Meet Our Team
For three decades, American Wealth Advisers has helped individuals and families understand their finances, make informed decisions, and prepare confidently for the future. As a family-founded firm, we believe education is at the heart of every successful financial relationship. We take the time to explain the reasoning behind our recommendations so clients can understand their choices and participate confidently in the decisions shaping their futures.
Our approach to financial planning is truly holistic. Rather than viewing investments, taxes, retirement income, insurance, and estate planning as separate concerns, we bring them together into one coordinated strategy. This allows our clients to see the complete financial picture and understand how each decision may affect their income, tax liability, investment portfolio, family, and legacy.
“Every client matters. Each deserves thoughtful tax strategies, comprehensive financial planning, and exceptional personal service from a team that listens. Our responsibility is to help clients understand their options and feel confident about the path ahead.”
Kyle Addington, Founder and President
Each member of our leadership team contributes a distinct background, perspective, and area of expertise. Together, we share a commitment to making complex financial topics understandable and creating personalized strategies that evolve with our clients throughout every stage of life.
We invite you to meet the professionals who lead our firm and help our clients pursue greater clarity, confidence, and financial security.
Financial Services Team
Kyle Addington, CF2®
FOUNDER | PRESIDENT | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY
Kyle Addington is the Founder and President of American Wealth Advisers and a Certified Financial Fiduciary, CF2®who helps clients approaching retirement coordinate tax strategy, estate planning, and active investment management. A former Walmart financial analyst and Texas native, Kyle is an avid Dallas Cowboys fan whose bucket-list goal is to play 100 of the world's top golf courses.
Melissa Addington
CO-FOUNDER | VICE PRESIDENT OF CLIENT SERVICES | REGISTERED FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE
Melissa Addington is Co-Founder and Vice President of Client Services at American Wealth Advisers and a Registered Financial Representative specializing in FinTech innovation, client experience, and financial education for women. A former marketing and advertising professional with a Fine Art degree from the University of Colorado, she enjoys golf, watercolor painting, her three Western-named cats, and, above all else, fly fishing.
Justin Tanquist
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING | FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY
Justin Tanquist is the Director of Financial Planning and a financial fiduciary at American Wealth Advisers, where he helps clients reduce tax liabilities and build strong investment portfolios through coordinated, technology-supported planning. A Minnesota native, competitive golfer, and Ottawa University Arizona graduate, Justin is currently working toward earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CFP™ certification and enjoys working out and a great steak dinner.
Dustin Lawson
ADMINISTRATIVE LIAISON
Dustin Lawson is the Administrative Liaison at American Wealth Advisers, connecting clients and advisers while helping day-to-day operations run efficiently. His background includes banking, correctional leadership, and government grant administration, including one of the first grants awarded through the Texas Space Commission. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, astrophotography, creating music, gaming, conventions, and spending time with family and friends.
Joshuah Alaniz
ACCOUNT PROCESSOR
Joshuah Alaniz is an Account Processor at American Wealth Advisers with a background in insurance, operations, and team leadership. He earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation and became licensed in Arizona for property and casualty insurance. Outside of work, Josh enjoys maintaining Arizona's desert trails, playing video games, watching horror movies, and taking scenic drives with his dog, Pixel.
Trevor Stevens
DATA SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
Trevor Stevens is the Data Systems Specialist at American Wealth Advisers, with more than 20 years of experience in computer science and technology. A former U.S. Marine who handled classified information, he maintains data accuracy, security, and system integration while troubleshooting complex technical issues. Outside of work, Trevor enjoys programming games, discussing Terry Pratchett novels, and keeping up with his mischievous cat.
Nelly Cruz
ESTATE DOCUMENT PREPARATION | ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Nelly Cruz specializes in estate document preparation and administrative services at American Wealth Advisers. She assists with trusts, wills, powers of attorney, deeds, and LLC documentation while guiding clients through information gathering and document organization with attentive support. Outside of work, Nelly values spending quality time with her family and creating lasting memories with the people she loves.
Elisabeth Ongenda
TAX PREPARER
Originally from Paris, France, Elisabeth Ongenda is a Tax Preparer at American Wealth Advisers with experience as a notary, accounting assistant, and legal assistant. She brings organization, attention to detail, and clear communication to her work while currently attending law school in the Phoenix area. Outside of work, Elisabeth enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Cliff Scherwinski
ENROLLED AGENT (EA)
Cliff Scherwinski is an Enrolled Agent at American Wealth Advisers with more than 30 years of tax experience and an accounting degree. During his IRS career, he held auditor, analyst, manager, and executive roles specializing in high-wealth individuals and pass-through entities. Outside of work, Cliff enjoys travel with his wife, time with their eight children and four grandchildren, and sports.
Allan Burket
ENROLLED AGENT (EA)
Allan Burket is an Enrolled Agent at American Wealth Advisers with extensive experience in corporate accounting, financial analysis, and tax compliance. A former Corporate Controller and Senior Accountant, he has overseen financial operations and cash flow for multimillion-dollar companies. His IRS credential provides unlimited representation rights, and he supports individual, business, estate, and trust tax matters through proactive, year-round tax planning.
Molly McGuinness
CPA
Kathy Atkinson
Administrative Assistant
Jeanette Scherwinski
Administrative Assistant
