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Staff Bios and Testimonials

Meet our team of expert consultants, and read customers' experiences with them.

Winifred Apt

Following her graduation from college with degrees in both English and Speech, Winifred began what proved to be a long and fascinating career in retailing. She joined B. Altman & Co. as a trainee in their gift department, and went on to become a buyer in the book department. She found this to be an exciting experience, becoming involved with publishing events, author appearances, and the introduction of a small art gallery.

Upon the store’s closing, Winifred joined the Waterford/ Wedgwood store on Madison Avenue. It was there that she was introduced to the world of quality tableware. From there, she went on to join the Michael C. Fina team, acting as a sales consultant and bridal consultant. She enjoys meeting and working with Michael C. Fina’s customers and showing them the extensive and diverse selections the tabletop department has to offer.

Darren Black

Born in London, England, Darren came to the United States at the age of 20 purely on a whim. After attending Youngstown State University in Ohio for 2 years, he moved to New York City where he landed a position at Fortunoff on Fifth Ave. For the next 25 years, this is where he learned the A-Z of retailing, specifically the jewelry industry and diamonds. Having spent 17 of those years in management, he carries a wealth of knowledge in customer satisfaction and sales. He also learned the importance of keeping a family business ‘in the family’. This is what drew him to Michael C. Fina, where the close-knit atmosphere is so evident, and the ability to focus on the customers needs is a priority.

Darren lives in North Bergen N.J. with his wife Rosy and their 4 children. He is an ardent follower of the New York Giants.

Teegan Conti

Teegan Conti has been with Michael C. Fina since 2008 when she assumed the role of Public Relations Specialist. Since that time, she has also become responsible for organizing and executing special events at the Michael C. Fina store and other venues. Her background in communications, professional writing, event planning, and business have assisted her in her role.

Teegan has played an intricate part in the planning and implementation of all major marketing ventures such as “The Final Engagement” at Yankee Stadium and “The Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure.” She has worked with talent such as Yankees All-Star closer Mariano Rivera, assisting in a media tour in 2008. In addition, she has fostered relationships with major networks such as WNBC New York and collaborated with many bridal-related programs like “My Fair Wedding” and “Whose Wedding is it Anyway?” Product placement requests for print and digital publications are also directed to Teegan.

If you would like to feature Michael C. Fina or our products in your print or online publication, television show, or discuss partnership opportunities, please contact Teegan at tconti@mcfina.com or 212-557-2500.

Meryl Gold

Meryl began her career in the fashion industry owning her own boutique and dressing high profile clients. Seventeen years ago she made a move from Westchester to Manhattan and shifted careers from dressing women to dressing their tables. Her passion for great design, current trends and discovering that unique combination to define the individual proved to be the perfect fit for Meryl.

Shanette Hamilton

Shanette was born and raised on the island of Jamaica. Growing up around the beauty of cascading waterfalls, clear blue waters, and breathtaking flowers have all given her a love and appreciation for beautiful things.

Shanette finds it very rewarding to see the satisfaction and happiness on the face of a bride who has, with her help, found the perfect table setting. She feels honored when brides form such a connection with her that they send her pictures of their wedding and honeymoon to show their gratitude. Shanette feels fortune knowing that she gets to make one aspect of the wedding planning process seamless and effortless.

Sheila Harper

Sheila is a trained in Textile and pattern designer. She holds a BA in Printed Textile Design from Winchester School of Art in the United Kingdom. Growing up between India, Pakistan and England and having spent a year doing humanitarian work in several East Asian countries she has developed a strong love and appreciation for the arts, culture and decorative pattern. In her free time she enjoys making jewelry and lives with her two room mates in Astoria, Queens. Sheila loves to make shopping easy and enjoyable, whether you need a little home style advice, you want to go for a whole new look, or you are looking for the perfect gift.

Marina Harrison

Marina is a specialist in the Decorative Arts with a focus on studio and table glass. She holds a BA in government and history from Columbia University and an MA in the history of decorative arts from the Parsons School of Design in New York City. With a grant from the Smithsonian Institution she has spent considerable time in France researching and writing about art glass through an arrangement with the Modern Art Museum at Troyes. As a lover of music she has also applied her background in the decorative arts as an expert and dealer of antique and art case pianos. Marina is passionate about beautiful objects and works with seasoned and new collectors of glass, china and silver, as well as brides and interior designers. She lives in Westchester County with her husband, an internationally acclaimed music composer, and her Havanese dog.

Bruce Lutwick

As the son and apprentice of a highly skilled, diamond setting craftsman in New York City, Bruce spent his high school and college years learning the jewelry business. In 1985, he established his own custom diamond setting company in the jewelry district of Manhattan.

Upon coming out from behind the bench, Bruce now applies the same attention to detail used in his manufacturing, to find the perfect match for his clients on a retail level.

A graduate of Baruch College with a degree in Business administration, Bruce spends his free time playing golf, gardening and being with his family.

Shaaron Mercer

As a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Shaaron used her eclectic sense of color and style to pursue a career as a textile designer in woven outerwear. At the time she held the distinction of being the “youngest”, “only female”, and “only black” designer in her field, allowing her to become a mentor to many up-and-coming textile artists.

