Staff

Maria L. Avesian, JD Estate Planning Attorney

Maria earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. She is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan and is also a member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the Michigan Bar. Maria has been in private practice for over twenty years, primarily focusing on Estate Planning. She enjoys meeting with individuals and families to assist them with developing and implementing an Estate Plan specifically designed to meet their needs and the needs of their beneficiaries. The Estate Plans she develops reflect the client’s personal wishes as well as the goals established by the client and their Financial Advisor.

Anne M. Whipple Client Service Specialist

Anne is a Senior Client Service Specialist assisting clients and Advisors with new accounts, asset transfers, cash requests, money movement, cost basis, RMDs, compliance reporting, database management, writing procedures and training. She utilizes her experiences as Operations Manager from another independent RIA firm as the basis for her work at LJPR, LLC. Anne has a Mechanical Engineering degree and has completed the Personal Financial Planning program at Oakland University and is currently working towards obtaining her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Anne has additional post-graduate studies in Accounting and Taxes.

Keri Lesinski Client Service Specialist

Keri works as a Client Service Specialist assisting clients and Advisors with new accounts, asset transfers, cash requests, money movement, cost basis, RMDs and database management. She utilizes her 18 years of banking experience as a Private Client Service Associate for JPMorgan’s Wealth Management team as the basis for her work at LJPR, LLC.

Lisa Sullivan Graphics and Production, Client Service Specialist

Lisa works as receptionist and as a graphic designer for the firm. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine and Performing Arts with a concentration in graphic design from Wayne State University. Her efficiency and effectiveness in managing communications and client relationships are derived from having over 15 years of experience at LJPR.

James Mason Compliance Analyst

James is a graduate of Central Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996. He has been in the financial services industry, focusing on Compliance, since 2007. He has worked in the compliance departments of small, boutique agencies such as Copper Beech Wealth Management in Bloomfield Hills, and independent broker/dealers, before coming to LJPR in October of 2012.

Matthew Lagos Support Advisor

Matt has earned a Bachelor’s in Finance from Oakland University. He began his career in the finance industry with Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union. Matt joined the LJPR team as a support advisor in the fall of 2012 and is currently working towards obtaining the Certified Financial Planner designation. Matt’s experience, which includes playing and coaching lacrosse at the collegiate level, have helped give him the unique tool set necessary to work in a team with client-centered goals. 

Dawn Patton Client Service Specialist

Dawn joined the LJPR team in April 2010 as a Client Service Specialist, assisting clients and Advisors with new accounts, asset transfers, cash requests, money movement, cost basis, RMDs and database management. Dawn also assists LJPR’s Estate Planning Attorney by preparing deeds. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Office Administration and uses her vast experience in customer service to support our staff and provide excellent service to LJPR clients.

George Bundy Business Development Officer

George graduated from Western Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor’s of Business Management degree. He has been involved with the financial services industry since 1980, using a diverse range of experience to work with individual clients, corporations and non-profits in the development and implementation of financial- based programs. At LJPR, providing comprehensive client solutions to today’s complex financial issues is a top goal.

Michael Diegel Director of Digital Media

As the Director of Digital Media for LJPR, Michael provides unparalleled marketing practices. Michael’s career began at Levanto Financial as a Financial Services Coordinator assisting clients with household budgeting. He began at LJPR in the fall of 2010 and has since established a unique digital and social media presence. Michael has worked on several financial education programs for UAW-Ford and UAW-GM, and has consulted for small business and nonprofit clients on digital marketing solutions. Michael graduated from Oakland University in 2013 with a B.S. in Business Economics and a minor in International Management. 

Josephine Dries Communications and Public Relations

Josephine specializes in client and media relations. She is credited for earning LJPR and it's staff regular appearances as industry experts. Josephine supports the executive staff in a variety of ways including client relations and presentations. She has been certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a Corporate Protocol and Etiquette Instructor and speaks to a wide range of audiences on both business etiquette and how to brand yourself through media exposure. Josephine has extensive experience with business and office administration, having founded and grown some of her own companies.