Lock Haven Office Representatives

Garrett Swartz

Registered Representative
570-748-3475

ASSISTANT:

Garrett Swartz lives in Blanchard PA with his wife Brenda. Their three children are in the process of leaving the nest. The oldest Alyssa is a nurse and recently married and lives in Lock Haven with her husband Sam. Their son Aaron recently graduated from Penn College and works for First Quality as a Process Engineer. The youngest Kylie is in her final year at Penn State in the Nursing program. Brenda, his wife of 29 years, currently works at PSU (a big help for tuition) in the Procurement Services office.

Garrett attended Penn State for Labor and Industrial relations, and worked at UPS for 13 years before starting in the Insurance/Financial Planning industry. From 2001-2003 he worked for American General life insurance company where he obtained his Life and Health license. He then started at DAP in 2003 and obtained his series 7 and 63 Securities licenses. For the past 20+ years he has enjoyed working with clients, helping them to meet their financial goals. Currently he is registered in NJ, IN, and PA, for Securities.

When not at the office he enjoys hunting and fishing with his father and son, as well as playing the occasional round of golf. He also enjoys traveling with his family especially warm places during the winter months. As a lifelong Yankees fan, he is optimistic for this season, and as a lifelong Steelers fan not so much...... He looks forward to many more years working with clients and providing the peace of mind that comes with a sound financial plan. 

Amber Malek

Registered Representative & Investment Advisor Representative
570-748-3475

ASSISTANT:

Located in the heart of Lock Haven, Amber Malek stands ready to help you realize financial dreams you didn’t know you had. As a financial planner, Amber has been a resource for countless individuals and families, helping them navigate the complexities of investments, savings, retirement transitions and financial security with a personal touch. Amber can assist businesses utilize additional planning serviced including retirement plans, benefits and succession planning.

Amber joined Diversified Asset Planners officially in 2022 after a successful career of more than 15 years in Human Resources working specifically with benefits and 401k administration. She understands how to help people make decisions based on their individual circumstances in come of the best and most difficult stages of life. She desires to use these skills to help individuals plan for retirement and leave their own legacy by offering retirement transition services to her clients. Amber assists clients with both creating a financial retirement plan and the ability to assist with health insurance or Medicare coverage post-employment. Amber wants to ensure clients have peace of mind as they begin the retirement chapter of life.

Amber’s impact extends far beyond the realm of finances. As a wife and mother of two children, Caden & Riley, she has juggled the demands of her profession with the joys and challenges of raising children, instilling in them the values of hard work, compassion, and community service.

Her commitment to her faither and community is evident in her role as the former treasurer of her local church. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep sense of responsibility, Amber managed the church’s finances, ensuring transparency and accountability at every turn.

Her continued involvement with the church’s youth and fiancé teams speaks to her passion for mentorship and her belief in the power of youth. She also participates in the local community as a board member of Infant Development as President and the Leadership Clinton County Alumni Board.

When Amber isn’t working, you will likely find her feeding large crowds of people with delicious foods or baking for charity. Each year you will also find her on her bike to ride up to 100 miles to raise money for MS research.

Amber is a Registered Representative with J.W. Cole Financial Inc. And Investment Advisor Representative with JW Cole Advisors, Inc. Amber holds FINRA series 7 and 66 as well as life, health, accident, disability, and long-term care insurance.

Amber’s life is a narrative of hard work, leadership, and heartfelt service- a story that continues to unfold as she touches more lives and builds a legacy of positive change in her community.

Taylor Leitzell

Registered Representative, Vice President, & Partner
814-234-2500

ASSISTANTS:

Taylor graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Counseling. During his time at PCT he served as Vice President and President of the Student Managed Investment Fund. He was immediately hired at Diversified Asset Planners and has been contributing to, learning from, and building upon the highly experienced firm. With his father, Don, being one of the founding members of DAP still actively serving clients and his brother, Chris, serving DAP for over 27 years until his passing, Taylor looks to build upon the legacy of DAP and the legacies of each client DAP is able to serve.

Taylor holds his Series 7, Series 63, and Life, Health, & Annuity licenses. Taylor uses a goal-oriented approach for the client in determining proper investments, asset allocation, insurance needs, retirement, and income strategies. The investments and strategies should work towards the goals of the client, not the other way around. Regular reviews are a key part of the goal-oriented planning process, ensuring that Taylor and the client are always on the same page.

Taylor is an active member of the Blanchard Church of Christ and is instrumental in the Church’s Youth Ministries. Being a part of these programs is truly a passion for Taylor whether it is behind the scenes hauling a trailer full of suitcases for retreats and conferences, or being there each week instructing and leading games with the kids. He also serves on the technical team for Sunday morning services, and aids in instructing various Sunday School classes. After his passion for his job and passion to serve the church, Taylor inherited a love of classic cars from his father. In addition to enjoying it himself, he and his father have been able to share this hobby together for many years.

Lock Haven Office Assistant

Bitta Weaver

Assistant to Garrett Swartz and Amber Malek
570-748-3475

As an Administrative Assistant at Diversified Asset Planners/Lock Haven office since 2009, Bitta has been dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to our clients. Her role involves supporting registered representatives in managing client accounts, preparing documentation, and ensuring smooth communication between clients and the firm. Maintaining a high level of customer service is crucial, as it fosters trust and satisfaction among our clients. Bitta’s experience and commitment to client care have been instrumental in contributing to the overall success and reputation of Diversified Asset Planners.

Outside of the office Bitta is married and resides in Mill Hall. She is also a parent to 5 adult children.