Strong Industry Relationships And

Success Working Together.

Exceptional Service. Extraordinary People.

Meet your Whalen Team

A Relationship That Goes Beyond Your Expectations.

We are a team that genuinely cares about helping you succeed.

Our certified multi-disciplinary team at Whalen Financial will always provide an exceptional level of service in our quest to help you realize your goals and aspirations. How we work is defined by shared values that include absolute integrity, respect and collaboration. But it's more than that. It's smart and highly driven people united in purpose to serve our investors and one another.

Bring your energy and unique perspective to Whalen Financial and you'll have the opportunity to grow with us professionally, personally, and financially.

"Financial planning and wealth management is complex and can be stressful. We are here to help simplify this with an approach that is as disciplined as it is strategic."

Andrew Whalen

CEO & Wealth Advisor

Andrew Whalen

Founder & Wealth Advisor

Andrew Whalen, Founder of Whalen Financial, isn't your typical finance guy. He started investing at 13, learning the ropes from his grandfather on their radio show, "Let's Talk Money". (Yes, really.) This early immersion gave him a unique understanding of the financial world and a knack for connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

In 2010, he took the reins of the family business with a bold idea: bring the holistic wealth management strategies of a Family Office to everyone. Andrew's firm provides in-house investment management, estate planning, and tax strategies, all seamlessly integrated to help clients achieve their financial goals. He believes in a personalized approach, ensuring each client feels understood and empowered to build the future they envision.

Andrew's passion lies in helping clients navigate the complexities of taxes, estate planning, and investment management. He believes in a personalized approach, ensuring each client feels understood and empowered to achieve their financial goals.

Andrew graduated from Purdue University and currently holds his series 7, 65 and 63 license.

When he's not in the office, you'll find Andrew exploring the world with his wife, Dana. This adventurous duo loves to travel, stay active, and discover new culinary hotspots.

John Urosevich

Chief Operating Officer

John Urosevich

Chief Operating Officer

Meet John Urosevich, Whalen Financials’ new Chief Operating Officer—a 29-year veteran who started as a retail phone representative at a large asset management firm and worked his way through a variety of roles to ultimately lead Operations and Compliance for three RIAs. Early on, John realized that financial freedom reduces stress and expands choice, and that creating—and following—a thoughtful plan can change lives. Along the way he hit meaningful milestones, passing the SIE and Series 7, and discovered his true passion: building teams, creating experiences for people to learn and grow, and counting every teammate’s advancement as a win. In a consolidating industry, he led mergers and integrations by starting with the end in mind and relying on detailed project management and steady, consistent communication—an approach that delivered positive outcomes for firms, employees, and clients alike.

Drawn to Whalen’s commitment to clients and its planning-first philosophy, John spent his first two months here building relationships, strengthening our operational capabilities, and mapping a 3–5-year strategic plan so every process ladders up to a top-tier client experience.

Off the clock, John is a family-first outdoorsman. Two of his kids play high-school soccer, so weekends often mean cheering from the sidelines and traveling to tournaments. He used to coach soccer and baseball, and he still makes time to ski and hike—hobbies he chose because they’re things his family can do together (bonus points for sneaking in a little cardio). He also serves on the board of his kids’ soccer club, where community and teamwork intersect. The same playbook guides his work: begin with the goal, build the right (simple or complex) project plan, align resources, communicate, gain consensus, execute—then step back to ask what could be improved and what was learned. That reflective, team-centric rhythm is how John turns strategy into dependable service—for our colleagues and, most importantly, for our clients.

Vanessa Medina

Servicing Advisor

Vanessa Medina

Servicing Advisor

With over seven years of experience in the financial industry, Vanessa has gained extensive expertise across multiple financial institutions, particularly in client service and financial management. Her journey has cultivated a deep understanding of the intricate workings of the financial world and the crucial importance of client satisfaction. As the Client Relations Associate at Whalen Financial, she oversees new business and account openings, ensuring a seamless process for clients as they begin their financial journey with the firm.

Vanessa's approach to client relations is anything but cookie-cutter. She has made it her mission to foster strong, enduring relationships with clients, recognizing that, in the world of finance, trust is currency. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a keen eye for optimization, consistently refining internal processes to enhance the overall client experience. This drive for improvement is underpinned by a solid educational foundation—a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Fullerton.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys gardening, a passion that serves as a form of meditation, offering a much-needed respite from the fast-paced financial world. It's a practice that helps her stay grounded, reduces stress, and provides a sense of calm after a demanding week.

Matthew Cuglietta

Client Relations Associate

Matthew Cuglietta

Client Relations Associate

With a solid background in banking and client service, Matthew Cuglietta brings valuable experience from his tenure at U.S. Bank to his role as Client Relationship Associate at Whalen Financial. Having developed strong skills in managing client needs and financial products, he is dedicated to providing seamless support and fostering meaningful connections with every client he works with.

