Team
Cultivating passion for the financial industry.
Our women-founded, women-owned, women-led team is here to change futures, starting with you.
Join Our Team
Our advisors know their stuff, but more importantly, they know how to work with the emotions that define every person’s money journey.
If this is you, we want to hear from you.
Alexandra Levi, AIF®
Managing Partner
JoanAnn Natola, AIF®
Managing Partner
Nan P. Bailey, MBA, CFP®, AIF®
Financial Advisor
Lorry Levasseur, CFP®
We're Hiring, CFP®
Senior Financial Planner
Ana Maria Ortiz
Director of Client Services
Adriana Roman
Director of Paraplanning
Jennifer Lawrence, AIF®
Director of Retirement Operations
Cassie Harris
Paraplanner
Nicole Gatchel, FPQP®, AIF®
Paraplanner
Gaby Stevenson
Client Liaison
Alexandra Levi, AIF®
Managing Partner
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Alex Levi has spent her entire career helping people. It is her calling and one of her greatest joys in life. Whether she is helping fellow entrepreneurs build and sustain profitable businesses, or offering individuals sound, straightforward advice, Alex has made it her business to help others create and preserve wealth. She envisioned Element, an advisory business, as a response to the product and proprietary-driven environment that existed in the financial services industry. Her ability to communicate clearly and directly, and deliver even the most sophisticated strategies in a manner that clients understand and embrace, has become a hallmark of the firm.
At the age of 21, Alex launched her first business, developing financial and tax strategies for individuals and businesses. This is where her specialization in entertainment, film, fashion, and the arts began and continues today at Element. Eight years after meeting the challenge of building a thriving practice, a client convinced Alex to join his premier modeling agency headquartered in New York as CFO, where she led its expansion into London, Cape Town, and South Beach. Later, she became vice president of entertainment at a communications firm, leading both the creative and management teams. Under her direction, they successfully developed and marketed a custom animated character to both a leading multinational retailer and media distributor. After six years of helping these two business owners attain the highest level of success, her entrepreneurial instinct and drive to help others achieve the same success led to the founding of Element Financial Group.
Alex is an advocate for equal pay and career opportunities for women. As such, she has been actively involved in the New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) organization for more than a decade. She served as both the board president and chair of the Advisory Board. Alex is also passionate about improving the educational experience for children in public schools. She serves as co-president of the Parent Teacher Association for PS11, one of NYC's largest public schools, and joined the conversation in both the Think It Up campaign currently running on television and the XQ, Super School Project.
Alex is a sought-after speaker, addressing Fortune 500 firms, law and accounting firms, women's professional groups, and others. You may have seen Alex on The Today Show, read her articles in magazines, or heard her on Bloomberg Radio.
A first-generation American, Alex was born and raised in New York City. She, her husband Howard, and son Jameson live in Chelsea, and she is the proud stepmother to Carleigh, a rock musician, and Sami, an NCAA national champion athlete and recent college graduate. Whether celebrating the accomplishments of her children, time with Howard her partner in life and love, or a not-so-quiet day with everyone at home, her life is never dull and always filled with copious amounts of love and laughter.
JoanAnn Natola, AIF®
Managing Partner
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JoanAnn Natola’s corporate success, passion for innovation, and deep commitment to helping individuals and businesses attain financial security converged into the creation of Element Financial Group. JoanAnn brings to the firm her deep understanding of group benefit strategies, retirement planning, and specialized knowledge of sophisticated financial service offerings. “My life’s mission is to use my passion and experience to help all clients achieve the life they deserve, empower our staff, and change lives by supporting charitable organizations.”
JoanAnn’s corporate successes have arisen from her unwillingness to accept the status quo. As a highly analytical and creative person, whenever JoanAnn encounters an issue that impedes business, she solves it. She rose to the most prestigious positions within a Fortune 100 company by recognizing obstacles and successfully implementing programs to overcome them. Under her direction, her business units dominated the field of executive benefit and legacy planning.
JoanAnn was tapped in her corporate role to head a newly formed Private Client Group offshore, focusing on innovative insurance and investment products for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. In this role, she served as vice president and chief marketing officer of MassMutual Bermuda and worked closely with their international department to open an office in Luxembourg.
Her journey to the top of her profession always involved helping others excel. In an effort to attract more women to the financial services industry as planners and equity owners, JoanAnn created a three-year accelerated program to fast-track talented business leaders to run successful financial service firms. JoanAnn paved the way for motivated professionals to own their own futures.
