Meet With
Our Team

Robert J. Morella

Robert J. Morella is an Advisor and CPA/PFS at Morella & Morella, where he oversees firm operations and works closely with clients on tax planning and wealth management strategies. He brings more than three decades of experience in public accounting, having served as a partner in a local accounting firm from 1988 to 2024. During that time, Robert built a substantial tax practice serving individuals, estates, and businesses, and founded Apex Capital Management in 1999, where he served as managing partner and advisor. In 2024, he established Morella & Morella to focus on wealth management and tax services within a smaller, relationship-driven firm environment. Robert earned his accounting degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, became a Certified Public Accountant in 1983, completed the Personal Financial Specialist accreditation in 1991, and passed the Series 66 exam in 1999. Outside the office, he enjoys time playing tennis, traveling with his spouse, spending time with his grandchildren and visiting art museums.

Stephen J. Morella

Stephen J. Morella is a Partner at Morella & Morella and serves as a CPA/PFS and CFP, leading the firm’s financial planning and tax divisions. His role centers on working closely with individuals, families, and business owners to coordinate tax strategy, investment planning, and long-term financial decision-making. Stephen began his career working alongside his father, where he gained early experience supporting clients across both tax and investment needs. That experience shaped the vision behind Morella & Morella, a firm built to bring those disciplines together in a more connected way. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds the CFP, CPA, and PFS designations. Stephen values helping clients bring structure and clarity to complex decisions and enjoys refining systems that improve the overall client experience. Outside the office, he enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing, traveling with his wife Abigail, and staying active. His background as a collegiate football player continues to influence his disciplined, team-oriented approach.

Samantha Viator

Samantha Viator is a Staff Accountant at Morella & Morella, where she supports the firm through account reconciliations, financial analysis, and the preparation of financial statements and tax reports. She joined the firm early in her accounting career after transitioning from a role in banking, drawn to the opportunity to grow with a local, emerging practice. Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and is currently working toward her CPA license. She values the collaborative team environment and the opportunity to continue developing her skills. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys reading, baking, fitness, fashion, and travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Cinnamon Broussard

Cinnamon Broussard serves as Office Manager at Morella & Morella, overseeing daily office operations including answering calls, greeting clients, billing, accounts payable, and supporting tax return preparation. She began her career at the accounting firm where Robert Morella was a partner, working as a receptionist before quickly moving to the role of office manager. Cinnamon spent 31 years there, gaining experience across nearly every aspect of firm operations before joining Morella & Morella when the firm was formed. She values the professional yet close-knit environment of a smaller firm and enjoys assisting clients with their day-to-day needs. Cinnamon holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is active in church groups. Outside the office, she enjoys running, traveling, beach time, and spending time with family.

Kirstyn Vice

Kirstyn Vice is an Accountant at Morella & Morella, where she supports clients through financial record management, financial statement and tax return preparation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and brings several years of experience preparing tax returns and working through complex tax matters. Kirstyn joined Morella & Morella in 2025 and values the opportunity to continue learning while contributing meaningful work each day. She is currently working toward her CPA license. Outside the office, Kirstyn enjoys staying active, traveling to coastal destinations, spending time outdoors, and drawing on the teamwork and relationship skills shaped by growing up with four sisters.

Jadyn Prejean

Jadyn Prejean is a Client Services & Operations Associate at Morella & Morella, where her role spans client transactions, operational support, data cleanup, and marketing and community initiatives. She joined the firm after earning her degree in Business Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and marked her first year in the financial industry in 2025. Jadyn enjoys the collaborative team environment and values the trust she’s given to take on new responsibilities, often bringing creativity and energy into the workplace. Outside the office, she enjoys reading, staying active, dancing, exploring local markets and antique shops, and spending time with family and friends.

Tammy Duhon

Tammy Duhon serves as Compliance Officer and Operations & Client Services Manager at Morella & Morella. She oversees compliance, firm operations, and client service functions, supporting regulatory processes, internal workflows, account administration, and advisor needs. Tammy began her career at a local bank in Wyoming while attending Casper College, advancing through roles in human resources, operations, and payroll. After relocating to Louisiana, she balanced part-time and full-time roles while raising her family and has now been with the firm for 17 years. She values the variety of her role and enjoys building lasting client relationships alongside a collaborative team. Outside the office, Tammy enjoys reading, cooking, woodworking, spending time outdoors, traveling with friends, and time with her two dogs and family.

Jo Ellen Kearny, CPA/PFS

Jo Ellen has been a CPA for over 40 years, mostly in the tax planning and preparation area. She graduated LSA in 1971 with a BS degree. In 1996, earned the AICPA designation of Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) demonstrating expertise in all aspects of wealth management, and is series 66 licensed. In 1999, she expanded her CPA practice to include investment advisory, financial planning, and insurance under the company name of Kearny Financial Planning Services, Inc. She is currently a practicing CPA with Daigrepont & Brian, APAC in Baton Rouge.

Jo Ellen has served the Baton Rouge community as President and Treasurer of Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center, Treasurer and Board member of the City Club of Baton Rouge, President and Treasurer of the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Chair of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Academy and of the SJA Foundation. She is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Baton Rouge class of 1991. In 2012, she was selected by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report as one of the 2012 Influential Women in Business.

When not working, she enjoys traveling having visited more than 55 countries. Saltwater fishing and her dachshunds are some of her favorite things to do.

Julie Luke Brown

Julie has worked in the financial industry since 1995 and with Kearny Financial Services since 2004. Julie handles all aspects of opening client investment accounts as well as maintaining transfers, withdrawals, and investment changes within the accounts. A graduate of LSU, she was a business education teacher early in her career. She enjoys visiting and traveling with her two children and 4 grandchildren.

Charles J. Duchamp, CPA

Chuck a series 65 Investment Advisor Representative with Apex Capital Management, LLC., graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now referred to as University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a Certified Public Accountant and President of Charles J. Duchamp, Ltd. (A Professional Accounting Corporation), which he founded in 1981.