Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley

When William Easom began his financial-services career in 1983, the U.S. was mired in recession and interest rates were near record highs. It was then that he realized that his advice could help people cope with the challenges they faced and offer them hope for the future.

Seven years later, the economy experienced similar conditions, and a number of Bill’s clients were losing their jobs and forced to retire earlier than anticipated. That was when he decided to dedicate himself to helping people transition from earning a steady income to generating the income they would need to meet retirement expenses for as long as they lived.

Today, Bill works closely with clients to assess their performance, help them determine if they are on track to reach their retirement goals and, if not, consider what changes are needed to accomplish those dreams. The team he founded, the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group, continues to fulfill Bill’s mission by advising clients through every stage of the retirement process.

A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a BBA and MBA in Finance, Bill, earned both a BBA and MBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University and holds the distinguished Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor SM (CRPC^®) designation.

Outside the office, Bill gives back to the community through his active support of charitable organizations focused on early childhood reading, improving high school graduation rates in impoverished communities and providing bicycle transportation in underdeveloped nations. He also works closely with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, having lost his younger sister to this dreadful disease.

A Wisconsin native, Bill lives in Chicago with his wife, Stephanie, and their dog, Lambeau. Bill and Stephanie’s daughter, Lindsay, a graduate of the University of Southern California, works in New York City in the digital film production industry. Their son, Hayden, graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and now works as a Real Estate Advisory Analyst in Chicago.

When Dan Hoffmann was young, he experienced one of the worst tragedies that could happen to a child: his father passed away, leaving a wife and three children under 10 years old. With no insurance and no estate plan, the family struggled financially.

Despite this hardship, Dan’s academic achievements and determination earned him a place at DePaul University. He worked his way through school while attending classes full time. In his junior year, he accepted a position with the firm that is now the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. Before long, Dan developed a deep understanding of company benefit plans and decided that his future lay in financial planning.

Upon graduating with a BA in Finance, Dan was offered a full-time position at the firm. He completed the Financial Planning Certificate Program in 2001 and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) in 2002.

Dan is a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) and a member of Morgan Stanley’s Chairman’s Club, which is reserved for the firm’s top Financial Advisors. He has been recognized from 2021 – 2023 and again in 2026 on Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisor’s list as well as quoted in national publications, including Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal.

Today, most of Dan’s new clients come through referrals from existing clients. Dan recognizes that this level of trust is the highest compliment any advisor can receive.

Once he knows they have achieved their financial goals, Dan derives real joy from helping his clients enjoy the money they’ve accumulated, which they are often reluctant to do. He encourages them to splurge a little, travel and live their best retirement.

Originally from St. Louis, Dan lives in Chicago with his wife and two daughters. Outside the office, he enjoys golf, running, traveling, hiking and spending summer weekends with his family at their cottage in southwestern Michigan. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Chicago Waldorf School.

2021 – 2023; 2026 Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2021 – 2023; 2026) Data compiled by Barron’s based on a 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

The son of a Financial Advisor, Sean Lannan started his financial-services career in 1996 while still a student at Northwestern University. After earning his BA in Political Science—International Relations, he began working as a Financial Advisor, helping corporate executives transition to retirement.

Sean develops plans for his clients that go far beyond investment management to encompass estate planning and tax minimization strategies, Social Security benefits, insurance coverage, lending and relocation plans. As his clients make the transition from work to retirement, he endeavors to help ensure that they understand the interconnectedness of all these decisions.

A long-time member of the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group, Sean often serves as the team’s spokesperson, conducting seminars and webinars for prospective clients. He earned the prestigious Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) designation. Sean has been recognized from 2021 – 2023 and again in 2026 on Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors list.

A Minnesota native, Sean resides in Wilmette with his wife and four children. He is an active member of his community, volunteering at Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish. Despite his affinity for all things Chicago, Sean remains an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

2021 – 2023; 2026 Barron’s Top 1,500 Financial Advisors: State-by-State (formerly referred to as Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State)
Source: Barrons.com (Awarded 2021 – 2023; 2026) Data compiled by Barron’s based on a 12-month period concluding in Sept of the year prior to the issuance of the award.

