Our Story and Services

The Aspiro Group at Morgan Stanley understands that your wealth transcends everything. To that end, we are dedicated to being a trusted advisor on your lifelong financial journey. Our name has significant meaning. It originates from the Latin word aspiro, meaning ”to aspire.” Our goal is to deeply understand your aspirations and to uncover where you are today to get you where you want to go in the future.

Through a thoughtful approach, we always keep our clients informed and create personalized financial plans and customized portfolios based on each client’s unique needs. We always put our clients first and take pride in our high-touch client service model and proactive client communication.

Our experienced team focuses on a select number of clients to ensure you receive the time and attention you deserve. Through the broad resources of Morgan Stanley and by working with your outside professionals, we offer comprehensive wealth management. With wealth, comes inevitable challenges. We are problem solvers and if we don’t know the answers, we will find them. We know how hard you have worked to build your wealth and we will work hard to achieve your aspirations.
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. We leverage our experience and relationships to deliver innovative strategies that are tailored to your needs. We look forward to speaking with you to understand your challenges, so we may map out a strategy to achieve your particular priorities and goals.
    Icon Image
    Financial Planning
    Every relationship begins with an understanding of your specific story: your goals, past experiences, values and risk tolerance. We help you better understand your current situation and create a powerful vision of your financial future.






    Morgan 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 https://www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf
    Icon Image
    Wealth Management
    Wealth management brings all the dimensions of your life together. We listen carefully to understand the connections across your personal life, your family, your career and your legacy goals to develop a comprehensive strategy that is uniquely yours.
    Icon Image
    Retirement Planning
    One of our key areas of focus is helping you prepare for and thrive in retirement. From IRAs to RMDs, we manage the complexities of your comprehensive retirement plan assets, helping you easily transition to the next phase of your life with security and confidence.
    Icon Image
    Professional 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.



    Morgan Stanley’s investment advisory programs may require a minimum asset level and, depending on your specific investment objectives and financial position, may not be appropriate for you. Please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC program disclosure brochure (the “Morgan Stanley ADV”) for more information in the investment advisory programs available. The Morgan Stanley ADV is available at www.morganstanley.com/ADV.
    Icon Image
    Cash Management Services
    Creating adequate cash flow and securing liquidity are the day-to-day aspects of implementing a financial strategy. We 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.




    Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.
    Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
    Icon Image
    Estate Planning & Philanthropic Strategies
    Delivering an estate to the next generation or favorite charity requires more attention than families often realize. We coordinate with your estate and tax professionals to align your legacy goals with the appropriate asset titling and beneficiary designation requirements, incorporating best practices to help enhance results.

A Financial Plan Made For You

Our wealth management process begins with you, your investment objectives and your financial goals. Holistic in its approach, it may encompass all the elements of your financial life - your investments and your cash management needs - making sure they align with your goals and wealth management plan.

At Morgan Stanley, we understand that the goals you set today will evolve over time. Your plan will evolve with them - and with the changing circumstances of your life.

Leveraging a sophisticated suite of analytic tools, as well as the extensive resources of Morgan Stanley, we can help you take charge of your financial future an achieve your goals. Below, we have provided some links that will introduce you to a few of the tools that we use, please click to learn more about them. We hope that you will return often to learn more about topics impacting your wealth.
    Icon Image
    Goals Planning System
    Goals Planning System (GPS) is Morgan Stanley’s own integrated planning tool. Built on the Firm’s intellectual capital and capabilities, GPS is an intuitive and efficient platform used to quickly assess whether a client is “On Track” to achieving their financial goals.
    Start Planning Now
    Icon Image
    Intelligent Risk Management
    There’s a chance your portfolio may be at risk, but how you manage that risk is what matters.

    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 both an overview and a detailed view to better enable risk to be effectively monitored and managed.

