Our Team

Eduardo Alfaro plays a vital role in implementing Brio’s compliance, regulatory, and brand standards, ensuring that clients receive the care and attention they deserve. By collaborating closely with advisors and staff, Eduardo gains a deep understanding of each client’s unique priorities and develops systems within Brio to support those needs.

Focusing on client integration, technology solutions, and data management, Eduardo helps Brio operate with thoughtful efficiency. His innovative approaches to resolving in-house logistical challenges contribute to a culture where every client experience matters.  

Eduardo brings extensive project management and marketing expertise to his role at Brio, including significant experience working throughout Latin America. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

• B.A., Integrated Marketing Communications, Escuela de Comunicaciones Monica Herrera, San Salvador, El Salvador 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Eduardo is a proud father of four. In his free time, he enjoys taking his son to watch Golden State Warriors games and spending time watching soccer. 

Growing up, money was something my family had to stretch. Watching every dollar work hard has a way of sharpening your awareness and your motivation. Combine that with a natural interest in numbers and spreadsheets, and I found myself genuinely enjoying the process of solving my own financial puzzle. Helping other people solve theirs turned out to be even better.

I enjoy building projections, mapping out tax strategies, and creating plans that turn complexity into clarity. But the moments that matter most are when clients move from overwhelmed to organized. Accounts are consolidated, decisions feel clearer, and uncertainty is replaced with confidence. That kind of clarity creates real freedom.

Most conversations start with a simple question: Why now? Understanding what brought you here helps set the direction for everything that follows. From there, the focus is on structure, accountability, and building a roadmap you will actually use, not one that just looks good on paper.

I earned my CFP® certification and master's in financial planning from Golden Gate University and now lead tax planning at Brio. I also serve as the co-chair of the FPA Programs Committee for the San Diego Chapter, which keeps me deeply connected to the planning community (and happily nerding out about it).

In the end, my approach is shaped by how I learned to think about money in the first place: Pay attention to the details, understand the trade-offs, and make sure every decision has a purpose.

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS  

• B.S., Economics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• M.S., Financial Planning, Golden Gate University
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
• Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam – FINRA
• Passed the P, FM and IFM actuarial exams  

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT  

• Member of Financial Planning Association, San Diego Chapter  

LIFE PASSIONS  

Life outside of work is split between San Diego (where I live with my fiancée, Julia, and our two cats), and near family in Minnesota. Free time usually means playing sports and planning the next trip. So far, that includes 32 countries and more than 70 National Park Service sites, with plenty left to go. I also love reading, trying new food, and slowly working through AFI’s 100 greatest films.

If Gerald could have a mansion of dogs he would. His love for dogs is similar for tennis, it has no bounds! Through this love, he met the love of his life partner Jeff. Talk about doubles tennis!

With over 15 years of experience in the finance industry, Gerald is a seasoned professional who joined Brio in 2023 as an Associate Financial Planner. Prior to his role at Brio, he served as a Senior Account Manager at Northern Trust and as a Senior Trust & Estate Associate at Merrill Lynch Bank of America. Gerald is drawn to Brio’s collaborative team culture and fully aligns with the firm’s core values, particularly its strong commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

M.S., Financial Planning, Magna Cum Laude, Golden Gate University 

MBA, Magna Cum Laude, Pfeiffer University 

B.S, Biology, with Honors, The University of North Carolina, Charlotte 

Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam – FINRA 2021 

CTFA^®, Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor   

LIFE PASSIONS 

Gerald is a passionate tennis player who thrives on both the competition and camaraderie of the court. His ultimate dream is to experience all four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and to revisit the US Open, where he’s already made unforgettable memories. 

When he's not hitting the ball, Gerald can be found exploring new restaurants or experimenting with recipes at home. A true foodie at heart, he loves savoring diverse cuisines, discovering unique flavors, and sharing meals with friends and family. Whether serving up an ace or serving a delicious dish, Gerald brings enthusiasm and creativity to everything he does! 

Matt is happy that his career journey led him to Brio, where he can share his vast industry knowledge to help the firm reach new heights and continue his mission to make the world better for others.

Prior to joining Brio, Matt spent 20+ years in the financial services industry, in roles that had him advising financial professionals and independent advisory firms about ways to enhance their practice.  

As a Sr. Financial Planner, Matt focuses on the listening, empathy and coaching skills he learned over the years to help individuals and families become financially independent. 

As Chief Partnership Officer, Matt is also charged with building partnerships with Estate Planning Attorneys, CPAs/Tax Professionals, Real Estate partners & various other business owners to bring services to help our clients reach their financial goals.  

