This morning was truly special. The Strata Foundation with the combined effort of our partners, Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP, Strata Alliance, and Sasserath & Co., came together at the Stony Brook Veterans Home to serve breakfast and share time with the veterans who have given so much to our nation.

Between smiles, handshakes, and heartfelt conversations, we heard stories that reminded us of the strength, courage, and humanity behind every uniform. One veteran in particular moved us with his story about how music has guided him since the age of five. With pride in his eyes, he invited us to his upcoming performance, where he’ll be playing the saxophone alongside other talented veterans.

Julie Alberti, Strata Foundation Executive Director, remarked, “Moments like this are exactly why I do what I do. Leading this outreach through the Strata Foundation was a privilege, and I’m incredibly grateful to our partners and team for showing up with open hearts. Our veterans deserve more than just our thanks — they deserve our time, attention, and continued support.”

We left feeling inspired and deeply grateful, and we look forward to returning to support them again.

This Thanksgiving, Executive Director Julie Alberti got to deliver a little community magic as the Strata Foundation supported a wonderful veteran family. We provided them with grocery gift cards, essentials, and when their oven quit on them, we teamed up with St. George’s Golf and Country Club to make sure they had a Thanksgiving feast.

I’m so grateful for our generous donors and partners who help us turn challenges into heartfelt moments. Wishing everyone a warm, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!

Dear Valued Donors and Supporters,

As we continue to grow and evolve our mission of service and community impact, I’m excited to share an important update about our organization’s future.

Effective immediately, CMM Cares is officially becoming the Strata Foundation, aligning our charitable foundation with our family office name and creating a unified identity that better reflects who we are and where we’re headed.

This isn’t just a name change – it’s a symbol of our commitment to building something stronger, more integrated, and more impactful. Just as geological strata represent layers of foundation built over time, we’re building upon the solid groundwork you’ve helped us establish to create an even more robust platform for giving and community support.

Our mission remains unchanged: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Our values remain the same. Your partnership and support continue to be the cornerstone of everything we do. The only thing that’s changing is our name, which now proudly reflects the Strata family legacy of service and stewardship.

And yes, our timing couldn’t be more perfect – our adorable mascot Strata the puppy is already leading the way! It seems he knew what he was doing when he chose that name. 🐾

All future communications, donation processing, and foundation activities will operate under the Strata Foundation name. We’ll be updating our materials and systems over the coming weeks, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions during this transition.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in our mission. Together, we’re building something that will create positive change for generations to come.

With deep appreciation and excitement for what’s ahead,

Julie Alberti
Executive Director, Strata Cares Foundation
(Formerly CMM Cares)

P.S. – Strata the puppy sends his tail wags and approval of the name alignment! We’ll continue sharing his training updates as he represents our foundation values in the most adorable way possible.

A Message from Executive Director Julie Alberti

The most adorable news has arrived in my inbox today – literally!  And what perfect timing! Just as many of you were sending your little ones off to their first day of school this morning, our newest team member is beginning his own journey. 

At our annual charity golf outing we sponsored an America’s VetDogs‘ puppy and named him after our multi-office firm, Strata Alliance. Well, meet Strata – our official mascot and quite possibly the cutest member of our organization.

Just look at those eyes! Those ears! That little yellow vest that says he means business! This handsome black lab is getting the best education money can buy – he’s currently being puppy raised and trained through the America’s VetDogs Prison Puppy Program at Maine State Prison. I guess you could say he’s learning discipline the hard way! 

As we prepare to launch our social media campaign to rebrand CMM Cares as The Strata Foundation in the coming weeks, it feels perfect that our namesake has arrived to cheer us on. Strata will be training to become someone’s service dog – learning, growing, and developing the skills to change a life forever.

Sound familiar?

Just like our puppy, we’re on our own journey of growth and learning as we expand our mission to help those in need. And just like Strata will one day provide life-changing support to someone who needs it, we’re committed to making a real difference in our community.

Here’s to big things, big wins, and being wrapped in enough cuteness to power us through whatever challenges come our way.

Julie Alberti
Executive Director

At CMM Cares, we believe in the power of community and the strength of the human spirit—and few families embody that better than the Neikens.

We first met the Neikens family in 2021, when—with the support of our incredible donors and partners—we helped transform their backyard into a peaceful retreat. The space now includes a shaded patio, wheelchair-accessible ramp, and soothing jacuzzi to support Casey’s ongoing care and quality of life as he lives with the skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa. Through every challenge, the Neikens have shown unwavering strength, compassion, and hope. Today, we’re proud to celebrate a new chapter full of resilience, joy, and milestones.