Matthew’s passion for investing began early—starting at just 18 years old, he dove into the markets and has since cultivated a personal commitment to financial growth and education. This early start has given him a deep appreciation for the power of investing and the importance of guiding clients through their own financial journeys.

In his current role, Matthew focuses on enhancing client satisfaction by ensuring smooth account openings and supporting clients through every step of their relationship with Whalen Financial. His commitment to personalized service and continuous improvement reflects his belief that trust and transparency are the foundation of lasting client relationships.

Outside of the office, Matthew enjoys watching football and sports, proudly supporting the Las Vegas Raiders. Staying connected to the game helps him unwind and stay energized for the fast-paced world of finance.

Kirsten Creel

Client Service Associate

Kirsten Creel

Client Service Associate

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, she made the move to Las Vegas 20 years ago—and these days she’ll tell you she’s more Nevadan… with a little “once a Texan, always a Texan” still proudly intact.

Her path to client service has been anything but ordinary. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she built seven years of experience in finance, along with a background in party planning, working as a hairstylist, and even performing as a Disney character. Those chapters all have one thing in common: people. And that’s where she thrives—building relationships, listening closely, and making sure the person in front of her feels taken care of.

Today, she supports clients through all the day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly. Having worked with people in all kinds of financial situations, she brings calm confidence and efficiency to every conversation. It’s rare that she’s surprised by a new story—and even rarer that someone leaves feeling like they weren’t her top priority.

What drives her most is education. She genuinely loves helping people understand their finances so they can live the life they want—because in her words, financial freedom is true freedom. Whether someone’s goal is building generational wealth or simply making sure their “last check bounces,” she’s motivated by helping families reach the finish line with clarity and confidence.

Outside of work, her world is full and fun. She loves playing and writing music, spending time with her four children and four golden doodles, watching movies, doing charity work, going to concerts, singing karaoke, and getting away on vacation whenever she can.

And if you’re looking for a fun surprise: she can ride a unicycle—and in her early twenties, she was a Marilyn Monroe impersonator.

Adrian Zarandin

Client Service/Marketing Assistant

Adrian Zarandin

Administrative/Marketing Assistant

Adrian was born in the Philippines and relocated to Las Vegas in 2007 in pursuit of a better quality of life and future opportunities. At the age of 10, he discovered a genuine passion for the office environment and quickly recognized it as a career path he wanted to grow into.

Since then, Adrian has built extensive experience—over five years of administrative service—with Hilton Grand Vacations and Anderson Advisors, before bringing his skill set to Whalen Financial. Across these roles, he has supported a wide range of responsibilities, including client service, event coordination, and marketing. Over the past three years at Whalen Financial, Adrian has immersed himself in learning the firm from the inside out—developing a deep understanding of operations, workflows, and marketing support—while continuing to sharpen his ability to create a smooth, professional experience for both clients and team members.

Adrian is especially motivated by mastering the details that keep an office running at a high level and by building strong client interactions rooted in care, follow-through, and consistency. His commitment to professional development shows in the way he continually looks for ways to improve processes, support the team, and grow within the organization.

Outside of work, Adrian enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, playing sports, and spending time with family and close friends. On a typical day off, you’ll likely find him gaming, catching up with loved ones, or grabbing a comforting bowl at a ramen shop.

Nessa Rodriguez

Client Onboarding Strategist

Nessa Rodriguez

Client Onboarding Strategist

Vanessa is a marketing professional who helps small teams share their expertise and connect with clients. She’s guided digital campaigns that quietly brought in new prospects, managed day-to-day social media posts, and handled event logistics so advisors could focus on their clients. She’s comfortable working behind the scenes—coordinating guest lists, setting up webinars, and pulling together informal guides and podcasts that advisors use to explain complex topics.

Growing up in Sonoma as the youngest of five, Vanessa learned early on how to listen, stay calm under pressure, and lend a hand wherever it’s needed. She carries that team-first mindset into her work: whether she’s capturing candid photos at an office gathering or stepping in to help a colleague refine a presentation, she’s happiest when she’s supporting others.

When she’s off the clock, you’ll find Vanessa exploring local trails with her camera, tossing around old basketballs with friends, or daydreaming about a future road trip to see classic ’60s muscle cars up close. And if there’s dessert, she’ll pick a warm brownie every time—simple, unpretentious, and just right.

Antonio Middleton

Marketing Coordinator

Antonio Middleton

Marketing Coordinator

Antonio is a Marketing Coordinator with over a decade of experience in the field. His passion for marketing began at the age of 18, and he has since dedicated his career to honing his skills and understanding of the industry. Antonio brings a wealth of hands-on experience to his role, having grown alongside the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. His long-standing commitment to the profession allows him to offer valuable insights and a practical approach to marketing challenges.

Luke Perry

Portfolio Analyst

Luke Perry

Portfolio Analyst

Luke is a retired U.S. Navy professional with extensive experience utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis to construct and manage multi-asset portfolios. He utilizes his In-depth understanding of macroeconomic trends, derivatives, currencies, and interest rates to build and manage custom portfolios for Whalen Financial.

