Professional Staff


Joseph Araneo, CPA


Joseph Araneo is a Certified Public Accountant and an investment advisor whose practice is concentrated in the area of individual income tax preparation and financial planning. Joe realized early in his career that financial planning goes hand-in-hand with tax planning. He earned his CPA designation in 1985 and became securities licensed in 1986. He has been preparing taxes and handling investments for over 30 years. He strives to be a trusted advisor and friend to many families in Ozone Park, Howard Beach, and the surrounding areas. Many clients who have moved from the New York area still choose to keep Joe as their trusted advisor. Joe received a B.S. in Accountancy from the State University of New York at Albany in 1982. Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.


Steve Araneo, CFP

Steve Araneo is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, concentrating in personal income tax preparation and individual/family financial planning. He began his career as a tax preparer and financial planner in 1995, working for a national firm in Forest Hills and Ozone Park, NY. Like his brother Joe, Steve strives to be a trusted advisor and friend to many of his clients. He is a two-time president of the Ozone Park Kiwanis Club. He received his B.S. in Business Administration-Finance from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1995, and his CFP designation in 2002. Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

Bettina Johnson

Bettina Johnson is a licensed financial advisor who focuses on individual income tax preparation and investments. She began her career as a tax preparer and investment representative with Araneo Tax and Financial in 2004, while pursuing her degree at Pace University where she received a B.B.A in Finance in the same year. Her other areas of competency are Social Security planning and life insurance. Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

Brian Gallagher, CFP, EA


Brian Gallagher is a licensed investment representative and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP), focusing on retirement and income tax planning as well as general financial planning and wealth building for his clients. Brian has been in the financial industry for over 25 years and grew up in Howard Beach. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Queens College. Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.


Jackelyn Salgado

Jackelyn is Steve Araneo's Tax and Financial Associate. She has been working with us since April 2021. She has attained her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Accounting/Taxation from St. John's University in 2019. She is working towards completing the Series 7 exam and CFP designation.


Kirsten Ruperti is our financial assistant and notary and has been with us since 2018. She is the main person handling the critical back office functions, from opening accounts to closing accounts, and everything in between. She is thorough and detail-oriented.


Maribel Blanco is our office manager. She is often the first voice you hear when you call the office. She has been with us since 2016. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the office is running smoothly. She is a problem solver. She takes pride in ensuring that our clients are well taken care of.

Joanne Greenberg is an independent tax preparer working with us since 2002, and a great source of knowledge and experience (25 years+).