Williamsburg, VA

As a Senior Wealth Advisor in Apella Wealth’s Williamsburg office, Shelly Braden has a passion for providing holistic financial planning to families and individuals.

Shelly graduated from Golden Gate University with her Masters of Science in Financial Planning and Taxation with a concentration in Estate Planning. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional (CFP®) having completed the CFP Board’s rigorous standards through the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Shelly also holds her Behavioral Financial Advisor™ designation.

In her spare time, Shelly enjoys running and baking bread. She serves as the President of the Board at Williamsburg Campus Childcare. Originally from North Carolina, she now resides in Williamsburg with her husband, Forest, son, Bowie and daughter Frances.

David Bush has been involved with the financial service industry for over 30 years and offers a unique skill set that combined strong tax knowledge and wealth management expertise. His focus is to create comprehensive wealth strategies for his clients to help guide them through their financial journey.

With deep roots in the CPA profession, he earns the trust of his clients by consistently delivering sound objective advice and serving as a partner with his clients. David values the trust his clients place in him and leverages his tax expertise by combining it with evidence-based investment knowledge to create a clear path for clients to achieve their financial goals.

David is a Certified Public Accountant, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, and a Personal Financial Specialist. As a graduate of Virginia Tech, he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

An active member of the Williamsburg community, David serves in leadership positions on numerous civic and charitable boards including the Williamsburg Land Conservancy, Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council, Chesapeake Bank, Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg, Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance, Lead Historic Triangle Alumni, Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Health Foundation.

David enjoys running, cycling, playing golf, and spending time with family.

Alex serves as a Portfolio Manager and Senior Wealth Advisor in Apella Wealth’s Williamsburg office.

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, he also holds a Life Health and Annuities license in Virginia. Alex graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Financial Planning. While at Virginia Tech, he joined the Financial Planning Association and continues to stay involved locally. 

Carter Easley works with the Williamsburg Apella Wealth team as an Associate Advisor. He previously worked as a Life Event Specialist at Unum Insurance, managing short-term disability claims with empathy and support.

Carter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance with a concentration in Investments and a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is working toward his Series 65 license and has earned Bloomberg Market Concepts certification.

Carter values his role because it combines his passion for finance, helping others, and building meaningful client relationships to support long-term financial success.

Recently relocated to Williamsburg, VA from Tennessee, he enjoys playing golf and watching football, which he played for seven years.

As Director of Operations for Apella Wealth, Christine leads strategic and operational initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and productivity, while ensuring full adherence to regulatory standards. With a strong background in operations, compliance, and superior client service, Christine brings a collaborative and personalized approach to every facet of the business. Her commitment to operational excellence and client-centric thinking supports the firm’s mission to deliver an exceptional wealth management experience. An avid sports fan, Christine approaches her role with the same passion, discipline, and team spirit found on the field—driving performance and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement.

Christine graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree. She grew up in the coastal towns of Newport, RI and Charleston, SC, but has called Williamsburg home for the past 20 years. In her spare time, Christine enjoys traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, and spending time with friends and family.

Meg is a Client Relationship Specialist with over a decade of customer service and office administration experience. Meg works closely with the Williamsburg Apella Wealth Team to provide timely, accurate, and effective service for clients.

Meg attended State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the History of Art. She received her paralegal certification from Suffolk County Community College.

Outside the office, Meg enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid fan of musicals and traveling.

Meg is a member of the Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg and currently serves on the executive board.

Along with their four-legged friend, Gertie, Meg lives in Williamsburg with her husband, Corey and son, Greyson.