Gainesville, FL 2850 NW 43rd St Office

Shaun Files is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and five years of industry experience. Prior to joining Merrill and Bank of America in 2019, he worked at Verizon Wireless for five years. Outside of his advisory role, he sells secondhand items on eBay. Merrill, along with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary investment strategies tailored to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Michele Dubois is a Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, serving clients in Gainesville, Florida. She has been providing wealth management guidance and services since 1994. Michele holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Florida and professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Michele specializes in family wealth management strategies, legacy planning, LGBT wealth planning, liquidity management, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, philanthropic planning, portfolio management services, women and wealth, and tax minimization. She utilizes multiple disciplined financial strategies tailored to meet the unique goals of her clients. She is qualified as a Senior Portfolio Advisor and manages custom investment strategies on a discretionary basis, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. In addition to her professional work, Michele is involved with civic and charitable organizations including the Alachua Conservation Trust and Girls Place, Inc. She balances her professional commitments with personal interests such as boating, cooking, football, gardening, hiking, interior decorating, music, spending time with family, traveling, and yoga.

Michael Relyea is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of Relyea, Barcelona, Sperrazza & Associates. He has worked in the financial services industry since 1997, gaining experience in various positions across three different firms. This diverse background contributes to his approach to providing financial advice. Michael is part of a team that includes partners Mylene Barcelona and Charles Sperrazza, along with assistants Chelsea Pagoaga and Teresa Proulx. The team combines different skill sets to deliver comprehensive resources and perspectives to clients, enhancing the likelihood of achieving their financial goals. He holds the professional designations Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA). Michael earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Richmond and completed an Accredited Certificate Program at the American College.

Neil Palka is a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He works closely with clients to develop personalized financial strategies that align with their individual goals and changing market conditions. Neil offers expertise in a variety of areas including divorce transition planning, employee benefits planning, executive compensation, retirement income, and services for endowments, foundations, and non-profits. His approach involves identifying clients' priorities, setting and tracking progress towards goals, and adjusting plans as needed throughout different phases of wealth creation, preservation, and transfer. Neil holds a high school diploma from Cocoa Beach High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. He has earned several professional designations, including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Benefits Consultant (RBC). He is actively involved in professional and community organizations such as the Gator Family Giving Council, mentors first generation college students, and provides financial literacy training to University of Florida student athletes. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Neil enjoys boating, fishing, running, swimming, traveling, volleyball, and spending time with his family.

Toika Lankenau is a financial advisor at Merrill with 29 years of industry experience. She holds the Series 63 and Series 66 designations and has been with Merrill since 2006. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program. The firm offers a range of model-based and discretionary investment strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Charles Baker is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and a member of the Baker duBois Group in Gainesville, Florida. He has been with Merrill Lynch since 1996, bringing extensive experience in advising clients on family wealth management, legacy planning, philanthropic planning, retirement income, and socially responsible investing. Charles is a qualified Portfolio Manager, capable of creating and managing personalized investment strategies that may include individual stocks, bonds, Merrill model portfolios, and third-party strategies, some of which may be managed on a discretionary basis through the firm's Investment Advisory Program. Before entering the financial advisory field, Charles served nine years as a Supply Officer in the U.S. Navy with tours aboard a ship, a submarine, and with a Navy SEAL team. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture from the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a Master of Business Administration from Old Dominion University while serving as a Naval Officer. Since 2001, he has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant, a professional designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and also holds the Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Charles is committed to helping clients realize their financial objectives by understanding their priorities and providing disciplined guidance. He also shares his knowledge through client education events and private groups. Outside of his professional work, Charles has diverse interests including billiards, chess, drawing, hiking, music, reading, singing, swimming, table tennis, and woodworking.

Melisa Lemoyne is a Senior Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She focuses on family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, tax minimization, and retirement income. Melisa is committed to developing personalized financial strategies tailored to her clients’ long-term goals. Melisa brings extensive expertise in assisting individuals and families as they prepare for retirement, emphasizing listening to clients’ stories and understanding their concerns. Her approach addresses complex financial issues such as longevity and dementia through comprehensive wealth management plans that integrate retirement income, healthcare, and estate planning services. She holds professional designations including Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Retirement Accredited Financial Advisor (RAFA). Melisa holds a High School Diploma from Christian Brothers Academy, a Bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College, and a Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany. She is active in the Central New York community, involved with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, and the New York State Children’s Alliance, Inc. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, golfing, reading, skiing, and watching movies.

