Contact:
Laura Mirkovic, Marketing Director
Inspire Confidence Group, Ameriprise Financial
518-459-5500

ALBANY, NY – July 7, 2025 – Inspire Confidence Group®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, is proud to welcome two standout professionals to its expanding Advice Team: Sara Blondin, CFP®, MBA, CRPC™, BFA™, and Emma VanGorder, CRPC™. Known for its client-first culture and collaborative approach, Inspire Confidence Group now includes 31 full-time team members—over half of whom are women. Inspire Confidence Group has more than $1.07 Billion invested through Ameriprise Financial as of July 1, 2025.

Sara Blondin brings nearly two decades of experience with Ameriprise Financial to her new role as Financial Advisor. A native of Vermont, Sara will serve clients from the team’s Albany and Plattsburgh offices, as well as virtually. She holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Business Administration from Castleton University. Her areas of focu include behavioral finance, retirement strategies, and planning for women and families. Outside of work, Sara is a 21-year veteran of the Central Vermont women’s broomball league.

Emma VanGorder was recently appointed to the role of Associate Financial Advisor, marking a career milestone after earning her B.S. in Financial Planning from Liberty University in 2024. Originally from Montgomery County, NY, Emma is based in the team’s Albany office and brings a passion for helping clients navigate life’s financial decisions. When not working, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

“Inspire Confidence Group is dedicated to simplifying life, reducing stress, and inspiring confidence for every client we serve,” said Maria Natarelli, CFP®, BFA™, CRPC™, CDFA®, Private Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner. “Sara and Emma embody the integrity, care, and professionalism our clients deserve—and their addition strengthens our ability to deliver advice through a true team approach.”

About Inspire Confidence Group
Inspire Confidence Group®, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, is operated by managing partners: Saša Mirkovic, MBA, CFP®, BFA™, CRPC™, CEPA® ,private wealth advisor; Maria Natarelli, CFP®, BFA™, CRPC™, CDFA®, private wealth advisor; Andrea Kirk, CFP®, CRPCTM, APMA™, private wealth advisor; Derek Shoden, CFP®, BFA™, financial advisor; Brent Makarczyk, CFP®, CRPC™, APMA™, financial advisor; and Mark Keeling, MBA, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, CLU®, APMA™, CEPA®, financial advisor.

Inspire Confidence Group provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. Established in 2006 the 36-person team, including 14 advisors, works to inspire a more confident future for clients through a collaborative advisory experience. Integrity and their clients’ interests are their highest mission. They create a family-focused client experience aimed to simplify life and reduce stress for clients and team members alike. They strive for excellence through leadership and teamwork. Inspire Confidence Group pursues life balance while making a positive impact in the communities where they live and work. Inspire Confidence Group was recognized on the 2025 Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” list.

Inspire Confidence Group serves clients from the following office locations:

• ALBANY, NY - 80 Wolf Rd First Floor, Albany, NY 12205
• ABINGDON, MD - 3465 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive, Suite 600, Abingdon, MD 21009
• KINGSTON, PA - 575 Pierce Street, Suite 501 Kingston, PA 18704
• PLATTSBURGH, NY - 7242 Route 9, Suite B, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

For more information, please contact Laura Mirkovic at 518-459-5500 or visit their website at www.inspireconfidencegroup.com.

About Ameriprise Financial
At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel more confident about their financial future for more than 130 years1. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. 1Company founded June 29, 1894.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP certification mark (with plaque design) in the U.S.
Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Forbes rankings are developed by SHOOK Research and are created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. These rankings for each applicable year are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and are based on data from the previous two calendar years. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking or its use. For more information: www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.
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