Our advisors have the experience to see what’s on the horizon and the vision to help you plan for it. We strive to treat you with the same care we would extend to our own families’ finances. Each member brings their own area of expertise to help the entire team meet all your management needs.
Mike McNaughton, CFP®, CPWA®,CLU®, CLTC, AIF®
CEO, Founder & Senior Wealth Advisor
I founded OakWood Financial Services in 1999 because I felt strongly about helping my clients enjoy financial independence without being limited to a set of proprietary products. It’s critical that financial plans be multi-pronged to include tax and estate planning that can be implemented at each stage in life. Selecting and managing investment vehicles is just one set of tools when it comes to 360-degree financial planning.
My wife, Melissa, and I make our home in Penfield, NY where we are learning to embrace a quiet house. I recently joined the board of CDS Wolf Foundation and continue to be in awe of how they serve our community. My love/hate relationship with golf is back in full swing with the newly found time on my hands. I enjoy traveling to spend time with our kids and parents – whether in Phoenix, Cleveland, Michigan, Florida, or a joint destination.
2022 Forbes Best In State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research.
Presented in April 2022 based on data gathered from June 2020 to June 2021. 19,640 Advisors were considered, approximately 6,500 Advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit Forbes for more award information.
2014-2024 Women’s Choice Award 2024, created by Women Certified Inc.
The 2024 award was presented on a rolling basis based on data as of Dec. 31, annually. 32 advisors were considered, 27 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit Women's Choice Award for more award information.
2007 Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award, created by Rochester Business Journal.
This award is based on outstanding professional accomplishments, civic involvement, letters of reference, and impact of achievement before age 40. and not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or reflect the performance of the advisor. Visit Rochester Business Journal for more award information.
2005 Advisor Today Four Under Forty, created by Advisor Today.
Presented in June 2005 based on data collected from inception of advisor’s career until June 2005. Approximately 30 nominees were considered, 4 nominees were recognized. Winners pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors for more award information.
Dan Schmitz, CFP®, AIF®, CLTC
President, Founder & Senior Wealth Advisor
I believe that communicating financial planning concepts and industry terminology in a way that is understandable and actionable is key. Whether I am translating future visions into retirement scenarios, managing investments, or devising long-term, tax-efficient wealth accumulation strategies, my focus is always on my clients and empowering them to feel comfortable and confident in their financial decision-making.
My wife, Carmelanne, and I embrace all the excitement that comes with raising our four children, two of which are “adulting” and off to college. When not at work, I can be found on the sidelines spectating one of my kid’s games or pursuing a part-time gig as Uber/ATM Dad. I also spend time outdoors, play hockey, golf, and try to catch a few country concerts every summer.
2014-2024 Women’s Choice Award 2024, created by Women Certified Inc.
The 2024 award was presented on a rolling basis based on data as of Dec. 31, annually. 32 advisors were considered, 27 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit Women's Choice Award for more award information.
Leah Granger, CFP®, AIF®, CSRIC®
Partner & Wealth Advisor
I love getting to know each client’s unique situation and am always excited to help them explore and pursue not only their present goals, but future aspirations. Utilizing tax planning and investment strategies, I will look at your full financial picture and provide you with actionable steps that can be implemented immediately – so you can thank yourself later.
I am passionate about advocating for women and helping them take advantage of every opportunity to build wealth. In my capacity as a Certified Socially Responsible Investment Counselor, I’m happy to help clients who want to align their investments and values. My goal is to empower individuals and families to feel comfortable and confident when making financial decisions.
My husband, Russ, and I live in Fairport, NY. We have a young son, Landon, who keeps us busy and thoroughly entertained. We spend most summer weekends in the Adirondacks enjoying time on Otter Lake with friends and family.
Created by Investment News and presented in 2022 based on data gathered from February to March 2022. 1000 advisors were considered, 40 advisors were recognized. Advisors pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit investmentnews.com for more award information.
Created by Rochester Business Journal and presented in 2021
based on data collected in April 2021. 47 nominees were considered, 17 nominees were recognized. Winners do not pay a fee to hold out marketing materials. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary. Visit rbj.net for more award information
Created by Rochester Business Journal and presented in 2023
based on significant contributions to their industries and communities and is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or otherwise reflect the performance of the advisor. Visit rbj.net for more award information.
Created by Invest in Others and received in 2022 and 2023
this award recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors and contributions across their communities. This award is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or reflect the performance of the advisor. Visit investinothers.org for more award information.
Traci Lewis, CFP®, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
I specialize in working with retirees and pre-retirees in building plans that are customized to your circumstances and position you for success throughout the different stages of retirement. My role also focuses on our investment process – which includes research, portfolio construction, monitoring existing investments, and vetting new opportunities.
My husband, Todd, and I live in Penfield, NY. We keep busy trying new restaurants and places to hike, visiting family, and cheering on the Bills. At home, you can find me in the garden, reading, cooking, and enjoying time with family.
