EJM Advice

Meet the team behind EJM Advice

With over 160 years’ of combined financial planning experience, our dedicated team has the knowledge to help you succeed.

Creating Happiness

We have a dedicated, experienced team who put our client at the centre of everything we do. We are passionate about delivering personalised, financial solutions that benefit our clients to achieve success.

MEET OUR FINANCIAL ADVISERS

OUR WEST MELBOURNE AND BAYSIDE ADVISERS:

Manny Mezzasalma

Founder, Chief Growth Officer & Adviser

Mackenzie Sanderson

Adviser

Chris Geremia

Adviser

OUR WANGARATTA AND ALBURY ADVISERS:

OUR GEELONG ADVISERS:

Kirsten Hitch

Adviser

Callum Howard

Adviser

David Clark

Adviser

OUR EAGLEHAWK ADVISERS:

Diana Rogers

Adviser

Daniel Fawcett

Adviser

MEET OUR BACK OFFICE TEAM:

Jonida Haidar

Operations Manager

Marcella Semaan

Advice Formulation Specialist

Safa Hassan

Advice Formulation Specialist

Charlene Haidar

Project Co-ordinator & Business Growth Associate

Stephanie Bowyer

Client Services Manager

Georgia Reid

Financial Planning Assistant

Nadine Marchant

Client Services Officer

Shannon McGowan

Client Services Officer

Kristina Kinsella

Advice Formulation Specialist

Mary Cleofe Pozon

Paraplanner

Alyssa Mae Salvador

Advice Support Assistant

Efhraim Riego

Advise Support Assistant

Maureen Norris

Adviser Assistant

Charesse Nicole Jumao-as

Advice Support Assistant

Simone Richardson

Admin | Specialising in Centrelink

Katrina Pinca

Advice Support Assistant

Samone Hollings

Team Leader Client Experience

Leane Birkett

Client Experience Representative

Mercedes May

Client Experience Representative

Creating Happiness

Here at EJM Financial Services, we pride ourselves on ensuring that you, our client, achieve your life goals. They may be small or big, they may be short term or long term, and our only objective is to Create Happiness for you and your family.

"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM."

With the exception of reading the odd "Finance for Dummies” book, I had no idea what getting financial advice would be like. I assumed that my consultation with Brendan would involve looking at my asset to liability ratio, and then a whole heap of judgement about my past financial decisions. Boy, was I wrong, (thankfully).

The best part of working with EJM was taking the time to reflect on what REALLY makes me happy. When you take a step back and you look at happiness more holistically (and stop treating your bank balance as the only indicator), it's amazing what you can achieve.

I knew that if I wanted to reach my end goal of being able to take 6-12 months off work to drive around Australia, then I would need to make some changes. Now, two years into my journey, I'm credit card free (for the first time in 15 years) and I have savings starting to grow in preparation for my adventure. The best bit is that I've not had to sacrifice my love of travel in the meantime.

What happiness looks like is different for everyone. I'm incredibly grateful that my version of happiness was fully supported by the team at EJM. They have been wonderful to work with and make me feel confident that my future is bright (and very HAPPY).

Melissa Gundrill
"Thank you Manny and all the team at EJM. I feel like I’m part of your family"

Me and my husband, Walter, were introduced to Manny in 2015 by our previous financial adviser who was retiring and recommended Manny and the EJM team. How lucky were we, and especially myself, as my darling husband passed away in 2017. I worked as a radiographer until my retirement three years ago.

Manny’s advice and guidance have been outstanding. I refer to it as the “Exceptional Journey to Managing” (EJM) our financial destiny.

In short, I have a comfortable and tranquil life. I’ve got a big smile on my face. Thank you Manny and all the team at EJM. I feel like I’m part of your family more than a customer.

Trish Zicari
"We look forward to our continuing guidance and have absolute confidence in all the advice."

I am writing this as a happy retiree. I have known Manny for many years now and all of his advice, care, and planning has helped me achieve a personal goal of retiring with the knowledge that I can continue a lifestyle where I can still enjoy doing things and going places with my wife Gina, and still live happily and comfortably week to week.

I have only been in retirement now for six months but I can honestly say I feel very comfortable. Knowing that you have the financial backing to help you continue until well into your nineties is most important.

