy her favourite hobbies year around; swimming and golfing. The other nine months out of the year, you can find Lena at the gym or the aeroport.
NMLS 2334701
Securities Agent: DC, AR, WY, WV, UT, PR, OK, NY, WI, WA, VI, SD, OH, ME, MA, FL, CT, VT, GA, RI, NH, MI, NV, CO, PA, KY, IN, DE, SC, OR, VA, TX, TN, NJ, NC, IL, CA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2334701
NMLS#: 2334701
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
As your wealth grows, so does its complexities and the resources needed to manage it effectively. I leverage my experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. I look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to help achieve your particular priorities and goals.
Wealth Management
Managing your wealth on a cross-border basis comes with a fair share of challenges. In addition to tax rules and regulations, you must be mindful of exchange rates, currency conversions, living expenses, and insurance policies. As a previous expat, I understand the complexities and nuances that come with managing wealth on a cross-border basis.
Disclaimer:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Addressing the Challenges of Managing Wealth Across BordersDisclaimer:
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Portfolio Management
Managing an investment portfolio should be a consultative, disciplined process that balances your attitudes about investing with careful analysis of the financial markets. Working together, we create a customized strategy that applies long-held investment principles to help your assets appreciate appropriately or generate cash-flow or income as you require.
Alternative Investments
Investors' expectations of returns on stocks and bonds are being challenged by high inflation and tightening monetary policy. Many investors are looking for uncorrelated vehicles providing them with less volatility and higher liquidity. Morgan Stanley’s global network affords us the ability to offer clients a wide array of alternative investments to consider. Our recommendations are based on your own goals and your tolerance for investment risk.
Alternative Investment Insights
Cash Management
Creating adequate cash flow and securing liquidity are the day-to-day aspects of implementing a financial strategy and can be complex while abroad. I help you meet your personal cash management and borrowing needs, while thinking strategically about how specific approaches may affect current and long-term costs and taxes.
Global Currency YieldsCorporate Services
Below is a summary of some of the services that we've been recently engaged in that provide workplace financial solutions for organizations and their employees
At Work Solutions
Innovative workplace offerings for companies and employees which include Shareworks by Morgan Stanley, our global equity plan management solution, Financial Wellness and Retirement solutions.
Learn more about our work solutions
Corporate Retirement Solutions
Comprehensive solutions to effectively maximize and customize retirement benefits, so managers can help employees make the most out of retirement.
Learn more about our corporate retirement solutions
Financial Wellness
I understand that when employees thrive, companies thrive. I am proud to offer a customizable solution for organizations to empower their employees by making their finances a source of wellness – and not a source of stress.
Learn more about financial wellness solutions
Equity Edge Online
Innovative Solutions and cutting-edge technology make it easy to administer plans that help you attract, retain, and motivate talent.
Learn more about ETrade corporate services
Boutique Investment Solutions
Graystone Consulting consists of more than 50 offices nationwide, providing the personalized service you would expect from a small investment boutique while backed by the global resources of Morgan Stanley.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans
By offering a NQDC plan, you are providing your highly compensated employees with a tool that can help them work towards their financial goals. We have experience with NQDC plans and can help you.
Small-Business Retirement Plans
What's the right plan for your business? Morgan Stanley at Work spotlights three common small-business retirement solutions so you can select the right choice for your business.
Learn more about small-business retirement plans
Right-Sizing Long-Term Reserves
Helping nonprofit volunteers and executives understand the relationship between operating reserves and long-term reserves and to help them fund each bucket more effectively to not only protect their organization from risk, but maximize the growth of potential of existing assets.
Selecting the Appropriate Long-Term Reserves Method
Philanthropy Management
Philanthropy Management supports individual, family, corporate, and private foundation and nonprofit clients by offering a suite of services to help define and realize clients' charitable missions
Philanthropy Management Overview
Endowment Management
Surrounding you with extensive resources that check all the critical boxes for helping grow and protect your endowment. We subscribe to a philosophy that reaches beyond the investments and is designed to help our endowment clients ultimately redefine success, manage risk and focus on the real result – their ability to meet their goals.
Donor Advised Funds
Contributions to a DAF are invested in line with Donor preferences and have the potential to grow tax-free, thus enabling the Donor to recommend grants to a variety of charities over several years. The final decisions on grant recommendations are made by the MS GIFT Board of Directors.
Stock Donation Accounts
If you're considering a charitable donation, giving stock may be one of the most effective methods. Gifting appreciate stock reduces taxes while still supporting organizations you care about.
Tax-Savvy Ways to Give
Morgan Stanley Impact Quotient
Morgan Stanley Impact Quotient (MSIQ) uses the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and alignment technology in seeking social and environmental alpha within a portfolio. MSIQ reporting allows our clients to comprehensive understanding of the social and environmental impact of their investment portfolio. We use a thorough evaluation to ensure your values are reflected within your portfolio.
Assess Your ImpactLocation
58 South Service Rd
Ste 400
Melville, NY 11747
US
Direct:
(631) 987-5658(631) 987-5658
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
Andrew Bertalli, CFP®
Financial Planning Director, Vice President
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Article Image
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
Rational Investing in an Age of Uncertainty
Article Image
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
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Leonarda Okpych today.
1GlobalCurrency is available to clients of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC with an eligible brokerage account. Before undertaking foreign exchange transactions, clients should understand the associated risks.
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
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.
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 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
Engaging in foreign currency transactions entails more varied risks than normally associated with transactions in the domestic securities markets. Attention should be paid to market, credit, sovereign, and liquidity risks. The foreign exchange transactions and deposits discussed in this material may not be appropriate for all clients. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy depends upon a client’s particular circumstances and objectives. This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2Products and services are provided by third party service providers, not Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”). Morgan Stanley may not receive a referral fee or have any input concerning such products or services. There may be additional service providers for comparative purposes. Please perform a thorough due diligence and make your own independent decision.
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.
3Morgan 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.
4Morgan 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.
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.
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 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)
