Our Team
I take customer service very seriously. So does my staff. Together, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service to all of our clients.
If you need to schedule an appointment, make changes to your policy, submit a claim or request any other service, please let us know. We will respond promptly.

Cristy J Marchis
Dorel's wife and partner for more than 19 years, Cristy focuses on the management of client relationships and services. She also manages the team’s policies and procedures, licensing and registrations, and marketing/client events. Her unique abilities include organizing all of our client information, managing processes, and deepening the relationships our team has with our clients and joint work members.
In her free time, Cristy enjoys spending time with Dorel and their 3 children, hiking, camping, gardening, and long walks.
How can Cristy help you?
- Answering service related questions
- Scheduling reviews and appointments
- Providing guidance in effective use of Northwestern Mutulal's client website
- Overseeing client communications

Melanie L Barajas
Melanie orchestrates the client experience for our Wealth Managment practice as well as providing timely and effective assistance with all client service needs. As an expert on the investment new account onboarding process, she provides a personalized client experience for all new client accounts, assisting clients during rollover communications with plan providers as well as analyzing client account statements and new account documentation. She also works to bring over assets from former broker dealers and investment firms. Having worked for Northwestern Mutual since 2008, Melanie brings a tremendous amount of experience. Melanie has her IL life, disability and health license along with her Series 6 & 63 registrations and is committed to continued professional growth. Melanie focuses on providing clients with the quality customer service they have come to expect from Dorel Marchis and Northwestern Mutual.
- Facilitate opening of investment and insurance accounts
- Provide assistance with service needs
- Schedule appointments
- Welcome referrals and networking opportunities

Erik R Krueger
After Dorel meets with clients to listen and learn their planning goals, he provides direction for Erik to analyze the information and generate planning proposals. Erik has worked with Northwestern Mutual since January 2013, and has acquired his Series 7 & 66, life and health insurance licenses, and recently passed Level I of his CFA exam. As an integral part of our planning team, he effectively applies his investment knowledge and skills with planning software within Northwestern Mutual to help create comprehensive financial plans.
Erik attended the University of Illinois and graduated with a degreee in Finance in May of 2012. He grew up in Plainfield, IL and recently moved to Elk Grove Village. Some of Erik's hobbies include golfing, working out, and reading. He's a hug fan of Fighting Illini basketball as well as the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls.
How can Erik help you?
- Personal planning analysis
- Analysis of investments
- Generation of investement policy statements
- Generation of insurance proposals