Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago, in the Clearing neighborhood with my parents, two sisters, and one brother.

Q:  Family Life? 

A:  I have been happily married to my husband Ed for 19 years.  Together, we have three amazing children.  Our oldest Arianna is 20 and about to start her junior year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.  She is majoring in Social Work with a minor in Psychology.  Last year she made the dean’s list and is determined to stay on it.  Growing up she was very active in her school’s marching band and has become fluent on three instruments: clarinet, bass clarinet, & piano.   Noah, our 14-year old, is in the middle of the bunch.  He will be starting high school in the Fall. Noah has many hobbies but the two that come to mind are, chess and video games.  Charlotte is our youngest (9 years old) and she will be going into 4th grade this year.  She is currently the starting left striker for her travel soccer team.  She has taken after her siblings’ motto “practice makes perfect” and we can hear her working on foot skills and ball control at all hours of the day & night.  She is also into fashion and aspires to be a movie star or President one day. 

Q:  Where do you reside? 

A:  I live in Lockport which is in the southwest burbs.  We moved to Lockport in 2001, and moved to a new home that we built in 2016.  My favorite thing about living outside the city is the backyard.  We enjoy spending our nights on the patio around the fire pit.

Q:  Pets? 

A:  Now that the kids are getting older and able to help out, we are considering adding a 4-legged friend to the family eventually.

 Q:  What do you enjoy outside the office? 

 A:  When “mom duty” is done, I spend my free time hiding in a quiet place with a page-turner.  I also enjoy walking and getting together with friends and family.

Q:  Favorite Family Vacation? 

A: My absolute favorite vacation is Disney World, maybe because we were married on Disney Grounds or maybe it’s the smiles on all of the kids’ faces, either way I can’t get enough of it.

Q:  What do you enjoy about the financial planning profession? 

A:  I have been in the industry for 20+ years and the most enjoyable moments, in my opinion, would be when a client either retires and/or has reached their financial freedom.  I see their hard work, discipline, and determination over the years.  It is inspiring and rewarding to witness them accomplish their goals.

Fast Facts about Melissa

Favorite Meal/Drink/Dessert: chicken parmesan, pomegranate Bai, cheesecake

Bucket List:  see the Northern Lights preferably in Iceland.

Favorite Quote: “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” -Lord Tennyson

Favorite Book:  there are many, but an all-time favorite is “The Door to December” by Dean Koontz

Quirks: OCD when it comes to cleaning my house.  I can spot a crumb 20 feet away.

Favorite TV Show or Movie:  Lost