This summer, their beloved black lab, Mercy, is back on her paws after undergoing cranial cruciate ligament surgery. With the support of CMM Cares, the Animal Surgical Center in Oceanside, and the Neikens family’s own fundraising efforts, Mercy has made a full recovery—once again her playful, loving self.

But the biggest celebration? Casey’s high school graduation. Just days before walking the stage, Casey attended prom while recovering from reconstructive hand surgery. His determination and grit inspired us all—and served as a powerful reminder of what it means to rise above and be the hero of your own story.

Now reunited for the summer, Casey and Mercy are making the most of their time together—happy, growing, and living fully. Casey continues to pursue his passion in a two-year culinary program, and the entire family remains active in giving back through their work with America’s Guide Dog Foundation, fostering service puppies in training.

“The Neikens family shows us what resilience looks like in real life,” said Julie Alberti, Executive Director of CMM Cares. “Watching Casey thrive, and seeing the bond he shares with Mercy, brings such joy to all of us. Their story is a testament to the impact of community support—and the beauty of second chances.”

We’re honored to walk alongside the Neikens on their journey. From surgeries and setbacks to proms and puppies, theirs is a story of strength—and we can’t wait to see what Casey cooks up next.

CMM Cares’ 15th annual charity golf outing teed off with dual purposes: partnering with America’s VetDogs and honoring the late Suffolk homicide detective and Wyandanch volunteer fireman, Jack Miller. America’s VetDogs specializes in placing highly skilled service and guide dogs with individuals who have physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures. “We’re here for something much bigger than golf,” CMM Cares Director Julie Alberti told the crowd, dedicating the day to Detective Miller, father of America’s VetDogs CEO John Miller.

A North Babylon Fire Department color guard and a Suffolk County Police bagpiper carried the flag to the first tee. Then, one of VetDogs’ own led the National Anthem, followed by remarks from Julie Alberti, John Miller, and Joe Campolo, Strata Alliance CEO and Chairman of the Board for CMM Cares. The golfers then enjoyed a day on St. George’s golf course, known for its firm fairways, numerous bunkers, and captivating green complexes. Mid-round, golfers met smiling VetDogs teams, witnessing firsthand the companionship that has already changed more than 1,100 lives nationwide—and will change even more when the organization’s campus expansion boosts capacity by 25 percent.

By the late afternoon, scorecards were tallied, and guests enjoyed a cocktail reception at the clubhouse. Joe Campolo presented John Miller with a plaque honoring his father. “My dad loved nothing more than helping cops and firemen,” Miller said, adding that VetDogs relies entirely on gifts like those donated on Monday.

Campolo announced that the outing’s generosity would fund and name two puppies-in-training—Strata, honoring the Strata Alliance family-office network; and Georgie, honoring the host club. With each dog costing upward of $50,000 to raise and train, those gifts represent two veterans’ futures infused with independence and hope.

Trainers demonstrated PTSD-response and mobility tasks—doors opened with a gentle tug, medicine retrieved on command—drawing hushed admiration. Glasses were raised to Detective Jack Miller, to Strata and Georgie’s future handlers, and to everyone whose contributions that day will now echo in the lives of veterans and first responders who will never again have to fight their battles alone.

We are pleased to share that Julie Alberti has been recognized by Long Island Business News in celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, which highlights the extraordinary women leaders shaping the future of Long Island organizations.

What key resources have you sought out to help you lead your organization?

Throughout my career, I’ve cultivated an extensive network of experts and colleagues who serve as invaluable resources in navigating leadership challenges. This professional ecosystem, combined with my commitment to continuous learning through industry thought leaders, podcasts, and seminars, keeps me informed about emerging trends in both wealth management and the nonprofit sector. My most powerful resource isn’t external at all—it’s the practice of intentional listening. By truly hearing my team members, clients, and the broader community, I gain insights that no leadership book could provide. This listening stance reveals the authentic environment in which we operate, allowing me to lead with greater awareness and respond to genuine needs rather than assumptions.

What valuable career lessons would you like to share with others?