    https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/portfolio-risk-management-prepare-unexpected
    View Tax-Aware Strategies Here
    Icon Image
    Spending and Budgeting Tool
    One way to manage savings is by using Morgan Stanley’s Spending and Budgeting tool. These tools help advisors monitor client cash flows across both internal and external accounts. It also tracks spending patterns and produces an income and expense analysis to help clients achieve their goals by adjusting their spending behavior when necessary.
    Start Using the Tool Today
    Icon Image
    Cash Management and Lending Solutions
    At Morgan Stanley, we offer unique cash management and lending solutions to complement your investments and help simplify your finances.
    Explore the Full Suite of Offerings
    Icon Image
    Beyond Basic Borrowing
    Most people borrow during the course of their lives. But it’s important to be as strategic about borrowing as you are with the other areas of your financial life.
    Strategic Borrowing
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley CashPlus Brokerage Account
    Designed as a modern alternative to banking with the capabilities to help you access, move, and manage cash when you need it while enjoying exclusive benefits.
    Click to Learn More
    Icon Image
    How Will You Pay Your Tax Bill
    There are a variety of options to paying your tax bill. Learn some of the pros and cons for each.
    Common Approaches to Managing the Payment
    Icon Image
    Helping a Loved One Buy a Home
    High home prices and mortgage rates are putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for many would-be buyers. Learn how you can help a loved one break into a tough market.
    Ways to Help With a Home Purchase
    Icon Image
    Looking to Buy a Home? How Cash Offers Can Give You an Edge
    In hot housing markets, cash can help you get what you want. There are strategies that can help you make an all-cash offer.
    Strategies to Raise Funds for an All-Cash Offer
    Icon Image
    Why Your Home Can Be a Retirement Asset
    If you’re willing to consider drawing on your home’s equity—either by selling your home or borrowing against its value—it can dramatically change your retirement outlook.
    Ways to Tap into Home Equity
    Icon Image
    Preferred Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
    Once you open a Morgan Stanley Brokerage Account, you can potentially grow your wealth with our competitive fixed rate Preferred Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offerings.
    Lock in a Competitive Rate
    Icon Image
    Preferred Savings Program
    Once you open a Morgan Stanley Brokerage Account, you can make the most of your idle cash with our competitive Preferred Savings Program.
    Help Keep Your Cash Working for You
    Icon Image
    A $695 Annual Engagement Bonus
    For eligible Platinum Morgan Stanley CashPlus brokerage account clients with the Platinum Card from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley. Certain Morgan Stanley Debit Cardholders may qualify. Terms apply.
    Click to Learn More
    Icon Image
    Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred American Express Card
    A very welcoming offer. Earn a $250 statement credit with the Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred American Express Card. Terms Apply.
    Learn More

Quick Links

Morgan Stanley provides clients with resources meant to transform complex financial analysis and research into concise and easily digestible content. The links below offer insight into the modern market and economic landscape.

Location

2800 Post Oak Blvd
18th FL
Houston, TX 77056
US

Meet The Aspiro Group

About Christopher Stimming

Christopher understands that wealth plays a critical role in everyone’s lives. From where you live, to where you send your children to school, to traveling and supporting your family and lifestyle. He is dedicated to minimizing the complexities of wealth by having a comprehensive financial plan, so every client can strive to live the life they’ve always imagined and do it without financial concerns. Clients can rest assured that he always puts their interests first and focuses on their investments, so they don’t have to. Christopher focuses on in portfolio design and risk management, tax efficient investing, retirement planning, financing/lending, insurance, and legacy planning. In 2025, Chris was included as a member of Morgan Stanley's prestigious Century Club, an elite and exclusive group of the firm's financial advisors

A financial services industry veteran since 1996, prior to being a Financial Advisor Christopher worked for an institutional investment management firm and worked with several portfolio managers for large funds, pensions, and 401(k) plans. Christopher also worked for J.P. Morgan Private Bank and joined Morgan Stanley in 2022. He has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional certification to keep up with the latest investment strategies to that may be available to his clients. Christopher also holds his Health, Life, Property & Casualty Insurance Licenses. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree.

Christopher lives in Houston, Texas with his wife, Erin, and three children, Hopson, Eason, and Wells. He cares deeply about his community and is a St. John’s School Ambassador. He has also sponsored the Joe Smith & Allie LaForce CureHD Foundation along with Houston Area Parkinson’s Disease (HAPS). Outside of the office, Christopher enjoys coaching his children on various sports teams, travel with his family, tennis, reading, and mountain climbing.


Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Securities Agent: MO, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA,
TN, TX, VA, WA, WV, PR; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2480650
Securities Agent: OK, NY, MA, IL, IN, CA, AZ, LA, PA, DE, VA, NJ, CO, NC, AR, AL, TX; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2480650

About Erin Halprin

Erin specializes in working with business owners and focuses on helping clients accelerate the value of their business and keep more of what they've worked so hard to build. She understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face balancing growth, risk, and long-term wealth. Erin focuses on strategies that not only increase enterprise value but also protect and preserve your personal and financial legacy. Whether you're scaling your company, planning an exit, or simply looking to optimize your financial future, Erin brings a deep understanding of business dynamics and a proactive, results-driven approach. She strives to be the “go-to” person for her clients, as well as their most trusted advisor for everything finance related.