Having worked with and consulted numerous financial advisory firms in his career, Matt knows that Brio’s culture of friendly, white-glove service with a commitment to client success is unique. It was one of the main reasons he joined Brio. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

• Dual B.A., Political Science & American Studies, St. Olaf College
• Executive MBA, University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Business
• FINRA Series 7, 63 & 24
• Former Chair/Board Member FPA NorCal Conference
• Recipient of Charles Schwab Community Service Award 1999 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Matt is extremely passionate about making a difference. Raised to give back and help others, his volunteer activities range from preparing meals at homeless shelters to sitting on boards for youth groups, and chairing one of the largest conferences for financial planners in the country.  Matt was also honored to be hand-selected by Chuck Schwab himself for the first-ever Charles Schwab Community Service Award. 

When he’s not volunteering, Matt can be found spending time with his better half, Mary, and with his parents, brothers and two Yorkies, Ana and Ole. He also has a passion for cross training, playing golf, and perusing his collections of rare coins and miniature stadiums. 

I joined Brio as an Associate Wealth Advisor after moving cross-country to the Bay Area with my partner of six years, Shelby. We were ready for a new adventure, and the Bay felt like the perfect place to build both a life and a career rooted in community and purpose.   

Before Brio, I supported more than 60 households as an Associate Financial Planner, helping clients organize their financial lives, prepare for big decisions, and turn complex questions into clear, actionable plans. I’m a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a background in financial planning and corporate social responsibility, and I bring both technical rigor and empathy to every conversation. I love digging into the details, whether that’s running projections, mapping out scenarios, or simply making sure nothing falls through the cracks.   

What motivates me most is access. Throughout my career, I’ve been involved in financial literacy and community outreach, from mentoring students to supporting individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. I believe financial knowledge should be empowering, not intimidating. My goal is to help people move from uncertainty and stress to clarity and confidence, so they can focus less on money worries and more on living the life they want.   

I care deeply about relationships and pride myself on listening closely, communicating clearly, and following through. To me, great planning isn’t just about numbers, it’s about helping people feel seen, supported, and in control of their future

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS  

• Temple University, Fox School of Business and Management, Bachelor of Business Administration, Financial Planning, Minor in Corporate Social Responsibility - 2023 

• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification - 2025 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me soaking up everything the Bay Area has to offer. I love getting out into nature, whether that’s hiking coastal trails, biking through the city, tide pooling, or packing a picnic for the park. I’m happiest staying active and curious, playing soccer, exploring museums and neighborhood markets, catching a movie in a theater, or listening to live music. And yes, I’ll happily balance all that with a few hours of reality TV or a favorite sitcom. 

Michelle joined Brio as an Administrative Assistant, where her flexibility in tackling new projects led her to a new role as a Client Service Specialist. She helps keep the paperwork and other to-do's on track while engaging in various ways across the firm, including wrangling calendars that are in constant flux.

Prior to joining Brio, Michelle wrote for her college magazine, worked as a freelance blogger, and penned blogs, social media and more in addition to her administrative duties for a virtual assistant company. 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS  

B.A., Literature/Creative Writing, University of California, Santa Cruz 

LIFE PASSIONS 

A creative writing class in high school helped Michelle discover her love of writing, which quickly upended her STEM-focused career plans. Michelle continues to love everything about poetry. Reading it, writing it and listening to others perform their work are all high on her list of favorite things to do. 

When she’s ready to take a break from the world of words, Michelle can be found tracking down new and fun places to eat or have coffee. 

Fresh out of school and working as an investments analyst in 2008, Jon had a front-row seat for the financial crisis. This humbling experience taught him that he was dealing with real people, not “clients.” This set him on a path to dive deeper into investments to be able to interpret what was going on and build products that offered the value investors deserved.

Each subsequent job on Jon’s path has brought him to his role at Brio, where he is involved in everything from improving our investment strategy to streamlining processes to implementing the best practices for trading and wealth management that he has picked up over the years. Jon is also our go-to source for technical investment questions, whether from clients or the Brio team. (He did build out an algorithm for a hedge fund, after all.) 

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS 

B.S, Finance, University of Idaho 
CAIA Candidate  

APMA®     Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor 

Bloomberg Certification: Fixed Income, Equity Analysis 

LIFE PASSIONS 

When he and his wife Hannah are not traveling, Jon loves to cook. He particularly enjoys going to Asian markets and choosing fish he’s never heard of to see what he can make out of it. Hannah is reported to be a very good sport about his culinary experiments. 