The art of attentive listening transforms professional relationships. When people feel truly heard, they reveal not just their surface thoughts but their deeper concerns and aspirations. I’ve witnessed this especially with women in wealth management settings, where creating safe spaces for financial conversations can unlock previously unvoiced concerns and goals. Beyond listening, I’ve learned that leading with humility and extending kindness creates an environment where innovation flourishes. We often find ourselves in unnecessary battles when grace would serve better remembering that everyone is simply doing their best with the resources they have at that moment. What ultimately matters isn’t perfection but persistence: showing up daily, embracing the struggle, and continuing to push forward. This commitment to growth, coupled with creating judgment-free spaces, has been the foundation of my leadership approach.

What is one quote or phrase that you refer to when you need inspiration?

Hemingway’s wisdom: ”When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen,” serves as my daily reminder of the revolutionary power in true listening. In our fast-paced world where speaking often outpaces hearing, the simple act of complete attention has become rare and precious. This principle proves especially vital in financial services, where clients’ unspoken concerns frequently hold the key to their financial well-being. When I find myself rushing to solutions, this quote centers me back to what matters most: creating space where others can be fully heard, understood, and valued—the essential foundation for meaningful change.

Read the full article here.

As we look ahead with excitement for the future of CMM Cares, we never forget those we helped in the past. 

We first met the Neikens Family in 2021. Casey Neiken, then 13, was facing complications from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a group of rare diseases that cause fragile, blistering skin. His family, tied down with medical bills, dreamed of turning their home into the perfect “staycation” spot where Casey could relax and escape some of the pain and monotony of his illness. 

Thanks to generous donations from our community, CMM Cares was able to make that dream come true and provided the Neikens with a shaded patio and a jacuzzi; all accessible via wheelchair ramp. 

Little did the Neikens know that one year later, CMM Cares would also bring them a new best friend. 

Casey had always wanted a service dog and after connecting with Guide Dog Foundation CEO John Miller at a CMM Cares fundraiser, the family was thrilled to go through the process of adopting a “career change” pup – a five-year-old black lab named Mercy. 

Not only did Mercy become a true companion to Casey, she also inspired the family to become involved with the Guide Dog Foundation. In addition to continuing the fight to keep Casey healthy, they took on the responsibility of fostering the foundation’s “puppies in training” as a way of showing gratitude. 

But by 2024, the Neikens were facing new setbacks. Casey had six costly surgeries in Ohio, and Mercy suffered a significant injury to her cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of an ACL tear.  

Mercy needed surgery, but with all of Casey’s medical bills, the Neikens didn’t know how they were going to afford it. The family hosted garage sales and sold homemade dog treats, but still found themselves thousands of dollars short. 

When CMM Cares heard about Mercy’s injury, we did not hesitate to step in. We worked together with Animal Surgical Center in Oceanside and the Neikens to come up with a solution that worked for everyone. 

Today, Mercy is safely recovering, and Casey is thriving in a two-year culinary program. 

“It absolutely warms my heart,” said CMM Cares Executive Director Julie Alberti of the Neikens story. “Being able to help local families like this one is the reason CMM Cares is so important.” 

We are delighted to announce that Julie Alberti has joined CMM Cares as Executive Director. With deep roots in the Long Island community and a heartfelt commitment to helping others, Julie brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the organization.

Julie currently serves as the Director of Family Services and Business Development at Strata Alliance, a multi-family office based in Ronkonkoma. Since joining, she has leveraged her extensive expertise in personal finance to help grow the firm and its network of services. Known for her compassion and exceptional ability to connect with people, Julie excels in guiding clients through pivotal financial decisions, particularly in retirement planning. Her greatest fulfillment comes from seeing her clients realize their dreams, and she remains steadfastly dedicated to giving back to the community.

Julie’s career is marked by an impressive progression of leadership roles. Prior to Strata Alliance, she served as an advisor at TD Ameritrade/Charles Schwab, helping clients navigate their retirement journeys. As co-founder and Head of Investor Relations and Marketing at The Alberleen Group, Julie spearheaded strategic marketing initiatives and cultivated lasting relationships with investors. She began her career at Lehman Brothers in the Global Absolute Returns division, where she developed the financial expertise that has defined her career.

CMM Cares was founded on the principle that uniting the Long Island business community can create meaningful change in the lives of local families. As Executive Director, Julie is committed to driving that mission forward with energy and vision.

“I’m honored to take on this role,” Julie shared. “The Long Island business community is incredibly strong, and I truly believe that by working together, we can make a profound difference for families in need.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Julie as the new Executive Director,” said Joe Campolo. “Her vision and dedication are perfectly aligned with the mission of CMM Cares. I am confident that her guidance will bring fresh energy and impactful growth to the organization.”