David McPherson, CFP®

David founded Four Ponds Financial Planning in 2007 to provide sound, objective financial advice to clients looking for help with their investments, retirement planning and other money-related needs.

He is a former journalist who worked for several New England newspapers, including the Cape Cod Times and The Providence Journal, where he wrote and directed coverage of banking, investing and personal finance.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College and a certificate in financial planning from Boston University. He is a member of the Garrett Planning Network, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, Financial Planning Association and XY Planning Network.

David’s personal interests include running, hiking and other outdoor activities. He previously served on the Board of Trustees of Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis and the Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors.

Five things to know about David:

• He spent a summer living in Tokyo, Japan, as a 15-year-old exchange student.
• During his reporting days, he watched former President Clinton play the saxophone while Carly Simon sang at a party on Martha’s Vineyard.
• He once hitch hiked into Belfast, Northern Ireland, when The Troubles were still under way.
• His favorite movie is Good Will Hunting.
• His retirement dream includes working as a cross-country ski patroller in the winter and a national park ranger in the summer.

Therese R. Nicklas, CFP®, CMC®

Therese Nicklas, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, joined Four Ponds in 2023 with more than two decades of experience in the financial advising industry.

Therese's journey started with an undergraduate degree in business administration from Eastern Nazarene College, followed by a certificate in financial planning from Boston University. 

She specializes in financial planning for women, and in 2016 established her own investment advisory firm, The Wealth Coach for Women, to serve single professional Gen-X women, particularly in the aftermath of unexpected traumas or lifestyle changes. This work has been featured in various news outlets and publications, such as the Wall Street Journal and CNN.

Therese merged her investment advisory firm into Four Ponds Financial Planning in 2023 and will continue to provide investment and financial planning services as a member of the Four Ponds team. She also offers financial coaching under The Wealth Coach for Women name.

Keyana Russ, CFP®, MBA

Keyana Russ, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and College Funding and Student Loan Advisor (CFSLA), joined Four Ponds in 2021 with more than 20 years of experience in business management in financial services, higher education, and nonprofit industries. She earned her undergraduate degree in political philosophy at Brown University, her Executive MBA at Florida Atlantic University, and her certificate in financial planning from Boston University. Keyana has an affinity working with young professionals and spent several years at the College of Charleston assisting MBA graduates in launching their careers. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), and the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA).  In 2023, Keyana was recognized as a top 50 under 50 financial professional by the Association of African American Financial Advisors.

Keyana is a native of South Jersey and grew up in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. She moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 2014 by way of Boca Raton, Florida. Her personal interests include traveling, reading, and baking desserts.

Keyana prepares financial plans for new and existing clients, assists with client service requests and provides operations support. She works remotely from the Charleston, S.C., area. 

Nicoles Tsafos, MBA

Nicole Tsafos joined Four Ponds Financial Planning in 2022, bringing with her a breadth of business and finance experience from her previous work in real estate investment banking and private equity, consulting and commercial lending. Former employers include Cushman & Wakefield, Monadnock Associates, Harbourvest Partners, Deloitte & Touche, and BankBoston/Fleet Boston Financial.

Nicole received a Wall Street Executive Fellowship from Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management where she earned her MBA.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Vassar College in New York in psychology.

More recently, she received the Richard B. Wagner Memorial Scholarship established by the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning and the Financial Planning Association.  As a result, she completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University and passed the CFP® certification exam in November 2023. She also has passed the CFA Level I and Series 65 investment advisor exams.

At Four Ponds, she contributes to the development, presentation, and implementation of financial recommendations and plans for new and existing clients.  She also responds to client service requests and assists with the operational needs of the firm.

Nicole enjoys travel and has spent time in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Costa Rica, China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.  She currently works for Four Ponds remotely from her home in Rhode Island.