Greg Schuler, CFP®, AIF®
Wealth Advisor
I enjoy weaving together a financial plan based on your family’s goals, and getting to know you is my favorite part of the process. My emphasis is on creating a retirement blueprint with a focus on tax planning to help maximize the tax opportunities available today as well as upon income distribution in retirement.
My wife, Jessica, and I live in Hilton, NY with our two very active children. When we aren’t at gymnastics or swim meets, we love spending family time hiking around Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes with our doodles Wookie and Bella.
Melissa McNaughton
Chief Operations Officer
I have a wide range of responsibilities, all of which have the same purpose — to maximize and align our resources so our advisors can focus on you. I continuously evaluate our structure and processes to ensure we bring you the best service possible now and in the future.
Mike and I live in Penfield, NY. I enjoy golf, reading, and working on projects around the house. I look forward to cooking family dinners and having everyone around the kitchen table when the “kids” are in town.
Allen Vitale
Associate Investment Analyst, FINRA Series 7 & 66 Securities Registrations
In my role, I focus on our investment process, which encompasses research, portfolio construction, and ongoing monitoring of existing investments. I am also responsible for assisting advisors with the execution of your investment strategies, which often means identifying customized solutions for unique situations and applying them to meet your specific needs.
I currently reside in North Winton Village with my girlfriend, Sarah, and our (her) flourishing collection of plants. I love spending time outdoors, whether it's playing golf, running or walking, or dining al fresco. Indoors, I enjoy watching my favorite sports teams – the Bills, Sabres, Yankees, and Knicks – on TV. Making regular trips to Buffalo allows me to fully experience the excitement of game days.
Christina Doody
Client Services Manager, Notary Public
I’m responsible for ensuring our clients receive the best service possible and do this by overseeing existing processes and the implementation of fresh initiatives. When new clients join us, I make sure the advisors have all the resources and support needed for a seamless transition.
I live in Fairport, NY with my husband, Bryan. Most of our free time is spent trying to keep up with our two young boys. We enjoy attending Buffalo Sabres games and family trips to Boston and Florida when we can get away. My mother and I get our quality time in with season tickets to the Rochester Broadway Theatre League.
Erica Cook
Client Service Specialist, Notary Public
I am happy to provide answers to questions concerning your accounts and handle any service requests you may have. I assist in the implementation of your financial plans, which often involves helping to find creative solutions to unique situations. Making sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process and ensuring that all the T’s have been crossed and I’s dotted is extremely important to me. I am also a NYS Notary Public and offer this complimentary service to our clients.
I spend my time away from the office mostly outdoors with my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks. When I’m not trailing behind them, you can find me kayaking or boating with family and friends. When weather doesn’t permit such activities, I’m perfectly comfortable being a homebody and welcome the opportunity to binge a good show.
Whitney Benton
Client Service Associate
I’m available as a resource to answer any account questions you may have. Effectively meeting your servicing needs is a top priority of mine and I do this by gathering the information needed to create and maintain your financial profile, compiling reports for your reviews, and keeping current on all your accounts.
I live in Rochester and enjoy diving into the history and culture of the city. For fun on weekends, you can catch me watching stand-up at a comedy club or online. I’m known as the “honorary auntie” amongst my friends and their kids, and they keep me on my toes. In my down time, I like cooking and knitting while listening to Etta James, BB King, and Jethro Tull.
Samantha Watt
Client Service Associate
I am happy to provide answers to questions concerning your accounts and handle any requests you may have. I ensure everything is in good order and keep you informed every step of the way. My goal is to make sure the process is seamless, which is why I think communication is crucial.
I live in Greece, NY with my husband, two kids, and our Boxer. When we find the time, we love swimming, concerts, and checking out local festivals. We try to schedule weekly family dance parties as well as a night for crafts or games. As our children grow, we find ourselves spending more time in gyms and on athletic fields while they try new sports and activities.
Julie Mersdorf
Director of Client Experience
With more than 15 years at OakWood, I take pride in putting you first and making sure we are doing everything possible to create an environment where you feel informed and at ease. I look forward to seeing you at the varied client education and appreciation events we hold throughout the year. If you have feedback or suggestions on topics you would like to learn more about, please let me know.
I make my home in Webster with my husband, Jay, and two great, energetic kids. Most evenings and weekends you can find me cheering the kids on at soccer, basketball, and lacrosse games. My spare time is spent outdoors in the pool and boating with friends and family. On quiet evenings, I enjoy scrapbooking to preserve our family memories.
Chris Cahill
Operations Manager
I am responsible for the day-to-day logistics and use my organizational and problem-solving skills to keep both offices running smoothly so the OakWood team can focus on meeting your needs.
I live in Irondequoit, NY with my wife, Carrie, and our dog, Callie. During the summer months, I enjoy spending time outside on our boat, golfing, or playing kickball. When not outdoors, I can be heard cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Sabres and will occasionally make the trip to Buffalo to catch a game in person.
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