Meet the professionals who can help you

Pursue Your Goals

We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.

Comprehensive Advisor Team Photo_Updated 10.8.25 (1) Serena Akinaga

MEET THE TEAM

The team behind Comprehensive Advisor is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.

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Brett Gottlieb
Financial Advisor, Founder

Brett's common-sense approach to advising provides clients with a retirement roadmap that helps ensure they receive the income and protection they need in retirement.

Brett began his career working in employee benefits consulting, where he specialized in building retirement plans for the employees of larger corporations. He then took this experience to the individual planning arena and now helps pre-retirees and retirees with retirement income planning (including Social Security maximization), investment portfolio management, tax planning, health care planning (including life insurance and long-term care insurance) and legacy planning.

Brett's nearly 20 years of experience and total dedication to the unique goals of his clients allow him not only to serve as a financial advisor, but also as a financial guide.

Brett has bachelor's degrees in business administration and economics from California State
University-Chico. He has passed the Series 65 securities exam and is an independently licensed life insurance agent. Brett's financial custodians for all client assets are Fidelity and Charles Schwab, two of the largest and most respected firms in the business. These relationships allow his clients access to some of the best platforms and research capabilities in the industry.

Brett resides in San Elijo Hills, California, with his wife, two daughters and son. Away from the office, Brett enjoys spending time outdoors in the beautiful California weather.

CA Insurance Lic. #0C68886

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John McKean, CFP®
Financial Advisor

As a financial advisor, John McKean is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients and their families. He does this by building long-term relationships and crafting financial plans that inspire confidence and clarity.

John began his career trading mortgage-backed securities at a leading mortgage banking firm. A self-proclaimed “market geek,” he thrived in the fast-paced environment—analyzing market trends, making critical decisions, and aligning client portfolios with smart, strategic insights. Today, he brings that same analytical mindset and disciplined approach to his work with individuals and families.

Whether helping clients plan for retirement, navigate life transitions, or build generational wealth, John blends technical expertise with a deeply personal commitment to their success. He believes great planning goes beyond numbers—it's about understanding what truly matters to each client and building a path to support those goals.

Outside the office, John is an avid hockey player and a proud hockey dad to his two children. He’s passionate about the outdoors, especially ocean and fly fishing, and snowboarding. His love for the mountains has even taken him heli-boarding in Canada, chasing fresh powder and unforgettable memories.

John lives in North County, San Diego with his wife, Lorraine, their children, Alana and Thomas, and the family's energetic black lab, Celly.

He holds a Series 66 securities license, a life insurance license in the state of California, and is a Certified Financial Planner™. A Southern California native, John remains proud to serve his community with integrity, insight, and a long-term perspective.

CA Insurance Lic. #0K37445.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Eric Brelsford
Strategic Planning Advisor

Eric Brelsford
Strategic Planning Advisor

Eric Brelsford is a Strategic Planning Advisor who joined Comprehensive Advisor in 2019. He has worked in the financial services industry for five years. Eric is Life, Accident & Health Insurance licensed in California and has passed his Series 66 securities exams. Eric joined Comprehensive Advisor after serving at JPMorgan Chase.

Eric’s passion for financial services drives him to constantly pursue excellence in finding the right strategies to meet the challenges facing those preparing for retirement or already retired. His goal with every family he helps is to understand their true dreams and goals, then help them pursue them.

Previously Massachusetts residents, Eric and his wife, Emily, enjoy San Diego’s vibrant cultural and arts activities and actively participate in volunteer opportunities.

CA Insurance Lic. #0K01936

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Brice Murphy
Client Servicing Advisor

Brice Murphy
Client Servicing Advisor

With southern charm and an innate desire to help others, Brice provides
a warm welcome to the office. Brice aims to help our guests stay informed and guided on their journey to and through retirement. With a focus on proficiency, being results-driven, and deeply professional, he has an extensive background in customer service and is excited to utilize his experience to provide an engaging and helpful beginning to each client relationship. Proficient, results-driven, and deeply professional, he has an extensive background in customer service and is excited to utilize his expertise to provide an engaging and helpful beginning to each client relationship.

Brice holds a life insurance license in California and is an Investment Adviser Representative that holds a Series 65 license.

In his free time, Brice and his family enjoy the beautiful beaches, superb weather, and incredible culture San Diego offers.

