Kalita Beck Blessing, CFP^®, CAP^®

A firm principal and a leader who joined the firm as an intern in 1993, Kalita possesses more than 18 years of experience helping families create and preserve their wealth and leave a legacy. In addition, she enjoys empowering women to increase their knowledge as it relates to their financial, business and philanthropic goals.

Being a Dallas native, Kalita graduated from The Hockaday School. In 1981, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, majoring in international policy studies. She was among the college's first female graduates.

Kalita has been active in both professional and civic organizations in Dallas. She recently concluded her service on the Investment Advisory Committee for the Dallas Women's Foundation, the Board of Trustees of The Hockaday School and the YMCA Foundation. She continues to serve on the Advisory Board of the Dallas Foundation and The Episcopal Renewal Center of Dallas. She also serves on the financial advisory committee of the Society of St. John the Evangelist monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

When it is time to take a break from her many activities and associations, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Edward Blessing, and their two four-footed friends at home. She also enjoys tennis, travel and needlepoint.

Kalita is a Registered Investment Advisor Agent with Quest, a Registered Representative with Raymond James Financial Services and a Certified Financial Planner™professional. She is licensed through the Texas Department of Insurance and many other states where her out-of-state clients may reside. She is currently working on her CAP (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy), offered through The American College.

Kalita's Team

Robert Cox, CFP^®

Wealth Advisor

Robert Cox is one of two points of contact for portfolio performance issues, risk management, tax planning issues, retirement benefits, and asset allocation, specific investment questions and/or recommendations, trade requests and any financial plan updates for the Blessing team.

Robert graduated from the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, a Registered Investment Advisor Agent with Quest and a Registered Representative with Raymond James Financial Services. Robert is also licensed through the Texas Department of Insurance to serve as an agent for life and disability insurance.

At home, Robert and his wife, Tina, stay busy with their three children and pets. When he has a moment to himself, he enjoys watching Sooner football and playing his guitar.

Eric Shaffer, CFP^®

Associate Planner

Eric Shaffer is also a point of contact for portfolio performance issues, risk management, tax planning issues, retirement benefits, and asset allocation, specific investment questions and/or recommendations, trade requests and any financial plan updates for the Blessing team.

A graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance, Eric is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, a Registered Investment Advisor Agent with Quest, and a Registered Representative with Raymond James Financial Services. He holds Series 7 and 66 licenses and is a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Financial Planning Association.

Eric, his wife, Leslie, and their three children live in Dallas where they are parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church. He enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his children in basketball, soccer and baseball. Eric also enjoys traveling, cycling, watching and playing sports and snow skiing.

Laura Hergane

Paraplanner

Laura's number one priority is working alongside Kalita, Rob and Eric in the production of asset allocations, annual reviews and portfolio review reports. She is the second point of contact for all client service needs. Laura completed a Bachelor of Arts in Romania and the Certificate Program in Financial Planning at Southern Methodist University.

Laura lives in Dallas and loves to travel. She enjoys reading, photography and spending time with friends. She is also an active member of Toastmasters.

Marla Barnard

Strategic Assistant

Marla is the first point of contact for all client service and administrative needs. She handles all appointment scheduling for the Blessing team, client account changes, deposits, withdrawals or disbursements from Raymond James accounts and other administrative tasks such as coordinating charitable gifts and setting up online accounts. Marla is a Registered Representative with Raymond James Financial Services, holding Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses.

Marla lives in Farmers Branch with her husband, Larry, and their two dachshunds, Oscar and Mayer. She enjoys being outdoors, traveling yearly to Jamaica with friends and spending time with family.

CFP^® | Certified Financial Planner™ |
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., owns the certification marks above, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.