Meet Our Team

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Shannon Cramer

Director

A man with short dark hair, dressed in a blue checkered suit and white shirt, smiling confidently.

Shannon Cramer

DIRECTOR

Starting my career as a financial adviser in 2010, I've since expanded my expertise across lending and real estate sectors. I bring a wealth of knowledge from managing multiple businesses across Australia, including leading and developing teams of Financial Planners and Finance Brokers. Currently, I also serve as the general manager of a distribution business, managing a team of 40 staff across the country.

One of my key roles is at ActOn Wealth, where financial planning is about enriching life experiences. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve financial security without compromising life’s pleasures. I'm proud to have helped ActOn Wealth assist hundreds of clients in achieving their financial goals.

When I’m not steering the ship in one of my diverse roles, you’ll find me embracing life to the fullest. I’m a proud dad of two young girls who are my world. The gym is my sanctuary, teaching me the value of resilience and discipline that I bring into my business ventures. Golf courses are my thinking spaces, and snowboarding is my winter outlet. Investing, growing businesses, and travelling are more than hobbies; they’re my passions that have shaped my business perspective. But nothing beats the joy of spending time with friends and family.

Shannon and the ActOn Wealth team were recommended to me by my brother who Shannon also recently assisted with the purchase of his property. As someone who had no idea what the process would involve, I found Shannon to be extremely informative and patient in explaining things to me at each stage. From pre-approval all the way through to the settlement of my property, Shannon went above and beyond to ensure that each stage flowed easily.

Kate

Alex Bernshteyn

DIRECTOR

After completing his Bachelor of Commerce (Major in Finance) back in 2008, Alex commenced working in the Financial Planning industry whilst pursuing further studies in the field. He has also completed a Diploma in Finance and in real estate. Alex has gained much experience in providing holistic client advice whilst incorporating his lending, real estate and financial planning skills.

Alex has managed several successful financial planning firms during his career and has gained an abundance of knowledge and experience in the field. Alex takes pride in providing excellent customer service and building strong long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to helping his clients with accomplishing their goals and achieving superior outcomes.

In his spare time, Alex enjoys spending time with his family and sharing many laughs and giggles with his little boy.

Trust is such an important factor in this area and having worked with Blyth and Alex for many years we have that here. We have an investment strategy and have been able to achieve major goals like realising our dream of building our business and home.

Amanda

Blyth Staley

MANAGING PARTNER

ifa Excellence Awards 2022 Finalist badge for Practice Principal of the Year.

Starting out in financial services in 2009 after graduating from Monash University and spending time travelling, Blyth immediately gravitated toward the advice path. Sitting down and gaining a better understanding of someone on a personal level is what he loves to do.

Having worked in financial services now for over a decade, what Blyth values the most is his long-term client relationships. “Being able to connect with someone and understand their financial situation is much more than just understanding the numbers”.

Blyth is a long-suffering Melbourne Demons supporter (edit: no longer suffering) and avid podcast listener. His spare time is spent with family, at the archery range or gym.

We first met Blyth a few years ago when we were clueless about our financial plans for the future and how these decisions impact our future. Being young and both working full time we though that it meant that we didn't need to think much about our retirement plan and where we can invest our time and money. In just one meeting, Blyth not only gave us a clear path but peace of mind, it was then we decided that he was our guy!

Ledia

Pratistha Khatiwada

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Pratistha Khatiwada, is the operational heartbeat at ActOn Wealth. Since diving into the financial planning sector in 2019, post-earning her Master’s degree from Deakin University, she's ascended the professional ladder with a keen eye for operational efficacy. Now as our Operations Manager, her ability to streamline processes is the linchpin in our day-to-day excellence.

Pratistha enjoys staying active with gym workouts and park runs, along with her hobbies of cooking, baking, and gardening. On weekends, you’ll often find her exploring various cafes, indulging in her weakness for coffee and brunch with friends.

Matthew Jacobson

Principal Financial Adviser

Thomas Daykin

Senior Financial Adviser

Jesse Jacobson

Financial Adviser

Matthew Jacobson

Principle Financial Advisor

Matt has been working in Financial Services since 2010, starting out in Asset & Equipment Finance after completing a Bachelor of Commerce. From here he moved into Financial Planning and really found his passion.

Matt puts a big emphasis on education and loves furthering his knowledge and skills, having completed a Cert IV and Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking, and most recently a Masters in Financial Planning.

