Josephine Fitzgerald Leise

founded Birch Financial Group with the belief that financial planning should feel personal, collaborative, and empowering—not transactional. Too often, people are handed generic advice that doesn’t truly reflect their goals, values, or the life they want to build. My approach is different. I work closely with clients to create customized financial strategies that help bring clarity to complex decisions and confidence to every stage of life. As an advisor, I focus on long-term relationships and comprehensive planning. Whether we’re helping someone prepare for retirement, navigate a major life transition, optimize investments, manage taxes strategically, or coordinate estate and legacy planning, the goal is always the same: helping clients make smarter financial decisions with a trusted partner by their side. I believe great advice starts with listening, understanding what matters most, and building a plan around the person—not just the portfolio. As a person, I value authenticity, trust, and meaningful connection. I genuinely enjoy getting to know the people and families we serve and being part of their journey over time. At Birch Financial Group, we strive to create an experience where clients feel supported, informed, and cared for—because financial planning is ultimately about helping people live better lives with greater peace of mind.

Liana Poodiack is a CFP® with 26 years of experience in the financial services industry. She currently works at Birch Financial Group and has previously held positions at Steward Partners and Wells Fargo Advisors. Outside of her advisory role, she is involved as an officer and board member of the Whitney Road Association and owns a local business, Peterboro Tool Company Inc. Birch Financial Group is a fee-only SEC-registered investment adviser serving individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans, and businesses. The firm manages approximately $264.7 million in discretionary assets and employs a blend of passive and active strategies, offering customized investment policies and ongoing financial planning services.

Gertrude Saville is a financial advisor at Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. in Brattleboro, VT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials with 30 years of industry experience. She has been with Prentiss Smith & Company since 1989. Prentiss Smith & Company provides investment management services primarily for individual clients and endowment funds, also serving trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm employs a long-term growth at a reasonable price (GARP) investment approach, emphasizing capital preservation and detailed client communication through regular reports and statements.

Penelope Kaufman is a financial advisor at Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. in Brattleboro, VT, with 18 years of industry experience. She holds a Series 65 designation and has been with Prentiss Smith & Company since 1999. Prentiss Smith & Company provides investment management services primarily for individuals and endowment funds, also serving trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm employs a long-term growth at a reasonable price (GARP) investment approach with an emphasis on capital preservation and offers detailed client communications through regular reports and statements.

Prentiss Smith is a financial advisor at Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. in Brattleboro, VT, holding Series 63 and Series 65 credentials with 31 years of industry experience. He has worked at Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. since 1982. Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. provides investment management services primarily for individual clients and endowment funds, also serving trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm employs a long-term growth at a reasonable price (GARP) investment approach, combining quantitative screening with fundamental analysis, and emphasizes capital preservation.

Frederick Brubaker Jr. is a CFA® charterholder with four years of industry experience. He has been with Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. since 2007. Prentiss Smith & Company, Inc. provides investment management services primarily to individual clients and endowment funds, also serving trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and corporations. The firm employs a long-term growth at a reasonable price (GARP) investment approach, combining quantitative screening with fundamental analysis and placing emphasis on capital preservation.