Jon is also passionate about golf and sharing this passion. That’s why he’s a board member of the local chapter of First Tee, an organization that introduces golf to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity, as well as providing mentorship, college prep, scholarships and more.  

For over 25 years, Gene Elliott has helped individuals and families pursue their greatest financial goals. From estate planning to employee stock options, Gene focuses on simplifying complex endeavors and helping clients find solutions that genuinely fit their needs.

Throughout every relationship, Gene is dedicated to not only providing sophisticated, strategic guidance, but also to bringing warmth and comfort to clients’ lives. His motto: Treat every client like you treat your mother. He will work with you to help ensure your financial life today matches your lifestyle tomorrow. 

Industry Focus 

• Cash Flow Management Strategies
• Domestic Partner Planning
• Employee Stock Options
• Estate Planning Strategies
• Investments
• Retirement Income Strategies
• Retirement Plan Distribution
• Saving for Education
• Social Security Retirement Benefits
• Wealth Preservation Strategies  

LIFE PASSIONS 

Gene enjoys traveling — everywhere from his native Wisconsin to Vienna. Gene also loves art, architecture, theater, and classical music. In his free time, Gene reads, spends time with friends and enjoys the outdoors of Palm Springs. 

Yerim and her pup Mika are the ultimate duo—they road-tripped across the country together to their new home in Seattle. If stranded on a deserted island, all they’d need is each other… and a tennis ball.

Yerim made the leap to Brio—welcoming the challenge and growth that comes with joining a fast-paced, people-first RIA. She was drawn to Brio’s collaborative spirit and deep-rooted love for what they do. With a passion for behavioral finance and a future goal of becoming a financial therapist (CFT® designation, here she comes!) in addition to a Financial Advisor, Yerim is on a mission to learn everything she can. She’s got a fire in her belly and a sponge-like appetite for knowledge. Brio’s glad to have her! 

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS  

• CFP® Certification Program - Boston University
• Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics – Ohio State University
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification
• Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam - NASAA 2022 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Outside the office, you’ll find her soaking up the beauty of the natural world—hiking, backpacking, and camping with her husband Nathan and their rough-and-tumble border collie, Mika. Her dream trip? Iceland—for its sweeping landscapes and all that cozy cold. And if she could be on any TV show? It’d be The Amazing Race—adventure, strategy, and bonding time with Nathan? Sign her up. 

If judgment—and budget—weren’t a factor, Shane’s dream garage would include a Porsche GT3 RS, a Triumph Bonneville T120, a classic OBS Ford, and of course, a practical daily driver to balance it all out. Efficiency meets adrenaline in true Shane style.

With a strong foundation in hospitality and customer service, Shane brings a refined attention to detail and a commitment to excellence to his role. Known for thriving in dynamic environments, Brio is a natural fit!  

At Brio, Shane supports the firm’s operational, investment, and back-office needs—ensuring that the systems behind the scenes run smoothly and efficiently. He takes pride in contributing to projects where he can see clear development and growth, both in outcomes and in his own skill set. His ability to wear many hats with a smile is a boon to Brio. 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Born and raised in Santa Rosa, Shane is a studying business with plans to become a financial advisor. When he’s not researching stocks—a passion he’s had since he was 15—you’ll find him cruising through Healdsburg on his motorcycle. He’s learning poker one hand at a time (weekly sessions help!), and swears nothing beats his mom’s homemade chili.  

Mariana has a passion for helping others discover how powerful a tool money can be and is excited to be joining the Brio team. She was drawn to Brio because of the people and client-centric approach. 

Planning comes naturally to Mariana and one of her financial mantras that she loves to share is “You can spend your money on anything but not everything.” She’s worked in the financial services realm both managing the client experience and developing financial plans for client delivery.  

Right now, Mariana lives in Austin. When she’s not empowering folks with financial insights she’s exploring her surrounds, Austin’s bountiful outdoor activities and thriving food scene.

EDUCATION & ACCREDITATIONS  

• B.S., International Business, West Chester University
• Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam – FINRA 2021
• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) - FINRA 2020
• CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Mariana enjoys sharing her financial literacy with communities in need and the next generation. No one is spared from this, as she encourages her sister, currently in high school, to start saving now. She is a member of the NexGen Advisory Task Force at The American College of Financial Services. 

LIFE PASSIONS 

Mariana is a devout plant lover and has a standing reputation as a green thumb to uphold. Were it not for her cats she would surround herself with even more. Her faves are cacti and succulents.