Later, Shaaron began to work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop, gradually learning everything from sales to merchandising and acting as a personal shopper for many international members of the museum.

Four years later, she joined the Michael C. Fina team as a sales associate. Determined to carve a niche for herself, she quickly made sterling silver and silverplate flatware her specific areas of expertise, gathering knowledge from venders and doing individual research. She utilizes her experience with color and texture as well as her love of silver to create beautiful table settings for her customers and interior designers alike.

Bakam Mimpongo

Bakam has been a consultant at Michael C. Fina for 10 years, and is fluent in both English and French. She is currently learning Italian as well. Recently, she purchased a condo in Johannesburg, South Africa and right away she thought, &ldquoWhat will my china be for this home?” In her mind, she began sorting through all the different tables she’s helped clients design over the years. Her favorite tables have always been the ones that truly captured the customer’s taste and style.

After a decade of working at Michael C. Fina, she’s truly developed a deep passion for china. She collects plates and silver flatware like people collect Yves Saint Laurent. She also collects antique pieces during her annual trips to Paris. Bakam loves coming to work everyday and being surrounded by beautiful things, and feels great knowing she’s helping her clients pick items to create memories around their table.

Jackielynn Pang

Jackie started her career in Finance and after two years, decided to pursue her passion instead, jewelry. Jackie is a Gemological Institute of America Graduate Gemologist and currently has over five years of experience in the jewelry industry.

Jackie brings together her attention to detail, technical knowledge and her love for gemstones to help clients find the "right fit" for all of their jewelry needs. Additionally, as a newlywed, Jackie can truly relate to what her customers are going through.

Jackie graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Peter Ream

Peter Ream had a previous career working in IT as a tech writer, and documenting systems and procedures for such companies as Allied Signal, RCA Records, Revlon, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

This incarnation finds him guiding couples in creating table settings, and helping decorators such in satifying their clients' home decor needs. Latest project is furnishing flatware for a hotelier.

Libby Repko

Libby has had over five years of jewelry sales experience. She started her career while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ma. Although, she is a singer/songwriter by trade, she has always been drawn to diamonds! She prides herself on building lasting relationships with her clients. Libby wants to make this a great experience for you by advising you on the best diamond to suit your needs and expectations. Libby has a passion for music and for people and she may just burst into song when you come to see her here at Michael C. Fina!

Olivia Rosenfeld

Olivia began her path to becoming a design consultant by studying Fine Art and Interior Design. She used her knowledge to land a job at a furniture company as an interior designer. Then, in 1984, Olivia decided to leave her native country of the Philippines and come to America, where she held a sales position in a retail store at the D&D Building. To expand the business, she encouraged the owner to offer custom made furniture pieces she designed for interior designers.

Looking for a change, Olivia took at position at Michael C. Fina. For the past five years she has been able to develop an expertise in designing tabletop, an extraordinary service we offer to our clients. She worked on both commercial and residential projects with leading interior designers and architects such as homes, offices, yachts, aircrafts and a hotel.

Olivia feels that finding Michael C. Fina was a gift, and mentioned she feel in love with our beautiful store the first time she walked down its stairs. She still feels the same passion and excitement as she enters the Fifth Avenue store to work everyday!

Justin Stadler

Justin Stadler is a native New Yorker from Brooklyn and currently resides in Staten Island with his wife Suzanne, two sons Jake and Ethan and twin cats Elizabeth and Taylor.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Albany, he entered the mortgage industry and worked his way up to Assistant Vice President of a major mortgage bank.

Deciding to follow his passion for jewelry and gemstones, Justin became atop tier Graduate Gemologist, earning 4 prestigious degrees from the Gemological Institute of America.

As the ideal jewelry consultant, he has the expertise in grading diamonds and gemstones and the knowledge to answer all the questions you have. He specializes in matching ring styles with lifestyles and looks forward to assisting you celebrate your milestones in style.

Laraine Stoddard

Margo Van Patten

Eight years ago Margo Patten took a summer job working in a small home decor shop in Chatham Massachusetts to avoid taking an internship her grandfather lined up for her at a Boston finical firm. That is when she realized that for her, mixing and matching china patterns was much more fun the reading cases studies and her real passion lied in helping customers create a unique sense of style.

After moving to New York she held several jobs, but nothing felt right. She then accepted her current job at Michael C. Fina. It was just like her old summer job that had been so much fun. Today, she can honestly say that she enjoys getting up and coming to work every morning. Michael C. Fina’s unique atmosphere, her wonderful co-workers, and the company’s drive to create the ultimate customer experience, all make Margo feel fortunate to have a job that she truly loves.

Richard Wubnig

A Brooklyn native, Richard is the heart and soul of Michael C. Fina. Richard prides himself on the long lasting relationships that he builds with all of his clients/friends. Richard is a Met's enthusiast and can often be found calling clients to discuss the finer points of the game. Richard has a B.S. in Business and over 10 years experience in the retail Jewelry industry. Richard enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughter.

800.289.Fina 545 Fifth Avenue at 45th Street New York, NY 10017