

Ylisa Sanford, CFP®
Executive Director,
Financial Advisor
Direct:
(415) 693-6259(415) 693-6259

My Mission Statement
Serving as your financial advocate, I simplify the complexities of wealth, delivering guided solutions through a disciplined financial planning process that has become the hallmark of my practice.
My Story and Services
I bring a lifetime of experience to my role as a wealth management professional and Certified Financial Planner. I learned firsthand the power of financial independence from my mother, a successful entrepreneur who was deeply committed to her clients, her community, and a life of service. She encouraged me to chart my own course by making a difference in the lives of others.
After graduating from the University of California - Davis, I worked as a Congressional Aide at the House of Representatives before managing a $10 billion loan fund at a prominent national bank, a fund dedicated to helping women business owners thrive. It is here where I discovered my true passion for wanting to help people solve their financial challenges and make a meaningful impact. In 1999, I became a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise and for the next 21 years, I guided my clients in making smart decisions about their wealth through a detailed and disciplined financial planning process that has become the hallmark of my practice. In 2020, I made an important decision to join Morgan Stanley for the ability to access its world-class research capabilities, superior infrastructure, and advanced technology platforms.
Today, I am privileged to work with an exceptional group of clients. I take pride in helping them simplify and manage their personal wealth. I know that by helping them grow and preserve their financial well-being, they can take care of the people they love and spend more time pursuing the passions they enjoy. The work I do has earned industry recognition. Most recently, I was named to the Forbes List of Best-In-State Women Advisors (2023 & 2024 & 2025) and the Forbes List of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2024 & 2025).
I am proud of the premium level of care I provide my clients and welcome the opportunity to deliver this same level of excellence to you and your family.
2023, 2024, 2025 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State*
2024, 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors**
*(formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 20245, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
**Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
After graduating from the University of California - Davis, I worked as a Congressional Aide at the House of Representatives before managing a $10 billion loan fund at a prominent national bank, a fund dedicated to helping women business owners thrive. It is here where I discovered my true passion for wanting to help people solve their financial challenges and make a meaningful impact. In 1999, I became a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise and for the next 21 years, I guided my clients in making smart decisions about their wealth through a detailed and disciplined financial planning process that has become the hallmark of my practice. In 2020, I made an important decision to join Morgan Stanley for the ability to access its world-class research capabilities, superior infrastructure, and advanced technology platforms.
Today, I am privileged to work with an exceptional group of clients. I take pride in helping them simplify and manage their personal wealth. I know that by helping them grow and preserve their financial well-being, they can take care of the people they love and spend more time pursuing the passions they enjoy. The work I do has earned industry recognition. Most recently, I was named to the Forbes List of Best-In-State Women Advisors (2023 & 2024 & 2025) and the Forbes List of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors (2024 & 2025).
I am proud of the premium level of care I provide my clients and welcome the opportunity to deliver this same level of excellence to you and your family.
2023, 2024, 2025 Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors & Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In- State*
2024, 2025 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors**
*(formerly referred to as Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors, Forbes America's Top Women Wealth Advisors) Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2023, 20245, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
**Source: Forbes.com (Awarded 2024, 2025). Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on 12-month time period concluding in Sept of year prior to the issuance of the award.