Startoria Stevens is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. She collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive financial strategies tailored to their unique goals and priorities, utilizing the resources of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, including banking, lending, and investing services. Her approach involves creating well-structured plans that are regularly reviewed and adjusted to align with evolving client objectives. Ms. Stevens has expertise in family wealth management strategies, personal retirement planning, and retirement income. She holds the Professional Investment Advisor (PIA) designation. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Health Service Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Florida. Outside of her professional role, Ms. Stevens enjoys boating, camping, cooking, football, gardening, gymnastics, spending time with her family, swimming, and traveling.

Pablo Vela is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management with over 17 years of experience in the financial industry. He began his career at JPMorgan Chase, where he worked across Private Client Banking, Business Banking, Operations, and Management. He later served as an Account Manager for LATAM Financial Institutions within JPMorgan Corporate & Investment Bank, focusing on institutional clients and gaining expertise in global markets, risk management, capital allocation, and macroeconomic strategy. Pablo advises individuals, families, and business owners on financial decisions related to investment strategy, retirement planning, liquidity events, business transitions, and multigenerational wealth management. His approach emphasizes building long-term relationships and providing guidance tailored to clients' goals and values. He holds an MBA from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of South Florida. Pablo is also a Personal Investment Advisor (PIA) and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Pablo enjoys activities such as billiards, boating, cooking, drawing and sketching, hiking, running, scuba diving, spending time with his family, traveling, and watching movies.

Dania Posada is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 credential and nine years of industry experience. She has been with Merrill since 2016. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services to Bank of America fiduciary clients through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for individuals, high-net-worth clients, pension plans, corporations, and charitable organizations.

Jonathan Monesar is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role, he focuses on developing personalized financial strategies by understanding what matters to his clients and their families. Jonathan's expertise includes general investing, retirement planning, and preparing for unexpected expenses. As a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor, he takes time to engage with clients to discuss their goals, concerns, and questions, providing ongoing advice as their needs evolve. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida and has earned professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) and Personal Investment Advisor (PIA).

Dustin Smith is a financial advisor with Merrill in Gainesville, FL, holding a Series 66 credential and five years of industry experience. His prior roles include positions at Bank of America, Prudential Insurance Company of America, Equitable Advisors, and the International Monetary Fund. Outside of finance, he is involved as an owner of Moon Tree Farm, a family-operated business offering wellness retreats and handcrafted goods. Merrill serves a broad range of clients, including individuals, retirement plans, corporations, and institutions, providing managed account programs, third-party manager selection, discretionary portfolio management, and brokerage services. The firm’s investment approach includes diverse strategy options overseen by a central investment office, with tax-focused capabilities and integration with Bank of America’s broader financial platform.

Hannah Peterson is a financial advisor at Merrill with a Series 66 designation and two years of industry experience. She previously worked at Bank of America for five years and at Starbucks for two years. Merrill, together with its affiliate Managed Account Advisors LLC, provides managed account services through the Select Portfolio Solutions Program, offering model-based and discretionary strategies for a range of clients including individuals, high-net-worth investors, and institutions.

Tomas Galavis Odreman is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. In his role as a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor, he works one-on-one with clients to define their financial goals and develop portfolio strategies aimed at helping them pursue those goals. He provides ongoing advice and guidance, adapting portfolio strategies as clients' needs change. Tomas's areas of expertise include family wealth management strategies, managing new wealth, personal retirement planning, sports and entertainment, and retirement income. He holds professional designations including Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He obtained a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Universidad Simon Bolivar and a Master's degree from Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administracion. Tomas is fluent in English and Spanish. Outside of his professional work, Tomas enjoys activities such as adventure sports, camping, cooking, dancing, pickleball, rock climbing, skiing, soccer, tennis, and traveling.

Ryan Westerburg is a Wealth Management Advisor and managing partner of Davis, Westerburg & Associates at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He leads a nationally recognized wealth management team entrusted with overseeing more than $1 billion in private and institutional assets as of July 2026. Ryan is responsible for overseeing practice operations, establishing the team’s investment philosophy, and serving as lead portfolio manager. He works with affluent clients whose complex financial situations require sophisticated planning and dynamic solutions, focusing on areas such as education planning, retirement planning, philanthropic planning, tax minimization, and portfolio management services. Ryan holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation through the Investments & Wealth Institute®, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC™) designation, FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations, and Florida Life, Health, and Variable Annuity insurance licenses. He has completed accredited certificate programs from the College for Financial Planning, University of Pennsylvania, and College of Southern Nevada. Ryan also completed the executive education program at The Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Ryan moved to Florida in 2010 and resides in Gainesville. He is involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Young Life Gainesville and the Santa Fe College International Center. He also supports charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing golf and tennis, volunteering, traveling with family and friends, and following the Florida Gators and Cleveland sports teams.