Meet our team of experienced advisors, analysts, and support staff – all motivated to help you succeed.

Janel Cross, AIF®
Janel Cross, AIF®

Managing Partner

Janel Cross, AIF®

Managing Partner

In 2007, she made the bold decision to establish her own firm focused on addressing the need for financial literacy and guidance for Lancaster’s workforce. She launched Align Financial Services Group just months before the Financial Crisis began.

Her success in the face of hard times comes from understanding how it feels to be afraid and unsure. Even in less turbulent times, folks are worried and uncertain. This understanding and her dedication to impacting the lives of hard-working men and women are at the heart of everything she does.

Her honesty, empathy, and ability to connect are powerful but Janel also believes that knowledge and expertise are central to doing what’s best for clients.

She is involved in multiple community projects and is often at the center of “getting things done.”  Janel’s most involved, and most rewarding, community endeavor is chairing the steering committee for Lancaster’s MFG DAY, a community-wide celebration to introduce students to the high-demand, high-paying careers in Lancaster’s manufacturing companies.

James L. Werst, CFP®, AIF®
James L. Werst, CFP®

Partner

James L. Werst, CFP®

Partner

For nearly 35 years, Jim has provided comprehensive advice to individuals and businesses in the areas of asset management, retirement planning, estate planning, and employer-sponsored retirement plan consulting.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University. In recognized the benefit of being an independent financial advisor and joined a local firm. In 1997, he establish an independent wealth management firm focused on providing objective advice to his clients as an alternative to the large brokerage firms. As his practice grew, Jim expanded his firm adding service specialists, advisors and analysts to his team.

In 2018, Jim restructured and rebranded his practice under the new firm name Align. As a managing partner, Jim provides leadership to the firm’s two divisions.

Jesse Steffy
Jesse Steffy

Associate Advisor

Jesse Steffy

Associate Advisor

Jesse joined Align’s Retirement Plans team in 2010. After a decade of exceptional performance and skill development, Jesse joined our management team. In his current role, he is responsible for managing retirement plan relationships and ensuring the execution of our “high touch, white glove” service to both plan sponsors and participants. He also supports your advisors by preparing the reports and data we use to execute your plan’s investment and education strategies.

What does Jesse do for you?
Jesse is your go-to resource for all things related to the operation of your plan. He works diligently to ensure the most timely, efficient and effective support for questions or situations that arise in your day-to-day plan administration.

  • Serve, advocate and guide you through the implementation of changes with providers, plan design and investment menu
  • Liaison between your providers to ensure understandable and timely answers to your questions
  • Guidance for participants who have complex situations/questions
  • Scheduling annual reviews and employee education according to your needs and goals

When your concern requires advice or recommendations, Jesse is quick to assemble your complete service team to identify and execute a quick and accurate resolution. He is never afraid to get his hands dirty or go the extra mile for his plan clients. His proudest moments are when he can make things easier for you!

What does Jesse do for your participants?
While your plan’s advisor might be visiting other clients, Jesse is the one in the office who fields participant inquiries. From website access to providing distribution paperwork when they change jobs, Jesse enjoys the opportunity to build relationships with participants. He is skillful in settling concerns and speaking in plain-English to identify a solution they understand and feel comfortable with.

Why does Jesse do it?
Jesse graduated from Ithaca College in 2005, a time period marred with corporate greed and scandal. That experience shaped his passion for empowering individuals to take control of their financial future and be good fiscal stewards. With Align, he saw the opportunity to bring meaningful financial education to companies, employees, and individuals, empowering people to take control of their finances, and view money as a tool of possibility through planning and investing.

With four years’ experience as a residential construction laborer, Jesse is in a unique position to identify and connect with folks of all backgrounds. He effectively delivers the honest, transparent, “plain-English” financial education hard-working men and women need to create a brighter financial future.

Who is Jesse when he’s not at work?
Jesse frequently asks, “Free time? You mean the time I’m sleeping at night?” Jesse and his wife are busy raising four children ages 7, 6, 4 and 1. The whole family loves the outdoors and playing at parks, in creeks and on the rail trails around Lititz, PA.

Tyler Stief
Tyler Stief

Associate Advisor

Tyler Stief

Associate Advisor

Tyler joined Align in October of 2021, making the transition over from retail banking. He held several different positions at Citizens Bank assisting personal and business clients alike. During the peak of Covid, Tyler helped Citizens Business Clients in Lancaster navigate the Payroll Protection Program. He also held the position of Acting Branch Manager and Licensed Banker during his 4 years with Citizens.

