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Meet the Team

Shain Steffens, AIF®, CPFA®, NQPC™

Managing Partner, Financial Planner
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Shawn Steffens, AIF®, CPFA®

Managing Partner, Financial Planner
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Melinda Gaertner 

Senior Registered Associate

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Connie Varian

Client Services Manager

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Ella Dixon

Admin/Project Coordinator

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Connie Varian

Client Services Manager

(973) 786-3696

connie@steffensfinancial.com

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

(973) 786-3696

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.

Our VIP Employees

Gabby

Trainee

Grayson

Trainee

Mabel

Chief Morale Officer

Memphis

Chief Morale Officer

Raven

Chief Morale Officer

Commonwealth Financial Network® supports us in our mission to fully support you.

Commonwealth Financial Network® is one of the largest privately held RIA-independent broker/dealer, and supervises and processes the investment business of more than 2,000 financial professionals like us. Commonwealth also gives us access to teams of advanced planning consultants, investment research specialists, and retirement professionals, to help us better serve your needs. Use the links below to learn more about our Commonwealth extended teams.

Research Team

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Planning Team

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Client Centered

Client Centered

Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses on your needs, wants, and long-term goals.

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.