Our Elm3 team delivers individual and small business financial services including investment advisory, insurance services, and financial planning. With our variety of offerings, our team analyzes each client’s unique situation and works to develop an individualized and comprehensive services package.
We invest based on our disciplined research, no matter the market. Our financial plans consider many factors in a client’s financial life, assisting clients in making the best decisions for them and their family. And insurance evaluations are determined based upon each client’s unique circumstance. With all of these elements working together, financial decisions can be made with a full-picture approach.
Although every person and every business has different financial needs, one thing is the same. Your finances are interrelated. Your investments effect your financial plan. The right insurance coverage can protect your family or estate. And if you own a business, your small business retirement planning impacts your personal financial life. Having a partner that understands how these factors work together can give you the tools to manage your finances with confidence.
CPA/PFS, CFP®, MBA
Stacey Nickens (she/her)
As principal and founder of Elm3, Stacey uses her experience in financial planning, investment management, tax preparation, and accounting to approach each client’s financial situation from several different perspectives. She understands that each person comes to the table with a unique perspective on their financial outlook, and she works to create a solution for each client in accordance with their unique viewpoints and needs. Stacey is a CFA Level II candidate.
Stacey holds a BS degree in Accounting from Purdue University and an MBA in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Georgia Society of CPAs, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).
When not working with her clients, she enjoys spending time with her two children, hiking North Georgia mountains with her dog, and gardening in her backyard. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Stacey has lived in the Atlanta area since 2001.
CFP®, NSSA® National Social Security Advisor Certificate Holder
Margaret Nickens (they/he)
As the Chief Compliance Officer of Elm3 Financial Group, Margaret is passionate about assisting clients in achieving their financial goals. Margaret is often one of the first people to meet new investment and financial planning clients. They love to listen and learn about each clients’ unique goals, dreams, and hopes. Margaret then uses their understanding of each client to develop financial plans and manage investment portfolios. Margaret attended Brown University and attained their Bachelors of Arts in English Literature. They previously worked as a writer and educator before moving into the financial services industry. In addition to serving as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer, Margaret is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a National Social Security Advisor Certificate Holder (NSSA®), and and a registered investment advisor with Elm3 Financial Group. When Margaret isn’t at work, you can find Margaret playing with their three rescue pups, cooking homemade pizza, and reading more books than can fit in one house.
Monica Ladson (she/her)
Monica joined the Firm in 2023 and has jumped heart-first into serving our clients and community. As an Investment Strategist, she researches and analyzes investment and portfolio allocation options for our investment clients. She also provides necessary data reviews and evaluations for Elm3 Financial Group’s registered investment advisor representatives. Beyond her internal work to support our investment team, she also works with clients to assist them with account set-up and maintenance. Monica graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and she is currently pursuing ongoing education related to her work as an Investment Strategist. When not serving our clients, you might find Monica at the tennis courts, hiking in the Georgia mountains, weight training, or reading.
Kat Bjerkadal (she/her)
Kat grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Massachusets. Kat moved to Georgia in 2013 to take advantage of the blossoming film industry in the Atlanta area. When Kat is not working here at Elm3 Financial, you may find her pursuing one of many hobbies such has scuba diving, horseback riding, learning to ride motorcycles, or keeping up on her stunting skills for a new film.
Diana Serrano (she/her)
As our Client Services Associate, Diana is the friendly face who greets you at the door or the helpful voice you talk to over the phone. She supports our clients by setting up appointments, answering questions, connecting them with resources, and showing up each day with a dedication to excellence. When not offering a cheerful smile or a helpful hand to our clients, you can find Diana adventuring in the great outdoors. She is currently training for a half marathon, has enjoyed skydiving, and is considering getting her scuba diving certification.
Kelly Wagner, EA (she/her)
As one of Elm3’s most seasoned team members, Kelly is equipped to handle almost any client request. She specializes in individual and closely held business tax and accounting services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll services and new business registrations. Kelly serves as the lead of our tax services team. Kelly is an Enrolled Agent (EA), a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS. She also maintains her certification as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor®.
Originally from a small town in Colorado, Kelly moved to Cumming, Georgia, in 2001 where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching the girls play sports and cooking outdoors.
