Who We Are

Robin Young, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®

President and Partner of Northstar Financial Planning

Robin is resolute in her belief that individuals and their families deserve a deeper approach to wealth management. Particularly during periods of transition (retirement, loss of a spouse, inheritance, divorce, sale of a business) when life and money decisions are complicated.  As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Certified Financial Transitionist®, and a Registered Life Planner, Robin has the expertise on both the technical and personal sides of money to help clients successfully navigate life changes, make confident decisions and achieve a higher sense of personal and financial well-being.

Robin has almost 30 years of experience helping clients manage their wealth. Before joining Northstar as a partner in 2004, Robin's professional career included 15 years at several prestigious financial firms and real estate management companies in Boston, including Boston Properties, LLC and The Colony Group. There, she advised C-level executives at several Fortune 500 corporations, including Unum Provident, EMC and IBM.

In 2008, Robin assumed the helm at Northstar Financial Planning and her work in helping women in transition gained attention. Robin believes that women deserve a better experience in working with a financial advisor and she and her team have focused considerable energy in delivering this experience.

Robin holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Suffolk University and Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Plymouth State University.Robin is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the New Hampshire Estate Planning Council and several industry leading practice groups across the country.

Giving back to the community is a cornerstone of Northstar’s mission. Robin proudly serves on the NH Charitable Foundation’s Manchester Regional Advisory Board and as Ambassador for the Southern NH chapter of the Modern Widows Club.

Who I Am:

I am an independent woman.  A mother, wife, friend and business owner. Compassionate and believer in the potential of people to intentionally live the life they desire. I find joy in collaboration and community. Balance is peace and harmony for me. Lover of nature, adventure and stillness. You may find me on the dance floor, atop a mountain, meditating, at the beach or exploring a different country. Anchored by my family, my business, and my interest in creating freedom for myself and others. Grateful to spend many weekends enjoying the beauty and outdoor life on Squam lake with my family and friends.

To contact Robin directly, her email is: Robin@northstarfp.com

Julie Fortin, CFP®, FBS®, CeFT®

Partner, Wealth Manager

Julie provides financial life planning services for Northstar clients. Before beginning her career in financial planning, Julie held various roles within investment banking and investment management in Boston. She then transitioned into personal financial planning at a wealth management firm in NH where she discovered a passion for helping people reach their life goals. A lifelong learner, Julie holds a Master of Finance degree (MSF) from Suffolk University and Bachelor of Science in Business Management & Finance from Westfield State University. Julie's credentials include CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Certified Financial Behavior Specialist®, and Certified Financial Transitionist®. She has specialty training in wealth psychology and the neuroscience behind financial decisions and behavior. She is the 2021 recipient of the Montgomery–Warschauer Award for outstanding contribution to the betterment of the financial planning profession by The Financial Planning Association for her 2020 research paper published in the Journal of Financial Planning. Julie supports her professional and personal interests as a member of the Financial Planning Association, Financial Psychology Institute™, and The Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS).

Who I Am:
I am a learning and systems enthusiast. An engaging conversation is my favorite pastime. Curious & optimistic, I believe in collaboration and connection and the power of learning something from everyone. I am grateful for the simple things in life. I am passionate about financial empowerment and aligning our mindset and behaviors with what we aspire to most.

To contact Julie Fortin directly, her email is: Julie@northstarfp.com

Alexa Darbe, CFP®, CeFT®

Partner, Wealth Manager

Alexa provides investment management and financial life planning services for Northstar clients. For two decades, Alexa has combined her passion for psychology with her love of numbers to guide clients through a planning and investment process grounded in empathy and focused on real-life outcomes. Prior to joining Northstar, Alexa spent seven years at First Financial Trust in Newton, Massachusetts. As an Assistant Vice President, Financial Planner and Investment Officer, she worked with over 100 clients providing both investment management services and fee-only financial planning. Previously, she was a financial analyst at a software company where she developed financial planning software. A graduate of Tufts University, Alexa has a degree in psychology, with a minor in mathematics. Alexa is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Financial Transitionist®.She supports her professional interests as a member of the Financial Planning Association.

Who I Am:
Mom, wife and compassionate friend. I am curious, see the good in everything, enjoy the outdoors, especially water, and love a good puzzle. I strive to be approachable and am focused on making financial matters, especially investing, less intimidating. When I am not working, I enjoy volunteering at my children's school, serving as treasurer of their Boy Scout troop, skiing, traveling, watching the Red Sox, and eating my husband's delicious cooking.

To contact Alexa Darbe directly, her email is: Alexa@northstarfp.com

Rachel Decarolis, CFP®, CeFT®

Partner, Wealth Manager

Rachel provides financial life planning services for Northstar clients.

