ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF ROCHESTER

Member Spotlight: Serena M. Compitello, Esq., Vice President, Trust Counsel, Tompkins Financial Advisors

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Outside of my close friends and family, most people don’t know that I’m a card shark. My love of cards started with learning to play gin rummy with my grandma, a cherished family tradition. Both sides of my family are passionate euchre players, and we start recruiting new players as soon as they are old enough to hold a hand of cards. What I love most is not just the games themselves, but the time spent together, the laughter, and the (mostly) friendly competition. Playing cards is our way of gathering, setting aside the busyness of life, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and why?
I am fortunate to have what I call the “Board of Directors of My Life,” a trusted circle comprised of my parents, sister, and several mentors whose guidance has shaped both my personal and professional journey. Before making any major decisions, I consult with them all. They help me strategize, challenge my thinking, and support me in positioning myself for long-term success. They’ve listened to my questions, worries, and anxieties, and have celebrated with me when our shared plans came to fruition. The joy of sharing my successes with them, and seeing my goals and dreams realized, is one of the most meaningful parts of my career. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?

What I enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council is the relationships I’ve built within the professional community over time. I have come to truly value having colleagues I can learn from, exchange ideas with, and occasionally “bend an ear” when I’m working through a complex issue. Hearing how others approach similar challenges or how their practices differ from mine has been incredibly influential in my own development. Beyond the professional benefits, I’ve also met genuinely wonderful people through the EPC. It makes a world of difference to walk into a professional event and know there are friends in the room. The sense of camaraderie is something I really value. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in estate planning?
My interest in estate planning began in childhood, when I first learned about the complexities surrounding my grandfather’s family business. Even then, I recognized how many important questions had no clear answers. I spent time wondering what would happen to the business when he passed, how my grandmother would be protected amid strained family relationships, and how family members that spent time working on the business would be acknowledged. Seeing the uncertainty and tension that resulted from having no plan left a lasting impression on me. It inspired me to pursue a career where I could help families navigate these issues and put a plan in place to alleviate some of the anxieties my family experienced, before and after my grandfather’s passing. When I talk with my clients about their estate plans, I often advise that it’s much better to leave family members with answers than expensive questions. 
Q: How did you get started in your field, and what has your career journey looked like?
I began my career as a Gift and Trust Tax Analyst in the tax department of a major bank, which gave me a strong technical foundation in trust and estate taxation. I then moved into private practice, gaining broad experience in estate planning, real estate, commercial lending, and corporate law. While I valued the variety of private practice, I knew I ultimately wanted to return to a financial institution. That led me to Tompkins Financial Advisors, where I now serve as Trust Counsel. In this role, I administer trusts and estates for which Tompkins is the fiduciary and partner closely with our clients’ attorneys on their estate plans. The combination of my technical background and the diverse experience I gained in private practice has been invaluable. It allows me to approach my current role with a deep understanding of the many types of assets, business interests, and personal dynamics that shape each client’s situation.

Past Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Joshua Lambert, CFP^®, Financial Consultant, ESL Investment Services, LLC

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is providing sound education to clients, which empowers them to make strong financial decisions. It’s a great feeling to know that you played a part in someone reaching their goals, such as retirement or paying for their children’s schooling. Being passionate about the work we do is a great way to build trust with the people we serve and show them that we are on the same team working towards the same goal.   

Q: What is a common misconception about estate planning that you often address with clients?

One common misconception is that once you have drawn up your estate planning documents, they never need to reviewed. Too often, we see documents that were drafted 10+ years ago and are no longer appropriate for the client’s situation. The client’s financial picture or personal wishes may change over time and in turn, their estate planning documents should be updated. It’s important to review your estate plan regularly with your financial professional!

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?

My favorite part about the Estate Planning Council is gaining access to resources which enable me to better serve my clients. From webinars, to in-person seminars, to connecting with other professionals in different roles to discuss new changes in the industry, there is no shortage of resources for those who are passionate about learning. Plus, it’s great to interact with similar people who are dedicated to helping others!

Q: When you're not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

When not in the office, you’ll likely catch me at a Rochester Americans or Red Wings game. I love watching live sports and am an Amerks season ticket holder. I also enjoy golfing and spending time with friends and family or enjoying a nice dinner out in Rochester.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received—personal or professional?

Act with the client’s best interest in mind. Trust is such an important part of the work we do, and if we can confidently say we are always acting in the client’s best interest, the rest will take care of itself. It makes explaining recommendations easy when the client consistently feels like a priority, and feels like we are here to guide and educate them.

Member Spotlight: Victoria Kleehammer, CPA, EFPR Group, LLP

Q: When you're not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband Matt and my 2 girls Madison (5) and Rylee (3).  I love watching them learn new things everyday and ask a zillion questions about the world.

Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a Child Psychiatrist when I graduated High school, but I also knew I liked numbers. It only took one accounting class in college and I was hooked.  

Q: How did you get started in your field, and what has your career journey looked like?
My journey began in 2007, when I joined EFPR (formerly Eldredge, Fox and Porretti) in their forensic accounting department.  A year later I transitioned into the tax department and have been there ever since.  I was committed to the firm, put my hours in and became Partner in 2021.  Over the years, I found I enjoyed working mostly with Individual & Trust Tax returns and began developing a niche early on in Trust and Estate work.  

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
I enjoy educating my clients and helping them navigate life changes as it relates to their tax return. Filing a tax return can be stressful to some people.  I enjoy talking with the clients and making sure they understand and feel comfortable with what we are filing.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?
For me, the best part of being a member of the EPC is the networking.  I have made so many professional connections through the EPC, including some friendships.  Building a network of other professionals that focus in Trusts & Estates, is essential when getting into Estate planning.

Member Spotlight: Brett Caroselli, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, Financial Advisor at Mapstone Veritas Financial Group

Q: How did you get started in your field, and what has your career journey looked like?
Brett’s journey began in 2004, knocking on doors to set up 403b plans for schools. Over the years, his practice evolved into comprehensive financial planning, with a focus on estate planning since 2010. Brett reflects on the early grind and the rewarding growth over time. Building a strong team and client relationships has been at the heart of his success, with key team members like Symantha and Thomas playing crucial roles.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding part for Brett is the relationships he’s built over the years—both with clients and his professional network. Brett values the long-term connections and the constant learning that comes with the ever-evolving nature of financial planning.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Estate Planning Council?
Brett appreciates the camaraderie and learning opportunities within the EPC, where he’s been able to connect with fellow professionals and grow his practice alongside like-minded individuals.

Q: When you're not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of work, Brett enjoys spending quality time with his wife Jenn and their three children, Charlotte (12), Jake (10), and George (8). Whether it’s outdoor activities or working out, Brett makes the most of his time with family.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Brett is an avid player of Platform Tennis, also known as “Paddle,” which is a mix of tennis, racquetball, and squash. He’s a regular on the court, especially during the fall, winter, and spring, and loves the great community of players in the area.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Brett and his family love to travel and explore new places. Their next adventure takes them to Paris & Normandy this Spring—a place filled with history, beauty, and adventure!