It was during Tyler’s time as a Licensed Banker that he discovered his true passion, helping put clients’ minds at ease planning for retirement. This led him to search for a company and position where he could have a greater impact on clients ultimately leading him to Align. This experience in the retail banking industry set him up to have an immediate impact on client relationships at Align taking on the role of Service Advisor.

In 2023, Tyler took on a new role with Align, serving as a Financial Advisor. His primary goal is to grow relationships with our clients and provide the same level of care that Jim & Janel have over the years.

Tyler has his series 6, 63, & 65 registrations as well as PA Life and Health.

What does Tyler do for you?
Tyler works exclusively on the personal finance side of Align. He is the primary contact and Financial Advisor for many of Align’s clients. In this role, he focuses on deepening client relationships and personalizing the client experience. Day to day duties include meeting with clients, developing financial plans, and ensuring our clients needs are met. Tyler works closely with the Investment and Service teams ensuring everyone is on the same page to deliver our clients the best possible experience.


Why does Tyler do it?

While searching for his dream business to work for, culture was just as an important factor as industry. “Finding a company that I can be proud of and does things the right way, was the single most important factor in my job search.” Tyler is thrilled to work for a company in the finance industry that seeks to emphasize its employees’ strengths and works as an ensemble. The best part of Tyler’s job is hearing from a client that their expectations have been exceeded.

Who is Tyler when he’s not at work?
Tyler is married to his best friend and wife, Jennifer. Jen works in interior design in Lititz. They met at IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) where they both graduated in 2017. They own a home together in Stevens, PA. He is the Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at Warwick High School and spends most of his free time in the gym with the team. If Tyler is not working or coaching, he is most likely on a golf course or enjoying a few drinks with friends.

Tom Cross
Tom Cross

Participant Services Specialist

Tom Cross

Participant Services Specialist

Tom brings valuable diversity of expertise to Align’s retirement plans team. With 25 years’ experience with leading retirement plan recordkeepers Merrill Lynch, Lincoln, Ascensus, and Empower, he knows how to get things done with our client’s service providers. With experience that spans recordkeeping and plan administration to client relationship management and participant support, Tom has a practical understanding of how your plan functions at every level.

Tom has his Series 6, 7, 63 and 66 securities registrations and state insurance license.

What does Tom do for you?
Tom’s efforts are concentrated on connecting with plan participants. Whether that means presenting a group session on the value of participation, conducting a workshop on using the plan’s website or meeting 1:1 to help employees enroll, Tom focuses on delivering effective financial education that positively affects employee productivity and engagement.

Why does Tom do it?
Tom grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, the son of a city police officer and a supermarket cashier. Finance and investing were not common topics of conversation, but Tom was fortunate to find employment in the retirement industry. In 2001 and again in 2008, Tom found himself unemployed during economic downturns. These difficult experiences cemented the importance of saving that he shares with participants today. He is committed to taking fear and intimidation out of saving and investing. He helps participants take small steps that add up to something more than they imagined. His proudest moments are when an employee tells him they would have never had money in their 401k if he hadn’t insisted they “start with 1%.” Their pride is his pride.

Who is Tom when he’s not at work?
A 1994 graduate of Kutztown University with a B.S. in Business Administration, Tom is a two-time All-conference soccer team Captain. He still plays soccer in several men’s leagues and coaches his kids’ teams when he can. He’s a diehard supporter of his Philly sports teams but is a particularly avid fan of his Philadelphia Eagles. Attending the 2018 Super Bowl parade with his two sons was a highlight of his life.

His generous spirit is an inspiration for the entire Align team – from regularly giving rides to strangers or buying meals for those who have fallen on hard times, Tom regularly puts the needs of others first. He is particularly proud of his 2019 Distinguished Community Partner Award from Threshold Rehabilitation Services where he volunteered with his late Golden Retriever, Duncan, a KPETS therapy dog.

Tom lives in Denver, PA with his wife Janel, their three energetic children Connor, Jackson, Catherine, and their rescued pit bulls, Grace and Dutch.

Erik Laymon, MBA
Erik Laymon, MBA

Portfolio Analyst

Erik Laymon, MBA

Portfolio Analyst

Originally from Washington, D.C., Erik joined Align in 2016 as an analyst leading our research efforts and overseeing portfolio construction, trading, and planning. “I do my best to help advisors bridge the gap between the black and white world of financial data and the grey world of client goals and objectives,” he says.

