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Fidelis Family Highlight: An Update from Sam regarding Paul 🌟

Fidelis Family Highlight: An Update from Sam regarding Paul 🌟

I wanted to share some thoughts about our journey with my son (stepson) Paul.

Jamie and Paul came into my life just over 3 years ago. Paul has had a lifetime full of health problems, including being born without a functioning kidney. He was able to get his first kidney transplant when he was 2.5 years old. Just under four years ago, his transplanted kidney stopped working. Paul started dialysis 3 days a week and Jamie began the process of getting Paul listed again on the kidney transplant registry (which is NOT a quick or easy process).

Due to Paul’s prior kidney transplant, blood type (B), and history of health issues, we were advised that they are looking for a “needle in the haystack” for a matching kidney. The reason why; Paul had a 99% antibody rejection rate, almost any donated kidney his body would reject. Hence, “needle in the haystack”. Colorado Children’s Hospital had a similar child that it took almost 10 years to find a suitable match.

Jamie and our family have been praying for a miracle for years now. I noticed Jamie’s prayers changed in the last year, she had asked God to help us find the “Perfect” kidney for Paul…not just a kidney.

After almost four years of dialysis (approximately 600 dialysis treatments or 2,400 hours on the dialysis machine) and three years listed at Colorado Children’s Hospital, we got the miraculous call that they found a kidney for Paul. As Jamie, Paul, and I spoke with the transplant coordinator while sitting on a jet ski at Lake Powell, we heard that they found the “perfect” kidney for Paul, A Perfect Match, no desensitization or magical medical gymnastics to “make it work”. I lost it, I knew God had answered our prayers, Jamie’s specific prayers!

Four years ago, next month, we lost my 20-year-old nephew Taj Cornum in a car accident. While he was brain dead in a Colorado Springs hospital, his family made the decision to donate his organs. I watched as the transplant coordinator, nurses, and doctors, kept Taj alive to allow for him to live on in others and sustain life for those in need. I experienced the “Honor Walk” as Taj was wheeled from ICU to the ambulance taking him away. The heartache for all involved was extreme. I know the family was so grateful he was able to live on by helping others…

My heart aches for the family that just experienced this tragedy so that Paul could have his miracle, perfect kidney. Thank God for the family that was willing to share their loved one with Paul. Thank God for Burke & Nicky Cornum that they were willing to share Taj four years ago. Thank you to all that have supported Jamie, Paul, and our family through our journey.

Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.“

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John Van Sant

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John Van Sant began his career in wealth management in 2005 and has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles focused on operational excellence, strategic growth, and advisor support. Prior to joining Fidelis, John served as President and CFO at Cascade Financial Management and as OSJ Principal with LPL and Apollon Financial.

As COO and CCO at Fidelis, John draws on deep industry experience and a passion for building advisor-focused platforms, systems, and processes that help deliver an
exceptional client experience. He currently holds Series 7, 24, 28, and 65 licenses.

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John holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Johnson & Wales University. A proud husband and father of two daughters, he is an avid golfer, dedicated “Dance Dad,” and enjoys beach days in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he now resides after many years in Colorado.

Brandon Waite

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Brandon is new to the wealth management business, however, he brings many skills useful to the profession because of his prior experience. Brandon has worked in the accounting world auditing hedge funds, venture capital firms, and low-income housing organizations. Assessing business risk and financial GAAP accounting has been his primary focus. He is passionate about the world of finance and helping individuals accomplish their financial dreams.

Brandon graduated from Brigham Young University- Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Additionally, he holds two professional designations, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

 

PERSONAL

He lives in Castle Rock with his wife Emily, and their three daughters. Most of his free time consists of taking his daughters to the park, enjoying all types of sports, and watching movies.

Bailey Marudas-Jones

Bailey Marudas-Jones joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors in 2024, where she supports the back office by managing client onboarding and ensuring compliance. She also helps alleviate the team’s workload by handling various administrative tasks and processes. With a deep commitment to efficiency and excellence, Bailey is excited to contribute to the team’s success and help clients navigate their financial journeys at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.
Bailey grew up in Littleton, Colorado, where she still lives. In her free time, she enjoys watching old movies, reading, and learning to sew. She also loves spending time with her family and friends

Karley Winder

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Before joining the firm in 2022, Karley ran several local businesses, selling products in the Castle Rock area and online. Her passion for business inspired her to earn a degree in Financial Management from the University of Colorado Denver. At Fidelis, she has specialized in 401(k) plans and has also developed expertise in client-facing roles as a paraplanner. She holds a Series 65 license and plans to earn her Certified Financial Planner® designation. She is committed to providing a valuable experience that brings clients peace of mind.

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Karley is a Colorado native and grew up here in Castle Rock. She enjoys riding her horse, Dante, hiking and mountain biking the beautiful state of Colorado, and playing electric guitar.