JoanAnn was named to the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) Top Women Advisors list for 2015, is a leading marketer of financial literacy for women, and has been published on varying topics of finance.
Outside of the office, JoanAnn is an avid athlete, tri-athlete, certified race car driver, and her most cherished role of grandmother. She believes in having fun on the journey through life and learning from any mistakes. JoanAnn has been at the forefront of activism and improvement in the lives of people with disabilities. She is supported in her work and in her life by a wonderful husband, Tom, and when not in New York City lives in Cheshire, CT, with her husband, mother-in-law, and special needs brother-in-law. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Luca.
2015 NAPA Top Women Advisors, created by NAPA. Presented in Oct 2015 for the previous year. 227 Advisors were considered, 91 Advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Click here for most recent award information.
Nan P. Bailey, MBA, CFP®, AIF®
Financial Advisor
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After starting her career and MBA in accounting in her 20s, Nan read a College for Financial Planning brochure and knew she had found her true career calling. In 1986, she started her CFP studies, completed her MBA from Baruch University, and launched her financial planning practice.
Since then, Nan has followed Thoreau’s quote “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined,” as she has been blessed with 34 fabulous years as a solo practitioner. Aside from earning her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in the early years of the profession, she also became an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designee in 2005.
As a member of the LGBT community, she specializes in their unique issues and concerns. She has been active in the community by serving on the boards of FrontRunners NYC, Lambda Legal Education and Defense Fund, and In the Life Media. She currently serves on the Legacy and Planned Giving Council for Lambda Legal. More recently, Nan has focused on planning issues for those near or entering the retirement phase of their life. Unlike the years spent saving and accumulating, Nan recognizes the breadth and depth of the adjustments, challenges, and joys that come with the transition.
Nan resides and works in Larchmont, NY, where she raised her two children – now adults with career directions of their own! She enjoys biking, kayaking, and hiking with her life partner.
Lorry Levasseur, CFP®
Email | 212-878-1776
Lorry Levasseur is a dedicated financial planner with a strong passion for helping individuals navigate their financial journey and attain their goals. With a career spanning 15 years, she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge in the field. Lorry holds several prestigious certifications, including Series 7, 63, 66, and 24, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence.
In addition to her qualifications, Lorry has also earned an MBA and the Certified Financial Planner certification, further enhancing her ability to provide comprehensive financial guidance to Element’s clients. Her genuine desire to assist individuals in identifying and achieving their aspirations has made her an invaluable resource in the financial planning industry.
As the youngest of four siblings and a first generation American, Lorry cherishes and is very devoted to her family. She shares her life with her husband in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. When time permits, they love escaping to the West Coast and consider themselves forever LA Dodgers fans. Overall, Lorry is committed and dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her, both within her career and beyond.
Ana Maria Ortiz
Director of Client Services
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Ana Maria’s approach to her job and her life is quite straightforward. Ana Maria considers all Element Financial Group clients “her people,” and gives 100 percent to be sure they receive the best possible service and client experience. Quite fittingly, Ana Maria is the director of client services for Element Financial Group. She joined the firm in 2007 and has been an integral part of the firm’s growth.
Ana Maria is responsible for opening accounts, transferring assets, orchestrating the insurance process, and creating a positive client experience at Element.
She is friendly, helpful, and a tremendously skilled financial professional. In addition to troubleshooting and seeking resolution on any matter a client sends her way, Ana Maria oversees the insurance underwriting process. Her positive attitude, reliability, and warm disposition make her a huge asset to our team.
Ana Maria holds an insurance license in the State of New York. She earned her associate’s degree and completed coursework at New York University.
Outside of the office, Ana Maria enjoys entertaining friends and family. She is also a much sought-after and accomplished make-up artist. Originally from Queens, Ana Maria and her husband, Jesse, now live in East Northport. Ana Maria is a loving mom of two children, Jesse Matthew and Elliana, and a fur-baby named Cannoli.
Adriana Roman
Director of Paraplanning
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Adriana graduated from New York University and is currently in the process of completing her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which will aid her in her goal of becoming a financial planner. She loves helping people in all areas of life, particularly with the intricacies of planning for life events and dreams.
A first-generation American, Adriana was raised in New York City and resides in Queens, NY. She is a member of LeanIn.Org, an organization that encourages women to “lean in” and help one another in their careers, as well as New York Cares, an organization that provides many free services to New Yorkers in need. She spends her time reading as much as she can, is an amateur beekeeper and farmer, loves movies and music, and enjoys spending time with her close-knit family.
