Courtney attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with two Bachelor’s Degrees; the first in Vocal Performance and the second in Graphic Design. After a successful career in Graphic Design, Courtney was recruited to Edward Jones’ financial advisor training program in 2016. “I’ve always had a passion for investing, but never considered it as a profession because of what I THOUGHT they did.”

During her tenure, Courtney refined her focus to Women-Owned businesses, and the underserved minority and LGBTQ community. She finds particular satisfaction working with women, including business professionals, divorcees and widows, to help them make informed financial decisions that accurately reflect their short- and long-term financial goals.

In March of 2022, Courtney moved her practice to Merrill Lynch, and joined forces with Senior Portfolio Advisor, Stephen Tosha.

Outside of work, Courtney is active in both art and music. Having written and illustrated her own children’s book, “Mouse and Pod,” Courtney engages audiences of all ages to discuss Diversity and Inclusion, from bookstores, public libraries, schools and corporate events. She is a member of the Dallas Women’s Chorus, has most recently sung at Carnegie Hall in Spring of 2023, and has been invited back for a third time in 2025.

Stephen began his career at age 17 in the mailroom for Verizon and its predecessor companies. During his 30-year tenure, he held a variety of roles including finance, treasury, sales, operations and business development. After years of increasing responsibility, he retired at age 46 as Senior Executive.

With a strong desire to give back to the community, Stephen later assumed a role as CEO and Executive Vice President for a Dallas non-profit, where he directed investments and provided governance for their endowments. After helping the organization recover from the brink of bankruptcy, Stephen was recruited to Morgan Stanley’s financial advisor training program. During his tenure, he became a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager working with a select group of affluent clients.

Stephen joined Merrill in 2016 and today he brings his well-rounded background in corporate finance, investments and business development to his work with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, multiple generations of families, non-profits, foundations, and members of the LGBTQ community. He also finds particular satisfaction working with women, including business professionals, divorcees and widows, to help them make informed financial decisions that accurately reflect their short- and long-term financial goals.

Serving a select number of clients by design enables Stephen to devote significant time and resources to every relationship and guide them through the disciplined process that their unique situations require. His process begins by developing a deep understanding of his clients’ lives and the things they value most. Employing “what if” scenarios and simulating the impact on their current lifestyle and retirement helps Stephen develop customized investment portfolios based on global macroeconomics and designed to pursue what’s most important to clients and their families.

Stephen made a commitment to himself to give back to the community which has given so much to him. 

Stephen is an avid writer having published the book “I Colored Her Pretty”, enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends when not working.