Luke received his master's in business administration from Pepperdine University and is completing a second master's in quantitative finance from Claremont's Drucker School of Management.

When outside the office, Luke enjoys traveling, hiking, and is an aspiring foodie.

Cristian Sanabria

Portfolio Analyst

Christian Sanabria

Portfolio Analyst

Cristian was born and raised in Las Vegas, where he appreciates the city's rich diversity. His passion for investing and financial analysis emerged at the age of 18 when he began to learn the fundamentals of the financial market. This interest motivated him to pursue further education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he earned a dual master's degree in business administration and quantitative finance, enhancing his analytical skills.

Cristian is dedicated to continuous growth and learning within various market environments.

In his leisure time, he enjoys outdoor activities, including walking and exploring new hiking trails. He is also an avid sports enthusiast and cherishes moments spent with his three German Shepherds. Additionally, Cristian relishes the diverse culinary options available in Las Vegas and eagerly seeks out new dining experiences.

Al Whalen

Tax Advisor

Al Whalen - Tax Advisor

Al is a Certified Financial Planner, An Accredited Tax Advisor, and is Enrolled to Practice before The Internal Revenue Service. He has lectured at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and at the College of Southern Nevada on taxation and investment strategies.

For over 26 years, Al hosted a twice-weekly radio show, "Let Talk Money", where listeners could ask questions about; stocks bonds, mutual funds, the markets, the economy, income, and estate taxation, retirement planning, social security, or any money related issues and Al would answer their questions.

Mr. Whalen is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Society of Accountants, and the Financial Planning Association. Al is a national speaker on taxation and a recognized authority on estate and charitable planning concepts.

Consumers Research Council of America recognized Al in the 2005-2008 editions as one of the Nation's Best Financial Planners.

Al is a board member of the Panguitch Foundation for Education and the Whalen Foundation for Education. He is a Board member emeritus of the College of Southern Nevada Foundation and one of the founding board members for the Institute for Real Estate Studies Foundation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 2000 Al received an honorary degree of Humanities from the College of Southern Nevada for his commitment to education. In 2001 the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized Mr. Whalen as a "Spirit of Giving Honoree". In 2010 both Al and his wife Jeanne were recognized as Legacy of Lifetime Achievement Honorees by the CSN Board of Trustees.

Al sold his securities practice to his son Andrew Whalen (Whalen Private Wealth) in 2010. His firm does financial, estate, retirement, insurance, tax planning, and tax preparation.

Dawn Ferriera, Registered Tax Preparer

Tax Advisor

Dawn Ferriera - Tax Preparer & Advisor

Dawn Ferriera is our Tax Advisor at Whalen Financial. She started her career in Northern California at the young age of 19 as a real estate professional working with clients helping them pursue their dream of homeownership. With her experience and knowledge in the real estate industry, she opened courier services to title and real estate companies. She later grew that company to include graphic design and marketing services to realtors. With her love for entrepreneurship and building successful businesses, she added a mortgage company to her endeavors.

In 2008, while restarting and building her graphic designs and marketing business in Nevada, she was offered a part-time position as an Office Manager for a CPA firm. This decision led to a 13-year full-time career which was the catalyst to her vast experience and knowledge of Tax Preparation, Family Trust, Business Incorporation services all the while still running her marketing company.

Dawn's knowledge, high energy and never-ending desire to take on new challenges have led her to her career with Whalen Financial. We are happy to have both our clients and the Whalen Financial Team benefit from her expertise.

Megan Healy

Tax Preparer

Megan Healy - Tax Preparer

Megan Healy is an administrative tax professional from New Orleans, Louisiana with 7+ years of experience working in high-volume financial and legal service organizations.

Before joining the Whalen Financial team, Megan was a tax analyst for Anderson Business Advisors where she assisted a large team of tax advisors, attorneys, and tax preparers in nearly every aspect of daily office procedures, including direct client communications, research, team development and organization, review, and filing of tax and business forms.

Outside of the office, Megan is passionate about dance, especially ballet, modern, and jazz. She has performed alongside professional ballet dancers in yearly community productions of The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, and several public recitals. She also enjoys travel, art, and spending time with her dog and cat.

Griselda Vasquez-Salamanca

Tax Preparer

Griselda Vasquez-Salamanca - Tax Preparer

Griselda started as a customer service representative at an auto insurance company. Shortly after she was asked to take the Property & Casualty course to become a registered agent. While waiting for the exam date she was offered the opportunity to get certified as a registered tax preparer and decided to go for it. After taking the course she had found a new passion to no surprise as mathematics was her always her favorite subject.

In 2021 she started working over at Whalen Financial as a seasonal tax preparer where she expanded her knowledge in the tax field and became interested in the world of accounting. Now Griselda not only works in our tax department she is now expanding her knowledge to bookkeeping. On her free time, she enjoys road trips exploring nature.