PETER LEONCZYK, AIF®

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor Peter Leonczyk is a lifelong resident of Ludlow, MA. He attended Westfield State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Peter sought a career that would allow him to impact people’s lives on a deeper level. With a strong desire to serve within the community, coupled with his interest in economics and finance, Peter joined PV Financial in early 2013.

Since joining the firm, Peter has earned his AIF® Designation, expanding his knowledge and expertise in retirement planning and management. Peter is committed to providing quality financial planning and guidance to hardworking individuals, families and businesses throughout all stages of their financial journey. With his genuine sense of humor, grounded in trust and friendship, Peter has a natural ability to develop a strong connection with each one of his clients. Peter has fostered these relationships in the community through his work as a member of the Rotary Club of Ludlow and dedicated volunteer with organizations such as Junior Achievement. Acting on his commitment to support the youth in our community, Peter coached the Ludlow Lions Youth football team. After leading the team to an undefeated championship, Coach Pete stepped down (for now) but remains invested in his players lives both on and off the field. Now Peter serves as an advisory board member and volunteer with the Ludlow Cares Coalition.

Growing alongside his community, Peter was an honoree of the 2020 Business West 40 under Forty Award- a program that recognizes individuals within western mass who have excelled professionally, but also in their services to the community. Now, Peter actively serves as a board member for the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club and Michael J. Dias Foundation.

Today, Peter and his wife Jessica reside in Ludlow with their son Parker and daughters, Emma and Hadley. In his free time, you may find Peter combining his love for the outdoors and athletics by playing a round of golf or fishing at a local pond. As a family, they enjoy spending time on the Connecticut River where they fish, paddle board, and barbecue. Displaying his love for cooking, you’ll likely find Peter with a spatula in hand while manning the grill, serving his friends and family.

RYAN SOKOLOWSKI, CCFS®

Financial Advisor

Ryan Sokolowski is a financial advisor at Pioneer Valley Financial Group with a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. He believes in building strong relationships and assisting his clients in navigating their financial journey every step of the way.

Ryan grew up in Belchertown, and is a current resident of York, Pennsylvania. After completing High School, Ryan attended Penn State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. He also completed a double minor concentration in business management and economics.

After completing college, Ryan embarked on a career in the country club industry, gaining valuable experience in various positions over five years. Notably, he served as the general manager of a two- course golf and tennis complex. Driven by his passion for finance, Ryan decided to change careers in 2020. He joined Merrill Lynch and trained for a year getting fully licensed through their financial development program.

Ryan was excited to join PV Financial in 2021, a company that his father and the partners created in 2002. He brought his hospitality experience the PV Financial, which helped him build strong client relationships and create personalized plans for his clients.

When not at the office, Ryan loves to spend time with his wife, Victoria, and two sons, Chatham, and Porter. The Sokolowski family welcomed baby Porter to the world on June 2nd, 2023. The family loves to take walks to the park and visit the boys’ grandparents. Together, Ryan and Victoria love to play cards, go golfing, and watch Netflix shows.

ANTONIO BASTOS, AIF®, CRPS®

Financial Advisor

Lifelong Ludlow resident and Financial Advisor Antonio Bastos is a valued member of Pioneer Valley Financial Group. He is driven by the desire to make a positive impact on businesses and individuals by helping them secure their financial futures and achieve their retirement goals.

Antonio was born and raised to Portuguese and Italian parents. As a kid, he played every sport you can imagine, with his true passion lying in soccer. He later went on to play on the soccer team at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major of business management. After graduating from college, Antonio took a position with MassMutual Retirement Services, where he obtained his Series 6 and Series 63 licenses, which helped him advance his career in finance.

Antonio joined PV Financial in 2021 with an in-depth understanding of retirement planning and its importance to companies and their employees. Now actively holding Series 6, Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 licenses, Antonio develops and fosters strong relationships with his clients to provide quality retirement, business, estate, and tax planning services, as well as investment management and insurance solutions. Antonio also manages all of the qualified retirement plan business to deliver strong plan participant outcomes. He performs one-on-one or group employee education meetings, investment screening oversight, and detailed plan reviews with business owners.

