Our Journey Begins Here

James Parks

I have over 24 years of experience with AIG, including 9 years as an Advisor and 15 years as an Agency Director. Most recently, I served as Co-Manager for the AIG Financial Networks Tampa firm, where I had the privilege of leading and supporting advisors across the region.

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During my time with AIG, I became the first to build an Associate General Manager’s office from the ground up, growing it to 3 Managers and 20 Advisors. I’ve earned 8 Conventions, 11 President’s Trophies, and I am the only Manager to have achieved all 12 Southeastern Region Managers Trips before the program was discontinued.

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One of my greatest passions throughout my career has been developing others. I have promoted six advisors into management roles and have always focused on helping my teammates advance their careers and reach their goals. Building strong, successful sales organizations from scratch and leading people toward long-term success has been a rewarding part of my professional journey.

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Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship have shaped the way I work—and I remain committed to supporting agents, empowering growth, and helping families protect what matters most.

Lauren Parks

I bring over eight years of experience in customer service and relationship management, along with a background in leadership, counseling, and education. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and gained hands-on experience as a residential rehab counselor before moving into supervisory roles. During COVID, I served as a call center supervisor for the Department of Health, leading a team through fast-paced operations and complex client needs. Most recently, I spent two years as a special education teacher, where I strengthened my communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

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At JPB & Associates, I combine my administrative expertise, technology skills, and creativity to support our agents, manage digital systems, and oversee our marketing and online presence. I’m passionate about creating resources that make our team’s work easier and ensuring clients have a smooth, welcoming experience from start to finish.

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Outside of work, I love designing educational and special education resources for my online shop, playing games, reading, and spending time with my two cats, Anakin and Coraline.

Gale Sundie

I joined the JPB & Associates team nine years ago as an Associate Partner, bringing with me 15 years of experience with AIG. I began my insurance career in 2003 as a Financial Representative, and four years later I was promoted to Associate Manager. In that role, I served clients across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida for more than a decade.

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My background includes customer service, insurance sales, and voluntary employee benefits, and I’ve always taken pride in building strong, lasting relationships with the people I serve. Being there for my clients when they need me most is the part of this work that I value deeply.

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Over the years, I’ve been honored by the trust my clients place in me. Many have described my approach as caring, supportive, and committed — qualities I strive to bring to every interaction.

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I’m proud to be part of the JPB family and look forward to continuing to serve individuals and families with dedication and heart.

Monel Herard

I graduated from Florida International University with both my BSW and Master’s degree in Social Work, and spent over 10 years serving the community through various social work services. In 2013, I transitioned into the financial services industry, where I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals and families across Florida protect their loved ones and secure their financial futures.

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My background in social work shaped the way I approach this field — with empathy, patience, and a strong commitment to understanding each client’s unique needs. I believe that financial protection is an important part of caring for the people we love, and I take pride in guiding my clients through that process with clarity and support.

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My goal has always been to provide the best service I can and ensure my clients feel confident and happy with the plans they choose. I strive to uphold that goal every day.

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I am honored to serve as an Associate Partner with JPB & Associates and look forward to continuing to help families build security and peace of mind.

Amanda Brill

With over 21 years of experience in life insurance and retirement planning, I am dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security. I have a deep understanding of the challenges that come with planning for life’s uncertainties, and I am committed to guiding clients with clarity, care, and personalized support.

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I am licensed in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Louisiana, with the ability to expand to additional states as needed. My mission is to empower clients with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions, whether they are selecting the right life insurance coverage or building a comprehensive retirement strategy.

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Throughout my career, I have been honored with multiple awards recognizing leadership, production, and overall excellence—including Cabinet and Club trips, trophy campaigns, education seminars, and most recently, Bronze Winner for Overall Life and Retirement Recognition. These achievements reflect my commitment to delivering high-quality service and developing meaningful, long-lasting relationships with the people I serve.

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I believe trust and communication are the foundation of effective financial planning. By taking the time to truly understand each client’s unique needs, I strive to create an environment where they feel supported, informed, and confident in their financial future.

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Outside of my professional work, my husband Roy and I enjoy spending time with family and friends—especially cheering on our grandsons at their sporting events. I love gardening and creating a relaxing backyard space, and I am actively involved in our local community and Mardi Gras organization. Giving back and helping others thrive is a core part of who I am.​​

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If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate life insurance and retirement planning, I would be honored to assist you.

Robert Stevens

I began my career in the financial services industry in 1985 with Prudential Insurance Company as a Financial Services Representative, and was later promoted to Sales Manager. In 2001, I joined AIG Financial Network as an Associate Manager, and I am now proud to serve as an Associate Partner with JPB & Associates.