Erik leads investment processes across both divisions of Align. Erik leads due diligence efforts on investments and allocation strategies, designs and tests portfolio models, and assesses and reports on market activities and economic conditions.

Erik received his MBA from Penn State and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Concordia College, NY. He is a registered staff member, holding securities licenses through Commonwealth Financial Network.

Prior to relocating to Lancaster, Erik served the United States government for 10 years as a civilian and contractor. His professional experience encompasses investigative due diligence, operational risk management and strategic planning.

What does Erik do for you?
Protecting wealth is Erik’s number one priority. The risk management mindset he brings to our team is invaluable. In addition to his work researching and executing our investment strategies, Erik oversees our cybersecurity systems and uses technology to increase the efficiency of our operations. His work “behind the scenes” allows advisors to focus on being present with clients and developing creative solutions. Although most of his work is not visible to clients, his contributions are essential to our ability to progress toward achieving their financial goals.

Why does Erik do it?
“I am an extreme details guy and I truly enjoy the tedious work other financial professionals avoid.” He is a math genius, a spreadsheet wizard, and an IT geek. Erik previously worked for the government where he spent part of his career overseeing systems engineering and security support contracts for various Departments and Agencies. He was also a Counterintelligence professional, where he specialized in protecting sensitive, national-level assets from exposure and compromise. After relocating to Lancaster, Erik felt drawn to apply his mindset for disciplined research and risk management to benefit individuals and families working hard to achieve financial security.

Who is Erik when he’s not at work?
When he is not manipulating spreadsheets and fine-tuning portfolios, Erik is busy chasing two young sons, Andrew and Hunter. In the rare moments when parents of small children relax, he and his wife, Ashley, enjoy binge-watching TV, fine dining and seeing live shows at the Fulton. Erik is a Penn State business school graduate. He says the best part of being a Penn State Alum is belonging to one of the largest real-world social networks on the planet.

Emily Horn
Emily Horn

Research Analyst

Emily Horn

Research Analyst

Emily joined Align as an intern during the peak of the pandemic, gaining immediate experience of managing risk in volatile times. Upon graduating from Millersville University (degree in Business Administration, concentration in Finance and Economics), she joined Align permanently as an analyst on the investment team.

She discovered her interest in portfolio construction and investment management during her experience with the Marauder Fund Student Investment Association. Emily was elected for senior leadership roles including CEO and senior analyst of the portfolio. From this invaluable experience, Emily was exposed to various investment strategies, learned securities research techniques, collaborated on research teams, and presented investment recommendations to the Board. She also led a Women in Business group where she organized professional events and promoted networking opportunities for young females looking to enter the “male-dominated” finance industry.

Emily has her Series 7 securities registration, PA insurance state license, and a Microsoft certification in Excel.

What does Emily do for you?
Emily spends time serving both divisions of Align. For personal wealth management team, she fulfills cash requests, tracks required minimum distributions (RMDs), provides investment research for the investment committee, manages client portfolios, and places trades. For Align’s qualified plan team, Emily prepares quarterly investment due diligence for fund lineups, researches and reports on underperforming and watchlist funds, evaluates Target Date Funds and other strategies, and manages invoicing.

Why does Emily do it?
Looking for a way to implement her passions for both number crunching and helping others, Emily found her home at Align after completing multiple internships within the financial services industry. “This team is so unique,” she explains. “Not only does every member love what they do, but they also do it right, do it well, and most importantly, do it with care.” Emily is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and very organized. With these traits, she provides valuable investment support to advisors so that they can prioritize relationships and financial planning for our clients. She finds fulfillment in being a part of a firm that shares her values and is dedicated to reducing the financial stress of others in both good times and bad while taking a personalized approach.

Who is Emily when she’s not at work?
Emily loves a sunny day where she can spend time outside exploring new trails and appreciating good views. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and (in the winter months) ice skating. She is originally from Broomall, PA and loves to spend quality time with her family and friends. Her ideal weekend hangout is spending a peaceful night around a bonfire.

Jeremy Banks

Client Service Specialist

Jeremy Banks

Client Service Specialist

Jeremy joined the Align team in November of 2023 as a Client Services Specialist. Jeremy was born and raised in Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster Mennonite. He has a unique professional background ranging from retail loss prevention, casino surveillance and casino compliance, to inside sales for a technology company. Having such a varied background has made him very versatile in responding to a wide range of people.

Before coming aboard the Align team, Jeremy and his wife started their own hiring consulting firm based out of Manheim, PA in 2018. Starting out in their spare bedroom, they now have an office and multiple employees.

