OUR WHY: Inspire Confidence. Simplify Life. Reduce Stress.

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Our advisors

Sasa Mirkovic

MBA, CFP®, BFA, CRPC, CEPA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Sasa Mirkovic

Maria Natarelli

CFP®, BFA, CRPC, CDFA®

Private Wealth Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Maria Natarelli

Brent Makarczyk

CRPC, APMA, CFP®

Financial Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Brent Makarczyk

Andrea Kirk

CFP®, CRPC, APMA

Private Wealth Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Andrea Kirk

Derek Shoden

CFP®, BFA

Financial Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Derek Shoden

Mark Keeling

MBA, CFP®, BFA, ChFC®, CLU®, APMA, CEPA®

Financial Advisor

Managing Partner of Inspire Confidence Group
Learn more about Mark Keeling

Philip Madonna

CFP®, CRPC, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about Philip Madonna

William Amesbury

CFP®, BFA, CRPC, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about William Amesbury

Alex Davison

CFP®, BFA, CRPC, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about Alex Davison

George Amedore III

CFP®, CKA®, APMA

Financial Advisor

Learn more about George Amedore III

Ryan Dudzic

CFP®, APMA, CRPC

Financial Advisor

Learn more about Ryan Dudzic

Olivia Casale

CRPC, APMA

Associate Financial Advisor

Learn more about Olivia Casale


Our team

Kayla Wells

Kayla Wells

Operations Director

Personal Intro

  • Kayla grew up in Schenectady, NY and currently lives in Ballston Lake, NY with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.
  • She loves dogs, puzzles, coffee, and going to her kids’ sporting events.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Communications, SUNY Albany

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors with leadership sessions
  • Performs financial reporting functions
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Laura Mirkovic

Laura Mirkovic

Marketing Manager

Personal Intro

  • Laura has been with the team since 2006, handling non-advice projects such as marketing, social media, branding, new offices, etc.
  • She is very involved with her three kids, Oscar, Stella and Kosta, who give her purpose.
  • She is a big believer in giving back to the community; current Foundation of Ellis Medicine Board Member.
  • Exercise keeps her sane. In her free time, you can find her at CrossFit or cycling.

Qualifications

  • Masters in International Law, American University

  • B.A. in Communications, Towson University

  • Public Notary

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Practice Branding
  • Advertising/Marketing/Event Manager
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Joanne Augstein-Collins

Joanne Augstein-Collins

Business Development Director

Personal Intro

  • Joanne grew up in Greenville, NY and currently lives in Niskayuna, NY, with her wife and two daughters.
  • She has a Blackbelt in Taekwondo and was a member of the USA Masters Team for Taekwondo.
  • In her free time, Jo follows her kids sports and activities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, Russell Sage College

  • Master's Certificate in Business Intelligence, Villanova University

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Associate Franchise Consultant
  • Professional Integrator
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Maureen Buckley

Maureen Buckley

Operations Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Maureen was born and raised in Albany, NY, and currently lives in Loudonville, NY.
  • Right out of high school, she earned her degree in fashion merchandise and opened a women’s boutique in Latham, NY.
  • She loves to golf and is an avid reader on all things leadership and self-development.

Qualifications

  • Retired CEO of RiverSource Life Insurance Company of NY

  • MBA in Accounting, Siena College

  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting, Siena College
  • Series 7 and 24

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Practice Chief Operations Officer
  • Practice Counselor on Business Development
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Betty Bee

Betty Bee

Executive Assistant

Personal Intro

  • Betty was originally from Bel Air, MD and currently lives in FL with her husband Andre.
  • She is a huge traveler and loves Disney.

Qualifications

  • 20+ Years of Experience with Ameriprise

  • Series 7, 65, and 66

  • MD Life, Accident and Health Exam

  • Bachelor of Music Education, Shenandoah University

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Advisor Support
  • Business Processing
  • Meeting Preparation and Follow-up
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Michael Shuck

Michael Shuck

Financial Planning Analyst

Personal Intro

  • Mike was born and raised in MD.
  • He has a wife and three children.
  • In his free time, Mike enjoys exercising, golfing, playing board games, and travelling.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Economics, Dickinson College

  • CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

  • ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant®

  • Retired Private Wealth Advisor

  • 30 Years of Experience

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Inspire Confidence Group Investment Committee Team Member
  • Researcher for complex cases
  • Assists advisors in preparing for meetings
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Jennifer Bayliss

Jennifer Bayliss

Client Concierge,

Paraplanner

Personal Intro

  • Jennifer grew up in Norwalk, CT and currently lives in Williamstown, MA with her 17-year-old son Jameson, 14-year-old daughter Maisie, and golden doodle Sassy.
  • In her free time, Jen likes to work out, cook, read, and go to her kids’ sporting events.