Rilee Erickson

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Rilee began working in the financial services industry in 2017 as an associate specializing in property and casualty insurance, as well as life insurance.  Since joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors she has taken on a paraplanner roll, providing life insurance support, as well as client and operations support. She also hopes to obtain her own Certified Financial Planner® designation in the years to come. Rilee’s passion in the industry is helping people protect their family and their future.

 

PERSONAL

Rilee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Horticulture Science. She is a Wyoming native, growing up on the family cattle ranch in Lander, Wyoming, and now resides in Green River, Wyoming with her husband and two boys. Rilee enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and exploring the beautiful and rugged Wind River Range.

Tina Jessick

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Tina first began her accounting career in 2019 as an Intern at an accounting firm in Wichita, KS. She started working at Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Administrative Assistant spring of 2025. Tina hopes to assist in helping clients achieve their financial goals long-term and looks forward to making a difference at Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

PERSONAL
Tina is currently attending Wichita State University in pursuit of two degrees in Finance and Accounting. She is a Kansas native, growing up in city known as the “Air Capital of the World”. She now resides in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she’s not running after her kids, she enjoys hiking, crafting, pottery, dance and baking.

RIA Innovations

Fidelis Wealth Advisors has a strategic partnership with RIA Innovations, a Division of NWAM, LLC. RIA Innovations provides administrative support services for registered investment advisors nationwide. This service is under the direction of Nelly Mubashi, the Chief Operating Officer.

 

NWAM, LLC, dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations is an SEC registered investment adviser. NWAM, LLC dba Northwest Asset Management & RIA Innovations and Fidelis Wealth Advisors, LLC are not affiliated companies.

Gabriel Jones

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Gabe started with Fidelis Wealth Advisors as an Investment Research Assistant in 2018, and has an intense passion for investment research.


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Gabe is currently in college to obtain his Bachelors in Finance, and enjoys spending time outside of work hiking and reading.

Dawn Folmer

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Dawn Folmer comes to Fidelis Wealth Advisors with a background in the finance industry, having previous experience with a registered investment advisory firm in Denver. Dawn is a recent graduate of Colorado State University Global, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As a skilled financial planning assistant, she enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping people reach their financial dreams and retirement goals.

 

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Dawn is a Colorado native and resides in Castle Rock with her family, where they enjoy being adventurous and active in the outdoors. Additionally, she is passionate about travel, food, and playing golf.

Jeff Bullock

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Jeff joined Fidelis Wealth Advisors after spending nearly 10 years working at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management in their Private Bank. As Chief Investment Officer, he is responsible for the overall investment strategy, portfolio construction, and market insights for clients.

 

Jeff held various roles during his decade at J.P. Morgan, including working as an investment specialist on their trading desk, where he was responsible for managing and trading investment portfolios for High Net-Worth families and non-profit foundations throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Jeff helped co-manage over $4.0 billion of investment assets and gained broad experience in portfolio construction and investment strategy, as well as in-depth knowledge in a variety of asset classes and markets. In recent years, Jeff was part of the leadership team that trained new advisors and established an expansion office in Utah.

 

Jeff loves helping people with their money-related questions and management. Very simply, his goal is to help others continuously improve their financial situation, regardless of the current condition. His framework centers around sound advice and proper decision-making by engaging in honest discussion and taking a long-term approach.

 

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Jeff holds a B.S. in Accounting from Brigham Young University. He is a native to Colorado and loves playing golf and being outdoors. He lives in Highlands Ranch with his wife Nicole, and their two children.

Lorie C. Jones, MBA, CFP®

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Lorie began working in financial services in 2013 with a Registered Investment Advisory firm in South Denver. She started as a paraplanner and provided technology and operations support before transitioning to a Client Services Manager role with Empower Retirement. There she managed a book of 300+ Core Market plans before joining Fidelis Wealth Advisors.

 

Lorie enjoys the challenges presented by financial planning and is rewarded by helping clients thoroughly understand the complexities of finance so they can be better informed and in control of their planning.

 

In addition to securities licenses, she holds health, life, accident, property, and casualty insurance licenses in the state of Colorado and completed her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the CFP® Board of Standards. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

 

Lorie recently launched the “Fearless Females” podcast, providing a unique space for empowering discussions that inspire women in the financial services industry and beyond. Through insightful interviews and stories, she fosters a community where challenges are met with resilience, amplifying female voices and demonstrating her dedication to fostering inclusivity and fearlessness in finance.

 

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Lorie graduated from Colorado State University with an MBA. She enjoys running and has participated in several marathons and half-marathons around the country. She also enjoys hiking with her family, traveling with her husband David and their five children, and working with the cub scout and boy scout programs, including volunteering with the district.