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Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, families, and small business owners to help them protect what matters most while also planning for long-term wealth accumulation and retirement goals. Providing guidance in these areas has been both rewarding and fulfilling, and I remain committed to offering clear, personalized support to every client I work with.

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I currently hold my Florida 215 Life, Health, and Variable Annuity Insurance License, as well as the Life Underwriters Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation. These credentials reflect my commitment to ongoing education and to delivering knowledgeable, reliable service to the people I serve.

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I’m proud to be part of JPB & Associates and look forward to continuing to help clients build confident and secure financial futures.

Moses Betances

I’m committed to helping clients feel confident and informed as they plan for their financial future.

Ivan Daphnis

I graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and later earned my Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. Although my career began in the classroom, my passion for educating never stopped. After personally witnessing how families can struggle financially when unexpected events occur, I transitioned from educating students to educating families about financial literacy and protection.

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Today, I remain very active in my community and am committed to helping individuals and families understand the importance of having a solid financial plan, creating family legacies, and building generational wealth—rather than passing down debt. My background in education deeply influences the way I work, and I strive to make financial concepts easy to understand and applicable to everyday life.

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My goal is simple: to help people gain the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed financial decisions. Financial literacy is a life skill, and I believe everyone deserves access to the tools that support long-term wellbeing. I am proud to serve clients throughout the United States and am always happy to assist anyone who needs guidance.

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Outside of my work, I’m a husband and father of three, and I value spending quality time with my family.

Deval Rawal

I bring more than 22 years of diversified experience across the financial industry. Before joining JPB & Associates, I worked as a Mortgage Banker with Chase, where I developed strong customer service and sales skills through a variety of roles in financial institutions.

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My decision to join JPB was driven by my desire to help my friends, family, and community better understand how to protect themselves from life’s unexpected challenges. I’m passionate about educating clients on how to build a financial portfolio that reduces risk, protects their loved ones, and supports their long-term goals.

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I love helping individuals and families with financial planning, whether that means creating a path toward generational wealth or building a confident, independent retirement. My goal is to provide guidance that feels supportive, realistic, and tailored to each client’s unique situation.

Jessica Gipson

I enjoy working with individuals and families to build long-term financial security through clear, personalized guidance.

Gloria Aybar

I take pride in creating a comfortable, trustworthy experience and making sure clients fully understand their options.

Mercedes Young

My goal is to make insurance and retirement planning simple, stress-free, and tailored to each client’s needs.

Shatika "Shay" Young-James

I am a Florida-licensed insurance agent with a strong background in the financial services industry. Before becoming an independent agent, I worked as a Business Development Specialist, where I built strong relationships with small and large businesses, corporations, organizations, and members of the community. I also bring more than 16 years of experience working in various roles within a financial institution and serving through the Chamber of Commerce.

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Throughout my career, I’ve been honored to receive recognition from respected community leaders, including the Fearless Woman Global Award in 2019 from Lajun and Valora Cole. These experiences reflect my passion for service and my commitment to empowering others.

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As a wife and mother of three, I understand firsthand how important it is to protect the people we love. My goal is to educate my clients on how to build generational wealth and safeguard their families from unexpected financial losses. I truly love what I do, and I believe I am here on purpose — for a purpose.

Mario Mejia

I am a Mortgage Protection Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Human Resources.

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Throughout my career, I’ve held a variety of roles, including serving as a captive agent for MetLife, a Call Center Team Champion for Aetna Financial Services, an IT Business Analyst and Project Manager for ING and The Hartford, and an IT Software Release Manager for MassMutual. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in both client service and technical problem-solving.

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After many years in Corporate America, I made the decision to return to what I enjoy most—working directly with clients and helping protect them from financial loss. My consultative approach, attention to detail, and organized manner allow me to guide families with clarity and confidence. As a dedicated family man, I understand the importance of safeguarding the people we love, and that perspective shapes the way I serve my clients.

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I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with and assist Florida’s diverse community. I’m proud to bring my experience and passion to the families I work with and to help them build stronger financial protection for the future.

Christina Stokes

I began my career in life insurance 22 years ago, starting with Monumental Life before moving on to AIG, where I served as a Sales Manager. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked as an independent contractor, specializing in retirement planning, safe investment strategies, Social Security education, and hosting financial seminars throughout Michigan.

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I am a member of SOFA and have previously been recognized as part of the Circle of Excellence. My primary goal is to help individuals prepare for their retirement years with confidence, clarity, and a strong understanding of their Social Security options.