While being very strategy focused, what Matt enjoys most is creating close relationships with his clients and being there through the different stages of their financial journeys.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll probably find Matt at the cinema, catching up with mates, or at the gym enjoying his hobby of Muay Thai Kick Boxing.

He has been more than an adviser to my wife and I, and has been ever ready to assist above and beyond the call in whatever way he can. We are by no means wealthy, but he has treated us as he would a millionaire. Thank you for this opportunity to acknowledge someone so good in his job with such consummate people skills.

Ron

Thomas Daykin

SENIOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR

With a heavy focus on goals-based strategy, Tom's aim is to develop long-lasting relationships with his clients that not only addresses their finances, but also their lifestyle goals.

His approach to financial planning is holistic, ensuring that all of his client’s needs are met and that all areas of their finances are working together. This commitment has resulted in Tom previously being recognised at the 2018 Young Leaders in Finance Awards and 2020 IFA Excellence Awards in the client outcome of the year category.

Tom’s holistic approach extends into his personal life where he can be found watching and following about as much sport as he possibly can. From a typical Melbourne-based AFL fanatic, to the obscurity of once captaining the Australian Junior Curling Team, he'll seemingly try it all.

I have been working with Thomas for a long time now and he is amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. I ask a lot of questions and Thomas is always easy to contact and is extremely helpful. He makes things easy for me to understand and always takes the time i need to make sure i have a full understanding of what i am doing with my finances, I would be lost with out his advice.

Robyn

Jesse Jacobson

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Jesse recently relocated from Perth and has seamlessly integrated into the ActOn Wealth team. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning and with over 7 years of industry experience, Jesse brings extensive expertise in investments, insurance, and technical strategies.

Jesse is committed to empowering clients with personalised financial advice, whether managing investments, planning for retirement, or navigating complex financial strategies. His holistic approach ensures clients feel supported and confident in their financial decisions.

Outside of work, Jesse enjoys staying active and socialising with friends, continually seeking to challenge himself and expand his knowledge.

Bella Nguyen

Lending Manager

Hayden Dewar

Senior Credit Adviser

Elpida Youssef

Credit Adviser

Hayden Dewar

SENIOR CREDIT ADVISOR

Hayden completed his Bachelor of Business (Major in Economics & Finance) in 2017 and came straight to ActOn Wealth in a client servicing role.

After displaying a high level of attention to detail and a genuine desire to help his clients achieve their goals, Hayden gravitated towards Mortgage Broking. He moved into a Credit Consultant role where he has been helping his clients reach their dream of home ownership ever since.

Hayden’s impressive level of technical know-how and product knowledge allows him to meet and exceed our clients finance requirements, no matter how complex their situation.

Outside of the office you can find Hayden toiling away in his garden or fanatically supporting his beloved St Kilda Saints.

We worked with Hayden for our first ever home loan.
He was super supportive & took the time to answer all
of our questions given we were first home buyers. 100% recommended.

Tahlia

Bella Nguyen

LENDING MANAGER

Bella began her journey in Financial Services in 2016 after graduating from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Finance and Accounting.
She worked as a Sales Consultant before finding her passion in lending as a Loan Processor at a major mortgage broking practice. She joined the team at ActOn Wealth in 2021 as a Lending Associate and provides our credit consultants with valuable support through her strong attention to detail.
Bella loves a challenge and soon hopes to move into a credit consultant role to expand her skills and provide exceptional outcomes for her clients.
Outside of work Bella can be found working away in the garden with her cat Snowy or out at brunch with her friends.

Elpida Youssef

Credit Adviser

Meet Elpida, a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. Elpida holds a Master of Finance, a Bachelor of Business (Finance), a Diploma of Financial and Mortgage Broking Management, and both an Advanced and Diploma in Financial Planning. Her comprehensive education and extensive experience make her an invaluable asset to the ActOn Wealth team.

Elpida's approach to lending is meticulous and tailored, ensuring that each client's financial goals are met with the utmost precision and expertise. Her commitment to professional development and client service excellence helps our clients navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence and ease.

Outside the office, Elpida finds joy and relaxation in gardening, cultivating her garden with the same care and detail she brings to her professional work.