Today, Antonio and his wife, Carly, love to stay active when they can. They enjoy doing projects around the house, hiking with their golden retriever, Kiya, getting together with family and friends and trying a new recipe at home. Antonio continues to volunteer his time within the community being actively engaged with many local nonprofit organizations and participating in many events and community service opportunities.

KELLY HABER, IACCP® 

Managing Partner / Chief Operating Officer

Kelly Haber is an accomplished Chief Operating Officer at Pioneer Valley Financial Group (PVFG) and a proud native of Ludlow, MA. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in financial management, and her leadership has helped shape PVFG into one of the top financial institutions in the area. Kelly brings a unique perspective to her role, one shaped by her deep roots in the community, her passion for excellence, and her unwavering commitment to serving PVFG’s clients.

Kelly’s parents immigrated to the United States from Portugal before starting a family. They passed their strong work ethic on to Kelly and her brother, so they could achieve success. In high school, Kelly worked at her local bakery while upholding her commitment to the tennis team, maintaining excellent grades, and preparing for college. She attended Western New England University, where she found herself drawn to a finance career. After college, she got her first taste of the financial planning industry working as a sales assistant at Northwestern Mutual. The fast-paced and independent environment at Northwest Mutual helped her prepare for the next step on her career path. Kelly then worked as an Investment Analyst in the Operations Division at MassMutual in Springfield. With a dedicated work ethic and empathetic approach to problem-solving, she quickly became an integral part of the organization and advanced to a Regulatory Operations Consultant position, where she audited operations and developed supervisory procedures. Kelly’s commitment to excellence earned her a promotion to Compliance Consultant, where she handled regulatory inquiries and implemented changes that benefited the client experience.

Nine years of valuable experience at MassMutual prepared Kelly for the next chapter in her career. She obtained her FINRA Series 7 and 24 licenses through MassMutual and landed a Director of Compliance and Operations position at PVFG in early 2016. Her precise and accurate attention to detail is an invaluable asset to PVFG, as evidenced by her participation in regulatory inspections and internal audits. Within six months of joining PVFG, she completed the Uniform Combined State Law Examination (also known as the “Series 66”), leading to her promotion to Chief Operating Officer. Kelly was also named PVFG’s Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction Delegate and a Registered Investment Advisor Representative, which is an ideal role for her area of expertise. As a result, she ensures that PVFG remains compliant with complex regulations. Kelly earned the Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional® (IACCP®) credential in 2022. The IACCP designation acknowledges the heightened role of regulatory compliance and responds to the growing industry demand for nationally recognized compliance education, professional standards, and ethical leadership.

Kelly’s hard work and dedication go beyond her professional life. She gives back to her community by volunteering at Rick’s Place, a youth social services organization in Wilbraham. She also serves as Treasurer of the Falcon Youth Football Association in Wilbraham where her two sons, Ryan and Gavin, play football. When she’s not in the office or participating in her community, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, Barry, and her two boys at their Wilbraham home. Kelly loves traveling with her family and exploring new places around the world, a passion that started with a trip to Disney World and a cultural experience in Portugal. You might also find Kelly rooting for Ryan and Gavin at sporting events, trying new recipes in the kitchen, watching HGTV, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, or curling up with a good book.

KAREN NOGUEIRA

Managing Partner / Director of Client Relations

Karen Nogueira is the Director of Client Relations and partner at PV Financial, a position she earned through her innate sense of loyalty to the client experience. She is a natural people-person, always ready to go the extra mile to ensure PVFG’s clients get the best service possible. Her philosophy of treating others the way she hopes to be treated helped her quickly progress on her financial career path.

Karen began her finance career as a bank teller at West Bank 1998. From there, she worked as a teller at Luso Federal Credit Union, where she was promoted to head teller and eventually to branch manager. Karen joined PVFG in 2006 as a part-time sales assistant. Her dedication and hard work helped her carve out her full-time niche position as Director of Client Relati​ons. What started as a one-person department has grown to a team of five. On January 1, 2022, Karen became a partner at PV.

