Shain Steffens, AIF®, CPFA®, NQPC™
Managing Partner, Financial Planner
As founding partners of Steffens Financial, my brother Shawn and I created our firm to provide financial planning services to those in need. Our close-knit family upbringing has made working together not only a joyful experience but also one that allows us to better serve our clients.
My Professional Career
Meeting new people and learning about their backgrounds and goals is a captivating aspect of the work. However, the most fulfilling part of my job is helping clients plan and achieve their goals and witnessing their growth as they navigate through life's milestones. I am also a 12-year winner of the Five Star Wealth Manager award, and I love what I do!
2026 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. This award was issued on 11/01/2025 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 03/13/2025 through 09/05/2025. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 7682 New Jersey-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 400 (5 % of candidates) were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
My Personal Life
I currently live in Knowlton Township, New Jersey, with my wife, Olivia, and our two dogs, Mabel and Memphis. Outside of work, I have numerous interests and hobbies that keep me busy. Spending time with family, friends, and my dogs is a top priority, and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking are some of my favorite pastimes.
My Passions
I have a passion for high-fidelity audio, and I can spend hours listening to music through my sound system. I also enjoy participating in physical activities like baseball, football, basketball, and golf. When the sun sets, I continue to learn new things and dabble in woodworking, playing billiards, and tying flies for my next fly fishing expedition. I am also passionate about riding motorcycles, and I enjoy working on them.
My Community Involvement
As a strong believer in the importance of community involvement, I actively participate in various non-profit organizations. I firmly believe that contributing to the community is essential for creating a positive impact on society, and I am wholeheartedly dedicated to playing my part in making a difference.
Shawn Steffens, AIF®, CPFA®
Managing Partner, Financial Consultant
I am one of the founding partners at Steffens Financial, working alongside my brother, Shain Steffens. My family is my top priority. I am married to my wife, Jill, and we have two wonderful children, Gabrielle and Grayson, aged eleven and nine. We’re fortunate to call Lake Lackawanna in Byram Township our home, and we are actively engaged in our local community.
2026 Five Star Wealth Manager Award, created by Five Star Professional. This award was issued on 11/01/2025 by Five Star Professional (FSP) for the time period 03/13/2025 through 09/05/2025. Fee paid for use of marketing materials. Self-completed questionnaire was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria. 7682 New Jersey-area wealth managers were considered for the award; 400 (5 % of candidates) were named 2026 Five Star Wealth Managers. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com.
Family and Friends
I prioritize spending meaningful time with my family and close friends. My interests include coaching baseball & softball, boating, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. I have a wide variety of hobbies, including woodworking, fishing, riding motorcycles, snowboarding, and golfing. I'm also an avid collector of baseball cards and have a love for all things sports-related. Spending time with my mother Ellen, sister Shannen, brother Shad, and his family, along with Shain and his wife Olivia, is dear to my heart.
Volunteer Work
I have a strong commitment to giving back to the community, which is why I volunteer on the boards of several local non-profit organizations. I also advocate for the local food pantry and actively participate in various community causes.
My Happy Place
I find genuine happiness when I'm on the water, whether I'm fishing, boating, or simply relaxing with my family and friends. I find it a sanctuary where I can find peace and tranquility away from the daily grind of life.
Personal Philosophy
In everything I do, I strive to enjoy every moment, take care of others, do the right thing, and hold myself to higher standards than anyone else could ever expect. This guiding principle has been a cornerstone of my life.
Leonard Cautela
Investment Advisor
I began my financial services career over 30 years ago, with Shearson American Express. My practice focus is helping individual investors with decisions and plans for long-term wealth accumulation.
My greatest professional satisfaction lies in the number of clients I serve, which include children and grandchildren of long-standing client relationships.
Our Partnership
I have known the Steffens brothers, Shawn and Shain, since 2007. I am grateful to be able to make myself available to my clients, for the resources and services of Steffens Financial, and once again to be working alongside my friends, Shawn and Shain Steffens.