Anthony Severino focuses on providing a full range of retirement planning services to his clients. He begins by helping them visualize their retirement goals, then designs and implements a retirement plan that helps make those goals achievable.

Anthony believes that a holistic wealth management plan includes strategies for income distribution and spending, asset allocation, Social Security decisions, investment tax planning, estate planning strategies, health-care planning and more. He ensures that each specific area is managed according to a client’s unique situation.

Shortly after joining Morgan Stanley at the start of his career in 2002, Anthony obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) designation. He is currently a member of Morgan Stanley’s President’s Club, which is reserved for top Financial Advisors at the firm.

Anthony began working in the financial-services industry while he was in high school, interning at various financial firms. He continued that passion and graduated from Bradley University with a BS in Finance.

Anthony lives in Chicago with his wife and three young children. In his free time, he trains for endurance events, and has completed numerous marathons, triathlons and ultra-marathons. He enjoys family time, golf and wine collecting. Anthony volunteers as a tutor for Working in the Schools, a reading program that assists disadvantaged Chicago schoolchildren.

Erin Haley knows that the transition to retirement can be difficult. Retirees face challenges that vary greatly from those encountered while working. Erin helps clients prepare for retirement by developing, implementing and monitoring comprehensive strategies that are designed to provide the long-term income and legacy goals they desire. Her retirement income solutions, extensive product knowledge, portfolio construction discussions and risk management advice give clients confidence that their retirement goals are achievable and their accounts are managed daily.

Erin began her career in financial services at Smith Barney in 2002, working alongside the advisors who founded the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. She has since advanced within the firm to her current position as a Financial Advisor. Erin holds several licenses, including Series 7, 66 and 31, as well as Life and Health Insurance. She has earned the prestigious Five Star Wealth Manager award from Chicago magazine from 2021 – 2025.

Erin grew up in Boston, attended high school in Overland Park, Kansas and then relocated to Chicago after receiving academic and athletic collegiate scholarships. She is a proud graduate of Loyola University Chicago, with a BBA in both Finance and Economics and a minor in Management. During her four years at Loyola, she was an active member of the Division I Women’s Golf team, enjoying the skill that she inherited from her father, a PGA Professional.

Erin and her husband, Adam, are raising their two sons and a daughter in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, where she enjoys traveling, golfing, reading, and cheering on her sports teams. Erin is the branch liaison for a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underprivileged youth with tutors and mentors. She recruits and organizes volunteers for the foundation, and reads with the young schoolchildren on a weekly basis.

2021 – 2025 Five Star Wealth Manager Award
Source: fivestarprofessional.com (Awarded 2021 – 2025) The award was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by Five-Star Professional based on objective criteria, during the following periods: 2021 Award: 12/28/20–08/06/21; 2022 Award: 01/24/22–07/29/22; 2023 Award: 01/09/23–07/31/23; 2024 Award: 01/09/24–08/09/24; 2025 Award: 01/01/25–08/01/25.

Michael Haynes began his career in banking and engineering, and he learned how gratifying it was to advise people face-to-face and help them achieve greater financial security.

After joining Morgan Stanley in 2009, Michael started working with corporate executives whose employer stock holdings and other executive compensation constituted a disproportionate share of their overall wealth. Today, he helps those clients reduce the risk of consolidated stock positions, determines when to exercise employer stock options and integrates their compensation into their overall finances.

Michael’s primary focus is on helping his clients retire on time and as anticipated, but he also realizes that executives often require guidance in estate planning strategies, risk management and tax minimization strategies, among other financial disciplines. He relishes complexity and has found that his experience before becoming a Financial Advisor often helps him analyze issues and develop solutions that aren’t always readily apparent.

Michael grew up outside Detroit in a family that owned and operated a tool and die machine shop. It was there that he developed his tireless work ethic and appreciation for personalized service. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a BS in Manufacturing Engineering, Michael continued his education at the DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, where he earned an MBA in Finance. He is also an accredited Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®), a credential that has proven invaluable in helping him provide clients with sound retirement advice.

Outside the office, Michael leverages his experience as a college hockey player by coaching youth hockey and currently serving on the board of the St. Ignatius Hockey Club and being a former board member for the Chicago Jets Hockey Club. He and his wife, Erica, reside in Chicago with their two children.

