The Special Needs Team

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
801 10th Street
Suite 1
Modesto, CA 95354
(800) 260.2919
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Located in multiple offices throughout the United States, we are a deeply experienced team dedicated to improving the long-term well-being of society’s most vulnerable: people with disabilities, elderly individuals with dementia, accident victims, and other special-needs populations by offering financial advice and guidance.
The Special Needs Team
Welcome

We are a dedicated group of financial advisors and client associates who work closely with other special-needs professionals and family members to improve the long-term well-being of individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Our work is more than a profession — it’s a passion. For decades we have focused on providing financial strategies to address the challenges and issues that you and your clients face.

We understand the implications of the Uniform Prudent Investment Act, various state Probate Codes, various state Rules of the Court and the National Guardianship Standards. We help professional advisors and family members institute investment standards through process-oriented investing that is well documented, regularly revisited, and clearly communicated.

Speak to us for a few minutes, and you may quickly perceive how we can help alleviate some key financial challenges that special-needs clients—and their support network—face. We have extensive experience collaborating with Private Professional Fiduciaries/Guardians, Corporate Trustees, Estate Planning Attorneys, and Personal Injury Attorneys.

Recognition
Scott MacDonald
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Advisors", 2020-2022
(Published annually Jan – April. Rankings based on data as of June 30 of prior year.)
The Special Needs Team
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2023-2024
(Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.)
About Us
Private Professional Fiduciaries & Guardians

We work closely with Private Professional Fiduciaries and Guardians to promote the long-term well-being of beneficiaries through process-based investing and committed service.

We are skilled in the following areas:

• Upholding the "prudent-investor" standard through rigorous wealth planning, a needs-based analysis that reflects the unique requirements of each client, and targeted risk levels and asset allocations based on those objectives, including risk tolerance, liquidity needs and time horizon.

• Documenting the processes for the deployment and diversification of client assets, as well as ongoing performance analysis through formal reviews.

• Developing tax-sensitive financial strategies, working in concert with your CPA, as appropriate.*

*Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
Meet Our Team
Scott MacDonald
Managing Director, Senior Financial Advisor
209.578.2625
Daniel Cutter,

CRPC™

Senior Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
415.676.2535
Donovan Filpi,

ChSNC®, CFP®, CRPC™

First Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
760.930.3110
Kristie Brown
Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
209.578.2611
Paul Bartschi
Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
805.381.1471
Emily Vierra
Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
209.578.2640
Craig Stone
First Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
916.878.3168
Heath Whetsel,

ChFC®, CFP®

Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
480.513.2204
Verlin Hobbs
Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
713.993.1530
Douglas Quint,

CEPA®, CPFA™

Vice President, Resident Director
512.930.8067
Wade Jewett
Assistant Vice President, Senior Financial Advisor
817.877.9659
Eriona Dhimitri,

CTFA

Assistant Vice President, Wealth Planner
209.578.2633
Michael M Joseph,

CRPC™

Investment Management Specialist
209.578.2649
Julia Ridgway,

CRPC™

Relationship Manager
209.578.2674
Oscar Pena
Wealth Management Client Associate
916.648.6260
Deborah A Hendrix
No Officer Title, Wealth Management Client Associate
209.578.2627
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Manivanh Borja
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

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Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, CRPC™, and the CRPC™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the 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.
ChSNC® and Chartered Special Needs Consultant® are the property of The American College, which reserves the sole rights to its use, and is used by permission.
Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and CTFA are sponsored by the ABA Institute of Certified Bankers.