As her children grew older, Karen’s commitment to providing a top-notch client experience only grew stronger. Her dedication to expanding her knowledge of financial markets and providing top-notch customer service has been invaluable to PV. It is a culture Karen has built at PV over the last 17 years. Building the best team for PV’s clients is of the utmost importance, which Karen has instilled in the relationship management team.

Since joining PV, Karen has pursued additional credentials. In 2013, she obtained her Life & Health Insurance license through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Massachusetts State Based Systems. In October of 2022, Karen received her Notary Public license through the Secretary of The Commonwealth in Massachusetts and was sworn in in Springfield in November.

Outside of the office, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and two children, Ava and Joseph. Joseph enjoys playing soccer and Karen cheers and attends his sporting events throughout the year. Ava graduated from Wilbraham Monson Academy and attends Penn State University Park.

Karen loves to go on runs around her neighborhood & spend time with her children and dogs, Lulu and Ollie. She often spends her summers planting pink Hydrangeas and other plants in her garden. She also travels with her family throughout the year, so her children can experience different places, foods, and cultures.

Karen is committed to giving back to the community she grew up in. Karen works as a volunteer for Rick’s Place and sings in the adult choir at St. Cecilia Church. PV’s commitment to the community was fostered by Karen where she led the company in community outreach initiatives. This can be seen through Karen donating her time to many community events.

ANDREA LEBEAU

Client Experience Specialist

Client Experience Specialist, Andrea Lebeau was born and raised in Belchertown, MA. Growing up, she attended Jabish Brook Middle School and Belchertown High School. She graduated alongside her twin brother, Joshua.

As a child, Andrea spent much of her time at a nearby horse farm, both riding and caring for the horses. It was there that she developed a love and talent for competitive showjumping. Andrea’s passion for the sport inspired her to partner with the Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association, where she has served as a volunteer and instructor for the last 16 years. Outside of the barn, Andrea also spent her youth on the softball field, playing third base throughout middle school and high school. After high school, Andrea pursued her A.S. in Business Administration from Holyoke Community College, while working as a waitress and sales intern at the Log Cabin. Andrea later received her B.A. in Business Management and Marketing at Elm’s College. During her time at Elms, Andrea worked as a Banquet and Operations Manager at Wyckoff Country Club. There, she learned how to manage financials within multiple departments in a high-demand industry. With her work experience and college education, Andrea landed a director of client services position at Northwestern Mutual. During her four years with the company, she obtained her Life and Disability Insurance certifications and gained strong knowledge and experience within the financial services industry.

Following the launch of Navigator, Andrea was eager to join the PV team and help fulfill today’s market need for financial planning among young professionals. With that career goal in mind, Andrea joined PV Financial, taking on a role in the PV Navigator program as a jack of all trades- including digital marketing, program support, and client service needs. Today, Andrea and her husband Shawn, reside in Ludlow, MA with their dog Dj. They spend their free time golfing or hosting family card nights. Andrea is an active supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation since being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 13, as well as a member of the ERC5 – East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, she looks forward to participating and volunteering alongside her team in the community she lives and works in.

MARCIN MRUK

Director of Operations

Director of Operations, Marcin Mruk was born in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and grew up in Hadley, where he graduated from Hopkins Academy. Marcin and his two older sisters are first-generation Polish, as both of his parents grew up in Southern Poland before deciding to move to the U.S. to find work and start a family. Because Polish was his first language, Marcin had to spend extra time learning English throughout elementary school. Growing up, he and his family often went on camping trips together, as they were cost-effective and allowed for quality family time in the great outdoors.

In high school, Marcin became heavily involved with sports, playing baseball and soccer all four years, he attended. He was also a member of the ski club, a hobby that has followed him to this day. He and his friends ski throughout the season, hitting the trails around Killington and Mount Snow. Marcin was diagnosed with Diabetes as a sophomore, and actively supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation throughout his high school years. Before attending college, Marcin weighed the possibility of becoming a state trooper, but eventually found a home in finance. The financial world appealed to him not only because of his strength in mathematics but also because it would allow him to help people reach their financial goals.