Manny’s personal care and guidance in our financial matters have been an absolute winner. The continual home visits and catch-ups with our finances and just letting us know where we are at with our superannuation funds is most gratifying.

Manny has helped us with forward planning. We look forward to our continuing guidance and have absolute confidence in all the advice given by Manny and his courteous staff at EJM.

Charlie & Gina Fenech
"Manny has helped and advised us on many things over the years and his advice has always been right."

We met Manny in the late 80s. He used to come to our house back then, and it was like having a friend drop in. He was so easy to talk to and we could follow his instructions easily.

He filled us in on what Mick was to do to have a comfortable retirement. It is such a relief to know that we will be able to spend our retirement years doing what we love, travelling around Australia in our caravan enjoying our beautiful country.

Manny has helped and advised us on many things over the years and his advice has always been right. We thank him for that.

We look forward to continuing our friendship with the team at EJM for many years to come.

Mick & Patsy Andrews
"We would have been lost in planning our retirement on our own."

Several years, ago we were referred to EJM by my daughter who was very happy with the advice they had provided her and her partner. We met with Manny and he explained the advice process and we were immediately relieved as it seemed simple enough.

Over the years Manny and the EJM team have helped us plan for our retirement and several years ago, we retired successfully and we have a secure income and peace of mind knowing that the team at EJM keep an eye on things and are always there for us to answer questions and help.

We would have been lost in planning our retirement on our own and this played heavy on our mind. With the EJM team, this stress has been removed and we are thoroughly enjoying our retirement. We look forward to working with Manny and his team over the coming years as his entire team is friendly and courteous.

Geoffrey & Robyn Golightly
"We will be forever grateful for the help and support that is available through EJM."

We first met Brendan through recommendation from my best friend Hanna. When we met with Brendan, we were not in a very good spot financially. We had just become close to losing our first home and two cars that we had together. Paul losing his job and having a 6-month old baby girl - it was a very stressful time.

After working through our financials with Brendan, we were on the road to recovery. Now 6 years later, we are in such an amazing spot financially. It is wonderful. If we hadn’t met Brendan, I honestly don’t know where we would be.

We will be forever grateful for the help and support that is available through EJM. Now we are excited to see the next chapter in our life begin.

Paul & Jayne Pozzan

Contact Us To Request a Meeting.

AT EJM, your initial meeting is complimentary. Our experienced team will take the time to understand your situation and create a tailored plan for financial success.

MANNY MEZZASALMA

FOUNDER, ADVISER & CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER
Experience
    I have been in the financial Services industry for 37 years. I believe that each one  of us have dreams and goals we wish to achieve. I have spent my entire working life developing strategies to help people achieve these life long dreams. I am committed to making sure that the entire team at EJM also delivers on this promise.
    Our Happiness book is a testament to the work we have done over the years and I urge you to review the stories that unfold. I believe that personalized service is essential when matching clients with the right financial products and services. I am dedicated to learning about your personal goals and taking that to build a financial security plan focused on achieving your specific needs.
I can provide a range of services to meet your needs including
  • Superannuation & Self
  • Managed Super Funds
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink & Aged Care advice
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
  • Succession Planning
Qualifications
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Diploma of Financial Services
More about Manny
  • Loves to travel and spend time with family.
  • Watching any type of Motorsport
  • Competes in Production Sports cars on a national basis
  • National Sports CarEndurance Champion 2013, 2014

BRENDAN CAIRNS

ADVISER & ADVICE COACH

Experience

    I have been providing financial advice for over 15 years and believe that everyone gets out of bed for a reason; everyone has dreams and goals they wish to achieve. I have spent my entire working life developing strategies to help people achieve these lifelong goals. Our Happiness book is a testament to the work we have done over the years and I urge you to review the true stories that unfold.

I can provide advice in the following areas

  • Retirement Planning
  • Superannuation & Self-Managed Super Funds
  • Personal Insurance
  • Investment strategies including gearing, shares and property
  • Centrelink & Aged Care advice
  • Debt Reduction 
  • Cash flow Analysis
  • Estate planning

Qualifications

  • Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
  • Fellow, Chartered Financial Practitioner, FChFP
  • Aged Care Accredited Specialist

More about Brendan

  • Director of EJM Financial Services.
  • Married to Nicole and have three young daughters.
  • I enjoy golf, gardening, history, camping and travel.

