Since joining Merrill in 2012, Alissa has built a wealth management practice based on building trust and loyalty among a growing clientele that spans multiple generations and the greater New England Area.Alissa is a “hands-on, ears-open” advisor who continues to attract successful business owners and executives in biotech, construction, insurance, accounting and other professions.“I have an intuitive sense for people and their priorities,” Alissa explains. “Before wealth management, I spent four years working for non-profits – helping people face challenges and fulfill dreams. At Merrill, I can help clients make the most of their wealth and satisfy their wishes, some they never thought possible.”As a CERTIFIED PLANNER™ (CFP®) certificant, Alissa not only provides the requisite fiduciary level of care (putting clients’ interests first, at all times), she also treats clients as she does good friends and family members. For Alissa, “going the extra mile for clients is never going out of her way.” At the heart of her offering is a commitment to deliver the highest level of sensitivity and emotional intelligence – hearing what clients say, and may not say.Given clients’ mindsets and motivations, Alissa devotes significant time to understanding how each client views their wealth. She may ask, “What’s the purpose of your wealth? What’s most important to you? How do you manage debt? How are you currently saving – and what are you saving for? What type of legacy, if any, do you like to leave? What would you be doing if you weren’t working? Who is helping you make financial decisions? Who are your other trusted advisors?”Once goals are established, Alissa develops a multi-pronged strategy that spans investment and retirement planning, college funding, charitable giving, and tax minimization and estate planning strategies. She also incorporates a review of clients’ insurance, as risk management is integral to her offering.When it comes to investments, Alissa uses the firm’s strategic asset allocation metrics and award-winning research – along with portfolio construction guidance from the firm’s Chief Investment Office. Her goal? To build custom portfolios designed to align with the distinct needs, objectives, hopes and dreams of each client. With diversification critical to risk management and long-term performance, a client’s portfolio may include equities, bonds, ETFs and alternative investments* – an area in which Alissa’s proficiency helps clients benefit from investments not correlated to market volatility (private equity, hedge funds and real estate, for example).Alissa carefully examines opportunities for tax efficiencies throughout the year. She also coordinates with clients’ CPAs on income tax management and – during tax season – works to ensure that they have all necessary documentation. In addition, Alissa regularly sits with clients and their attorneys to implement and review their estate plans. Alissa is a proud mom of a teenage daughter. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College, a Certificate in Financial Planning from Fairfield University, and a place in her heart for training “Rocky” – her Portuguese Water Dog, who competes in local Scent Work Trials, and is an AKC registered Canine Good Citizen. In her spare time, Alissa makes time for hiking, swimming, and biking.  She also enjoys gardening, cooking and supporting the American Red Cross, Susan G Komen Foundation, and The Nutmeg Portuguese Water Dog Club.