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I am the owner of Scott Financial and proudly serve clients in and around Davison, Michigan.

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Christina Stokes

Scott Financial, LLC

810-964-7942

Amalfis Nova Sepulveda

I believe in building strong relationships and providing support that helps clients reach their long-term goals.

Heather Best Farish

I joined the JPB & Associates team in April 2023 as an Associate Partner, bringing with me 21 years of extensive experience in the insurance industry. I began my career in 2004 with AIG Financial Networks and quickly rose through the ranks, achieving the position of Associate Manager just two years later. In that role, I successfully recruited and trained other financial representatives, demonstrating my leadership and mentoring skills.

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In 2020, I took a bold step by establishing my own agency, Best Benefit Solutions, to expand my portfolio of products, which now includes JPB & Associates and various other carriers. My expertise encompasses Employee Benefits, Life Insurance Sales, Property and Casualty, and Wealth Management Services.

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My mission is to meet the diverse insurance needs of business owners and individuals, providing them with 24-hour customer service, “Night or Day.” My dedication to excellence has earned me numerous accolades, including leadership convention awards, the President’s Trophy, and Top Symposium Qualifications. I have also participated in several industry conventions, further enhancing my knowledge and network.

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I am licensed to operate in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana, making me a versatile asset in the insurance sector.

Curtis "Dutch" VanHoesen

I am actively involved in community outreach programs throughout the Tampa Bay area, and my passion for Medicare began when my own parents became eligible. That personal experience inspired me to learn the system inside and out, and today I’m grateful to serve clients as a knowledgeable Medicare specialist focused on needs-based enrollment. My goal is always to match each person with the plan that truly fits their situation.

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I grew up in a small southwestern Ohio community where neighbors helped one another, and that spirit of service continues to influence the way I work. I believe in honest guidance, clear education, and making sure people feel confident in the decisions they make.

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I now live in St. Pete with my wife and our two children, and I’m proud to support families across the area as they navigate their Medicare options with clarity and peace of mind.

Lauren Lindner

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Alabama. With over 15 years of experience as a Director of Human Resources, I bring both a wealth of knowledge and a practical understanding of the challenges business owners and employees face.

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At JPB & Associates, I leverage my experience to help clients get the most value from our services. I am dedicated to providing exceptional customer support and always place my clients’ needs at the forefront. I understand the importance of comprehensive wealth management, and I am committed to helping individuals and families build and sustain a strong generational legacy.

Allan Leffler

I am a dedicated financial services professional with a lifelong passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. With a career spanning decades, I bring both experience and a strong commitment to empowering others through sound financial guidance.

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Originally from Minnesota, I have called Tampa Bay, Florida home for more than 25 years, where I live with my wife, Peggie. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, watching sporting events, and spending time with my family.

Robyn Warrick-Dawson

I have been in the financial industry for six years. I originally worked with a private financial agency as a personal assistant to a close friend who had been in the business for over 20 years. Her encouragement inspired me to earn my Life and Health Insurance License and begin my own journey in the industry.

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Before that, I spent more than 10 years in customer service, and as a wife and mother, I supported my family’s needs by working as a school bus driver for over 20 years. I’ve always enjoyed independent work as well, including selling prepaid legal and health products, because of the flexibility it provides.

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Outside of work, I enjoy jewelry making and crafting—creative outlets that bring me joy and balance.

Bill Meyer

I bring over 30 years of experience working with senior adults across a range of industries. I’m passionate about helping families achieve financial peace of mind through thoughtful retirement planning and sound strategies.

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Originally from Ohio, I’ve called Florida home since 1988. My wife, Adriana, and I live in Tampa with our dog, Paloma. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, playing piano, and relaxing on beach getaways.

Daniel Newton

I entered the insurance industry in 1996 after spending 28 years in the retail business. From 1996 to 2023, I served as an agent with American National Insurance Company. In 2024, I joined JPB & Associates and the Live America organization, continuing my commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most.

Kristi Bellew

With over six years of experience in the financial services industry, I am passionate about helping families and businesses build a secure and confident future. In my management roles, I successfully led multiple teams, overseeing training, recruiting, hiring, and onboarding to ensure every agent was fully equipped for success. My commitment goes beyond growth—I focus heavily on agent retention and building strong, long-lasting relationships within my teams.

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I specialize in strategic financial planning, supplemental benefits, and protection solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. My mission is to create meaningful partnerships that provide peace of mind and lasting security for every family and business I serve.