Marcin attended Framingham State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in finance in the Spring of 2019. Throughout college, Marcin continued his interests in athletics, participating in numerous intramural sports. To help pay for school, Marcin took on a variety of jobs, including working as a school bus driver, a server at a restaurant, and manager at a liquor store his junior and senior years. His last year in school, Marcin was a member of Framingham State’s entrepreneur program, where he had the opportunity to intern for a startup clothing company. At PV Financial, Marcin is working on becoming a financial advisor.

MEGHAN MONAGHAN

Client Relationship Manager / Paraplanner

Client Relationship Manager and Paraplanner, Meghan Monaghan, was born in Monson, MA and attended Monson High School. Beginning from a young age, Meghan developed a passion for soccer, playing all year-round from kindergarten throughout high school. Following graduation, Meghan furthered her education at Bentley University in Waltham, MA.

As a former finance intern at PV Financial, Meghan was excited to rejoin our team full-time after earning a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in financial planning. Within her role, Meghan is eager to learn more about the financial service industry and the various layers of planning we provide to our clients.

Outside of the office, Meghan loves spending her free time at the gym or hiking.  She also enjoys going on vacation with her family and taking trips to the White Mountains with her boyfriend, Chris.

KELLY OUTHUSE

Operations Coordinator

Operations Coordinator Kelly Outhuse has been working in the Financial Services industry for more than 13 years. She knows firsthand the meaning of hard work. Kelly’s parents immigrated from Portugal to the United States as a young couple. Kelly vividly recalls watching her parents work tirelessly to create the American Dream for their family. From factory worker to real estate buyers, landlords to small business owners, Kelly’s parents imparted a hearty work ethic and customer service standard that has proven to be intricately woven throughout Kelly’s personal ideals and professional demeanor.

Kelly graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. While studying finance she was struck to understand the impact of every day events on the stock market. Learning how financial planning can provide individuals with security amidst the chaos of the economy, Kelly soon discovered her future career path. Kelly’s acute attention to detail and passion for the financial services industry made for a perfect fit in her position in the Retirement Services department at MassMutual in Springfield, MA. Kelly spent nearly four years servicing professional employer organizations, transferring new business, coordinating enrollment meetings and assisting new clients transitioning to 401(k)s. Kelly went on to gain invaluable experience in compliance and account management at the United Health Group in Hartford, CT and Northwestern Mutual in Springfield, MA.

In a recent role as Compliance Specialist at Professional Investors in South Windsor, CT, Kelly realized an inclination towards working directly with financial representatives. Responsible for the processing of new accounts and customer orders for nearly 120 Financial Advisors, Kelly further developed her capacity to carefully review every fine detail while simultaneously managing multiples tasks. Seeking an opportunity closer to home, Kelly joined the PV Financial Group team in early 2017. A self-proclaimed “chatter box” with a sincere sense of community, Kelly rounds out our Operations Department and Relationship Management team with her Life Insurance and Series 7 registrations (through Commonwealth Financial Network). Kelly’s hearty work ethic, genuine enthusiasm and dedication to customer service make for a natural fit within our team.

When not at the office Kelly spends much of her time creating meaningful memories with her husband Jeremy and their three children Mason, Mila, and the newest addition to the family, Brady. Both Mason and Mila have laced up their cleats and hit the soccer field, while Mila has also taken up gymnastics and dance. Jeremy proudly co-owns and operates his family’s locksmith business, often dedicating long hours and overnight visits to service emergency calls. To balance their dynamic work schedules, the family enjoys escaping to Cape Cod, exploring local beaches or frequenting Boston for fun family adventures. This year, her and her family are looking forward to an exciting first trip to Disney World. When not discovering new sights, the Outhuse family often entertains family and friends in their Ludlow home. A loyal friend, dedicated Mom and proud community supporter, Kelly’s natural warmth and friendly personality helps to make everyone she meets feel welcome and engaged.