William Kramer never gets tired of helping clients navigate the uncharted waters standing between them and a comfortable retirement. Many of his clients are corporate executives who have saved diligently and received numerous employer stock options throughout their careers. Still, they worry about whether they will truly be able to retire on time and maintain the lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed. Bill’s comprehensive advisory approach prepares them for retirement—financially and emotionally.

Bill became interested in stock options and executive compensation while studying finance in college. He has advised numerous corporate executives and retirees since he joined the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2012.

Bill understands the risks of consolidated positions and potential tax consequences that executives face when selling employer stock or exercising options. Bill is a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®). His clients rely on him for sound guidance that encompasses not only their compensation but all their financial concerns.

A native Illinoisan, Bill earned a BS in Finance and an MBA from St. Ambrose University, where he played varsity volleyball and coached both the men’s and women’s teams. His volleyball days are behind him, but he enjoys playing golf and spends as much time as he can with his large extended family. Bill and his wife, Anna, reside in Oak Lawn with their son and daughter. They are active members of St. Catherine’s Church, where Bill volunteers on a regular basis.

As a second-generation Financial Advisor, David Iannalfo fondly remembers hearing stories around the dinner table of how his father helped clients achieve their planning goals. This instilled a passion, immense work ethic, and strong determination for David to follow in his father’s footsteps. Originally from Boston, MA, David began his career interning in Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management Department while attending DePaul University.

After graduating, David joined Goldman Sachs’ Family Office Department where he quickly recognized that individuals at all levels of wealth could benefit from the same level of detailed, holistic, and comprehensive services that ultra-high net ($100MM+) families were receiving. Working with different target markets throughout his career has allowed David to see a broad range of client situations. His experience working with families whose net worths range from $500k to $1B has given him the ability to confidently analyze a client’s situation from multiple perspectives. With a comprehensive understanding of tax, investment, cash flow, insurance, estate, and philanthropic planning, David works with clients to help preserve and grow their wealth for long-term planning needs.

David earned his bachelor’s degree, with distinction, in Finance from DePaul University and later graduated summa cum laude from DePaul’s MBA program with a concentration in Finance/Business Valuation. David completed the Financial Planning Certificate Program at Northwestern University and currently maintains the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) designations. David holds his Series 7, Series 66, and numerous state Insurance Agent licenses.

Outside of the office, David can be found playing golf with friends and family, spending time at the beach, fishing off the coast of Maine, and cheering for his favorite Boston sports teams from afar.

As Group Director, Cindy supervises The Trailhead Retirement Planning Group's operational/administrative work. Cindy provides service and support to new and existing clients. Originally from Mattoon, Illinois, she and her family currently reside in Palatine. Cindy has been with Morgan Stanley since 1987.

Series 7, 63, 66, 31, and IL Life and Health Insurance Licensed

Alex Unis is Chief of Staff with the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. He plays a critical role in enhancing the client experience by creating, developing, and executing on strategic plans ensuring the alignment of team priorities and business goals. Alex oversees all business planning and development, team partnerships, marketing, talent acquisition and management, and client relationship operations. Another core focus includes ensuring all team members have the tools, time and support needed to excel in their roles.

Alex is passionate about leading teams, helping improve overall efficiencies and contributing to the overall growth of the practice group.

Alex is a member of the firm’s Regional MEGA Teams council, the Chicago Culture Collective which promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the local market, and part of the team’s Senior Leadership group.

Alex volunteers his time as a mentor in the Chicago’s WITS (Working in the Schools) program, which spends time reading with underprivileged public-school students and the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund (DMSF), a local non-profit organization that helps children in need of a high school education by providing scholarships, academic programs, and personal support.

Prior to joining the team in the Fall of 2019, Alex was the head of the North American sales office for a leading international manufacturer. He has held numerous Sales, Marketing & Business Development leadership roles for over 20+ years in the Consumer Products manufacturing industry.

Alex graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree and has numerous certificates in Principles of Management and Leadership training.

Originally from Milwaukee, Alex resides in Glenview, IL with his wife and two children. In his free time, Alex enjoys golfing, fishing, listening to live music and podcasts, traveling, and coaching his kids’ sports teams.