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Hector Monroy
Client Servicing Advisor

Hector Monroy
Client Servicing Advisor

Hector is a seasoned financial professional driven by a desire to make each client feel valued, supported, and empowered on their financial journey. A San Diego native and University of San Francisco finance graduate, Hector began his career in Venture Capital and Private Equity accounting before transitioning to financial planning, driven by his passion for client service and problem-solving.

Hector holds a Series 65 license and is an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). He holds Life, Accident & Health Insurance licenses in the state of California.

Outside of work, Hector is an active rugby player in Oceanside. He’s also a dedicated Chargers fan with season tickets – and even travels to away games twice a year!

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Serena Akinaga
Operations and Marketing Manager

Serena Akinaga
Operations and Marketing Manager

Serena’s natural love of people and problem solving allows her to create a seamless customer experience for all clients.

Prior to joining the firm, Serena oversaw many aspects of client and vendor relationships for multiple companies throughout San Diego.

Since April 2014, Serena has served as the first point of contact for the company and ensures that all clients feel at home. Her responsibilities include company-sponsored public engagements, overseeing vendor relationships, CRM data management, general office and relationship management. Serena’s main focus is to ensure the firm exceeds clients’ expectations by maintaining open communication while servicing their accounts.

As a Southern California native from San Diego, Serena enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter and son.

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Melinda Zermeno
Planning Support Lead

Melinda Zermeno
Planning Support Lead

Melinda’s creativity, dedication to organization and passion for helping others ensure a seamless experience for both clients and her team.

Melinda’s journey into the financial industry began in 2018, when she was captivated by the meaningful impact that exceptional advisors and reputable firms can have on helping individuals achieve their financial goals. She worked as a commissions specialist before joining Comprehensive Advisor in 2022, where she plays a pivotal role organizing client visits and calculating yearly required minimum distributions.

Currently a resident of Vista, California, where she has lived for over two years, Melinda enjoys raising a small flock of chickens and gardening in her free time. She cherishes time with her husband, Ismael, and their four sons, Austen, Lucas, Roman and Silas, as well as their two cats, Ren and Miso.

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Chris Caudle
Planning Support Specialist

Chris Caudle
Planning Support Specialist

Bio coming soon!

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Jake Delo
Planning Support Specialist

Jake Delo
Planning Support Specialist

Jake’s passion for finance is matched only by his commitment to helping others. His journey started at The Master’s University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and discovered a passion for supporting clients and advisors as they navigate questions. His early career was diverse, with roles ranging from a tax intern to a baseball public address announcer. These experiences taught him how to connect with people from all walks of life and refined his communication skills.

Working in a tax office he learned to communicate with clarity and empathy, gaining a deep understanding of the client’s needs. Jake aims to help make financial information accessible and he is committed to assisting our advisors and clients with their general needs.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys the coastal lifestyle in his hometown of Carlsbad, California, often riding his e-bike to the beach. He’s the youngest of three and a proud uncle to three nephews, cherishing time with family and friends. You can also find him on the golf course, pickleball court or tennis court or unwinding by playing the guitar.

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Sarah Siciliano
Director of First Impressions

Sarah Siciliano
Director of First Impressions

Sarah cultivates long-lasting client relationships by offering first-class support and customer service.

As the first point of contact with the firm, Sarah manages Comprehensive Advisor’s top-tier client experience from start to finish. She plays a key role in welcoming clients and prospective clients into the office and maximizing the optimum experience while delivering on the core mission at Comprehensive Advisor.

Sarah lives in San Marcos and is originally from Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her husband and two daughters.

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Gwen Truax
Receptionist

Gwen Truax
Receptionist

Gwen is our clients’ first point of contact, and her warm, organized and approachable demeanor sets the tone for their experience.

Gwen’s Type A personality and knack for organization inspired her to pursue a career in financial services, where she could pair her skills with building meaningful relationships. At Comprehensive Advisor, she has found the perfect fit. Gwen takes pride in supporting clients while fostering genuine connections, creating a welcoming and efficient experience that ensures every client feels valued and supported.

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Gwen relocated to Vista, California, bringing her love for adventure and new experiences. She and her fiancé, Aaron, share their home with two beloved cats, Augie and Cowboy. Outside the office, Gwen enjoys playing tennis and painting and is embracing the California lifestyle by learning to surf.

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Ready to take
The Next Step?

For more information about any of the products and services we provide, schedule a visit today or register to attend a live informational event.

 

Schedule a Visit

Or give us a call at 760.813.2125