Securities Agent: PA, OH, NY, NM, MN, MD, HI, TN, MS, IL, CT, ID, IA, CO, OR, GA, PR, MO, VT, ME, VI, NE, IN, SD, WI, KY, DE, WY, ND, DC, RI, NJ, NC, MI, LA, CA, AZ, AL, WA, AK, WV, TX, KS, VA, UT, OK, NH, AR, MT, FL, SC, NV, MA; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
NMLS#: 2105009
CA Insurance License #: 0C49962
AR Insurance License #: 2265293
NMLS#: 2105009
CA Insurance License #: 0C49962
AR Insurance License #: 2265293
Check the background of Our Firm and Investment Professionals on FINRA's BrokerCheck.*
By Your Side for Life's Ups and Downs
I work with a small, yet select group of clients who value and appreciate the guidance and strategies I carefully craft to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
These goals often involve a life-changing event, such as:
• A new job, a promotion, or change in career
• The transition to retirement
• The sale of a business
• A divorce or loss of a loved one
• Caring for an ill parent or family member
• A large inheritance
I also help clients:
• Meet the needs of today’s modern families
• Minimize taxes
• Manage risk and provide family protection
• Finance a major acquisition
• Diversify highly concentrated positions
• Educate the next generation on how to emotionally and intellectually manage wealth
• Transfer wealth across generations
• Achieve important philanthropic goals
These goals often involve a life-changing event, such as:
• A new job, a promotion, or change in career
• The transition to retirement
• The sale of a business
• A divorce or loss of a loved one
• Caring for an ill parent or family member
• A large inheritance
I also help clients:
• Meet the needs of today’s modern families
• Minimize taxes
• Manage risk and provide family protection
• Finance a major acquisition
• Diversify highly concentrated positions
• Educate the next generation on how to emotionally and intellectually manage wealth
• Transfer wealth across generations
• Achieve important philanthropic goals
My Clients Include:
- • Women seeking guidance for themselves and their families • Retirees and individuals planning for retirement • Busy professionals and executives • Self-made business owners and entrepreneurs • Families spanning multiple generations • Members of the LGBT community • Referrals from existing clients and industry professionals
Location
555 California St, 35th
Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
US
Direct:
(415) 693-6259(415) 693-6259
Meet My Team
About James Pardieu
James is Financial Advisor Associate with the team. James graduated with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Sonoma State University. He began his career in the financial services industry as a Planning Assistant with Spectrum Private Wealth Advisors in 2009. His role in the practice has evolved over the years from Planning Assistant, to Para-planner, and now to Financial Advisor Associate. His roles and responsibilities have spanned from placing trades and wealth management to nurturing relationships with clients and developing financial planning recommendations.
James grew up in San Diego. He moved to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University as a student-athlete and now considers Sonoma County home. In his free-time he enjoys reading, golf, football, and the occasional trip with friends and family. He and his girlfriend, Maureen, live in Petaluma. As much as possible they hike, travel, cook, and share their days. James enjoys serving his adopted Sonoma County community. He has previously volunteered his time as a youth Lacrosse coach at Sonoma Country Day School, as a speaker with the Rites of Passage program, and as a mentor with the college success non-profit, 10,000 Degrees.
James grew up in San Diego. He moved to Sonoma County to attend Sonoma State University as a student-athlete and now considers Sonoma County home. In his free-time he enjoys reading, golf, football, and the occasional trip with friends and family. He and his girlfriend, Maureen, live in Petaluma. As much as possible they hike, travel, cook, and share their days. James enjoys serving his adopted Sonoma County community. He has previously volunteered his time as a youth Lacrosse coach at Sonoma Country Day School, as a speaker with the Rites of Passage program, and as a mentor with the college success non-profit, 10,000 Degrees.
Securities Agent: WV, MI, UT, OH, CA, VA, IL, AK, OR, NV, NM, MS, FL, CT, VT, CO, AL, WA, NC, ID, HI, AR, MA, LA, IA, GA, NY, MT, AZ, TX, TN, PA, NJ, MN, MD, KS, SC, OK, NH; General Securities Representative; Investment Advisor Representative
About Amy Vice
Amy Vice is Client Service Associate with the team. Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from California State University, Fresno in 1992. Amy began her career in finance at North American Mortgage Company in 1993 working as an Assistant Operations Manager for the company’s telemarketing division in retail lending. She remained with the company until 2002 when she left to focus on raising her three daughters; Jenna, Skylar and Alexandra. She spent some of that time away from the finance industry helping her husband, Scott with his landscaping business and working at her children’s school as an instructional aid in Math and Science. Amy rejoined the workforce in 2015, working with Ylisa to maintain the high level of customer service that our clients are accustomed to. She enjoys getting to know our wonderful clients and assisting them in achieving their goals in finance and in life.