Lachlan England

Associate Adviser

Lachlan England

ASSOCIATE ADVISOR

Lachie graduated from Deakin university in 2020 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance and Management. He began his professional career in life insurance shortly after and found his passion in helping customers improve their lives.

Branching out into the Financial Advice space and joining ActOn Wealth in early 2022, Lachie brings a strong knowledge of the industry and a stronger passion to get the best outcome for the client. Lachie started at ActOn Wealth with the intent of becoming a Financial Advisor in the future however, now also assists customers in mortgage broking. Across both fields Lachie aims to ensure the client feels like a priority and that their goals are achieved.

Outside of work Lachie is an avid sports fan and forever suffering St Kilda Saints fan. When not grieving over his saints he loves to spend time with friends and family.

Pete Ajani

ACCOUNTANT

Pete Ajani is a highly accomplished tax professional with extensive experience in the field. As a registered Tax Agent and fully qualified Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Pete brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his clients. His personalised approach sets him apart, as he strives to educate clients on key areas of tax law, ensuring they have a comprehensive understanding of their financial obligations and opportunities. Pete has extensive experience covering a wide range of tax services, including Personal, Company, Trust, and Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) tax compliance and advisory services. Pete’s committed to providing tailored solutions including helping client understand key tax issues that may impact them whilst optimising tax outcomes.

Glenn Fontanos

ACCOUNTANT

After graduating in 2009, Glenn began his career in Tax and Accounting whilst continuing further studies to complete his CPA certification. Having worked in both Melbourne and rural areas, Glenn has been exposed to a variety of small businesses, as well as individuals from all walks of life.

He enjoys helping small business owners get their life back by leveraging technology to simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll.

Out of the office, Glenn can be found tinkering with cars or enjoying a scenic drive through the mountains.

Neda Sameni

Creative Manager

Neda Sameni

CREATIVE MANAGER

Meet Neda, our Creative Manager here at ActOn Wealth. Neda has been working in Graphic design since 2004, after completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Graphic Design.
Neda enjoys discovering new technologies and trends in the digital space and inspires creative design solutions that are human-centric.
When Neda is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her partner, catching up with friends, and shopping.

Rowena Goodwin

MARKETING MANAGER

Meet Rowena, our Marketing Manager here at ActOn Wealth. Rowena graduated from RMIT University with a Bachelor in Fashion & Textiles Merchandising. Having travelled across the World and worked for some of the biggest names in retail, Rowena continued her education adding Digital Marketing, SEO Optimisation & Social Media Marketing to her breadth of skills. Rowena is passionate about business success and personal growth, which is why you'll always find her challenging the status quo and exploring new technologies. Apart from being the powerhouse behind the marketing team, Rowena enjoys getting outside to play tennis, staying active and healthy and has a passion for interior design.

Neda Sameni

CREATIVE MANAGER

Lachlan England

Associate Adviser

Lachlan England

ASSOCIATE ADVISOR

Lachlan England

Associate Adviser

Lachlan England

ASSOCIATE ADVISOR

Astrobiology

Journey into the realm of astrobiology, the study of life in the universe. Explore the possibilities of extraterrestrial life, from microbial organisms on other planets to the search for intelligent civilizations. Delve into the fascinating field of exoplanets and the potential habitable environments that could support life beyond Earth. Unearth the mysteries of our cosmic origins and the existence of life in the cosmos.

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Cosmology and Theoretical Physics

Delve into the mysteries of the universe with a focus on cosmology and theoretical physics. Explore concepts such as the Big Bang theory, dark matter, dark energy, and the expanding universe. Dive into the realm of theoretical physics, where scientists unravel the nature of space, time, and the fundamental forces that govern the cosmos. Discover the mind-bending theories that shape our understanding of the universe's structure and evolution.

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Shannon Cramer

Shannon Cramer

Shannon Cramer

Pratistha Khatiwada (PK)

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Shannon Cramer

DIRECTOR

Kate

Alex Bernshteyn

DIRECTOR

Amanda

Blyth Staley

MANAGING PARTNER

Ledia

Pratistha Khatiwada (PK)

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Pratistha Khatiwada, fondly known as PK, is the operational heartbeat at ActOn Wealth. Since diving into the financial planning sector in 2019, post-earning her Master’s degree from Deakin University, she's ascended the professional ladder with a keen eye for operational efficacy. Now as our Operations Manager, her ability to streamline processes is the linchpin in our day-to-day excellence.