The Windansea Group at Morgan Stanley

With over 35 years’ experience investing for clients, T.J. has developed a deep understanding of the management of a client’s financial resources. From developing a plan to structuring an investment portfolio tailored to the client, T.J. works to create custom asset allocations to help meet client needs. Ongoing portfolio management with attention to detail and the highest quality client service is what set’s T.J. and the team apart from others.

T.J. was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He attended The Ohio State University and graduated with a BS in 1980. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps. He flew the A-4M Skyhawk II for the famous VMA-214 Black Sheep Squadron out of MCAS El Toro, California. Reserve Duty followed flying the F-4E Phantom II with the 196th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

He enjoys spending time at his home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Along with his wife, Sherry, he spends his off time traveling, skiing, and flying.

Understand. Analyze. Implement.

Success can take on a different meaning for different people. For nearly 20 years, Dax has taken the time to understand what success means to his clients. He then thoroughly analyzes his clients assets and liabilities so he can structure a plan to help his clients achieve success. Finally, a plan is implemented and monitored on a regular basis. Dax conducts regular reviews with his clients so they always know where they stand in regards to their financial plan.

Dax received his BS at UC Santa Barbara. As a first generation college graduate, Dax knows what it takes to set goals and work hard to achieve them. This work ethic has translated into a successful career as a Financial Advisor. As a Portfolio Management Director Dax is dedicated to the many hours of research & analysis it takes to achieve his client’s goals. Whether his clients are seeking income or capital appreciations, Dax utilizes a total return approach using a combination of both active and passive management.

While in college at UCSB Dax met his wife Rebecca. They moved to San Diego so Rebecca could attend Law School. They have two beautiful children, a Goldendoodle and a ferocious cat named Scout. Dax and Rebecca play an active role in the community. Dax enjoys golf, Cabernet Sauvignon and spending time with his family.

Ardo has dedicated his abilities to the success and satisfaction of every client he works with. He prides himself on offering an exceptional client experience. He seeks to provide excellent service and has an institutional style wealth management approach. Ardo firmly believes communication is the cornerstone to every lasting relationship and with this in mind he has become a valued part of each and every one of his client’s lives. With an emphasis in retirement readiness and income planning, Ardo is focused on maintaining quality of life for all who are transitioning out of the work force into retirement.

Ardo has spent his entire life in San Diego where he graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Finance.

In addition, Ardo has served as a founding member of the Charitable Giving Council at St Vincent De Paul and Father Joe’s Villages and as a past board member of The Toussaint Academy of Arts and Sciences from 2009-2011 and a previous foundation board member of St Paul’s senior homes in San Diego from 2012-2013.
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC

Ashley has built her practice around helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals by assisting them in building, protecting and efficiently transferring their hard earned wealth. Ashley obtained her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in 2019 and handles all financial planning for her and the team's clients.

Ashley graduated from the University of California, San Diego. She resides in La Jolla with her husband and loves to run, try new restaurants and travel when possible.

Rita was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA as the youngest among 10 siblings. Rita earned an Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design in Miami, Florida. She entered the financial industry in 1985 with Prudential Bach Securities as an assistant to five financial advisors. In 1991, Rita was specifically chosen and trained as the branch wire operator which she worked as for the next 4 years. Starting in 1995, Rita joined a senior financial advisor as a client service associate and personal assistant. In 2008, Rita joined Morgan Stanley. She is a licensed general securities register representative by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Rita is married to Val Sanchez (former City of Miami Firefighter) and they have two sons together who are both Navy Special Forces and two grandchildren.

Shannon Cruz was the Branch Administrator of the UTC Office, working closely with the Branch Manager as well as the Market Management Team to support branch needs and providing operational and administrative support throughout the San Diego Market. Shannon provided direct support to approximately 60 branch employees in UTC focusing on Administrative, Operations, Sales Support and Risk and Compliance oversight in her role. Shannon also aids the Market Administrator in planning and supporting market-wide events designed to educate both clients and staff about relevant changes in the Investment Industry that help to inspire innovation and information sharing.

Shannon rejoined Morgan Stanley in 2012 initially working as a Branch Administrator, and later as a Complex Administrator for the Washington D.C. Market. Prior to her employment at Morgan Stanley, Shannon worked for several large multinational corporations both domestically and overseas. Shannon previously worked as a Business Development Manager, Account Executive and Program Loyalty Manager in Spain, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia and other Asian and European countries.

Shannon earned her B.A. in Business Management and Marketing from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business. Originally born and raised on the island of Guam and is proud of her Chamorro decent. Currently residing in Mission Valley along with her husband, Steve, and daughter, Asia.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new destinations, entertaining family and friends at her home and cooking with her husband.