Series 7, 66 Licensed

“It’s rewarding to see our clients’ financial plans play out over time. When I meet with clients during their Annual Account Review, we carefully consider each element of their financial lives. This yearly examination is key to helping ensure that clients continue to be on course to reach their financial goals.”

Jack Starkey is an Investment Consultant with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley and a member of the group’s Wealth Planning Team. Jack develops, maintains, and oversees clients’ financial plans, helping clients achieve their financial objectives by:

- Providing financial planning (including basic income replacement needs, supplemental retirement planning, estate and business planning strategy, and wealth transfer planning)

- Conducting Annual Account Reviews to ensure that clients’ plans are up to date, implementing action plans to address any changes needed, and conducting statement review calls with new clients

- Executing investment processing as recommended by a client’s Financial Advisor/Financial Plan

- Examining and monitoring clients’ annuities and insurance holdings, making recommendations where appropriate, and helping clients incorporate these solutions into their financial plans

- Serving as a source connecting clients to other product/service opportunities (making connections to cash management solutions based upon needs identified through a client’s financial plan, for example)

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help with any of the challenges of wealth management

In his role as an Investment Consultant, Jack especially appreciates the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of clients who have unique, interesting stories, hopes, and interests. High points revolve around times when he’s been faced with requests that clients thought were challenging, if not impossible, and has been able to fulfill those requests. He finds it particularly satisfying to craft complex financial plans that integrate specific, sometimes unusual, assumptions.

Jack joined Trailhead in 2013 and has since held a number of positions that have provided him with broad experience. He has BA Degrees in Economics and Finance from DePaul University. Jack became a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) in 2025 and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

When Jack isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, snowboarding, ice hockey, bicycling, and running. He also serves on the Board of the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, an organization that prepares and trains athletes for Olympic-level competition in the sport of Ski Jumping. When he was growing up, his family relocated to Singapore for five years for his father’s business. He cherishes the memories and perspectives gained from living in and adapting to a different culture and finds that his experiences during those formative years have had a lasting impact on the way he navigates life.

“I especially like meeting with clients during their Annual Account Review. As part of the review, we look at each area of their financial plan. Needs and goals can change over time. This in-depth yearly analysis is designed to help ensure that their plan stays on track to meet their objectives.”

Blake Kauffmann is an Investment Consultant with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. As a member of the group’s Wealth Planning Team, Blake develops, maintains, and oversees clients’ financial plans. He assists clients in their financial journeys by:

- Providing financial planning (including basic income replacement needs, supplemental retirement planning, estate and business planning strategy, and wealth transfer planning)

- Conducting Annual Account Reviews to ensure that clients’ plans are up to date, implementing action plans to address any changes needed, and conducting statement review calls with new clients

- Executing investment processing as recommended by a client’s Financial Advisor/Financial Plan

- Examining and monitoring clients’ annuities and insurance holdings, making recommendations where appropriate, and helping clients incorporate these solutions into their financial plans

- Serving as a source connecting clients to other product/service opportunities (making connections to cash management solutions based upon needs identified through a client’s financial plan, for example)

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help with any of the challenges of wealth management

Blake is enthusiastic about the Wealth Planning Team’s Integration of Advice approach to planning, which encourages sharing of ideas and insights among team members and allows multiple professionals to view and manage client portfolios. This integration simplifies clients’ management of their financial lives and helps in confirming the sustainability of their plans.

Blake is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a BA in Sports Management and a Master’s degree in Finance. He started with Trailhead as a production intern in 2016 when he was still a Junior at Loyola, and the variety of positions he’s held since joining have given him wide-ranging experience. Blake became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) in 2025 and Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) in 2024. In addition, he holds Series 7, 66, and Life and Health Insurance licenses.

Blake loves all things Chicago sports. He along with his wife, Kaitlyn, enjoy golfing, hiking, playing in a beach volleyball league, exploring new music venues—and spending as much time as possible outdoors before the Chicago winters hit. Blake also regularly spends time reading with underprivileged public-school students, as a mentor in Chicago’s WITS (Working in the Schools) program.