Qualifications

  • M.S. in Education, Old Dominion University

  • B.S. in Education, University of Connecticut

  • Series 7 and 66

  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam

  • Life, Accident and Health Exam
  • CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors in preparing for meetings
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Jaylen Chicaway

Jaylen Chicaway

Client Service Manager

Personal Intro

  • Jaylen was born and raised in Cohoes, NY, where she currently lives.
  • She has two sisters, a brother, and a nephew.
  • She likes watching sports, spending time with friends and family, hiking, road trips, and anything outdoors.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business Economics, SUNY Cortland, Spring 2021

  • Public Notary
  • CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™

  • Life, Accident and Health Exam

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Oversees financial planning specialists and interns supporting the advice team
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Ashley J. Makarczyk Rokosz

Ashley J. Makarczyk Rokosz

Practice Manager

Personal Intro

  • Ashley grew up and currently lives in Nanticoke, PA with her husband and two dogs.
  • She loves to play golf, watch sports, and travel.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Elementary Education, Kings College, 2010

  • Began her career with the Company in July 2011

  • Public Notary

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Makes clients feel at home
  • Visit preparation
  • Financial planning support
  • Client communications liaison
  • Event planning support
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Jenna Farro

Jenna Farro

Marketing Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Jenna is originally from Stamford, CT and currently lives in CO.
  • She loves sports, baking, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
  • Jenna also has a cookie business with her mom.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business with concentrations in Business Analytics, Market Research Analysis, and Sports Marketing, Siena College, May 2022

  • MBA in Business Analytics and Marketing, Siena College, May 2023

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists the marketing team with social media, website, and marketing activities
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Joshua Vogel

Joshua Vogel

Financial Planning Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Josh grew up in Queensbury, NY.
  • In his spare time, he enjoys playing rugby, working on cars, snowboarding, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Qualifications

  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam

  • B.S. in Finance, Siena College, May 2022

  • CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™

  • Life, Accident and Health Exam

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors in preparing for meetings
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Ashton Britt

Ashton Britt

Financial Planning Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Ashton was born and raised in Cohoes, NY in a family of eight.
  • He enjoys reading American literature, hiking, playing basketball, watching football, and traveling.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Economics, Siena College, May 2023

  • CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™

  • Life, Accident and Health Exam

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors in prepping for client meetings
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Emma VanGorder

Emma VanGorder

Financial Planning Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Emma is from Montgomery County, NY.
  • In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with the people she loves.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Financial Planning, Liberty University, May 2024

  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam

  • CRPC™ Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™

  • Life, Accident and Health Exam

  • Series 7

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors in preparing for meetings
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Brittany Trahan

Brittany Trahan

Client Concierge

Personal Intro

  • Brittany enjoys reading, watching football, and spending time with friends and family.
  • In her free time, she practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business/Marketing, SUNY Plattsburgh, 2012

  • Public Notary

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists advisors in prepping for client meetings
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Deidre Maturo

Deidre Maturo

Executive Assistant,

Client Concierge

Personal Intro

  • Dee has a daughter, cockapoo, and pomapoo, who are the light of her life.
  • She is passionate about arts and spends her free time on her own art business.
  • Besides getting creative, Dee loves animals, music, traveling, and adding to her bucket list.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Writing and Communications, Empire State College

  • Public Notary
  • Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP)®

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists clients with scheduling
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Angelynne VanPatten

Angelynne VanPatten

Client Concierge

Personal Intro

  • Angie was born and raised in Watervliet, NY.
  • She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and participating in movie & music trivia.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Communications, SUNY Cortland

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists clients with scheduling
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Alison Orr

Alison Orr

Marketing Specialist

Personal Intro

  • Alison is from Allendale, NJ.
  • She is the oldest of three and has two cats and a dog.
  • In her free time, she enjoys playing/watching sports (Mets & Nuggets), exercising, listening to music (especially punk rock), and spending time with friends and family.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business with concentrations in Business Analytics and Market Research & Analytics, Siena College, May 2024

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists the marketing team with social media, website, and marketing activities
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Francesca Varvaglione

Francesca Varvaglione

Client Concierge

Personal Intro

  • Francesca was born and raised in PA.
  • She enjoys shopping, working out, and spending time with family.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Marketing, Kings College

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists clients with scheduling
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Christen Kelly

Christen Kelly

Client Concierge

Personal Intro

  • Christen is from Harford County, MD.
  • She loves to travel and explore the arts with her family.

Qualifications

  • B.A. in Psychology, Hunter College

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Assists clients with scheduling
  • Makes clients feel at home
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Tristan Keeling

Tristan Keeling

Intern

Personal Intro

  • Tristan is from Guilderland, NY.
  • He is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at the University of Vermont, expected to graduate in May of 2027.
  • Some of Tristan's favorite things to do include snowboarding, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing guitar, and spending time with his friends and dog.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, University of Vermont, Expected Graduation May 2027

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Joseph Ciccarelli

Joseph Ciccarelli

Intern

Personal Intro

  • Joe is from Guilderland, NY.
  • He is majoring in Finance at Merrimack College, expected to graduate in May of 2026.
  • During Joe's free time, he enjoys hiking, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Finance, Merrimack College, Expected Graduation May 2026

  • Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam

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Nicholas Cuchna

Nicholas Cuchna

Intern

Personal Intro

  • Nick is from Manchester, MD.
  • He is majoring in Personal Finance at Roanoke College, expected to graduate in May of 2026.
  • Nick is on his school's swim team and also loves to golf.

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Personal Finance, Roanoke College, Expected Graduation May 2026

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