Melinda Gaertner
Senior Registered Associate
melindag@steffensfinancial.com
I joined the Steffens Financial team in June of 2025 as a Senior Registered Associate. My role within the firm includes administration, operations, firm-level duties, and various advisor support roles. I also assist in portfolio monitoring and financial planning.
My Professional Career
My career in financial services spans over 25 years. Affectionately referred to as a “Swiss army knife”, my career has afforded me countless experiences within the industry working closely with clients, advisors and other professionals. I maintain my FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 registrations. I am also a Notary Public, State of New Jersey.
My Personal Life
A New Jersey native, I currently reside in Blairstown with my husband Ben, and our two pups, Fonz and Dinkins. In our free time, my husband and I enjoy spending time outdoors, dining at new restaurants, supporting the arts and sharing time with family and friends.
My Passions
I have life-long passion for learning which lends itself to a range of hobbies including aromatherapy, home renovation projects, reading, and gardening, just to name a few!
My Volunteer Work
Believing in having a positive impact in your community, I have been fortunate enough to volunteer with various organizations and currently sit on the board of a local non-profit.
Connie Varian
Client Services Manager
I joined Steffens Financial in 2012 as a client services manager. My role is to ensure the seamless onboarding of new clients and the provision of excellent service to our existing clients.
Supporting Financial Advisors
In addition to managing clients, I also provide administrative and operational support to financial advisors Shawn and Shain. Together, we work to help clients meet their financial goals while growing and expanding the business.
Why I Love My Job
One of my favorite things about my job is interacting with clients. Building a trusting relationship is key to my role, and I strive to get to know each client personally to better understand their unique goals.
My Personal Life
My husband Ken and I live on Cranberry Lake in New Jersey with our son Jack. My oldest son, Adam, is a firefighter and lives in Roanoke, Virginia. He and his wife Amy had a beautiful baby boy in May 2024. We've loved watching them grow as parents and are loving being grandparents. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We love spending time outdoors, whether it’s boating, swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the lake.
My Passions
Cooking is a passion of mine, and I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and hosting dinners for family and friends. I also love to travel and experience new cultures, cuisines, and adventures.
Ella Dixon
Admin/Project Coordinator
elladixon@steffensfinancial.com
As an Admin/Project Coordinator at Steffens Financial, my central role revolves around advocating for our existing and potential clients, as well as providing essential support to our internal team. I'm actively engaged in spearheading special projects for the benefit our current and potential clients.
My Professional Career
I've always had a profound passion for helping and advocating for others. From my early days working in nursing homes and recruiting, my main goal has been to support individuals, making their lives easier. I find genuine fulfillment in life's simple pleasures and enjoy connecting with those I assist along the way
My Personal Life
I have four cats: Baby, Loki, Rosie, and Buddy. I am a homebody, where I enjoy reading and playing online games with friends. My dad lives locally in Liberty Township/Mountain Lake, and we love swimming, canoeing, hiking, and camping together when we can. Spending time with my family and friends is incredibly important to me.
My Passions
Crocheting and knitting are my genuine passions. I currently run a small business where I craft and sell my own designs and finished pieces. I'm actively engaged in the Northern NJ art community, regularly showcasing my work at local craft shows. It brings me great joy to have a positive impact on the community through my creative endeavors.
Kyle Nelson
Insurance Specialist
In 2015, I took the leap to establish my own Independent Agency, specializing in Life, Health & Medicare, Disability & Long Term Care, Annuities, and more. I've dedicated myself to acquiring next-level knowledge of the insurance industry and its products, continuously expanding my knowledge.
My Professional Career
In 2001, I graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Business Administration, marking the start of my career in the Professional Financial Services field. I spent over 14 years as an Advisor at MetLife and Strategic Wealth, consistently earning an A+ rating and receiving numerous Leadership Conference awards.
I am a North Jersey native, and I attended Kittatinny Regional High School. Today, I am married with two active sons. Much of my free time is devoted to attending and coaching my sons' various sporting events. I am deeply committed to our local community, and my mission is to contribute to its strength and well-being in every way possible.
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Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.