Jennifer Lawrence, AIF®
Director of Retirement Operations
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Jennifer has a passion for helping others and a love for her home state of Idaho. Jennifer studied as a professional legal assistant at Boise State University, where she served as the chapter president and state vice president of Business Professionals of America. Jennifer continued her studies in business administration and obtained her ALS certification in addition to her degree.
Jennifer spent the next decade in the commercial real estate appraisal sector. Additionally, she expanded her education by attending Western Governors University, where she studied business accounting. In a pursuit to utilize her accounting background along with her love of helping others, she transitioned her career into the financial services industry.
This shift to serve clients’ financial goals has become the pinnacle of what Jennifer believes in, being of invaluable service by exceeding expectations. Jennifer is a CPFA, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, and also holds her Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation, life insurance license. Jennifer has enjoyed helping individuals and plan participants alongside our advisors throughout her roles.
Jennifer has been married for 16 years to her wonderful husband, Steven. They have three outstanding children, Thaddaeus, Ashton, and Anwyn. Jennifer loves spending time volunteering as a treasurer to her chruch and serving on the Parish Council, snowboarding in the Sawtooths, roller skating, and reading. Ask Jennifer about her roller derby days with the Idaho Rebel Rollers or if you’re in search of a good book.
Cassie Harris
Paraplanner
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Cassie Harris is a dedicated Paraplanner with a passion for problem-solving. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to client satisfaction, Cassie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.
Her adept skills in financial analysis and strategic planning contribute significantly to the success of client portfolios. Known for her unwavering dedication to helping clients navigate financial challenges, Cassie goes above and beyond to provide personalized solutions. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her thorough approach to paraplanning, helping advisors ensure that each client receives tailored strategies that align with their unique financial goals.
Cassie's proficiency in communication and client relations fosters strong, trust-based partnerships. Her ability to translate complex financial concepts into accessible, comprehensible information empowers clients to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Beyond her dynamic career, Cassie finds joy in her family and cherishes the role of being a devoted wife and mother. Residing in Jersey with her husband and two sons, family is Cassie's number one priority. She actively supports her children's pursuits, with both sons immersed in the worlds of football and basketball.
Nicole Gatchel, FPQP®
Paraplanner
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Nicole is a dedicated and experienced Paraplanner with years of industry experience dating back to 2014. Her primary focus is supporting Element's Financial Planners. Her professionalism shines, ensuring our clients feel not just informed, but comfortable and confident—especially when navigating the intricate landscape of planning for significant life events.
Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Trine University where she was also a valuable member of the women’s soccer team. She obtained her Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation (FPQP®) from the College for Financial Planning in 2015.
Giving back to her community holds great importance to Nicole. She actively serves on the board for a local multipurpose trail system as well as a locally owned grocery store. She also donates time to treasury work for a non-profit organization.
Residing in Indiana, Nicole shares her life with her husband Ryan, their two children Clara and Bodie, and their two dogs. During her free time Nicole enjoys running, golfing, attending sporting events, making memories with the kiddos, and traveling.
Gaby Stevenson
Client Liaison
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Gaby began her career in the financial services industry during her final year of college, working in a wealth management and advisory services franchise office. This experience ignited her passion for working alongside advisors in assisting clients and fueled her commitment to helping individuals achieve financial freedom and their life goals.
While her childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist took a different turn, Gaby carries that spirit of exploration and learning with her, even outside of work. Driven by a desire to make the financial services industry more accessible and supportive, Gaby volunteers for her local Financial Planning Association's annual pro bono program to assist low-income Hispanic households in learning financial literacy through the network of financial planners and translators. Gaby believes that empowering others with the knowledge and skills to navigate personal finance complexities is crucial for building a stronger and more prosperous society.
As a first-generation American and college graduate, Gaby takes immense pride in earning a BS in finance, with a minor in economics along with a specialization in financial services from Florida Gulf Coast University. She has also obtained her FINRA Series 7 and 66 securities registrations. Gaby has passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM exam and is actively working towards obtaining the full CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM designation.
Gaby's dedication to knowledge, empowerment, family, and faith drives her to make a positive impact in the lives of those close to her and the broader community.
Outside of work, Gaby finds joy in preparing delightful breakfasts, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in activities that promote self-care and bonding. In her free time, you'll find Gaby exploring new restaurants, hosting family and friend game nights, and indulging in water-related activities.