“Planning is a powerful tool that allows people to define their financial objectives and understand what they need to do to achieve them. I love being able to help people realize that they can reach their goals.”

Bronwen Malles is a Financial Planning Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. As a member of the group’s Wealth Planning Team, “B” crafts, maintains, and oversees clients’ financial plans, assisting clients in attaining their financial objectives by:

- Providing financial planning (including basic income replacement needs, supplemental retirement planning, estate and business planning strategy, and wealth transfer planning)

- Conducting Annual Account Reviews to ensure that clients’ plans are up to date, implementing action plans to address any changes needed, and conducting statement review calls with new clients

- Executing investment processing as recommended by a client’s Financial Advisor/Financial Plan

- Examining and monitoring clients’ annuities and insurance holdings, making recommendations where appropriate, and helping clients incorporate these solutions into their financial plans

- Serving as a source connecting clients to other product/service opportunities (making connections to cash management solutions based upon needs identified through a client’s financial plan, for example)

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help with any of the challenges of wealth management

At one point in her life, B considered going into teaching. She’s found that this interest helps in her role at Morgan Stanley. In fact, she thinks that might be why she likes presenting financial plans—because in a way she is teaching.

B joined Morgan Stanley in 2021 and became part of Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in early 2023. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economics from Loyola University Maryland. B received her CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation and holds her Series 7, 66, and Life and Health Insurance licenses.

In her free time, B enjoys a wide range of activities. She loves beach volleyball and kickboxing classes, along with quieter pursuits, including candle making, knitting, and reading. B volunteers regularly with WITS (Working in the Schools), a nonprofit that partners with Morgan Stanley to facilitate literacy programs in the Chicago public schools. As a mentor in this program, she reads to students and helps them with their homework.

“Clients often have questions. It’s important to help them feel comfortable discussing their concerns and to take the time to listen carefully and walk them through the answers. It makes my day when a client says, ‘Thank you. You’ve helped build my level of confidence.’”

Rebecca Madon is a Wealth Management Associate with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. In this role, she’s often the first point of contact with clients for a broad range of needs related to account servicing, financial plans, and investment portfolios. Rebecca's aim is to provide a consistent, positive client experience. She helps clients by:

- Assisting in the development of financial and investment strategies that address clients’ specific goals and concerns

- Proactively helping clients understand their investments and planning strategies

- Assisting clients with market and stock research

- Executing investment processing as recommended by a client’s Financial Advisor/Financial Plan

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help with any of the challenges of wealth management

- Emphasizing value, service, and attention to detail

Rebecca joined Trailhead in 2022. She has a BS in Marketing from University of Illinois Chicago and holds Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses.

When she’s not working, you can often find Rebecca in the great outdoors—hiking, kayaking, swimming, or camping. She also enjoys traveling, reading, watching Netflix, and spending quality time with her cat.

Daniel Gockman is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. In this role, he’s often the first point of contact with clients for a broad range of needs related to account servicing, financial plans, and investment portfolios. Daniel's aim is to provide a consistent, positive client experience. He helps clients by:

- Assisting in the development of financial and investment strategies that address clients’ specific goals and concerns

- Proactively helping clients understand their investments and planning strategies

- Assisting clients with market and stock research

- Executing investment processing as recommended by a client’s Financial Advisor/Financial Plan

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help with any of the challenges of wealth management

- Emphasizing value, service, and attention to detail

Daniel joined Trailhead in 2020. He has a BS in Finance from DePaul University. Daniel became a Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC^®) in 2025 and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

During his free time, Daniel enjoys hiking and playing recreational sports.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

Justin Cisneroz is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. As a member of the group’s Wealth Planning Team, Justin is committed to consistently providing exceptional client service. He helps clients stay on course to meet their financial objectives by:

- Maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or a Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of a Financial Advisor

Justin joined Trailhead in 2022. He has a BS in Finance from Western Michigan University and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

During his free time, Justin enjoys playing and watching sports, studying history, and playing chess.

Brendan Duffy is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. As a member of the group’s Wealth Planning Team, Brendan is committed to consistently providing exceptional client service. He helps clients stay on course to meet their financial objectives by:

- Maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or a Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of a Financial Advisor

Brendan joined Trailhead in 2025. He has a BS in Finance from Marquette University and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Outside the office, Brendan likes to spend time with his wife, Mary Ellen, and their son, Hugh, along with their big families. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.

