Paramus Branch Office

Danielle, a seasoned financial professional with over two decades of experience, leads the Paramus, New Jersey market with a service-oriented philosophy that extends beyond clients to encompass the well-being of advisors. Her approach goes beyond conventional business planning, as she and her team actively engage with Financial Advisors (FAs) based on their preferences and needs.

Graduating from Hofstra University with a bachelor's degree in International Business, Danielle's journey in financial services began while still in college. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to pursue an MBA in Finance. Early in her career, she embraced the dynamic nature of the industry, starting as a Sales Assistant at Dean Witter and later advancing to a management role at UBS.

Danielle's extensive experience in Regional management provided her with a unique perspective on the firm-wide tools and expertise available to FAs. Joining Morgan Stanley as a Regional Business Service Officer, she dedicated over 12 years to this role before assuming the position of Manager of the Paramus Branch in the Northern New Jersey Market in 2020.

Beyond the financial world, Danielle's passion for empowering young women led her to serve on the board of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. She believes in the organization's mission to cultivate leadership skills, viewing it as a harmonious effort alongside the Branch's, Market's, and Firm's initiatives to enhance diversity within the Financial Advisor population.

Outside the office, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and balancing her professional acumen with a commitment to making a positive impact both within the financial realm and the broader community.

Rick Marx is a Vice President and Financial Planning Director serving Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management offices in Northern and Central New Jersey. He is responsible for helping Financial Advisors’ clients and prospects with their financial planning needs.

Rick began his career in financial services in 2007 and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. Prior to his current position, he was a Financial Advisor at JP Morgan Chase in New York City as well as a Financial Consulting Director for TIAA also in New York City.

Rick graduated from Hunter College and has been a Certified Financial Planner™ since 2011.
In addition, he holds the Chartered Financial Consultant^® designation. Rick lives in New Jersey with his wife Gloria and son Dean. Outside of work, Rick enjoys playing guitar, reading, cooking and spending time with his family.

Carol Alania is the Business Development Manager for the Central and Northern New Jersey Markets

Carol began her career in financial services in 2004 at Wachovia Bank as a Roving Service Banker. She joined Morgan Stanley in 2005 as a Client Service Associate for a Financial Advisor she previously interned for. She held the Client Service Associate role for 12 years, servicing a wide range of ultra-high net worth clients as well as administering the Exxon stock plan for domestic and international clients. In 2018, she transitioned to the Branch Administrator role within Morgan Stanley, and soon after joined the Market Team as Market Administrator. In June 2022, Carol re-joined the Service organization as a Business Service Officer. In this role, Carol was responsible for helping shape the future of service by modernizing the client experience through an elevated standard of care. By partnering, supervising, and managing the Support Professionals, Carol drove and executed the organization’s strategic priorities inclusive of MSO, financial planning, banking & lending, etc. As of September 2025, after many rewarding years in service and operations, Carol transitioned into her current role as Business Development Manager, a client-focused sales role where she leverages her deep knowledge of the firm, strong relationships and a passion for helping advisors grow their businesses while continuing to put clients first.

Carol graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance, and a minor in Economics. Carol resides with her husband and son in Totowa, New Jersey. Outside of the office, Carol enjoys traveling, cooking, taking her son on adventures and spending quality time with her family and friends.