JAC HOLMES

ADVISER

Experience

I love being able to develop great relationships with clients and provide peace of mind to people from all stages of life. I enjoy being able to provide quality advice to clients and see them flourish along the advice journey. I want to be able to create happiness for clients and empowered them to make well informed decisions. I love the intricacies of investments and strategic advice.

Jac uses his knowledge on investment, taxation, wealth management, insurance, superannuation, and Centrelink. Jac believes in financial education/empowerment and loves to work with people of all ages. Jac understands that people have different and ever-changing circumstances, thus he believes in an adaptable and flexible financial service.

Areas I can give advise on

  • Superannuation
  • Investment strategies
  • Centrelink Advice
  • Personal insurance
  • Debt management
  • Estate Planning
More about Jac
  • I grew up in the Northeast region and have enjoyed playing football and basketball in the area.
  • I am engaged to Isabelle and have strong family ties to the Wangaratta area.

LUCY THOMPSON

ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the Financial Service Industry for more than 20 years. I started off working in Funds Management in client services and then moved to Technical Management where I helped Financial Advisers navigate legislation and find strategies and solutions to their clients’ complex circumstances. In 2003 I made the switch from Technical Manager to Financial Planner when  I moved to regional NSW. I love helping people understand the importance of their financial journey and understanding all that it involves. I find it rewarding that I can provide peace of mind to clients about their circumstances and taking the time to educate them so that they walk away with a little bit more knowledge every time.
    As a mother of 3 girls, I am passionate about educating women regarding financial issues and want to encourage women to be in control of their own financial future. I have a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and a Diploma of Financial Planning.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Superannuation & Self-Managed Super Funds
  • Personal Insurance
  • Investment strategies
  • Centrelink
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cashflow Analysis
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Business (Finance)
  • Diploma of Financial Planning
 More about Lucy
  • I’m a mum to 3 gorgeous girls Matilda, Harriet, and Arabella.
  • I love spending time with family and friends.
  • I enjoy all things interiors and real estate, gardening, and travel.

KIRSTEN HITCH

ADVISER

Experience

  • I have been working in the financial services industry since 2003, helping clients navigate the complexities of their financial lives with clarity and confidence. With a commonsense approach, I focus on building lasting relationships with my clients, ensuring they feel supported through every life stage. My goal is to provide peace of mind by helping clients create a stable and prosperous financial future.

I can provide advice on the following areas

  • Wealth Accumulation
  • Personal insurance 
  • Superannuation strategies and retirement planning 
  • Retirement income streams
  • Budget and cash flow management
  • Aged care
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
  • Member of the Financial Advice Association Australia
More about Kirsten

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, travelling, horse riding and curling up with a good book.

CALLUM HOWARD

ADVISER

Experience

As a Certified Financial Planner with over 20 years Financial Services experience, I have spent the last 15 years in private practice successfully advising individuals, families and businesses in all areas of financial advice. With a broad range of investment and business involvement across various sectors, I enjoy applying solutions drawn from practical experience.

I can provide a range of services to meet your needs including:

  • Wealth Accumulation
    Personal insurance
    Superannuation strategies and retirement planning
    Retirement income streams, including pensions and annuities
    Budget and cash flow management
    Margin lending facilities
    Self-managed super funds

Qualifications:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)

More about Callum:

Outside of the office, sport has always played a major part of my life, and I continue to be involved
through playing, coaching my 4 children, and a number of positions on sporting committees.

MEGAN CULL

ADVISER

Experience

I have been working in the financial planning profession for 7 years. I enjoy working with my clients to improve their financial situation, achieve their goals and get them inspired about their financial future. Every client has a different story and I enjoy the process of tailoring financial strategies that meet their goals.

I can provide a range of services to meet your needs including:

  • Superannuation
  • Insurance
  • Investments
  • Centrelink
  • Retirement Planning
  • Debt Reduction & Budgeting/Cash flow Analysis
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Financial Planning)
  • Member of the FAAA
More about Megan
  • I’m keen to continue the travel adventures I started at an early age as I enjoy exploring new places and meeting new people.
  • I enjoy catching up with family and friends and I’m always on the lookout to find the best places to have long brunches.