“I feel great when clients tell me they’re glad I’m looking after them. It’s especially rewarding when I can help clients achieve their financial goals.”

Steven Fill is a Business Development Associate with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working alongside Financial Advisor Bill Easom, Steve is dedicated to providing exceptional client service. He helps clients stay on track through all stages of their financial journey by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Steve joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2014. He’s a graduate of Northern Illinois University, with a BS in Textiles and Marketing, and holds Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

Spending weekends in Wisconsin is high on Steve’s list of leisure activities. He loves to travel and enjoys spending time outside, fishing, playing sports with his children, and taking walks with his wife.

“It’s rewarding to help our clients with their financial lives. The chance to get to know them and hear about their kids, grandkids, and trips they’ve taken is a real plus for me. When a client says, ‘Thank you,’ I feel good knowing that they’ve had the kind of positive experience we’re always striving for.”

Barbara Martin is a Business Development Associate, Assistant Vice President with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working closely with Financial Advisor Dan Hoffmann, Barb helps clients stay on course throughout their financial journey. Her goal is to always deliver an outstanding client experience by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Barb joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2006. She’s a graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Finance and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Spending time with her family tops Barb’s list of favorite leisure activities. She loves to travel, go on family bike rides, and watch her children play sports.

“It’s very satisfying to help clients with questions or issues. It’s great that they trust me enough to come directly to me, knowing that I’m part of an outstanding team dedicated to helping them achieve their financial goals.”

Kelly Kinsley is a Wealth Management Associate with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working with Financial Advisor Sean Lannan, Kelly focuses on delivering an exceptional client experience. She helps clients stay on course throughout their financial journey by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Kelly joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2020. She attended Lincoln College and holds Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

An avid boater, Kelly also enjoys biking along Lake Michigan and taking advantage of all that Chicago has to offer, including dining at the city’s terrific restaurants and shopping on Michigan Avenue. She and her husband volunteer regularly at Catholic Charities’ soup kitchens. She feels good knowing that their help makes life a little easier for hungry people in need.

Nicole Scott is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working alongside Financial Advisor Anthony Severino, Nicole is committed to providing an exceptionally high level of customer service. She helps clients by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Nicole joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2025. She has a B.S. in Education and a M.Ed.in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from University of Missouri-Columbia and holds Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

Originally from St. Louis, MO Nicole currently resides in the city of Chicago. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys international travel, spending time with family and friends, reading, and is also a big sports fan!

“I help bring clients on board and then interact with them all along the way. I’ve found that they truly appreciate the quality and efficiency of our customer service. It’s especially rewarding when a client has a problem that they believe is difficult or complex and I’m able to quickly resolve it for them—that feels great.”

Cassie Lanser is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working alongside Financial Advisors Michael Haynes and Anthony Severino, Cassie is committed to providing an exceptionally high level of customer service. She helps clients by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Cassie joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2021. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In addition to Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses, Cassie has a CRPC^® (Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM) designation.

In her free time, Cassie enjoys long strolls along the Chicago Riverwalk, hiking, and Pilates. Her less strenuous leisure activities include exploring Chicago’s wide variety of interesting restaurants and listening to live jazz in the city’s clubs.

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

“Clients contact me for a number of reasons, including income needs, account updates, or to talk about their plans for retirement. I like knowing that I’ve made something easier for a client and that I’ve helped to protect their money for retirement or for future generations.”

Kara Tichawa is a Wealth Management Associate with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley and works alongside Financial Advisor Erin Haley. Like the rest of the Trailhead team, Kara is dedicated to delivering excellent customer service. She helps clients by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Kara joined Morgan Stanley in 2011 and became part of Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2022. She has a BA in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Augustana College and holds Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Spending time with her family and traveling are high on Kara’s list of leisure activities. She also enjoys watching sports and roots for two Chicago teams, the Cubs and the Bears. Kara gives back to the community as a member of the Young ProfessionALS Group of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, which helps raise awareness of and funding for the fight against ALS.