In 2009, Erin began her wealth management career at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. In 2022, she joined Morgan Stanley. She is a Family Wealth Director, Insurance Planning Director, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and holds her Health, Life, Property & Casualty Insurance Licenses. Erin graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a BA in English Literature and received her MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business with a concentration in Investment Management.

Erin lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, David, and two young children. She is passionate about staying connected and participating in the local community. Erin is a member of the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Foundation. She is also a member of Houston’s Exceptional Women’s Network (HEWN). Outside of the office, she enjoys Pilates, walking, live music, watching her kids’ sports and being outdoors.

Securities Agent: KY, NC, MT, MO, LA, MA, NJ, MD, MN, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, WV, WA, VA, TX, TN, IN,
PR, PA, OK, OH, NY, NM; General Sec
Securities Agent: NC, AL, AZ, PA, VA, OK, NY, TX, IL, CO, LA, CA, NJ, DE, MA, AR, IN; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 837054

About Mohammad A. Khan

Mohammad has a deep fascination with the world of finance. He takes his role of delivering first-class service to clients very seriously. He has a strong ability to empathize with clients and strives to help them to understand the importance of comprehensive financial planning. Mohammad finds great satisfaction in contributing to clients’ financial success and team growth. He specializes in navigating the diverse landscape of Alternative Investments, particularly in private markets. His philosophy revolves around a personalized and holistic strategy that aligns with clients’ unique financial goals and aspirations.

In 1997, Mohammad began his career in the financial sector in New York City. Before joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, Mohammad worked as a Private Client Banker at J.P. Morgan Chase, where he shaped his approach to the financial industry. He holds his Series 7, 6, 63, 65 professional licenses, as well as his General Lines Insurance License.

Mohammad lives in Houston, Texas with his wife Jasmin and two children, Shaheer and Falak. Outside of the office, he enjoys volunteering for after school mentoring programs. He also loves to travel, visit theme parks, ziplining, and cooking.

About Christina Mondragon

Christina helps clients handle their day-to-day financial needs and enjoys building trusted relationships. She is responsible for building financial plans, as well as helping with opening accounts, account transfers, money movements, retirement plan rollovers, and other service needs. Christina loves helping to prepare financial plans and improve efficiency by streamlining operations for the team. She was raised in a household that lived by the principle "live on less than you make and save the rest for the future.” This principle led her to a career in helping others prepare for their futures and to live with financial peace.

In 1999, Christina began her career in financial services as a bank teller while attending college full-time. She became securities and insurance licensed upon graduating from the University of Houston with a BBA in Finance. Her deep experience includes being a Private Banker, Relationship Manager and Financial Advisor. In 2022, she joined Morgan Stanley. Christina holds her Series 7 and 66 professional licenses, as well as her Life & Health Insurance Licenses. She is fluent in Spanish.

Christina lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Horacio and their two children, Eli and Emma. Christina and her family are active in their local church, where they have opportunities to volunteer to help feed the hungry and support children in their local schools. She loves attending her children’s athletic events and being their loudest cheerleader. Christina and her family are big fans of all Houston sports teams, especially the Houston Rockets. She enjoys reading, wine tasting, crafting, entertaining family and friends, and traveling with her family to explore new places.

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 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
Private Bankers, Ultra High Net Worth (“UHNW”) Sales Specialists, Lending Advisors, Mortgage Consultants, Relationship Managers, Cash Management Specialists, Associate Private Bankers are employees of Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association.

Banking products and services are offered by Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association, Member FDIC.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is a registered Broker/Dealer, Member SIPC, and not a bank. Where appropriate, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC has entered into arrangements with banks and other third parties to assist in offering certain banking related products and services.

Investment, insurance and annuity products offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC are: NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

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
A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup
Article Image

A Simple Six-Step Retirement Checkup

Checking in on your retirement plan may make a lot of sense, especially when market volatility arises.

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 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration
Article Image

2025 Midyear Economic Outlook: A Widespread Deceleration

Global growth is likely to slow in 2025 and 2026 as the shock of higher U.S. tariffs crimps demand around the world.

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
529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education
Article Image

529 Plans: A Powerful Tool to Save for Education

Though education costs continue to climb, starting to save and invest early can make a difference.

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
Article Image

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
Article Image

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.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact The Aspiro Group today.
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.

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)