PETER MONAHAN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

About

    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here are a few things so you can get to know me:
  • Over 20 years leadership experience across hospitality, sport, small business and finance.
  • Passionate member for over 40 years of the Melbourne Football Club.
  • My proudest achievement in my life is my three kids; Izzy, Paddy, and Ally. They keep me young.

JONIDA HAIDAR

OPERATIONS MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have been with EJM Financial Services for over 7 years as part of the back office support team.
  • I am a mum of two little boys Oliver and Charlie.
  • I enjoy travelling, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

MARCELLA SEMAAN

AUDIT MANAGER
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning.
  • I have happily been in financial services industry for over a decade.
  • I enjoy reading, listening to music & going to concerts.

SAFA HASSAN

ADVICE FORMULATION SPECIALIST
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • Completed Bachelor Business Financial Planning.
  • I love coffee! Previously worked as a Barista for 5 years.
  • Enjoy hiking, traveling and eating ice-cream in the cold weather.

CHARLENE HAIDAR

CREDIT ADVISER
Experience
    I have been in the financial services industry for 9 years and joined the EJM team in 2010. I originally started with EJM in their back office team supporting the financial advisers with implementing their strategies for their clients. In 2012 I completed additional study to obtain my credit license to assist people in obtaining credit and managing their debt.
    I’ve helped people achieve their goals of purchasing their first home, assisting them to create wealth with utilizing debt and assisted with forming a strategy to become debt free. It’s been fulfilling to educate and assist my clients to better understand their debt and help them to achieve their goals when at times they haven’t believed their dreams could become a reality. I really believe that helping a client obtain finance is a small part of what I can offer and is more around the education of how debt can be used and the most efficient ways in order to extinguish it.
I can provide advice in the following areas
  • Residential mortgages and home loans
  • Personal loans
  • Car leases
  • Rural loans
  • Commercial loans
  • Reverse mortgages
  • Self Managed Super Fund loans
  • Debt reduction strategies
Qualifications
  • Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
More about Charlene
  • I’m a mum to two energetic little boys, Matias and Dante.
  • I’ve competed at a National and State level in Volleyball, Netball and Athletics.
  • After meeting my husband I’ve been converted into a soccer fan and spend my weekends watching my husband play soccer as a Goal Keeper and being kept up to date with the English Premier League.
  • Love to travel and experience other cultures especially coming from a mixed background and exposing our children to other walks of life.
Lending
    As an Accredited Mortgage Consultant, I can also help you find a suitable loan to fit your needs from a range of lenders.

STEPHANIE BOWYER

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

About

We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:

  • My professional career in the financial services industry has stretched over more than 10 years and I have been completing my university degree in Human Resources/Accounting during this time.
  • I love being able to help clients and also my colleagues achieve happiness and be their best selves.
  • I enjoy being in the outdoors with my husband and dog, or friends, hiking and travelling. I live for the next adventure!

GEORGIA REID

FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSISTANT

About

We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:

  • I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling.
  • I love animals, especially dogs.
  • I have been with EJM Financial Services for over three years.
  • I am a mum to my little boy Patrick and a dog mum of two.

KRISTINA KINSELLA

ADVICE FORMULATION SPECIALIST

About

    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I have over 15 years of experience in financial services industry and a passion for quality advice.
  • I hold a Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Arts with majors in Public relations and Finance.
  • I relocated from the city to the country for lifestyle purposes over 10 years ago and haven’t looked back!

ALYSSA MAE SALVADOR

ADVICE SUPPORT ASSISTANT
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I finished a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
  • I had a 4-year work experience in formal dining set up.
  • I am a mum to a very energetic baby girl, Bea.
  • My hobbies are cooking, singing and watching movies.

EFHRAIM RIEGO

COMPLIANCE FACILITATOR
About
    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
  • I love swimming, hiking and playing board games.
  • I always try to get out of my comfort zone to get new experiences.

CHARESSE JUMAO-AS

ADVICE SUPPORT ASSISTANT

About

    We are all about creating happiness for each of our clients, but here’s a couple things about myself so you can get to know me:
  • I finished a degree in Bachelor of Arts in History.
  • I love reading books, traveling and sewing.
  • I love discovering stories of the old times.