A lifelong resident of Sonoma County and a California girl at heart, Amy and her family enjoy traveling to tropical locations, watching Alexandra play soccer and Lacrosse, trips to our local beaches and hiking in our beautiful County, as well as spending time with friends and extended family. With two of her three daughters away at college, Jenna at Portland State University and Skylar at Chapman University, she and her husband are gearing up for life as empty nesters and looking forward to more of life’s adventures.
A lifelong resident of Sonoma County and a California girl at heart, Amy and her family enjoy traveling to tropical locations, watching Alexandra play soccer and Lacrosse, trips to our local beaches and hiking in our beautiful County, as well as spending time with friends and extended family. With two of her three daughters away at college, Jenna at Portland State University and Skylar at Chapman University, she and her husband are gearing up for life as empty nesters and looking forward to more of life’s adventures.
About Aneil Rai
Aneil Rai grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from CSU East Bay with a business degree, concentrating in information technology management. He began his career in the financial services industry at UBS as a Client Services Associate, driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their financial and life goals. He has a love for outdoor adventures, especially hiking, and enjoys exploring new recipes in the kitchen. In his free time, Aneil loves traveling and spending time with his family. Aneil was born and raised in Berkeley, California, and continues to call this vibrant city home, embracing its rich culture and community.
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 Stephen Rothman
Stephen is a Planning Associate at Morgan Stanley providing dedicated financial planning support to Financial Advisors and their teams. Operating as an extension of the FA/Team, he collaborates with clients to discover and define goals that matter most to them. Leveraging state of the art technology, he will evaluate various options and their potential outcomes to help clients confidently choose the appropriate course of action. Stephen provides expertise across a wide suite of Morgan Stanley planning tools designed to assist in the areas of investment accumulation, retirement, education, major purchase, cash flow, risk management, tax efficiency, and wealth transfer planning.
Stephen earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Stephen is originally from Larchmont, NY and currently resides in New Rochelle, NY.
Stephen earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and received the Financial Planning Specialist® designation from the College for Financial Planning. Stephen is originally from Larchmont, NY and currently resides in New Rochelle, NY.
Wealth Management
Global Investment Office
Portfolio Insights
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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
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
Tax-Smart Ways to Sell Securities
How investors can tap their portfolios in tax-savvy ways.
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
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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
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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
Financial Wellness
Enhancing Financial Wellness enables your workforce to do their best work. Companies that invest in financial wellness have an opportunity to:
- Reduce employee stress,
- Improve retention and engagement, and
- Set themselves apart by offering comprehensive financial wellness benefits.
Ready to start a conversation? Contact Ylisa Sanford 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.
1Morgan 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 www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals 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.
3The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
6Morgan 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
1Morgan 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 www.morganstanley.com/wealth-relationshipwithms/pdfs/understandingyourrelationship.pdf.
For more information, please see the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC Client Relationship Summary.
2When Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors (collectively, “Morgan Stanley”) provide “investment advice” regarding a retirement or welfare benefit plan account, an individual retirement account or a Coverdell education savings account (“Retirement Account”), Morgan Stanley is a “fiduciary” as those terms are defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and/or the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as applicable. When Morgan Stanley provides investment education, takes orders on an unsolicited basis or otherwise does not provide “investment advice”, Morgan Stanley will not be considered a “fiduciary” under ERISA and/or the Code. For more information regarding Morgan Stanley’s role with respect to a Retirement Account, please visit www.morganstanley.com/disclosures/dol. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley does not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a Retirement Account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments or other transactions made with respect to a Retirement Account. Individuals 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.
3The returns on a portfolio consisting primarily of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aware investments may be lower or higher than a portfolio that is more diversified or where decisions are based solely on investment considerations. Because ESG criteria exclude some investments, investors may not be able to take advantage of the same opportunities or market trends as investors that do not use such criteria. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining financial market.
4Morgan 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.
5Morgan Stanley Wealth Management is the trade name of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, a registered broker-dealer in the United States.
6Morgan 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)