“Whether helping to plan for a retirement, prepare for a child’s education, or assisting beneficiaries when a client passes away, my goal is to help our clients feel secure and about their financial future.”

Samantha Bennett (Sam) is a Registered Client Relationship Analyst with Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Working alongside Financial Advisor Bill Kramer, Sam is committed to providing an exceptionally high level of customer service. She helps clients by:

- Opening and maintaining accounts; collecting and updating client information

- Performing transactional client servicing, including processing money movement transactions, funds transfer, consolidating accounts from other firms, and executing trade requests at the direction of clients and/or their Financial Advisor

- Facilitating online access; identifying and assisting with services and solutions that support clients’ needs, including cash management products and services and secure digital offerings

- Processing account distributions

- Handling estate needs, including setting up trust accounts

- Actively communicating with clients; confirming that orders have been filled, following up on paperwork, offering help, and discussing reinvestment options and corporate actions, at the direction of the client’s Financial Advisor

Sam joined Trailhead Retirement Planning Group in 2024. She has a B.S. in Data Analytics and a B.A. in Politics from Drake University and holds Series 7, 6, 63, and 65 licenses.

Sam spends her free time reading, attending concerts and Chicago sporting events. She also enjoys participating in Morgan Stanley sponsored community outreach events.

Josh King is currently in the role of Registered Associate for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. He helps individuals approaching retirement by building comprehensive and personalized retirement analyses. Josh has been in the management field for 20 years and looks forward to taking his prior skills to the next level with his new career path in retirement planning.

Josh currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, shooting pool, and exercising.

Series 7, 66 Licensed

Jake Orlowski is currently in the role of Registered Associate for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. He helps individuals approaching retirement by building comprehensive and personalized retirement analyses. Jake is a resident of Old Town on the north side of the city of Chicago, IL. He graduated from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign in 2021 with a degree in Consumer Economics & Finance, with a concentration in Financial Planning. Jake received his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation in March 2024.

Outside of the office, Jake enjoys intramural sports, hunting, bartending and exercising.

Series 7, 66, Life and Health Insurance Licensed

*Disclaimer: This role cannot solicit or provide investment advice

Jacob Flynn is currently in the role of Registered Associate for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. He assists individuals approaching retirement by helping build comprehensive and personalized retirement analyses.

Originally from the St. Louis area Jacob currently is a resident of Little Italy in Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2025 with a double major in Finance and Management, concentrating in Financial Planning and Leadership & Managerial Competencies.
Outside of the office, Jacob enjoys exploring everything Chicago has to offer from its diverse food scene to neighborhood street festivals. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Series 7, 66 Licensed

Michael Langbein is currently in the role of Registered Associate for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. He assists individuals approaching retirement by helping build comprehensive and personalized retirement analyses.

Born and raised in Chicago, Michael graduated from Loyola University - Chicago with a BBA degree in Finance. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys hanging out with family and friends, playing ice hockey and working on cars.

Series 7, 63, and 66 Licensed

Jacqueline is a Client Relationship Analyst for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group at Morgan Stanley. Jacqueline's entire tenure has been at Morgan Stanley, starting in 2008, working her way through several positions of increasing responsibility. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Driehaus School of Business at DePaul University in Chicago, IL in 2012, with a degree in Marketing as well as a degree in Management. Jacqueline drives the management of written, visual, and digital marketing while leveraging Morgan Stanley’s resources to develop effective marketing and communications that align with current branding and positioning. Additionally, Jacqueline coordinates all client and prospective events. Having obtained the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) License, Jacqueline is working on attaining further industry licenses.

Originally from Park Ridge, IL, Jacqueline currently resides in downtown Chicago. In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys traveling, cooking, pilates, and spending quality time with her family and close friends.

Working on obtaining her industry licenses, Cailyn is a Client Relationship Analyst for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. After having lived around the world, Cailyn now resides in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. She has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business, and a Minor in Human Relations. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exercising.

Margy is a Client Relationship Analyst for the Trailhead Retirement Planning Group. She graduated from Boston University in May 2026 with a B.S. in Finance and Marketing.

Outside of work, Margy enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, paddle boarding, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends and family.