Rachel pursued a career in financial planning to combine her love of people and numbers. A Southerner at heart, Rachel was raised in Arkansas where she earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Arkansas. She worked as a mental health paraprofessional before moving to Massachusetts to attend Bentley University for her MBA. She was quickly drawn to Bentley’s financial planning program and added it as a concentration of study. With over 15 years helping individuals and couples build financial independence, Rachel is passionate about creating a safe space for clients and building a relationship that goes beyond merely technical advice.

As a mother of two girls, Rachel is an advocate for supporting women. She is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) where she is a volunteer on the Women’s Initiative Committee. She also serves in NAPFA’S Mentorship Program as a mentor to female advisors new to the industry. She became a partner at Northstar in 2020 and is honored to be a part of the firm’s mission to serve women retirees, business owners, and widows.

Rachel is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Financial Transitionist®.

Who I Am:
I am a bookworm and lifelong learner. Introvert. Thoughtful before I speak. Proud mom. Planner trying to balance living in the moment and preparing for what’s to come. Lover of tea and yoga. I believe that understanding your financial life and core values can empower you. I am empathetic and trustworthy. Team player and motivator. Grateful to be doing what I love

To contact Rachel directly, her email is: Rachel@northstarfp.com

Natalie Marin, CFP®

Associate Wealth Advisor

Natalie provides financial planning and investment analysis for Northstar’s wealth management clients. 

Before joining Northstar in 2022, Natalie spent 3 years supporting lead advisors, and over a year leading client relationship in a fiduciary investment firm. Her prior role focused on analyzing investments, assisting in the management of client portfolios, and financial planning. Natalie’s passions are in financial planning and helping clients better understand their personal finances. 

Natalie graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Business Administration and Mathematics, and a concentration in Finance. She loves to continuously grow and learn.

Who I Am:

I am a wife and dog parent to our sweet Goldendoodle, Ruby. My favorite way to spend my time outside of work is with my family. I enjoy traveling and new experiences with those most important to me. I love to exercise, bake, and read.

Julie Roux

Financial Planning Analyst

Julie provides financial life planning support and analysis for Northstar clients.

Julie joined Northstar in 2016 as a part-time financial planning analyst. Julie previously worked in accounting and finance positions for 12 years, before taking time off with her family.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Ithaca College.

Who I Am:
I am a partner to my husband, and a busy mother of three children and a dog.  I’m compassionate and honest.  I am a nature lover who enjoys long walks and hiking.  A book lover.  Constantly conflicted over wanting to live in beautiful New England while hating the cold weather.    

Jill Ross, APMA®

Operations Manager

Jill manages all aspects of Northstar’s operations and provides financial planning support and analysis for Northstar clients.

Prior to joining Northstar, Jill spent 14 years servicing clients and supporting financial advisors in two other advisory businesses. She is passionate about building trusting relationships and is committed to helping clients feel comfortable and well cared for.

Jill earned a BA in Economics from the University of NH Whittemore School of Business. She is also an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠

Who I Am:

I am a nature lover who enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending weekends at the lake. I am a mom, wife, and friend. I am an active volunteer, avid reader, and book club member who enjoys great conversations. Compassionate, curious, and independent. Passionate about helping people understand financial matters.

Cara Glaser

Office Manager and Client Experience Director

Cara Glaser has over 15 years’ experience in Client Service Management, Administration and Office Operations. Cara’s background is derived from a multitude of industries, each heavily focused on client relations. Cara thrives in areas where she can utilize her organizational and interpersonal skills as well as her attention to detail. Cara believes building strong relationships is the key to success in all aspects of life.

Who I Am:

I am a proud wife and mom who is deeply rooted in family and traditions. In my spare time I enjoy live music, entertaining and the spontaneous home project. I cherish my friendships & connections and take pride in being thoughtful and empathetic. I find joy in the simple things, the outdoors, the tranquility of the ocean, a colorful sunset, a walk in the woods, or sitting by a fire.

Melissa Stevens

Paraplanner

Melissa provides assistance with planning services and marketing efforts for the firm. Before joining Northstar in 2024, Melissa previously worked in finance at a global investment company and independently in the marketing industry. She also taught financial literacy to children of all ages. Melissa was drawn to the financial planning industry for its continuous learning and growth opportunities, and the ability to help others achieve financial confidence. 

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Westminster University. 

Who I am: 

I am a lifelong learner and outdoor enthusiast. Outside of work, I love to read, ski, mountain bike, travel, and spend time at the lake with friends and family.