When he’s not in the office, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife Valonda and daughter Jax, creating family memories with them. He also enjoys spending time with friends and listening to all types of music. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Jeremy loves to get into the woods and on the water as much as possible.

Nicolas Lopez

Client Services Specialist

Nicolas Lopez

Client Services Specialist

Nicolas joined Align as an intern during the Spring of 2023, gaining valuable insights into both the analyst and advisor aspects of the company. After graduating from Millersville University with a double major in Finance and Accounting, he joined Align as a Client Services Specialist. He is also a key member of our 401k service team, working in plan administration, portfolio analysis, and fostering positive relationships with plan participants.

Originally from Ecuador, Nicolas moved to the U.S. as a permanent resident in 2018, where he completed his Senior year in Lampeter Strasburg school district. Following high school, he enrolled at Millersville University, to pursue his dream career. Due to his multicultural background, Nicolas is fluent in both Spanish and English, allowing him to actively connect with diverse clients and colleagues.

When he’s not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, his beloved dog, and playing soccer with his brother.

Kathy Readyoff
Katherine Readyoff

Administrative Support

Katherine Readyoff

Administrative Support

Kathy joined Align as an administrative assistant in 2017, after working in positions with a similar scope.

Her interest in this type of role began after her graduation from Houghton College. She became proficient with a variety of proprietary office software and different phone systems, and even took a medical terminology course as part of a previous job that required transcribing medical dictation. She has worked for both large and small organizations, and has found her own niche here at Align.

What does Kathy do for you?
Kathy is the first person you are likely to hear when you call our office phone number, and she is always ready and willing to assist and/or connect our clients to the right Align team member. She also greets our incoming clients when they arrive at the office door, ready with a smile, inquiring about our clients’ needs as they enter the reception area. She operates with a client first focus, and is always on the lookout for new ways to assist.

Why does Kathy do it?
A commitment to wanting to make people’s lives easier, as well as striving to work efficiently and productively within the Align team, are motivating factors for Kathy. Kathy is a self-starter, a calming presence and interested in utilizing the right resources for the appropriate situations. Because client needs present an ever-changing variety of tasks at Align, she finds it important to assist in keeping the office and the office systems running as smoothly as possible. This background efficiency in turn presents even greater opportunities for the rest of the Align team to better serve our clients.

Who is Kathy when she’s not at work?
Kathy is someone looking for an active challenge in the outdoors. As such, she enjoys biking, running, hiking, swimming, and long walks anywhere (including Storm King Art Center in New York, featuring acres of outdoor art installations). She has climbed 3 of the 46 high peaks (over 4,000 feet) in the Adirondacks, and has run 8 marathons, encompassing Chicago, Boston and Milwaukee. She enjoys sight-seeing around the far-flung cities where her grown sons live, and spending time with her other family members on the east coast.

Dave Graves
Dave Graves

Operations Manager

Dave Graves

Operations Manager

Dave seems to have taken the quote “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” as a blueprint for his life.

With experience in physical therapy, construction, website development, sales, management, operations and a powerful drive for personal development Dave was a rare job candidate who could fill several roles at once.

Dave joined the Align team in August of 2021 starting out working heavily in client services, but has been able to migrate more into a management position as our team has grown.

What does Dave do for you?
While it is not uncommon for Dave to answer the phone and help our clients, his primary role is keeping Align running smoothly and in compliance. No matter what our team is doing for you it is likely that the blog post, form, presentation or video has crossed his desk at some point.

Why does Dave do it?
In Dave’s varied experiences he’s has found what drive him is helping others. Specifically, he finds great pleasure in helping others navigate through frustrating and complex situations to accomplish their goals. As one of the few unlicensed team members, Dave often lends a hand by helping spot finance jargon in our client communications, and make sure we translate or define it. Within Align, Dave enjoys clarifying and simplifying communication and processes.

Who is Dave when he’s not at work?
Being happily married for over sixteen years, Dave and his wife, Johanna, spend the bulk of their time raising their three beautiful girls. Their oldest, Abby loves the arts, followed by Tabitha, the athlete and Gabriella who’s into everything she can get her hands on. This is a busy stage of life, but quite fulfilling.

Dave also enjoys being elder at his church where he helps teach, mentor, and lead the congregation. He can also often be found listening to podcast or audio books as he seeks to satisfy his perpetual curiosity.

Let’s Talk

Interested in how Align can enhance your retirement program? We encourage you to schedule a no-obligation and absolutely no-pressure meeting with us.